The Merch Booth: Recent Episodes
The Merch Booth
This week we discuss Nine Inch Noize taking over Coachella and other Coachella stuff.
Then we talk about food and live broadcasts of concerts and we talk about string quartets and Precious things and also country concerts, drunk people, great pizza, love, and friendship. Join us.
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Tune in as we discuss seeing SO MANY BANDS, including:
Converge
Drain
Haywire
Wednesday
Gouge Away
No Pressure
Jordan Smart
Secret World
Poison The Well
Spy
Balmora
So many concerts, so little time. Come join us!
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This week we discuss travel, one show that Thomas went to, some music news, and we review the new album by Mitski.
It's a fun one!
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This week, we chat about the new Converge record "Love is Not Enough," we discuss Wasserman and his exit from his company, and Dropkick Murphys' benefit show for Minneapolis.
Then, we get into Nine Inch Nails absolutely owning Columbus for a night!
All this and more! Join us, won't you?
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This week, we play a game, we discuss the news, and then we chat about 3 shows we went to this year so far.
Apologies for missing our normal schedule - life is complicated. See you in 2 weeks!
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This week, we chat about the things we loved in 2025 (and some things we didn't but it's mostly positive, we promise).
Come hang out with us!
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This week we talk about the most influential artists of all time, concert etiquette, Taylor Swift and her non-stop march of nonsense, and 2 concerts we went to over the past few weeks.
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This week, we discuss 3 shows we went to!
Kid Tigrrr, Danny Brown, and Wednesday are all on the list for discussion.
We also play a game with unclear directions which causes some oddities in responses but we figure it out at the end.
Then we dig into the latest album by Prewn called "System"
It's a fun one! Come hang with us.
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This week Ryan makes Thomas play a game.
We discuss the new Rosalia album and the general reaction from, well, everyone.
Then we dive into possibly the weirdest night either of us have had since we started this - a show in a laundromat followed by eating crunchwraps in a dive bar during a rave. It was wild. Thomas even wrote about it!
Then we review the magnificent new album by Hayley Williams, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party."
Fun is had and we hope you'll join us!
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This week, we chat about John Candy movies and how childhood expeirence shape us.
Please make sure to check out Thomas's article, "My Dad, Fear, and John Candy Movies".
We also chat about The Album Club which Thomas also wrote about and will be attending soon - more to come there.
Then we got into the most recent show Thomas went to as well as the next show we'll be going to - listen to the show to hear more there.
We finish up with a review of the new Wednesday album, "Bleeds."
It's a fun one - come join us, won't you?
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This week, we discuss 3 shows we attended (including a fantastic night seeing Turnstile).
We also discuss Spotify running ICE ads (seriously, cancel your subscription now), Taylor Swift's seeming fall from grace, future concerts, and more.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss guilty pleasures, 2 concerts, and an album review.
Thomas saw the same concert two days in a row and Ryan joined him for the second one.
On our quest, we saw: - odd displays of road rage - vomit in the mosh pit - oblivious concert goers - a broken knee? ankle? - a person whose blood was more alcohol than blood - 3 normal bands? - a double band?? - a triple band??? - a passive aggressive person who was afraid of us???? really????
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This week we discuss 3 amazing concerts:
G-Dragon
Oasis w/ Cage the Elephant
My Chemical Romance w/ Devo
Ryan discusses his feelings and the sheer level of emotion at seeing a band he's loved since he was a child AND seeing the beloved MCR do their thing and be as theatrical as they want to be. Plus, who would have thought they'd bring up Billy Corgan?
Thomas discusses K-Pop stuff like a themed store that he and his daughter got to visit as well as light sticks, G-Dragon's appreciation for being back on tour in the US, and the overall draw of seeing that show.
Come along for the ride and make sure to follow us on social media!
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This week we discuss eras of music that we miss from our old days - we're old, ya know?
We also discuss a few news topics!
Trump doesn’t like Oasis criticizing him
Godspeed You! Black Emperor remove music, not just from Spotify
Neil Young quits Facebook and Instagram over Meta's use of chatbots with children
Taylor Swift's new record - Ugh, so much to say
Then we review "Live, Vol. 2" by mewithoutYou - nostalgia for Ryan - new for Thomas
Come join us, won't you?
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This week we discuss the continuing hate going Daniel Ek's way and the growing list of artists removing their music from Spotify (for good reason).
We also discuss a few news items and the devastation of losing Ozzy Osbourne.
Then we get into our album reivew for the episode which is Indigo De Souza's "Precipice" where Ryan introduces a new way that he's decided to do these reviews.
Next on the list is a K-Pop show, Ryan standing outside listening to Oasis, and My Chemical Romance. See you in 2 weeks!
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This week we discuss the concert Thomas went to alone - not his first one but maybe his best one? Listen and find out.
