Playback with Black Market Dub

We did it — we put Michael Jackson on Playback.This week, Nate picked Bad (1987) — Michael Jackson's seventh album, his third and final collaboration with Quincy Jones, and the impossible follow-up to Thriller. The album where MJ wrote "100 MILLION" on his bathroom mirror, almost talked Prince into singing the first verse of the title track, and produced five #1 singles in a row — a record that stood for 25 years. If Thriller was Michael's Goodfellas, Bad is his Casino: weirder, darker, more interesting, and dated in a way that makes it endlessly fascinating.We get into:- Hot take from minute one: this album should be called "Good"- Why Bad is where everyone started taking a hard look at Michael — and where the "Wacko Jacko" era really begins- The production deep dive: the Synclavier ($200K in 1987), the Yamaha DX7, the Roland D-50, the Mitsubishi X850 digital tape machine, and how digital synths split pop musicianship into two camps forever- The A-Team vs. the B-Team — Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien and Greg Phillinganes at Westlake versus the home-studio crew at Hayvenhurst, and what happened when Michael showed up to the official sessions with finished-sounding demos- Bruce Swedien stories: the drum platform, the 100 mixes of Billie Jean, the sped-up-tape clap trick- Did he do it? — we talk about the allegations- Brandon was working at the rehearsal studios for This Is It when Michael died — he was there, in the room- Favorite vs. Best: Man in the Mirror, The Way You Make Me Feel, Another Part of Me, Smooth Criminal, Liberian Girl- Was Michael Jackson the greatest entertainer who ever lived? Plus our next album pick.We want to hear from you. What's your Favorite vs. Best Michael Jackson album, song, or sound? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on YouTube and we'll read the best ones on a future episode. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Bad Overview 00:10:33 - Who Was Michael Jackson? 00:52:26 - Did He Do It? The Allegations 00:53:12 - The BAD Production 01:48:48 - Standout Songs & Favorite/Best 02:28:48 - Final Thoughts. Was MJ The GOAT? 02:38:43 - Mailbag (we read your comments) and Next PickFollow & support:Patreon — patreon.com/blackmarketdub (ad-free episodes)Bandcamp — blackmarketdub.bandcamp.comEscape Hatch Records — escapehatchrecords.comInstagram — @blackmarket_dubYouTube — youtube.com/blackmarketdubThis episode is for fans of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Prince, Stevie Wonder, the King of Pop, Off the Wall, Thriller, Dangerous, Smooth Criminal, Man in the Mirror, the Synclavier and 80s digital production, music history deep dives, and album deep dives from a musician's perspective.

We're back from a short break and we came loaded — we relistened to the entire Gorillaz catalogue, caught them live at The Palladium in Los Angeles performing their new album The Mountain in full, and visited the House of Kong Exhibition before sitting down to record. On this episode we cover Plastic Beach: the production, our favorite tracks, our hot takes on what doesn't work, the full arc of Gorillaz across their career, and our honest reaction to The Mountain. And we sit with the question the whole episode keeps circling back to — are Gorillaz actually that deep, or is it all very stylish plastic artifice? We also pick our next album. Drop your Favorite vs. Best Gorillaz picks in the comments or email us at [email protected]. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:27:56 - Production styles of GORILLAZ 00:56:55 - Standout Songs 01:41:50 - Favorite/Best & Hot Takes 02:11:43 - Final Thoughts & Next Album Pick

On this episode of Playback, we dig into Philosophy of the World by The Shaggs — and we don't let it off easy. We break down the legend of Austin Wiggin and the palm reading prophecy that supposedly destined his daughters for fame. We get into the music technically: what's going wrong, what's surprisingly going right, and what their relationship to rhythm and melody actually tells us. We put the record head-to-head with Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart — two records that sound alien in similar ways but couldn't be more different in intent. And we ask the question nobody seems to want to sit with: is this album art, or is it coercion?CHAPTERS:00:00:00 - Intro on Philosophy of the World00:12:45 - The Legend of The Shaggs00:43:23 - Production and Musicianship 01:10:19 - Standout Songs & Songwriting Breakdown01:30:13 - Favorite Songs vs Best Songs, and Guitar Demo01:44:00 - Hot Takes, Final Thoughts, and Next Album Pick#TheShaggs #OutsiderMusic #AlbumDeepDive #MusicPodcast #albumreview

