Crash Chords Podcast: Recent Episodes
Crash Chords
The Crash Chords Podcast is an eternal war for artistic scrutiny. Follow along with our intensive album analyses by diving into the album yourself first — using our Spotify play buttons, when available — and then join us in asking the hard questions. Expect guest panelists, broader topics concerning music as an art form, episode specials, and surprise performances.
Beck returns (or did he really ever leave) with his newest album Colors, although the guys had to stop themselves from putting a 'u' in there. Unlike previous releases, Beck goes for dance with new pop producer Greg Kurstin, which may have wound up being a strange tribute to the 80's. But Beck never really cares for labels, does he? ...Should he? Continue reading
A Critical Look at Criticism: It's our FIFTH anniversary! That's five seasons at fifty episodes a piece, covering nearly that many albums, topics, as well as debates over what many would consider a trifling corner of cultural discourse. Five years has taught us that music truly is a boundless medium. And so, in our album discussions---incorporating everything from literary analogies to politics, psychology, sociology, life, love, pain, sorrow, and ever more complex conditions---we strive to honor artists' hard labor by (at the very least) participating in combined acts of analysis, brainstorming, ruthless criticism, and garrulous adulation. It's a mixed bag, but we hope, a fruitful one.
In this episode, we will be: • Reflecting on the project; • Discussing the barriers between criticism and analysis; • Championing the merits of fact-checking; • Discussing logical fallacies, laws, and rhetorical gibberish; • Citing examples of specific critics and critical works, from Glenn Gould, to Pitchfork, to Yahtzee, and RedLetterMedia, where language, rhetoric, and satire have all aided the work, for good and for ill; • Coming to terms with our own fallacies, clichés, and internet nonsense. Continue reading
Day 4! It's our last episode of the season, before our anniversary episode, and the project is Migration by Bonobo, the one-man project of British DJ Simon Green. Green describes Migration as "a study of people and spaces"; we'll briefly touch on that, but we're also interested in the artist's crafty use of texture and soundscapes. Let's have some analysis, some debate, and finally take a look at the idea of a cathartic experience vs. an antidotal experience. Continue reading
(More like summersault, am I right?) Known as Beach Fossils, the unassuming Brooklyn-based low-fi indie rock band's latest release is a head-scratcher alright --- enjoyable, catchy, yet difficult to explain apart from our, admittedly, singularly-minded compulsion to conform it to the summer season. Let's kick off the episode with a discussion on the ambiguous "summer album" before diving into Somersault itself by the Beach Fossils. Continue reading
Day 2! While it might seem that the word "folk" gets applied to just about everything these days, English songwriter Richard Dawson has the apparent distinction of existing both at the primeval and pioneering fronts of that genre. With his unusual cracked vocals crooning over a broken (yes, literally broken) guitar, Dawson gives us Peasant, transplanting us to a Britain of very long ago, where not everything is as it appears and where coarseness and beauty are one and the same. Let's unpack this project together and share its most attractive (and its most contentious) qualities. Also, what warped or broken instrument would you care to play? We've got ours, let's hear yours! Continue reading
And we're back! It's time to play catch-up as we post some episodes from lost weeks and proceed to count down to our 250th episode, our 5th anniversary spectacular! Expect an episode of the Crash Chords each day 'til Saturday 7/22 --- that's five episodes for five years. Today's episode gets a bit on the 'trippy' side as we explore All Them Witches' 2015 release, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker, a work of neo-psychedelic proportions with a blues heart. You know the drill: let's break it down, build it up, tear it down again, and have some fun. Continue reading
After a six-year hiatus, the Celtic Rock staple of many-a merry pub crawler, Flogging Molly, has returned with a new album called Life is Good. (Isn't it though?) Let's spend an inordinate amount of time answering that particular question without answering it at all. Also, let's talk about the music. Then, after all the 'weighing ins' and 'reflecting upons', let's ponder the question of musical self-honesty. Continue reading
Funneled through the gates of Footwork and IDM are the sounds of Black Origami, a confluence of rhythmic theses, footnotes, and diatribes produced by composer/DJ Jerrilynn Patton (Jlin). Though only her second album, Black Origami is born of a collaboration with Indian dance & movement artist Avril Stormy Unger, and of a kind of artistic freedom she has long been seeking. Let's explore the album together and then return to a fond old subject: objectifying the subjective---or vice-a-versa! Continue reading
Where were you in September 2012? We were fumbling through the Flobots' last album, The Circle in the Square. And now, after many moons, we're tackling them again, hopefully with steadier hands and heads. Jonny 5, Brer Rabbit, KennyO, and company are back at it, releasing their first album in that timespan, Noenemies. We'll discuss the current state of Flobots, the new album and its content, while touching briefly on "having your back against the wall" so to speak---confronting the 'thens' and 'nows' of critical consideration. Continue reading
Make way for K.Flay, the indie pop & rap artist whose introspective approach to songwriting and blend of singing styles warrant some proper dissection. Tackling her most recent LP, Every Where Is Some Where, we invite you to join us as we inspect the highlights and mull over a variety of details. With plenty of praise and plenty of debate, where do you stand in the track-by-track? Also stick around for a discussion on the fine line between comfort and propaganda. Continue reading
It's time for everyone's favorite (and perhaps only) virtual band! Although we've inspected the work of Damon Albarn before, this is our first chance to take on the Gorillaz, an unrelated ensemble of animated musicians --- 2-D, Mudoc, Noodle, and Russel --- who, as far as we're concerned, are behind the music we're hearing. On their latest album, Humanz, the Gorillaz introduce a bevy of artists, both old and new, to help with the project and take on its variety of subjects. Let's follow along! And save room for a brief discussion on the subjectivity and flexibility of rating criteria where art is concerned. Continue reading
Today we're surveying the front lines of musical sensibilities. Avant garde singer, pianist, composer, and painter Diamanda Galás isn't your everyday rom-com soprano. With a voice that's been known to induce fear in a single note, bolstered by a three-and-a-half octave range, Diamanda's followers range from fringe jazz cats to left field metalheads. Let's let the work speak for itself; in this case, the work consists of peculiar re-workings of traditional jazz tunes… with a couple of surprises as well. The album is called All the Way, borrowed from its titular track, a cover of the familiar Frank Sinatra tune. Follow the originals with the provided playlist! We'll explain them as we go. Also stick around for a discussion on the necessity of surveying all sides of the spectrum---good/bad, ugly/beautiful, moral/immoral---for only then do we have sufficient context for passing judgement. Continue reading