We also discuss a bunch of new hardcore music and some really awesome hip-hop records that have come out over the past week.
Then we discuss the unfortuante situation currenlty happening with Laura Jane Grace and her wife, Paris. That's all ongoing so I'm sure there will be more to know before our next episode. Stay tuned!
Then we get into the album review - "The Blackest Beautiful" by letlive.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan get together to talk about a few goings in the world of music.
First, Thomas has the question of the week.
Next, we talk about Daniel Ek's (Spotify CEO) recent invenstment in Helsing, an AI based defense company. This has had a chilling effect on the indie music scene and they're pulling their music. Will the protest last?
We also discuss AI based music and a new AI band making headlines and getting a lot of attention right now which, of course, leads to a discussion about the ethics of using AI in any art of any kind.
Then we review "Winged Victory" by Willi Carlisle. Spoiler, we both loved it!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss:
- A few shows Thomas went to
- A show Ryan went to
- Turnstile's new album "NEVER ENOUGH"
- Reddit gatekeepers on the Hardcore subreddit - seriously, post-hardcore bands are still hardcore bands!!!
- Nelsonville (well, most of it - we're in a freaking heatwave people!)
- Brand New in Cleveland
- ...and getting in line early for merch while not having to pay for parking
- They played Limousine which made Ryan happy
- Boat horns are funny in quiet songs
- Brand New in Columbus
- ...and the delicious food available at Budd Dairy Food Hall
- They played Limousine AND Flying at Tree Level!!!
- Smokers suck. Sorry.
This week, we discuss all kinds of things!
- Taylor Swift getting back her entire library from greasy music industry people
- Kali Uchis calling out Sleep Token for potentially racist things
- Stray From the Path breaking up :(
- Yellowcard's new music can't be saved by Travis Barker which is kind of shocking
- Americans seem to be going into debt more and more for concert tickets
Honorable weekly album release mentions:
- Bad Beat "LP 2025"
- Mental Warefare "Everything is Wrong"
- The Callous Daoboys "I Don't Want to See You in Heaven"
- Ezra Furman "Goodbye Small Head"
Then we review an album!
Florry "Sounds Like..."
This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss the 2025 Merch Booth Sleepover (really, though).
We saw a show at a very cool new venue, saw another show at a very small old venue, had delicious foods and much merriment.
We also discuss the new Sleep Token album, Even in Arcadia. Spoiler: it ain't great. Sorry.
Pitchfork Review
Rolling Stone Review
Needle Drop (Fantano) Review
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This week, we discuss all kinds of things:
- Lady Gaga in Brazil
- New albums that have come out
- Thomas' addiction to concerts
- The annoyance of an un-engaged artist playing live
We also dig into the new PUP album and discuss our feelings on it as well as new music from Street Power, Knuckle Puck, House of Protection, Silverstein, and Turnstile. Thomas is psyched about the new Florry record and has been listening for a little bit because he's fancy.
This week, we discuss the intervening months since our last show (in January!!)
Thomas talks about a few of the 6 concerts he went to (all in a very short time, btw).
Ryan talks about the one he went to and the return of his favorite band.
We also discuss whatever it is that Blue Origin thinks they're doing, Sabrina Carpenter in Fortnite, a fantastic trip to Hawaii, and the future of this show. Spoiler, we'll be here a bit more often and we'll be discussing, not just concerts, but music in general. Come along, won't you?
This week we talk TV shows, protest music, politics, bad electric cars, and music.
Joy Oladokun, Koffin Kats, politics, and TV shows
It's a real journey this week. Enjoy!
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This week Thomas and Ryan discuss the best music of 2024 (at least according to them)
Come hang out!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss:
- New records by Poppy and Kendrick Lamar
- Earth Crisis with Andy Hurley (Fall Out Boy) on drums
- Local Cleveland hardcore bands - Slug and Walking Wounded
- Billie Eilish and the horrors of Cincinatti
- Four Year Strong, Free Throw, and One Step Closer
- An update to the Oasis ticket saga
- Spoiler - it's MCR's fault
- Sub spoiler - we're going to that!
- Spoiler - it's MCR's fault
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This week, we discuss more concerts we went to separately. Don't worry, we'll have one where we're together soon.
We also discuss the unfortunate state of Oasis fans in the vicinity of the Chicago tour date, nostalgia trips at hardcore shows, dual headliner issues, and much more. Join us, won't you?
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Join us as we discuss 7 completely separate shows we collectively went to this past month and why we didn't attend a single one of those together.
Also, hear Ryan stumble through the intro because it's been OVER A MONTH since we last recorded. Many apologies - we'll do better.
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This week, we go back and talk about some shows we have attended.
We also discuss how life interferes and has kept us from recording / posting for a while.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss childhood band concerts, good pizza, favorite drink options, and more.