In this episode we dive into The Prodigy’s The Fat of the Land and break down why it still sounds so explosive, distinct, and revolutionary decades later.We lay out what we call the “5 elements” that make these recordings hit so hard:samplingsynthsmenu diving / sound design decisionsperformancesequencingInstead of just treating this as a classic 90s big beat record, we get into the actual craft behind the chaos — how these tracks are built, why the production feels so aggressive and alive, and what makes The Prodigy stand apart from other electronic acts of the era.We also do a deep dive on our favorite tracks and close the episode by announcing our next album pick.Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro and First Impressions00:28:48 - Who is The Prodigy? 00:51:54 - The 5 Elements of a Prodigy Track01:33:35 - Standout Songs and Production Deep Dive01:53:35 - Favorite Songs vs Best Songs02:07:15 - Final Thoughts and Next Album Pick🔊 Support & follow:Patreon – https://patreon.com/blackmarketdubBandcamp – https://blackmarketdub.bandcamp.comEscape Hatch Records – https://escapehatchrecords.comInstagram – https://instagram.com/blackmarket_dubYouTube – https://youtube.com/blackmarketdub

In this episode we dive into Grace Jones’ 1981 album Nightclubbing and talk about why it’s one of the most important art-pop records of all time.We dig into Grace Jones as a performer and as a queer, androgynous icon – how she can seamlessly code-switch between fashion runways, queer clubs, Jamaican roots, downtown NY art scenes and mainstream pop. We talk about the Compass Point sound (Sly & Robbie, minimal dub-inflected grooves, Wally Badarou synths), and the visual world she built with Jean-Paul Goude.We also argue about whether Nightclubbing or Warm Leatherette is her true masterpiece, and what each album represents in her evolution.In this episode:– Track and moment highlights across Nightclubbing– Sly & Robbie, Compass Point Studios and the hybrid of reggae, post-disco, new wave and funk– Grace Jones’ queer identity, persona and ability to shape-shift depending on the room– The case for Nightclubbing vs Warm Leatherette as her definitive albumChapters:00:00:00 - Intro & First Impressions00:20:46 - The Artistry of Grace Jones00:41:48 - Production and Album Cover01:00:32 - Standout Songs01:38:45 - Hot Takes01:43:31 - Final Thoughts🔊 Support & follow:Patreon – https://patreon.com/blackmarketdubBandcamp – https://blackmarketdub.bandcamp.comEscape Hatch Records – https://escapehatchrecords.comInstagram – https://instagram.com/blackmarket_dubYouTube – https://youtube.com/blackmarketdub

In this episode we dive into David Allan Coe’s Longhaired Redneck, one of the defining records of the 1970s outlaw country era—and a great lens for talking about how myth, image and real-life controversy collide.We get into the sound and songwriting on the album, the “longhaired redneck” persona Coe leans into, and what makes this record musically compelling even as his broader catalog and legacy are wrapped up in some deeply problematic material. We also talk about how we feel engaging with outlaw country when the artist’s off-mic behavior and beliefs are hard to separate from the songs.In this episode:– Musical deep dive on Longhaired Redneck and key tracks including the title song– Outlaw country context: Coe alongside Waylon, Willie, Kristofferson, etc.– Image vs reality: how much of Coe’s persona is performance and how much is real– How we personally navigate listening to (and critiquing) artists with troubling histories🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters:00:00 (Intro and First Impressions)00:29:51 (Country Vs Outlaw Country)01:06:30 (David Allan Coe, Politics, and Culture)01:20:11 (Production of Longhaired Redneck)01:46:10 (Standout Songs, Favorite/Best, and Hot Takes)02:16:53 (Final Thoughts and Next Album Pick)

Massive SPOILERS for this movie right away, so do yourself a favor and go see it!One Battle After Another, the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infinity, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, is EASILY my favorite film of 2025. Today on the show, Brandon and I discuss all our favorite aspects of the film, its meanings and intentions, and where it sits in our PTA rankings. For full AD-FREE episodes, bonus video episodes, and more content, please subscribe to our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackMarketDub For The AUDIO ONLY version of this podcast, you can find this show anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram: @blackmarket_dub To listen to our music, visit: https://blackmarketdub.bandcamp.com/ For vinyl purchases and more: https://escapehatchrecords.com/ #PTA #Paulthomasanderson #obaa #OneBattleAfterAnother