Let's traverse the cosmos to check in on our oft-mentioned composer of all things 'space', the one and only Vangelis. Although marrying electronic music to space-oriented themes is fairly intuitive, Vangelis, who cornered the market on it, also happens to have a penchant for paying homage to specific space missions. This time around, that homage is Rosetta, the musical play-by-play of the eponymous ESA probe's voyage to Churyumov–Gerasimenko [comet 67P]. From the origins of the comet to Rosetta's decade-long journey, to its dramatic end-of-mission impact---and let's not forget about our brave little lander Philae---Vangelis has more than enough fodder for some juicy composition, as do we for some juicy discussion! Oh and our topic, you ask? Totally unrelated… SPACE. Continue reading
At the behest of listener (and former guest Devin Jackson Mullen of Anxious Kids Make Good People), today we're taking on Drunk, the latest project by Thundercat, the stage name of grammy-award winning bassist Stephen Bruner. Composed by Bruner, but with the help of long-time collaborator Flying Lotus and a myriad of guest artists, Drunk is a 23-track wormhole that explores the inventive and demented mind of the talented bassist --- under any and all of life's circumstances. Let's explore the album together before broadcasting a monster monologue [@2:19:21 - @2:40:24] covering the ethics of criticism, a response to an artist, and some changes to the format of the series. Continue reading
Put on your speedos and roll, yes, roll down your windows. Today we're surfing through some retrowave, a genre that's all about those bygone times... but who's kidding who: those times are the 1980s. With a debut album called Atlas, FM-84 (the mostly one-man project of Col Bennett) introduces vocalists Josh Dally, Ollie Wride, and Clive Farrington to help him with his first LP. The idea certainly caught our attention, as did its striking album cover, but ultimately, does it pass the album test? We'll hash out a few discussions along those lines while for our topic we wrestle with the question of whether nostalgia is a prerequisite for just about everything we enjoy in some fashion. Continue reading
We are actually, extremely, keenly, and especially excited for today's album. (Really.) You'll want to stick it out to the end for this one as we've got a lot of material lined up for discussion courtesy of math rock band Snooze and their debut album Actually, Extremely. If you're unfamiliar with math rock, take a chance on the genre, take a chance on Snooze, and take a chance on us! Let's kick it off with some album art silliness and dive deep into some hardscrabble analysis. We also have out some pre-monologue monologues concerning---hoo boy---police brutality and how it is discussed. Continue reading
Another dip into the wide world of electronica, this week we're tackling an industrial techno album called Performance by Age Coin. Formerly of the band Lower, the duo behind Age Coin are Kristian Emdal and Simon Formann who, according to their label Posh Isolation, have (in Performance) divined "a cracked bump & flex from the condensation of a joyride." Well! Cryptic orders aside, we hope your ears are as prepped as ours for a full analysis of Performance as well as a discussion on the inevitability of comparison and the mono-directionality of taste. Feel differently? Comment! Continue reading
Once again, we're reaching deep into the grab bag... a mysterious album brought to us by a mysterious listener: The Mysterious Mark H. Past harbinger of Black Messiah and FFS, Mysterious's latest recommendation came with precious few clues, apart from it being dubbed "a curveball", thus distinguishing it from his previous picks. Without letting on too much, the album is called Headspace by the band Issues. (And do bear with us, as, in all great mysteries, the "big reveal" is nothing without its share of red herrings.) Also stick around for a light discussion on personal thresholds for musical components. Continue reading
You might know him from Something Corporate, or even from Jack's Mannequin; well now, know him from his official solo project, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. As the artist appears to have settled on the new stage name (for now), today we'll be looking at the second solo album released under that moniker, Zombies on Broadway. Afterwards, stick around for a discussion on how experiencing a live show or a studio album first can affect one another. Continue reading
Oczy Mlody? ...Otshee Mwodee? ...Oxycodone? ...Whatever it is, it's the latest creation by alt rock veterans, The Flaming Lips. Inspired by phrases from a Polish translation of Erkine Caldwell's novel 'Close to Home', Oczy Mlody is certainly a head scratcher, easing us into a dreamlike haze, surprising us in moments, and challenging our rating system like never before. Stick around after the analysis [@2:12:34] for a discussion on evolving perspectives, multiple mindsets, and the effort to avoid our own echo chambers. Continue reading
You may have some catching up to do (or some skipping to do) if the following doesn't tickle your fancy... Video game music! Today, we're looking at a smattering of the old and the new (mostly old). But no, this isn't a fit of nostalgia, nor a "best-of" playlist; it's a collection of remixes, specifically of select projects by the popular YouTuber Smooth McGroove whose multi-layered 'a cappella' game theme covers seemed all-too-ripe for the not-so-tender techno touch. Released through GameChops, the album Smooth McGroove Remixed features the work of ten different producers who've worked tirelessly to bring these themes from your childhood, and from YouTube fandom, to, of all places, the dance floor! In the course of our analysis, we'll be expressing our individual experiences with each iteration of the evolving theme-work before tackling a hefty post-album discussion on the mounting importance of Creative Commons. Continue reading
Today we're exploring the junction point of indi artistry, hip hop, comedy, and candidness... namely the self-described "Rhyme Minister" from Bromsgrove, Mr. Dan Bull. Having cultivated a devoted online following, in part owed to file sharing culture, Dan Bull is known for penning delightful odes to games and other media, for his comedic twists on familiar subjects, and for his intimate manner of encapsulating his own life experiences. On his latest album, Hip Hop Hooray, Dan Bull tackles subjects cheerful, silly, grim, and dire, offering fodder for celebration and analysis alike. Join us as we peer into the mouth of this "vicious beast", and as we briefly address the topics of file sharing and fan art at the top of the show. Continue reading
The groundhog has seen its shadow... and in that shadow... lurks CORIMA. If you've never heard of the 'Zeuhl' genre, then---just for the moment---spare yourself from culling through the 11-album discography of Magma (the genre's progenitor), and instead dive into Amaterasu, the third album by a vibrant and imaginative group based out of L.A. Taking after the jazz/prog leanings of its Zeuhl predecessors and the fully-enabled "anything goes" attitude of the RIO (Rock in Opposition) movement, Corima is all about fusion, yet also free of inhibition. The result: a two-piece, multi-movement concept work called Amaterasu. In this episode, we begin with an overview of Zeuhl before taking off on a roller coaster of an album analysis. Continue reading
Time to put on your computer & electronic music caps. Fusing the instincts of two overseas composers, Beatrice Dillon & Rupert Clervaux, Two Changes (an album released through Paralaxe Editions) is a two-track experience like no other. From techno, to ambient, to industrial, to the jazz noir finishings of pocket trumpetist Eben Bull, Two Changes offers a little bit of everything with no shortage of spectacle, and occasionally, stupefaction. And so, after another pre-album preamble, concerning electronica and track length, @0:18:42 we explore and assess the inner-workings of Two Changes' only pieces, "The Same River Twice" and "A Different River Once." Join along! Continue reading