Also - Professor Hardcore is born! (Honestly, it's just that Ryan talked a while about Long Island Hardcore. Ryan is not an expert or a professor - please do not quote him in official articles about Hardcore.)
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This week, Thomas and Ryan go to Ann Arbor to see legends play their instruments.
We also discuss 2 concerts we went to without each other, declicious burgers, delightful record stores, and dream concert scenarios.
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Join us as we attend "hardcore kid prom" as Thomas puts it and we see Ryan's current favorite band, Knocked Loose. They were joined by some pretty awesome heavy hitters as well.
A great time had by all! Go buy their stuff!
Knocked Loose - https://knockedloosehc.com
Speed - https://gangcalledspeed.com
Loathe - https://www.loatheasone.co.uk
Show Me The Body - https://showmethebody.com
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This week, Ryan and Thomas go to a new venue - The King of Clubs - to see a hardcore show.
We talk merch cuts, venue oddities, band shirts, merch, drink prices, and the wonders of a balcony - join us and then come tell us how wrong (or right) we are about stuff.
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This week, Thomas discusses a concert he went to without Ryan :(
Then we discuss some "premium" crunch wraps at a rando bar, college students being horrible, lives we never lived that we're happy we didn't live, a hard to figure out band, and a very easy to figure out band.
Join us, won't you?
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On this week's show:
Thomas discusses taking his wife to what will likely be her last show that isn't Taylor Swift :(
Ryan discusses Knocked Loose for the millionth time - strap in, their new album comes out in like a month.
Thomas and Ryan both discuss their favorite records of the year so far and we preview our next few weeks. Get ready for more Merch Booth!
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This week Thomas and Ryan talk about going to a soccer match and a concert together.
Thomas talks about another concert he attended without Ryan :(
We also discuss the sharpest of elbows according to one particular person in the crowd.
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Come hang out as we discuss the albums we're excited about that have been announced or come out recently as well as Thomas' several concerts that he attended without Ryan.
Thomas becomes a big country boy and he seemingly beat Beyonce to it so he's a pretty cool guy, right?
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This week we talk about what we're looking forward to in 2024. From shows to albums to food to even some resolutions, come join us as we talk through what we are looking forward to in 2024.
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Join us as we discuss 2023 - our favorite (and least favorite) things of our year of travels as well as our favorite albums that came out this year.
It's a long one - come hang out!
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This week, we go down to Columbus town for some delicious pizza, small venue life, and some delicious Ska.
Join us as we discuss Mustard Plug and Ska Bees who were playing their FIRST SHOW!!!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan head to Cleveland for some tacos and live music.
We head first to Square Records and then to Taco Tonto's (which was great) and then off to The Roxy at Mahall's to see Citizen, Narrow Head, and Modern Color.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan head to the Bluestone again to see a band they have definitely seen before: Slaughter Beach, Dog.
No food this time becuase... jobs.
Come hang out with us while we talk through elbowing people's fathers in the guts, meeting up with new friends, and the finer points of finding a good spot to be old at a concert.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan head to the Bluestone in Columbus to see a long time favorite: Bad Religion. The supporting bands were awesome, the venue was awesome, tall people with no situational awareness are not awesome.
We also discuss Gay Meat's response to our criticism from last episode, whether we've seen Slaughter Beach, Dog before, our favorite moment from a show we've been to, and much more.
Ryan's Apple Music Playlist of Bad Religion's set
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This week, Thomas and Ryan go to Ace of Cups again to see Save Face, Just Friends, and Palette Knife.
There was a third band but we weren't fans - sorry Super American.
We also talk about pizza, merch, pet peeves, and more. Come hang out!
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This week, it's all Thomas going to shows and Ryan not going to shows and it's happy and sad and full of glee and dread.
Not really - Thomas drove 8 hours to see 4 of his favorite bands in one venue and it was glorious. Listen in as Thomas recounts the experience and enlightens Ryan on the world of Venezuelan food!
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This week Ryan was on vacation so Thomas found a man with a similar name to go to a show and also took his kids to another show.
That's what we do here - we keep the show going!
Welcome Brian to the show to discuss seeing Florry and Lake Philly with Thomas and seeing his first show ever at our beloved Grog Shop!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan venture to Cleveland Ohio (rare, huh?) to see some Long Island hardcore and hardcore adjacent bands. A good time was had by... well... mostly Ryan.
We also got into some great Chinese food in Asiatown at Li Wah - highly recommended.
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This week, Thomas and Ryan head to Columbus Ohio for some good ole down home hardcore punk rock music and good burgers.
We also commiserate on missing a whole other set by the headliner just across the street.
At a laundromat no less!!
Missed opportunities and crowd killing await!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan discuss both days at Punk In Drublic 2023 in Columbus, OH. This is NoFX's final tour and they brought friends along for the ride.
There were bands, there was music, there was free beer, there was humidity, and there was merch (of course)!