Oasis are back on a massive reunion tour, so we went back to the album that made them stadium legends: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?In this episode of Playback, Nate and Brandon dig into how this record actually holds up in 2020s headphones. We talk about the songwriting, the wall-of-guitars production, Noel vs Liam dynamics, Britpop history, and whether Morning Glory is truly a masterpiece or just a very good time capsule. We also put it in context with the Oasis reunion and how these songs hit now.In this episode:– Track-by-track highlights (“Hello,” “Roll With It,” “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Champagne Supernova” and more)– How the guitar tones, chords and arrangements do more work than people give them credit for– Britpop, class, swagger, and why Oasis blew up the way they did– Our honest answer: does Morning Glory still deserve its legendary status?🔊 Support & follow Playback:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Bandcamp – our original music as Black Market Dub• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters: 00:00 (Intro and First Impressions)00:26:52 (Britpop and Oasis in the 90s)00:46:41 (Music Analysis)01:36:56 (Standout Songs)02:01:37 (Favorite/Best and Hot Takes)02:16:53 (Final Thoughts and Spoilers for Succession lol) For Further Study: Oasis: Supersonic https://tubitv.com/movies/100038702/oasis-supersonic

Ween fans, this one’s for you. In this episode of Playback, Nate and Brandon are joined by comedian and podcaster Kyle Clark (This Is Rad) to dive into The Mollusk, Ween’s watery, proggy, sea-shanty psych masterpiece.We talk about why this record has such a cult following, how tightly written and arranged it actually is under all the goofiness, and what makes Ween so good at jumping genres without losing their identity. From maritime prog to fake folk, from heavy riffs to bizarre character voices, The Mollusk has it all.In this episode:– Track and moment highlights across The Mollusk– How the band builds a whole underwater world with harmony, sound design and lyrics– Why this might be Ween’s most complete “album-album”– Kyle’s perspective as a lifelong Ween fan and host of This Is Rad🔊 Support & follow:• Playback on Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collabs• Kyle’s podcast: This Is Rad (wherever you get podcasts)Chapters:00:00 (Intro and History of WEEN)00:48:06 (The Mollusk)01:30:23 (Standout Songs)01:58:46 (Favorite/Best and Hot Takes)02:12:57 (Final Thoughts)02:21:49 (Kyle Clark plugs)

Parliament at peak powers. In this episode we dive into Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome, the 1977 P-Funk classic where George Clinton turns a whole philosophy of funk vs. “placebo” disco and consumerism into a wild concept album.We talk about the P-Funk mythology (Sir Nose d’Voidoffunk, the Placebo Syndrome, the idea of funk as real life-force), how this ties together tracks like “Bop Gun (Endangered Species),” “Sir Nose d’Voidoffunk,” “Wizard of Finance,” “Funkentelechy,” “Placebo Syndrome” and of course “Flash Light,” with Bernie Worrell’s legendary synth-bass line. In this episode:– What the “placebo syndrome” actually is in the context of P-Funk– How Parliament use groove, chants and comedy to talk about consumer culture– Why Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome is one of the most important funk records of the ’70s– How this album fits into the larger P-Funk universe and Parliament’s run of classics.🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 00:16:13 (Brief History of Parliament - Funkadelic)00:41:56 (The Concept and Music of the album)01:21:27 (Standout Songs and Deep Dive)02:12:041 (Final Thoughts)

We close out our Reggae Summer series with a deep dive into Third World’s classic album 96 Degrees in the Shade.As reggae musicians ourselves, we talk about why this record hits so hard: the roots foundation, the crossover melodies, the political fire in the title track, and the band’s unique place between Kingston and the broader “world music” market.We’re joined by special guest John Roy of Escape Hatch Records and Smoke and Mirrors Sound System, who brings a label owner/producer perspective to the songwriting, arrangements and performances on the album.In this episode:– Track highlights and musical deep dive on 96 Degrees in the Shade– Third World’s role in roots reggae vs crossover reggae– Politics, history and the vibe of 1970s Jamaica– How this album influenced our own approach as Black Market Dub🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – releases & collabs• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters:00:00 (Intro)00:12:36 (The Music of 96 Degrees in the Shade)00:46:47 (History of Third World)01:01:23 (Standout Songs)01:37:46 (1865 and The Morant Bay Rebellion)02:05:23 (Final Thoughts and John Roy Plugs)