Feeling classy? We've got quite the episode in store for you today. First, we're switching things up by placing our topic---a multi-pronged preamble for today's album---before the analysis instead of after. As a grand introduction to Chambers by Chilly Gonzales, we properly thank Doug Ferguson of the Music A to Z Podcast for recommending it, we talk a bit about their podcast, a bit about Chilly himself, and for our topic we address our own experiences with classical music over the years and reflect on the nasty habit of classical "avoidance". At last, once we're all warmed up, starting approx. 20 mins. in we begin to tackle Chambers, an album of twelve bite-sized neo-Romantic works featuring Chilly at the piano accompanied by Hamberg's Kaiser Quartett. So sit back, dive in, check out the Music A to Z Podcast (as well as Doug's last request), and indulge in the vast multiverse that is music and those who love discussing it. Continue reading
Welcome to our "official" inaugural episode of 2017! To kick off the year, we're looking at a well-known pillar of the music industry: Sting and his twelfth solo album since departing The Police (and first solo rock album in more than a decade), 57th & 9th. In an outward and inward-looking album where Sting takes a hard look backwards and a hard look at his surroundings at the same time, how does 57th & 9th fare as a work of art? Press play and contribute! Also, @1:57:35, we turn in our New Year's "homework", assigned to us back in ep. #222. In a frenzied search for weird and wild forms of art, we discuss six music genres that appeal to us---or repel us---in style or concept, all in an attempt to stump our colleagues. What niche genres do you find appealing? Continue reading
Well, it's been one hell of a year, and one hell of a week! Today we bring you the last episode of our 5-day series, our annual broad look at a year's worth of albums analyzed. These 'year in review' episodes represent our most cherished opportunity to shower additional praise, to re-analyze, to reiterate, and occasionally to rectify our past weekly instincts. Though we try our damnedest, it's impossible to fully digest albums on a week-to-week basis, so we're constantly re-examining. We'll start off with our rating changes, head over to our category prizes, take on the ever-so-maligned booby prizes, and then of course share with you our top picks. We have high hopes for 2017, high hopes for music, and high hopes for all of you! Thank you for another great year and we hope to see you next week. Continue reading
It's time for that silly annual tradition of ours. See, although we do our very best to publish the tightest episodes we can muster, make no mistake: the magic wand of editing has had a generous hand in that. That being the case, for just one episode a year, let's take a peek behind the curtain and gawk at the flubs, the blunders, the oversights, and the outright insanity. To thee we bare ourselves! Enjoy. Continue reading
It's day three of our five-day event series with today's episode marking the last entry in our 2016 review season. We thought we'd end the year nice and light, dabbling into some comedy, some satire, and of course, some obnoxious pop music. Join us as we follow the rise and fall---and rise again---of protagonist Conner4Real in the summer comedy flick, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. With the film and its original soundtrack both written by members of the The Lonely Island (who also star in the film), we're keeping to our goal of incorporating more cross-media material... and by gum it doesn't get more cross-media than that! Join us as we stroll through the film, wade through its myriad of cast members, and address the successes and pitfalls of both film & soundtrack as works of comedy. Enjoy! Continue reading
A "prog" band named Progger --- oy, now we've heard everything! Indeed, after hearing the Austin-based band's latest project Scattering (an album that sprung from a collaboration with the band's newest New York-based members) our horizons have been markedly broadened. Incorporating elements of jazz, prog, funk, and a hefty dose of name-your-poison, Scattering is no aperitif; it's the full meal. So join us for an in-depth analysis of this gripping work and also for a brief preview on some New Year's homework: the ultimate mystery genre game. Let's dig deep and ring in 2017 with shock & awe. Continue reading
Happy New Year from Crash Chords! Due in part to the holidays, but mostly to flu season, we took a short break and now it's time to play catch up! It's the race to Ep. #225 as we kick off the year with FIVE consecutive days of the Crash Chords Podcast. Today we commence with the first in the lineup by following through with our December guest's own listener pick. Many thanks to Mike Rugnetta for spurring us to tackle the third signed album by Childish Gambino---that is, the stage name and alias for actor and comedian Donald Glover---euphorically titled "Awaken, My Love!" Come join us for an analysis of the album and also for a discussion on music suggestions that always seem to come with warnings and caveats. Continue reading
Here's a proposition: a three-hour long Mike Rugnetta extravaganza! In the wake of his appearance on 'Crash Chords: Autographs', in CCA Ep. #43, we're pleased to re-introduce the one, the only, Mike Rugnetta for the full Crash Chords experience. Famed for hosting the PBS Idea Channel, a popular internet series that examines "the connections between pop culture, technology, and art", Mike sits in for a 30 min. follow-up interview, during which we prod into some new features on the Idea Channel, Mike's long-held interest in critical theory, the re-launch of his Reasonably Sound podcast, and fittingly, his own compositions. Finally, @ 0:29:20, we commence with the big tamale: quality time spent in a succulent critical analysis of Mike's album of choice, Without My Enemy What Would I Do by Made in Heights. With Mike fully in his element (and the rest of us seated & caffeinated), all that's missing is a dutiful audience! To join in, just chew on the album a bit, strap in, ponder, and play. Continue reading
Let's have a look at an album called Monument Builders by Loscil, a project by composer Scott Morgan. An ambient/electronica work at its core, Monument Builders was inspired by the Philip Glass score to the experimental film Koyaanisqatsi. The album spurs us to tackle a rare form of composition---the Vancouver native's unique brand of structured ambient minimalism---before entering our follow-up discussion on the importance of volume in music. (Hint: it's pretty important.) Continue reading
We just wanna tell you how we're feeling; gotta make you understand…. the power of analysis. As the title suggests, Rick Astley is 50! After taking an extended hiatus in order to raise a family, he's finally back to celebrate his age and other fortunes in his new album, aptly titled 50. Join us for a breakdown of 50, and also for a hefty discussion [@ 1:36:40] on the 'memification' of music, comedy, and social media art. So please, don't give us up, and don't let us down... because we know the game, and yes, we're gonna play it. Continue reading
We've got an exciting project lined up for you today: the Austrian rock band Second Relation and their third album Eno. Peppered with the perks of pop music and the soul-satisfying rewards of art rock, Eno is a must-experience for progressive rock fans and music lovers in general. You know the drill; listen to the album yourself first, then join us in a track-by-track analysis of Eno and Second Relation's fascinating attempt at musical portraiture. Afterwards, stick around for some brief theorizing on whether we, as people, have personal "themes"---simple narratives that the media we consume could easily, or not so easily, portray. Continue reading
Clear your day for Leonard Cohen. (Well, a least a portion of it.) With his soft vocals and poetic flair, Leonard Cohen has been speaking to a generation of poets as well as musicians ever since the 1960s. Today we'll be speaking to both camps as we take on Cohen's latest album You Want It Darker. Also, stick around for a brief compare & contrast discussion on universality and general appeal vs. the personal effect and specificity.