Come hang out with us for this marathon of an episode as we talk through the whole experience!
Day 1 Lineup:
- Bad Cop Bad Cop
- Codefendants
- Adolescents
- Strung Out
- Less Than Jake
- Circle Jerks
- NoFX
Day 2 Lineup:
- The Last Gang
- Mustard Plug
- Get Dead
- Suicide Machines
- Bouncing Souls
- Descendents
- NoFX
Fun Note - we almost lost this audio. So, you hearing this means we were successful in recovering it. We are both sorry and not sorry for this episode's release.
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Tonight - Thomas and Ryan have special guests! We are joined by none other than our loving wives to discuss our recent trip to see Taylor Swift in Pittsburgh.
Well, at least 3 of the 4 of us were there.
It's a fun discussion and not at all chatotic. Not at all. Enjoy!
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This week, we talk about a lot of events (too many) that happened over the past week.
First, we went to see blink-182 and Turnstile which was awesome but we save that for last because, let's face it, you're not here for the rest of it, right?
BUT FIRST - Ryan and his wife went to see a recording of her favorite podcast; My Brother My Brother and Me (as well as The Adventure Zone, Schmanners, and Sawbones).
Then, all 4 of us got together for Thomas' wife Aimee's birthday celebration.
To top off the week, Ryan and his wife Ali went to see Pedro The Lion. It was a very full week and we are all very tired.
Next up: Taylor Swift and then NoFX! See you soon!
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This week, Thomas and Ryan see a metal(ish) show which, of course, was Ryan's pick.
We eat some Chinese, we buy vinyls, and we gush about the frontman of Dayseeker for a while.
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This week, we discuss our trip to North Carolina. Unfortunately, the MLS match was a bust but we discuss the concert we went to on Friday night and the, frankly, amazing lineup of bands that were there.
We also discuss Ernie's... or was it Ralph's... oh, Earl's Whiskey Bar and BBQ as well as Wise Men brewery we attened. We also get into the crazy expensive hipster rummage sale we happened on while we were there.
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Thomas and Ryan discuss their recent journey to the Grog Shop to see one of 4 bands that were playing that night and their general distaste for small shows having too many bands.
We're too old.
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This week, we have a fun one. Jeff & Laura came to town and we got to see Mikey Erg open for them which was all a wonderful treat.
We also had drinks and food in lovely locations.
Also, there's a theme of car trouble throughout this entire night - from Jeff & Laura's van breaking down and almost missing the show to our own car troubles on the way home. It's a fun one - enjoy!
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This week we join forces yet again to talk about music, live events, our distaste for Elon Musk, and our plans for 2023.
We also discuss our favorite music of 2022. Here's our list:
* You should listen to the episode before fully reading these so do that and then come back to these notes. Don't worry, we only discuss our top 5. ***
Thomas' favorites of 2022:
- Alvvays - Blue Rev
- Soul Glo - Diaspora Problems
- Beach House - Once Twice Melody
- Bruce Lee Band - One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.
- Diners - Four Wheels and the Truth
- PUP - THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
- The Beths - Expert in a Dying Field
- Linqua Franqa v- Bellringer
- Oceanator - Nothing's Ever Fine
- NNAMDÏ - Please Have a Seat
Ryan's favorites of 2022:
- Architects - the classic symptoms of a broken spirit
- Architects - For Those That Wish to Exist at Abbey Road
- PUP - THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
- He Is Legend - Endless Hallway
- Origami Angel - DEPART / re:turn
- Bayside - The Red EP and "Go To Hell" single
- End It - Unpleasant Living EP
- Varials - Scars For You to Remember
- Counterparts - A Eulogy For Those Still Here
- Boundaries - Burying Brightness
We sit down to discuss our recent-ish trip (it was actually like a month ago) to get beef kabobs and go to a show!
Thomas wanted to see a ska show - specifically Catbite.
Ryan wanted to see a ska show too but wanted to see Streetlight Manifesto.
Turns out, they were touring together - it was fate!
This week, Thomas and Ryan drove to Indianapolis to see Suzie True, Chris Farren, and learn about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Oh, we also went to a tamale-less tamale restaurant (thanks Doug)
+++ We interview Chris Farren after another one of his perfect sets. It's a good one - come hang out with us!
This week we discuss our trip to Cleveland to eat BBQ and see Sunny Day Real Estate bring back all of Ryan's 90's nostalgia.
We also discuss annoying concert goers and how to deal with them, what was on offer as far as merch, and what our typical go-to merch purchases are at a show.
Seattle 97!!
We sit down to discuss our top 5 favorite shows we have been to.
We also introduce the premise for the show. We aren't really planning out a schedule here but we plan to record and put out a show whenever we have gone to an event - which will happen sporadically.
So, follow along and we'll try to make it worth your while.
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