In this Reggae Summer episode we dive into The Congos’ Heart of the Congos, widely considered one of the greatest roots reggae albums ever recorded – and we treat it primarily as a Lee “Scratch” Perry story.We talk about the Black Ark era, Perry’s production style, and how he used tape, echo and atmosphere to create a spiritual, otherworldly sound around Cedric Myton and Roy “Ashanti” Johnson’s voices. We also get into the history and mythology around Black Ark, stories from the book People Funny Boy, and how this record fits into Perry’s wider body of work.In this episode:– Track and moment highlights from Heart of the Congos– Lee “Scratch” Perry’s studio experiments at Black Ark– The Congos’ harmonies, Rasta themes and biblical imagery– How this album shaped our own approach to reggae and dub as Black Market Dub🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters:00:00 (Intro)00:17:46 (Who is Lee "Scratch" Perry?)00:50:38 (The Black Ark, and effects demonstration)01:42:03 (How did The Black Ark burn down?)02:03:20 (The Music of Heart of the Congos)02:32:48 (Standout Songs)03:02:24 (Final Thoughts)

Today we're so excited to present our interview with the legendary SCIENTIST! Hopeton Overton Brown (also known as Scientist) grew up working in and around some of the most remarkable studios in Jamaica under the tutelage of "Coxone" Dodd, King Tubby, and has mixed some of the most renowned albums in Jamaican history. In addition to his mix work, Scientist also produced a string of some of the greatest dub albums of all time in the 80s. Thanks to our dear friend ⁨@DUBROBOT⁩ , the four of us were able to have a wide-ranging discussion about mixing, Wailing Souls, King Tubby, and the recording industry. This is an edited-down version of our conversation. For the full unedited interview, be sure to join our Patreon page at the $5 tier. Much of this discussion pertains to our episode on Fire House Rock by The Wailing Souls. Be sure to watch that episode below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Cf33J9Utg For full AD-FREE episodes, bonus video episodes, and more content, please subscribe to our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackMarketDub Follow us on Instagram: @blackmarket_dub To listen to our music, visit: https://blackmarketdub.bandcamp.com/ For vinyl purchases and more: https://escapehatchrecords.com/ #music #podcast #discussion #scientist #dub #reggae #interview

In this Reggae Summer episode we dive into Wailing Souls’ Fire House Rock and lay out our theory of the “Four Horsemen of Reggae” – the four forces we think are responsible for some of the greatest reggae music ever recorded.Using Fire House Rock as a case study, we talk about the combination of Channel One Studio & the Hoo Kim brothers, producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes, engineer Scientist, and the Roots Radics band – and how all four converge on this record. We break down the rhythms, the vocal performances, the dub aesthetics, and why this album still feels so heavy and alive today.We also connect Fire House Rock directly to the classic Scientist dub records and to our later interview with Scientist himself, showing how this era of Channel One / Junjo / Roots Radics / Scientist all fits together.In this episode:– Track and moment highlights from Fire House Rock– What we mean by the “Four Horsemen of Reggae”– Channel One, Junjo, Scientist & Roots Radics in their absolute prime– How this sound shaped our own work as Black Market Dub🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesCHAPTERS:00:01:02 [Intro discussion]00:16:11 [The Hoo Kim Brothers and Channel One Studios]00:45:14 [Henry "Junjo" Lawes and the role of the Producer]00:59:08 [Scientist and mix breakdown of Fire House Rock]01:36:05 [Roots Radics and Bass Demo]01:48:09 [Wailing Souls and Vocal Analysis]01:57:24 [Standout Songs and "Word, Sound, and Power"]02:30:17 [Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes]