[Edit: This episode was released three days before Leonard Cohen's unfortunate passing. We are deeply saddened by his loss and we hope this episode is taken as a celebration of his work, despite its ill-timed release. The following interpretations of his final album and life's work are opinion-based and, we hope, considerate of his legacy.] Continue reading
Batten down the hatches… Tidal Wave, the seventh studio album by 17-year rock veterans Taking Back Sunday, is our task for the week. Despite some occasional changes in the band lineup, the group has retained enough stability to turn out albums with consistency and class. We hope you'll honor that consistency and join us for an analysis of the group's latest creation, Tidal Wave. Afterwards, stick around to [2:02:20] for a preview on a little experiment of ours: Does music stack up to the 7 Basic Plots of plot-writing (as are often found in literature)? Are the journeys equatable, or does music simply go rogue? Continue reading
Grab your passport. Today we're taking a trip through the island of Ushant --- that is, Eusa (in Breton) --- the inspiration for EUSA, the latest album by Ushant resident and French composer Yann Tiersen. As Crash Chords has never before had the opportunity to sit with a pure piano work, EUSA keeps us on our toes as we discuss Yann Tiersen's trademark style and the album's mysterious sequence of introductory "paths". We chat about imagery, minimalism, what is and isn't certainty/reality, and then let our hair down with a topic on good ol' fashioned boredom in a media-rich culture. Continue reading
Brace yourself for Love Streams... the "streams" being the conjurings of one Tim Hecker, a Canadian electronic artist who, with the help of his Icelandic colleagues, has turned out a record that focuses more on the indistinct (and occasionally indistinguishable) textures/soundscapes than on more well-defined figures. Sporting a whirlwind of choir, woodwinds, static, and plenty of food for discourse, we'll be analyzing Love Streams from top to bottom before indulging ourselves in a topic on music listening habits. From time and place to ambiance and mood, how do we slice up our daily routine to accommodate the wide world of music? When a specific mood is on the docket, who should accommodate whom? Continue reading
Take a risk on FISK! Overdue for some band bonding, today's "evening with" presents the NYC-based punk garage band called FISK, consisting of guitarist/vocalist Freddie Heinemann, drummer Brandon Jacobs, and the latest addition, CiCi Young (a punk rock bassist from China who makes a late appearance in today's episode --- so stick around for her abridged, yet fascinating life story). On topics such as "making it" in the music business, the pitfalls of perfectionism, vexing venues, and the trials & rewards of playing in NYC, we're glad to feature FISK in the limelight of their new EP Stun to Kill, and, as always, to feature their music: two studio tracks and a live & local performance at the Crash Chords studio. Continue reading
Schmilco-time! Whether you know Wilco, or don't know Wilco, then try getting to know Schmilco, as we'll be doing in today's episode. Though a bit of a left turn for a band that has practically earned a council seat in the hearts of a generation, Schmilco is a dreamlike saunter that dazzles in moments and reflects in others. Speaking of reflection, our topic [@ 1:41:41] takes to heart your hosts' prior experience of today's band and reflects on the notion of "second-hand bands", i.e., you know 'em… you like 'em… but do you know them? It's a common experience, one that can twist our perceptions of an artist for better or worse. So let's separate the bull from the malarky and have a podcast about it, shall we? Continue reading
This week, Crash Chords takes a gander at Message to Bears, the one-man project of multi-instrumentalist Jerome Alexander, and his latest album Carved From Tides. Though replete with talented session musicians, this one-man show tugs at our heart-strings and challenges us with a few head-scratches before spurring a scintillating topic on lyrical expression at [1:28:50]. Continue reading
This week, Crash Chords undertook a slightly heavier project. We've rejoined the wondrous world of soundtracks---our first in over three years. This time, it's to discuss the sparse yet pointed soundtrack to the video game 'Life is Strange' by DONTNOD Entertainment. Chronicling the story of an 18 year-old girl named Max who discovers her ability to control time while attending the Blackwell Academy, 'Life is Strange' is a story about friendship, right & wrong, and most of all, about consequences. Today we'll be strolling through the game, dissecting its myriad of outcomes, and finally attempting to "get a feel for it" from the songs that were chosen to adorn some of the game's key scenes. So either pick up, rent, or watch the game (via this 5-episode no-commentary Let's Play of 'Life is Strange' by Xenonz Kenway), and help us wrestle with the implications of Max's time-shattering actions together. We highly suggest it, as, you see...
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS! Continue reading
Perhaps one of the funkiest bands in Britain, The Heavy is on the workbench today along with their album Hurt & the Merciless, brought to us courtesy of listener José (Nokjaw). We'll be looking at the inns and the outs of this raucous release before taking on the subject of music comparison -- that is, the long-held practice of comparing one artist to another. Is this tactic of any meaningful use to the music community, or does it hinder one's ability to perceive ingenuity? All of this and other things too, here, in this episode… today. Continue reading
Some have called him the greatest American songwriter --- a merit worth examining as Paul Simon's music continues to retain its luster from generation to generation. But should the acclaimed discography of Paul Simon tint our analysis of the musician's latest album, Stranger to Stranger? …Hardly! Let's feign ignorance together and investigate Paul Simon's 13th studio album for all it has to offer. And don't forget to stick around to the end as we launch into a fun and surprisingly multi-faceted discussion on cell phone audio, retracing its evolution, and predicting its future. Continue reading
This week, our project is an album called Stranger Things Have Happened by English singer/songwriter Clare Maguire---on the face of it, an album that's split in tone, and potentially in theme. Can we wrestle our hearts with an album like this? We hope you will, because the gems are without a doubt, a reward in themselves. Partially influenced by jazz, lounge, soul, and dreampop, we encourage you to experience this album with us and join us in pondering its many distinctive flavors. Afterwards: film soundtracks and the power to save the film in question. A pipe dream? Are soundtracks tethered at the hip, or fiercely independent? Continue reading
As a band, Radiohead has been known for a great many things... Well, as of today, let them be known as a certified Crash Chords feature! So go forth, and spread the word! And if you, perchance, harbor some opinions on this band, then you might enjoy our objective take on the band's much-anticipated album, A Moon Shaped Pool. Join us for another roundtable "excavation" as we peel back the layers of this multi-faceted work. Afterwards, stick around for some thoughts on the role that imagery plays in music, i.e., pitting the "pure feelers" against the more optically sensitive listeners. Continue reading
Today's guest, Johnny Caligula, was "born in the back of a traveling show"... his "momma did dance for the money they'd throw." At the age of 30, he decided to follow her example and took up the ancient, sexual art of burlesque. Fortunate to receive guidance from the likes of Lefty Lucy, Mary Cyn, and Sarah Tops, Johnny regales us with tales of his latest exploits in burlesque (along with some insights into the business), before presenting us with this week's album pick: Coloring Book by the prominent collaborator of Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, Chance the Rapper. After a lengthy group analysis, be sure to stick around to the bitter end for some quick plugs on Johnny's upcoming shows! Continue reading
How long have you waited for this? Five years? On top of another eight? Sure, Blink-182 may not be known for their timeliness as of late, but luckily fans' memories run long (as their latest album California and its chart-topping status would suggest). Leaping at the chance to imbibe another record of mockery and melody, we're taking on California this week with open minds and open hearts. Join us, will you? Then, [at 1:39:23], a hypothesis: Is there such a thing as 'too many hooks'? Steeped in that magical crowd-pleasing nectar, are a series of good hooks worth celebrating or shunning? Are you a cautious fish... or would you take the bait? Continue reading
Get ready to melt at the sound of MAGMA, the latest release by the Queens-based [France-uprooted] metal band called Gojira. We've just got one question: Is Magma as hot as they say? Well, at great risk to our personal safety, today we're dipping our toes in for a full-fledged analysis to tackle that question. Join us, brave listeners, and don't fear the heat. Also, stick around [at 1:29:28] for a broad discussion on metal itself. Is metal truly a genre, or is it simply a tool? What can be made of the plethora of sub-genres under the metal banner, and do these labels help or hurt curious metal fans? Continue reading
…And into the "200s" we go! To inaugurate "Season 5" of the Crash Chords Podcast, we're sitting down with a group favorite: the music world's funk-tastic, alt-rock failsafe for over 30 years running, the Red Hot Chili Peppers! Specifically, we're looking at their brand new release The Getaway (their 11th studio album!) And then, being that we're taking on such consistently funky veterans, our topic briefly examines the rarity of finding bands that are joined at the hip, and who withstand the test of time. Continue reading
Time does fly doesn't it? It's already our 200th episode and our fourth anniversary! We hope you've had a good four years. We've had some ups and some downs, album-wise. That's why today we're going up, up, UP! To the top of the charts, that is. Like our previous anniversary episodes, we're stepping outside the normal sequence of events today in order to tackle a special project. This time 'round, we'll be looking to see what the Billboard charts have in store for us. Specifically, we'll be looking at the top 10 hit singles for the week leading up to this recording: the week of June 25th. Follow along with us in the Spotify playlist as we countdown to #1, and join us as we dare to challenge the undisputed sales champions of pop. Who will win? I think they already did... Continue reading
Get excited for the man, the myth, the legend---who you've just now heard of---Matt Dorsi! Currently a member of the indie rock band Blue Spruce (and formerly a member of East Coast Ghost), hear the Woodstock–Williamsburg transplant chat about the trials and tribulations of band breakups and the all-around rewards of being a bassist, songwriter, and up-and-coming audio producer. A relentlessly talented solo act, we kick off the show with Matt's own compositions and then an interview before diving into Matt's album pick: the 2012 LP by The Menzingers called On the Impossible Past. Enjoy! Continue reading
Ready to take on the impossible, kid? Help us take on The Impossible Kid, the 7th studio release by veteran wordsmith Aesop Rock. You can thank listener Alex StarF Alverson for today's pick as we hope you'll join us in peeling back the layers of this complex self-assessment of an album: one of both the artist and the person. As wordsmithing will be of critical importance to today's episode, we decided to conduct our own self-assessment in our topic [at 1:48:18] as we take a brief look at the importance of word choice in critical analysis, as well as in the art itself. Continue reading
This week we're tumbling down the rocky trail of punk music to check out an Exeter, UK trio called Muncie Girls and their album From Caplan to Belsize. The album, which advertises itself as tackling everything from politics to interpersonal relationships, is the debut LP for the trio, and is sure to fire up some debates. The last debate of the night results in our topic [1:25:51]: What have the effects of "counter-culture" movements been on art and music in recent decades? We look at the pros, the cons, and finally pose the ultimate question: is counter-counter even, like, a real thing still? Let's hear your thoughts! Continue reading
You may know Blue Man Group from their long-running, head-turning stage productions, but in the years since their formation in 1991, the core group has also compiled a modest discography of original LPs. Their third LP, entitled Three, was released this April and showcases the group's innovative and trademarked palette of instruments, including new contrivances of PVC piping, chimeulums, tubulums, traditional cimbaloms, and other mystery sounds! While we're on instruments, join our topic at [1:30:28] as we debate the etiquette and ethics of borrowing proprietary musical devices. Continue reading
There's nothing quite like Yugen that we can find. An Italian avant-prog chamber ensemble that derived influence from the RIO movement (Rock in Opposition) of the 70s/80s, Yugen's latest endeavor is an LP called Death by Water. With a lust for chaos and a penchant for carefully cloaking its oddball leitmotifs, Death by Water can't be judged by its cover. Check out the album in the Spotify link and just let it happen, folks. And then, we implore you… let us happen as well. Invite Crash Chords into your lives as we reason out this behemoth of an album, from its pinnacles to its perils. And then, in our topic, hear us reason out the disparity between the terms "avant-garde" and "experimental"… if any. Continue reading
We're tackling Arca! Specifically, Mutant by Arca! An experimental / electronic mosaic of emotion, Mutant is an exposing project for the 26-year-old London-based Venezuelan producer, Alejandro Ghersi. Mutant may also be a challenge for certain listeners, but why falter now? Dive in with us, headlong! Also, stick around at the tail end for some brief musings on BIAS --- that is, textural bias, structural bias, the creativity bias, and the "discomfort" bias. ALL kinds of bias! Continue reading
Ready to rummage through Junk by M83?? We certainly are. The veteran French electronic music band, fronted by Anthony Gonzalez, has been quite up-front about some intentions surrounding its seventh studio LP Junk, leading us to some fairly heated debates. In our topic, for instance, at [1:49:40], we launch into a debate on the evolution of aesthetic values. Does time, in fact, validate? Weigh in! Continue reading
Welcome to today's discussion on Varmints by Anna Meredith, the Scottish composer most recently known for drifting between contemporary classical and electro-pop. Varmints flexes her composers' muscles and takes her "maximalist" sensibilities just a step further, but how big of a step? Let's find out together! And of course, check out [1:59:02] to hear a self-analytical discussion on our practice of podcast "pre-listens", i.e., a group run-through. If we assume that tastes are contingent on whatever we're exposed to, then what about the people we listen to music with? Do friends and colleagues affect our enjoyment of music, like a contagious wave of laughter? You tell us! Continue reading
Two-thirds of the Wall Street Playaz---the hottest "financial rap" trio you'll likely ever hear about (not to mention distinguished first-ever guests of the Crash Chords Podcast)---are back for their third appearance! Together with Future Money and the Profit Prophet, we hold an interview discussing the group's music & comic influences along with a detailed origin of their concept. (Also keep an ear open for some track previews/throwbacks.) Soak 'em up!… because at [00:41:51] we tackle the guests' pick of the week: Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels (a collaboration between rapper-producer El-P and Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike). Enjoy! Continue reading
The April 1st comeback of the 2007 supergroup The Last Shadow Puppets (formed by Alex Turner and Miles Kane) has unveiled Everything You've Come to Expect, an album brought to us courtesy of listener José (Nokjaw). Let's all dive into the album together before confronting our topic [at 1:41:15], which explores the physical limitations of musicians and how certain artists have managed to overcome them. Continue reading
Ever hear of BABYMETAL? Well, you have now. A Japanese "idol metal" band fronted by three pop singers -- and supported by a killer metal ensemble (Kami Band) -- BABYMETAL's unique blend of heavy metal and J-Pop continues to rock out their fans, and perhaps confuse others, in their latest album Metal Resistance. Let's meander through the album together, and then tackle our topic of the week: the function of the "death metal growl." The pinnacle of catharsis? A blight on your music? Let's bat around some thoughts. Continue reading
Let's see what Iggy Pop is up to! In his new album called Post Pop Depression, Iggy is joined by collaborators Joshua Homme and Dean Fertita (both of Queens of the Stone Age fame), as well as drummer Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys. Join us in a discussion of how the album fares and feel free to comment at leisure. And don't forget about our topic… Retirement: or When to Call it Quits & Why. Enjoy! Continue reading
Today, Crash Chords is pleased to welcome guest Kati Delaney (visual artist, voice-over artist, and former Way Station bartender extraordinaire)! She joins us to discuss her voice-over work, the development of her drawing style, and--segueing into the album of the week--her many MISadventures experiencing music as a bartender. Finally we come to her album of choice: the 2016 reissue of Everybody Wants by the glam rock insurgents from the U.K., The Struts. Help us break down the album, and let us know your thoughts below! Continue reading