In this Reggae Summer episode we dive into Culture’s classic album Two Sevens Clash, one of the most important roots reggae records of the 1970s.We use the album as a jumping-off point to talk about the Marcus Garvey prophecy behind the title track, the apocalyptic fear around July 7, 1977 (when “the two sevens clash”), and how that shaped life in Jamaica at the time. We get into how Joseph Hill turns prophecy, politics and Rasta teachings into songs that are still catchy and deeply spiritual.We also zoom out and look at Garvey’s wider influence on reggae – repatriation, Black Star Line, judgment day themes – and how Two Sevens Clash sits alongside other Garvey-inspired records in the roots canon.In this episode:– Track and moment highlights from Two Sevens Clash– The story behind the “two sevens” prophecy and 7/7/77– Marcus Garvey’s impact on reggae lyrics and Rastafari– How this album shaped our own approach as reggae musicians in Black Market Dub🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesCHAPTERS: 00:00:50 Intro and Punk Rock00:31:17 Garveyism and The Religiosity of Reggae01:08:44 The Music and Production of Two Sevens Clash01:38:29 Standout Songs02:03:53 Final Thoughts

In this Reggae Summer episode we dive into Gregory Isaacs’ 1982 classic Night Nurse and ask whether it might be the best reggae album of the 1980s.We talk about The Cool Ruler as one of the most prolific and distinctive voices in reggae, his lovers rock style, his tragic personal decline, and how Night Nurse captures him at a creative peak. We also dig into the musicianship of Roots Radics, the sound of Tuff Gong and Compass Point, and why this record feels so smooth and effortless while dealing with some heavy emotions.In this episode:– Track highlights across Night Nurse (including “Night Nurse,” “Cool Down the Pace,” “Sad to Know (You’re Leaving)” and more)– How Roots Radics’ playing and the production choices make the album so hypnotic– The arc of Gregory Isaacs’ career: genius, output, and the cost of addiction and legal trouble– Where Night Nurse sits in the lovers rock / roots reggae canon and our own reggae playlists.🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updatesCHAPTERS:00:25:00 Who Was Gregory Isaacs?00:40:27 Producing 'Night Nurse'01:17:42 Roots Radics and Flabba Holt01:36:06 Standout Songs01:56:53 Final Thoughts

TWe kick off our Reggae Summer series with Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1977 masterpiece Exodus and ask a big question: is this the single best album to give someone who’s never heard reggae before?We’re joined by Brian “Dub Robot” Wallace – LA reggae/dub musician, producer and mastering engineer – to talk about Jamaican culture, Rastafari, the political moment around the album, and why Exodus still feels like the perfect gateway into Marley’s world.In this episode:– Why Exodus might be the ideal “starter reggae album”– Breakdown of both sides of the record: the heavier spiritual/political first half vs the uplifting second half– Track highlights: “Natural Mystic,” “Exodus,” “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” “One Love / People Get Ready”– The Wailers as a band and what Dub Robot hears in the production, bass, drums and arrangements🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Dub Robot – find his music and projects by searching “Dub Robot”• Instagram – clips and episode updatesChapters:0:3:35 (First Impressions of Exodus)0:25:10 (Jamaica and Rastafarianism)01:01:20 (Exodus Deep Dive)01:35:03 (Standout Songs)01:58:45 (Final Thoughts)

FULL Bonus episode announcing our full slate of albums we'll be covering for the first annual REGGAE SUMMER! For full episodes, bonus video episodes, and more content, please subscribe to our Patreon page: Patreon.com/Blackmarketdub To listen to our music, visit: blackmarketdub.bandcamp.com For vinyl purchases and more: escapehatchrecords.com