Today we're exploring the latest release by indi/folk singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan called In the Magic Hour. Bear with us as we slowly peel back the onion that is In the Magic Hour and discover it for ourselves, right before your very ears. Contribute to the discussion in the comments below! What was your experience with the album? Plenty to mull over, indeed, especially in our topic, at [1:42:04], on the nature of obscurity in music. Is obscurity a true literary/musical device? Is it a fault? Or do we invent it when our comprehension fails us? Questions, theories, questions, theories... Hop in the circle! Continue reading
Come and join us on an excursion through the debut, self-titled release, Heron Oblivion by, you guessed it, Heron Oblivion. Composed of seasoned musicians Charlie Saufley, Meg Baird, and former Comets on Fire members Ethan Miller and Noel Von Harmonson, Heron Oblivion lies on the fringes of psychedelic rock… and we want to see what makes it tick! Bear with us for this full album analysis and let us know your feelings below. Also, stick around 'till [1:19:50] for an interesting conversation on the concept of mood music (sometimes derisively called "musak"). Is society guilty of isolating, partitioning, and oversimplifying moods in music, or rather of condemning the confidently one-dimensional? These questions -- and some scary predictions -- on this week's Crash Chords Podcast! Continue reading
This week we take on the latest release by pop rock mainstays Panic! at the Disco: their 2016 album Death of a Bachelor. We dissect the album top to bottom and, as always, invite some active contributions in the comment board. After that, you'll DEFINITELY want to tune in for our topic at 1:36:03 to hear us discuss the concept of "newness". That's right... new, novel, fresh, creative... whatever you call it, "newness" seems to be at the heart of what we're after when our "comfort art" is all but spent. But is this always the case? After all, what makes something NEW anyway? Can anything be truly new? Or, are all things new, and we're just scraping to recognize patterns? Come and join us in this timeless critics' crisis! We'd love to hear from you. Continue reading
At last we've snagged the veteran Burlesque artist, producer, and all-around conceptualizer, Nasty Canasta. To kick off the episode, we talk about all things Nasty; we hear about the esteemed performer's turbulent journey toward her chosen art form and how it coincides with her love of theater, script writing, and production work. Nasty also brings us our album of the week! Join us in a discussion of Donker Mag by Die Antwoord, a rap-rave duo out of South Africa... a "Nasty" analysis, indeed. And of course, don't forget to check out the curiously named 2 DESKS show at the Way Station, Thursday March 10th. Continue reading
This week we're diving deep into the world of Lord RAJA (the solo project of New York-based producer Chester Raj Anand) and his latest release, PARA. Join us as we dissect the trials and triumphs of this eclectic album and stick around for our topic (at 1:28:48): an honest discussion of the two-headed monster called "Feedback". What do we want out of it? Should we want anything? And can it can make the world a better place? Press play to find out! Continue reading
This week's album adventures are brought to you by listener Mark H. who has suggested we dive into the acronymic namesake of a curious collaboration: Glasgow-based Franz Ferdinand & Los Angeles-based Sparks. Together, they form the "supergroup" called FFS, sporting a sole self-titled debut (FFS). Join us in this intensive analysis and share your thoughts! (We even throw in the bonus tracks to honor the FFS deluxe version.) True to form, we also take a few moments at the end to expand on Ep. #179's "Bonus Tracks" discussion by adding some thoughts and theories on the thematic applications of bonus tracks. Continue reading
Today the Crash Chords Podcast welcomes the magician extraordinaire, sought-after special effects consultant, and delightfully entertaining Matt Holtzclaw! In an opening interview, Matt shares with us some tales from his long career, his stint on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and the essence of what magic means to him as an art form. But wait! For Matt's last trick, he conjures up an album for our weekly group analysis. That album---Paper Gods by the synth/pop darlings of the 1980s, Duran Duran. So go ahead and join us on this magical journey and don't forget to check out Matt's upcoming shows (posted on the magician's webpage). Continue reading
Remember our ancient Matchbox Twenty episode? Well, as you may or may not know, the band's frontman Rob Thomas has had a solo career for over a decade, and we just thought we'd check in to see what his latest solo excursion, The Great Unknown, is all about. Join us in today's unsparing analysis, listen to our afterthoughts, and then share yours below! Also, don't forget to check out our big discussion at 1:43:17 on the trials and tribulations of bonus tracks and exclusive media. Sick of it all yet? Can't get enough? We want to know! Continue reading
Yup... we're back to Steam Powered Giraffe. And it's a special double disc day! The Vice Quadrant, the fourth installment of the steampunk / "broadway"-esque act (chronicling the adventures of three antique malfunctioning musical robots) was released September 2015, and, as promised in their previous release MK III, they're in spaaaace! Although today marks a rare third visit to an artist for us (after episodes 39 & 72), the "space" sales pitch was simply too tempting to resist. We will, however, bite the hook on one count: being a double disc, an unstreamable album, and an extra long episode, this one's likely just for the SPG fans. If you count yourself in that crowd---but still have a critical ear---then join us in this hefty analysis and share your thoughts below! Hopefully our 'Disc Two' "bookmark" at 1:23:30 will help manage your time. Continue reading
Today we're taking on a long-awaited "listener pick" from Doug Ferguson of the Music A to Z Podcast (one of the subjects of our 150th Episode Special's "music podcast" overview). Thanks to Doug, we'll be diving into the album VEGA INTL. Night School by Neon Indian, a project of indie-electronic composer Alan Palomo. Neon Indian was also discussed in Music A to Z's episode, "N Is For Neon Indian", so give that a listen as well! Finally, we wrap up with a quick predictive experiment: The "thirty-year rule"... 2040s style! What elements of today's music could potentially make their way into cultural rotation for a thirty-year resurgence? Hopes? Fears? Let's hear 'em in the comments! And don't forget to give Music A to Z a follow! Continue reading
Welcome to the first episode of 2016! Join us as we kick off the new year with a new microphone and Björk's torrid divorce album, Vulnicura, released early last year. Afterwards, we dive into some more heavy material concerning music at large: how easy it is to grow "out of touch", internet marketing, and postcapitalism! Should be a fun year... Continue reading
At last, we've arrived at the 2015 Year in Review! Join us in our annual barrage of categories, prizes, and tears (of all varieties) as we "shock" each other with our personal picks from the year's analyses. If you're having trouble following along, try out the CCP Archive, starting with episode #126... or just wing it. There's always next year. In fact, hop on board with us next week (on our normal schedule) to be our 2016 companion! (Next year's "Year in Review" will make much more sense, we promise.) And as always, a Happy New Year from Crash Chords! Continue reading
What significance could number "174" possibly have in your life? Wait... don't answer that... There's no time! It's OUTTAKE TIME! Before the new year arrives -- or even our hefty "year in review" -- we ask that you imbibe our annual concoction of fumbles, foibles, follies, and foolishness. Abandon all hope, ye who download this podcast, for today we bestow unto you our refuse, our backwash, our inane impulses, and our ignominious blunders. (Sounds like a lark, right?) Happy Holidays! Continue reading
To close out this review season, we bring you the debut album by the most ambitious collaborators we've ever looked at... Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment. Although they began with a core of five members, the band's debut album Surf certainly lives up to their name, The Social Experiment, by introducing MANY more musical minds to the table. Offering the album up for free (exclusively on iTunes), the band appears to be as magnanimous as they are community-driven. Enjoy this thorough analysis along with, lastly, some quick thoughts on contemporary music trends -- verily on our minds as we fast approach the 2015 year in review. Continue reading
Need something to muse on? Muse on us! (...Musing on Muse.) That's right; since we're returning to a band we haven't touched since Ep. #16, we'll of course be counting on some growth from both fronts for our analysis of Muse's latest album, Drones. Finally, be sure to check out 1:27:48 for a special topic hosted by Jon & Steve---sans Matt due to travel plans---on the early stages of a Crash Chords "debate" series poised to begin in 2016. Suggestions? Reservations? Contentions? That's the idea! Let's hear 'em all in the comments section! Continue reading
Thanks to the suggestion of listener & "Scoop Cruise" traveler Jessica Votaw, this week we had a nice long sit with Static, the latest album by the metal band Huntress. A revealing work, skirting some personal challenges, Static certainly tests our "mettle" as we analyze it top to bottom (music, structure, lyrics, & all) and express our feelings along the way. Opinions of your own? Comment below! Finally, to close out the episode, at 1:31:56 we step over to our topic: HYPE. Can't get enough of that sweet marketing goodness? Or, are you feeling sorely overpumped -- just to be deflated in an instant? Let's cover the pros & cons together, all on the Crash Chords Podcast! Continue reading
Prepare yourself for the music & antics of special guest Killy Dwyer, comic musician and singer-songwriter of Kill the Band. (You'll be hearing some of their work throughout the episode, so ears open!) And after a hefty interview with Killy herself -- covering themes in her songwriting, her background, her studio work, her live act, and the state of the arts in NYC -- we finally "lighten" the load at 1:01:44 with a discussion on Killy's album choice, a short and cheery EP called Songs for Your Future by The Dreamstalks. (And of course, by "lighten" we mean "weigh it down" again with subjects of a fancifully child-scarring nature.) Enjoy! Continue reading
Today we're tackling No No No by Beirut. Negative much? With an album called No No No, that might be a required state of mind going in. Then again, the music seems to conflict with that idea. Confused yet? Don't be. I'm just the show notes, what do I know? Press play already! As for the topic, head to 1:15:11 for a discussion on the foreground/background nature of lyrics. Do they slap you in the face or fade into the instrumentation? Does the music steer the message or does the message steer the music? We even grapple with the nature of the subliminal, and much, much more in today's episode of the Crash Chords Podcast. Continue reading
Today's album, Blurryface by Twenty One Pilots, explores the many ugly heads of 'insecurity'. Fun times! But there's a catch... The artist (the author and musician) is very much a part of the tale, which leads to a rather -- wait for it -- "meta" plot-structure. Yes, that label, "meta" (as groan-worthy as it has become in pseudo-academic culture), adds a strong dimension to Blurryface. That being the case, starting at 1:34:55 we take some time to explore the use of "meta" elements in other pieces of music, as well as some common fallacies that have erupted from the word itself. Continue reading
This week we seek something HIGHER! Perhaps we'll find it in Chris Cornell's solo album, Higher Truth? Won't know until we dive in. Climb aboard won'tchya? Afterwards, stay on board for a giant discussion on the concept and usage of the 'Extended Play', i.e., the EP. Not too big and not too small... why is this thing still around?! How did it start? How was it used? How IS it used? How SHOULD it be used?! Enjoy! Continue reading
Remember Afterbirth Monkey's visit back in Episode #95? No? Well, luckily your memory only has to be half that good to welcome back our guest, Rachel Schenk: a.k.a. actress extraordinaire, burlesque artist, & 1/2 of Afterbirth Monkey. So, with all of THAT to deal with, we immediately launch into all the inns, the outs, and the split-ends of her exciting career(s), including her current role in The Restaurant, directed by Eric T. Ford. Finally, for the featured discussion, tune in at 21:10 as we dive straight into Rachel's album pick of the week: California Nights by Best Coast. Join us for the long haul! We won't bite. Continue reading
This week, we thank listener Jessica Ferraro for her submission: Nothing More... by the band, Nothing More! Released last year, the San Antonio / New Orleans-based band's self-titled "major label" debut, Nothing More (with Eleven Seven Music) builds upon their earlier albums and is an eclectic mix of surprises. Join us as we tackle this 17-track monster and see what it offers from start to finish. Finally, at 1:32:48, we hash out the subject of 'track count' and its impact on how we experience albums. Continue reading
Come witness what many would call the junction point of two repelling magnets (Hip-Hop and Classical) with the newest album by Black Violin, called Stereotypes. Its core members (violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B) might argue this point however, as they approach their unique brand of genre fusion as a marriage made in... Florida. Give the album a listen (the duo's first LP under the Universal Classics label) and then come give us a listen! Or, skip to 1:31:26 for a roundtable discussion on whether Hip-Hip can claim the title of "most versatile." We've got our opinions, let's hear yours! Continue reading
Try to keep pace as we have some fun with Run, the latest release by the electronic rock band Awolnation (fronted by Aaron Bruno). Poke around the album yourself first and then join us in the analysis! Or, go ahead and fast forward to 1:36:05 for a great conversation on the impact of 'vagueness' in music. (We'll try to keep this as specific as possible.) Enjoy! Continue reading
This week we wrestle with the latest project by Ben Folds, this time a solo work (as a follow-up to our much earlier review of the same artist, then with the re-formed Ben Folds Five). In his latest album, So There, the famed pianist is working in two new arenas: the chamber ensemble and the orchestra. Join us in an analysis of the first eight tracks, where he supplements his pop stylings with the incredible talents of yMusic---a New York-based ensemble known for their intensive composer collaborations---and then for the final three tracks, each one a movement from Ben Folds' much-awaited piano concerto (recorded with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra). Afterwards, stick around for a recap of the vinyl resurgence, as discussed in CC: Autographs Ep. #28.... but this time with Jon! Continue reading
Today we welcome special guest Anja Keister, a producer & performer at D20 Burlesque gifted with a rich musical background. More than prepared to discuss her album choice, Anja starts by sitting down for a warm-up interview. Join us as we discuss Anja's uniquely-conceived acts, her trials, and her inspirations. Then, join us once more as we dive into Anja's album pick of the week (20:37). Anja's choice: Beat the Champ by The Mountain Goats. As The Mountain Goats' 15th studio release, Beat the Champ is actually a journey through songwriter John Darnielle's childhood love of dirt cheap, small circuit wrestling. For more details, you'll just have to experience it. Then visit us for the analysis, and thank Anja for the selection! Continue reading
The day has arrived! After 109 episodes, we are finally returning to the band that once delivered us the highest rated album of the podcast's history. Ever since Episode #51, when we saw Godsticks break the mold with The Envisage Conundrum, we've been waiting to put their third studio release, Emergence, to the test. Biases notwithstanding, today we're freezing the fanfare for an objective analysis of what this newly-released and highly acclaimed work has to offer. (Needless to say, if you haven't yet heard of Godsticks, we're determined to fix that.) And then, at last, for our topic, we address the elephant in the room: what's a critic to do when they're being watched? While many artists are resigned to the fact that all eyes are on their work, a critic's corner is more ancillary. Looking briefly at the publicist–critic relationship, how can critics keep their real opinions separate from the "business" of it all? More to the point, should they? Continue reading
This week, join us for an analysis of the latest work by an onomatopoeia Rocktronica favorite, the duo known as RATATAT (composed of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast). The album, Magnifique, is their fifth studio release. Also, stick around afterwards as we psycho-analyze the nightclub! Is there an impenetrable barrier or constant overlap between social mood-setters and works of substance? Is background music an art form of its own? Does a critic have any place in the debate?! These questions and not too many answers on today's episode of CCP! Continue reading