In this episode we dig into The Strokes’ Room on Fire and argue that it’s way more compositionally sophisticated than its “garage rock” reputation suggests.We’re joined by Matty Greg (musician and YouTuber known for his Strokes theory breakdowns) to talk about how the guitars, bass and vocals often function like SATB parts—melody, inner voices and bass line all weaving together with shocking precision.In this episode:– Why Room on Fire might be smarter and tighter than people realize– Guitar/bass/drum interplay on songs like “Reptilia,” “12:51,” “Under Control,” “The End Has No End”– How Julian’s melodies sit inside (and against) the harmony– Where this album fits in the Strokes’ discography vs Is This It– Matty Greg’s perspective from years of dissecting these songs on his channelCHAPTERS: 00:00 (Intro) 0:13:38 (First Impressions) 0:47:21 (Music Deep Dive) 01:28:53 (Production) 01:59:53 (Performance Techniques) 02:31:32 (Standout Songs and Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Matty Greg – search “Matty Greg Music” on YouTube• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Beach House’s 2010 breakthrough Teen Dream and talk about why it hits so hard both musically and emotionally.We break down the musicianship and production—Victoria Legrand’s voice and keys, Alex Scally’s guitar and counter-melodies, the live drums and synth textures—and how all of that supports the record’s heavy emotional core. We also talk about how this album helped us open up emotionally in ways we didn’t fully expect, and why it still feels like one of the defining indie records of the 2010s.In this episode:– Track highlights across Teen Dream (“Zebra,” “Silver Soul,” “Norway,” “Walk in the Park,” “10 Mile Stereo,” “Take Care” and more)– Arrangement and harmony details that quietly make this record so powerful– Chris Coady’s production choices and the “upstate New York church” recording vibe– Where Teen Dream sits in the Beach House catalog and why so many fans see it as “the one”– How this album influenced our own approach to mood, texture and emotion as Black Market DubChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 0:38:23 (Let's Build a Beach House) 1:28:46 (Recording Studio and Gear Used) 1:46:11 (Beach House's Consistency) 1:59:29 (Standout Songs) 2:11:51 (An Intimate Story)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Tame Impala’s Currents and ask the big fan question: are you Team Pre-Currents (Innerspeaker / Lonerism) or Team Post-Currents (Currents / The Slow Rush and beyond)?We talk about how Kevin Parker shifted from guitar-heavy psych rock into synth-driven psychedelic pop, how the album functions as a breakup record and a “changing your whole life” record at the same time, and why his production and mixing on Currents is such a huge flex.In this episode:– Track highlights: “Let It Happen,” “Yes I’m Changing,” “Eventually,” “The Less I Know the Better,” “Reality in Motion,” “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”– The sound of Currents: synths, bass, drums, vocal treatments and home-studio wizardry– Breakup, guilt and transformation themes across the lyrics– How this album split the fanbase and changed Tame Impala’s trajectory– Our own argument over whether the pre-Currents or post-Currents era is strongerChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 0:37:09 (Lonerism VS Currents) 1:09:37( Notes on Production) 1:20:43 (Songwriting and Standout Songs) 1:43:06 (Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dig into Jimi Hendrix’s First Rays of the New Rising Sun and ask a big question: should this count as his true fourth album, or is it just the best posthumous compilation we have?We talk about the songs Hendrix was working on at the end of his life, the Electric Lady era, and how these tracks were originally scattered across posthumous releases like The Cry of Love, Rainbow Bridge and War Heroes before being reconstructed as First Rays in the ’90s. We also get into why, despite the quality of the material, this record doesn’t seem to have the same emotional weight in the fanbase as his three lifetime studio albums.In this episode:– Standout tracks and moments across First Rays of the New Rising Sun– How much this really reflects Hendrix’s intentions for his next album– Electric Lady Studios, Billy Cox, Mitch Mitchell and the late-period band sound– The gap between who Hendrix actually was and the sanitized, whitewashed version of his legacy– Whether First Rays belongs in the core Hendrix canon or should stay labeled as posthumous reconstructionChapters:00:00 (Intro)0:00:22 (First Impressions)0:19:09 (Is this the true 4th Hendrix LP?)0:55:40 (An Acceleerated Life)1:14:16 (What was next for Jimi Hendrix?)1:29:28 (Standout Songs)1:46:31 (The Black Gold tapes)1:53:01 (Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Isaac Hayes’ 1971 double album Black Moses and talk about why he should be remembered first and foremost as a revolutionary musician, not just a pop-culture character.We dig into the story of Stax Records, how Hayes went from staff writer/producer to solo trailblazer, and how Black Moses expands on the ideas of Hot Buttered Soul: long, cinematic arrangements, slow-burn grooves, and radical reinterpretations of other people’s songs. We compare the two albums, talk about the marketing and imagery around “Black Moses,” and why this record still doesn’t get the same shine as his most famous work.In this episode:– Track highlights and arrangements across Black Moses– How it connects to Hot Buttered Soul, Stax’s crisis, and the post-Shaft moment– The Bar-Kays / Isaac Hayes Movement band and the lush, orchestral soul sound– Isaac Hayes’ legacy as a composer, producer and singer vs the way he’s often reduced in pop cultureChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 13:31 (What is Black Moses? First Impressions) 44:05 (Stax Records, Isaac Hayes' prior work) 1:03:03 (Black Moses Analysis) 1:42:20 (Rant against 'Automatic Sequence, Final thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Pearl Jam’s 1998 album Yield and get into a real disagreement over whether it’s a must-listen classic or just a really solid “pretty good” Pearl Jam record.We talk guitar tones, riffs, the state of the band in the late ’90s, and how Yield fits into the run of Ten, Vs., Vitalogy, No Code and beyond. We also get into the more collaborative songwriting on this record, Jack Irons’ drumming, Brendan O’Brien’s production, and what it means when your co-host calls one of your beloved albums “just okay.”In this episode:– Track highlights: “Given to Fly,” “Wishlist,” “Do the Evolution,” “In Hiding,” “Low Light” and more– Guitar sounds, arrangements and how Yield compares sonically to earlier PJ records– The band’s history and headspace around 1998 (post–Ticketmaster wars, post–early-grunge fame)– Our honest argument over whether Yield belongs in the “essential Pearl Jam” tierChapters: 00:00 (First Impressions and Overview of Yield) 14:35 (History of Pearl Jam) 47:01 (Making of Yield, and Guitar Demonstrations) 1:18:51 (Produced by Brenden O'Brien) 1:28:57 (Standout Songs) 1:38:40 (Nate Gets His Feelings Hurt) 1:55:55 (Final Thoughts, Wrapup)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Nine Inch Nails’ debut Pretty Hate Machine and talk about how the album’s lyrical pain, resentment and breakup energy are baked directly into the music.We get into Trent Reznor’s one-man-band studio approach, the way he blends industrial noise with pop song structures, and why this record still feels weirdly emotional and human under all the distortion and drum machines. From “Head Like a Hole” to “Something I Can Never Have,” we break down why this isn’t just an angry industrial record—it’s a brutally honest synth-driven singer-songwriter album.In this episode:– Track highlights across Pretty Hate Machine (“Head Like a Hole,” “Terrible Lie,” “Down in It,” “Sanctified,” “Something I Can Never Have” and more)– How the synths, drums, bass and sound design support the lyrics’ obsession, guilt and collapse– Reznor’s early studio process and what sets this apart from later NIN albums– Why this record became such an influential bridge between industrial, alt rock and popChapters:00:00 (First Impressions and Overview of NIN) 23:08 (Making of and Production Style) 1:17:55 (Lyrics and Themes) 1:43:05 (Standout Songs) 1:53:14 (Wrap Up)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we sit down for a first-time listen to Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band’s Trout Mask Replica fully expecting to hate it… and instead realize, almost in real time, that it might be one of the most genius things we’ve ever heard.We talk about how this album somehow turns total-sounding chaos into tightly composed music, the cult-like conditions the band rehearsed under, and the role Frank Zappa played in capturing it all to tape. We get into the strange rhythmic and harmonic language of the songs, the stories around Don Van Vliet’s control over the band, and how our brains slowly “click over” from “this is noise” to “oh my god this is brilliant.”In this episode:– First-time reaction moments as the album unfolds– Was the Magic Band basically a cult during this era?– Zappa’s involvement and the infamous marathon rehearsals– Why tracks like “Frownland,” “Ella Guru,” “Pachuco Cadaver,” “Moonlight on Vermont” and “Veteran’s Day Poppy” go from unlistenable to unforgettable– Why we now think this is the episode that best represents what Playback is all aboutChapters: 00:00 (Intro and First Impressions) 44:40 (The Cult of Captain Beefheart) 1:16:05 (Writing, Rehearsal, and Recording) 1:50:25 (Standout Songs and Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into The Misfits’ Static Age, the first full-length they ever recorded but the last of the classic-era albums to be officially released.We talk about the band’s early history, the C.I. Recordings sessions in 1978, and how this entire album sat on the shelf for years while individual songs like “Bullet,” “We Are 138,” “Attitude” and “Hollywood Babylon” leaked out on EPs and compilations. We also break down why Static Age basically works as a greatest-hits set for the Danzig era and how it sets the blueprint for horror punk.In this episode:– The story behind the Static Age sessions and why the album wasn’t released at the time– Track highlights: “Static Age,” “TV Casualty,” “Some Kinda Hate,” “Last Caress,” “Hybrid Moments,” “Teenagers from Mars,” “Angelfuck,” “We Are 138” and more– How the Misfits mix 50s rock & roll melody with raw punk energy and B-movie / true-crime lyrics– Where Static Age sits in the Misfits discography and horror punk historyChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 10:47 (Background on The Misfits) 34:30 (First Impressions of Static Age) 50:00 (The Recording Process and Subsequent Releases) 1:18:23 (Music Analysis) 1:32:48 (Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into David Bowie’s final studio album Blackstar (★) and talk about what it means to turn your own death into a piece of art.We look at how Bowie recorded the album in secret with a New York jazz band, released it on his 69th birthday, and died two days later—instantly reframing Blackstar as a deliberate farewell. We talk about the lyrics, the videos, the band, and how this record made us think differently about death, legacy and what it means to say goodbye through music.In this episode:– Track highlights: “Blackstar,” “Lazarus,” “Girl Loves Me,” “Dollar Days,” “I Can’t Give Everything Away”– How the jazz musicians and modern influences (hip-hop, experimental rock, etc.) shape the sound– The “Lazarus” video, illness, and how much Bowie knew he was making a swan song– How Blackstar changed the way we think about Bowie and about artists using their last works as a final messageChapters: 00:00 (Intro) 09:57 (Discussion of the Music) 24:45 (Death Themes) 50:30 (The Band and Other Stuff) 1:13:30 (Standout Songs) 1:34:15 (Final Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we dive into Paul Simon’s 1986 classic Graceland and sit with both sides of it: the undeniable musical genius and the apartheid-era controversy around how it was made.We talk about Simon travelling to South Africa during the cultural boycott, recording with Black South African musicians, and blending their styles with his own songwriting into a world-changing pop album. Then we dig into the ethics: did he break solidarity and benefit most from a sound that wasn’t his, or did he create meaningful collaboration and visibility for the musicians involved—or both at once?In this episode:– Track highlights: “The Boy in the Bubble,” “Graceland,” “I Know What I Know,” “Homeless,” “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” “You Can Call Me Al”– How the South African grooves, harmonies and production make this album feel so alive– The apartheid cultural boycott, Artists Against Apartheid, and the criticism Simon faced– How we personally reconcile loving Graceland with its messy political contextChapters: 0:00 (Intro) 13:20 (History of Graceland) 24:40 (Controversies) 34:51 (Musicians) 52:55 (More on Musicians) 1:11:00 (Production Techniques) 1:17:33 (Artistic Autonomy and Standout Songs) 1:27:15 (Closing Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

In this episode we kick off Playback by diving into Bob Dylan’s Christmas album Christmas in the Heart, a record most people joked about… until they actually heard it.We talk about how Dylan leans fully into the old-school Christmas-album tradition—choirs, classic arrangements, big-band vibes—filtered through his late-career voice, and why the result is way more sincere and moving than you’d expect. We also get into the fact that Dylan donates all of his royalties from this album to hunger relief charities, which reframes the whole project as something quietly generous and heartfelt.In this episode:– Standout tracks from Christmas in the Heart (“Must Be Santa,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” etc.)– How Dylan’s rough voice interacts with these ultra-traditional arrangements– Why this album might be one of the most honest modern Christmas records– What made it the perfect subject for our very first Playback episodeChapters: 0:00 (Intro) 6:08 (First Impressions) 19:35 (Bob Dylan is A Great Singer) 33:15 (Standout Songs) 58:13 (Closing Thoughts)🔊 Support & follow:• Patreon – bonus episodes & ad-free audio• Black Market Dub on Bandcamp – our original music• Escape Hatch Records – label family & collaborations• Instagram – clips and episode updates

Hey everyone! Welcome to PLAYBACK! This is a teaser trailer for our first Patreon-only episode. To hear the full episode and video version, please go to: Patreon.com/blackmarketdub and subscribe at the $5 tier for access. Full, non-Patreon exclusive episodes will be posted everywhere you enjoy your podcasts bi-weekly. In this episode, we discuss the show's format, pick which album we will discuss first, and talk about the troubles of juggling being musicians and creating all this content.