Many thanks to José (Nokjaw) for today's fan-pick, The Great Pretenders by Mini Mansions! The fans of two other bands will also be pleased as the Mini Mansions ensemble was forged out of the hiatus of Queens of the Stone Age (bringing over bassist Michael Shuman), while today's album, The Great Pretenders, has seen the addition of Alex Turner (from Arctic Monkeys). Influences aside, let's see how this latest project compares! Finally, stick around for a discussion on the importance of 'challenging music'---that is, music that confronts us head-on and forces us to do a little more work than we'd like to. What are the benefits of a challenging work, and how to quantify it? Continue reading
For the third and most ear-piercing occasion on the Crash Chords Podcast, it's NELSON LUGO! That's right, our resident magician and comrade-in-mic (from the EPIC PIEcast) joins us once again, this time with an album called Benjamin Booker, a debut LP by the artist of the same name. For the bulk of the show, we tear into the lauded work and see what makes it tick -- but not before discussing Nelson himself! Soak in the updates on his "Gathering the Magic" act (previewed in Ep. #72), and hear us commiserate with Nelson over his latest "YouTube blues" -- the artist's struggle with the deadening woes of the medium. Finally, we close out the episode with some thoughts on the application of music in performances and routines. Enjoy! Continue reading
This week we explore the latest work by the progressive rock & metal band, Between the Buried and Me. The album is called Coma Ecliptic. As the title might suggest, the album's central theme focuses on a man who is stuck in a coma, journeying throgh his past lives. With each song intended as its own Twilight Zone-esque "episode", Between the Buried and Me has certainly laid out a challenging structure for Coma Ecliptic. Question is, can it sustain itself? Let's begin the analysis and find out! Afterwards, listen on for a discussion that pits genre-rooted music against theme-rooted music---that is, types of songs that bind their genres together, while at the same time brazenly rising from their genre's Continue reading
Today we revisit a group that we skirted past (way back in CCP Ep. #36) called Walk Off The Earth. In that episode, we discussed a smattering of topics: the origins of the band, their history of covering pop hits, and their then-new EP, R.E.V.O. Well this time we're correcting the books by looking at their full album, Sing It All Away, to see what it has to say. Afterwards, stick around for a discussion on titles, names, designations -- literally, whatever you want to call it. How do song titles (or lack thereof) form preconceptions about the works they characterize? Continue reading
A special album and a special guest, today we welcome Joe Benjamin (from Joe Benjamin and a Mighty Handful). Steeped in the larger-than-life sounds of big band & swing, the 11-piece ensemble performs the work of the German-born singer, composer, and conductor Joe Benjamin. Listen for some samples of his work, an exclusive interview with the man himself, and finally for the album he brought to place under our microscope (starting at 37:22). That album is called Amour t'es là?, the 2013 release by another massive ensemble, Banda Magda (fronted by Greek native and French speaker Magda Giannikou). More samples from Joe and a Mighty Handful throughout, so listen through! Continue reading
Acid techno. Need clarification? Unfortunately, clarity is hardly the aim of today's artist: Squarepusher (the long-time alias of UK-based electronica artist, Tom Jenkinson). Although his music isn't always dowsed in acid, Squarepusher's penchant for spasmodic, lightning speed breakdowns has been a steady lure for the intellectually curious for up to 20 years. His work is hardly for everyone, but today we accept the challenge as we peer into his latest experiment, Damogen Furies. Then stick around for a discussion on how monetary transactions might actually impact our enjoyment of music. From concerts to streetside performances, do our endorphins jump ship the deeper we dig into our pockets? Continue reading
Feelin' jazzy? Today we look at the duo formed by Stuart Matthewman and Vanessa Bley, and their self-titled debut, Twin Danger. Also joined by an entourage of other prominant jazz figures, Twin Danger hearkens back to jazz's golden age, pursuing themes of desire, conflict, love... and, well, all that jazz! Afterwards, stick around for a discussion on aesthetic aversions and genre connotations, true or false. Continue reading
To kick off "Season 4", we look at a fairly big name from across the pond: Florence + The Machine. Joining our recent lineup of dynamic female singer/songwriters, Florence Welch (with her expansive melodies and enchanting lyrics) appears to bring it home once more with the vastly-titled How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. (Just how big and how beautiful remains to be seen.) So go ahead, join in the analysis, and field your opinions in the comment board! Afterwards, stick around for a hefty discussion on the fairness of lyrical criticism. Have you ever seen a gem of a lyric fly under the radar? Or an overrated lyric reach Pulitzer acclaim? We'll be exploring the possibility of a double standard in the critical approaches to lyrical verse vs. standalone prose today on the Crash Chords Podcast! Continue reading
Welcome to our 150th Episode Special and THIRD-year anniversary! In the vein of our previous anniversaries, this themed episode takes a short leave from our album analyses to discuss something just as pertinent: the nature of our own medium---music podcasts. We take a careful look at a hand-picked group of music-focused podcast series, from the high-traffic behemoths to some ambitious go-getters. We describe their mission, praise their contributions, and address their challenges. The selections before the panel are: Song Exploder, TAP to Music, Music A to Z, Jonah Raydio, Classical Performance Podcast, Sound Opinions---and for kicks, Compleatly Beatles. [Cue Beatles debate.] In short, this unaffiliated crew of dedicated podcasters care deeply about music... much like yours' truly. And how could we care about our product if we didn't care about our peers? So check them out, check us out, and dole out your fanship; we certainly all value it. Continue reading
Nearing our 3-yr. anniversary, the inkwell is far from dry -- especially in the presence of cartoonists Ed Reynolds (of Fermented Zen) and Chuck Collins (of Bounce)! Shuffling up the format this week, we kick off the episode with an interview to explore the Zen/Bounce style and philosophy, and then (from 0:30:00 on) we dive straight into Ed & Chuck's album of choice. Director John Carpenter, known for scoring most of his early films, has never released a studio album... that is, not until Lost Themes! Steeped in hazy imagery, Lost Themes is a fanciful excursion through your mind's own creations. Join us for this in-depth analysis! Then, starting at 1:45:38, we begin a round table discussion on the use of music in cartoons. Ever since the golden age of American animation, have cartoons been less musical? Continue reading
Tackling the subjects of frayed connections, dysphoria, and do-overs, Jeff Rosenstock's second solo project We Cool? is a spirited look into a wild and sullied past. To what end, you'll have to listen in. (Thanks to Star F for this upbeat, if harrowing fan pick.) Also stick around for the discussion of the millenium! Seriously, what changed in 2000? Undeniably, all decades carry their own cultural identity—and so, finally with some distance between us and the 90s / 20-aughts, let's start objectively measuring those obvious and not-so-obvious developments. Continue reading
The electronic/abstract hip hop community must be delighted by the release of Scott Herren's latest album, Rivington Não Rio, released under his long-time alias, Prefuse 73. After several other projects, Herren's Prefuse 73 label once again incurs an eclectic array of collaborators and featured artists, while Rivington Não Rio also aims to take us down a much darker path. After we break the album down to its core, stick around for a followup discussion on 'music description' and the pallete of words we implement—or strain to implement—when summing up our favorite sections. Continue reading
The one and only proprietor of our affiliate bar & venue, The Way Station (haven for some Brooklyn musicians, launchpad for others), Andy Heidel is today's special guest and co-panelist! Also a published science fiction/fantasy writer, Andy's unique perspective as a successful artist–businessman could well inspire the likes of any myopic upstart who feels snared by the metaphysical and perturbed by entrepreneurship. Speaking of the metaphysical, his acclaimed story collection Desperate Moon is ripe to snare your curiosity (and your currency). For the full interview, skip to 1:40:58. For today's album, brave the innards! Andy brings us Belle and Sebastian's Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance. Well-experienced at mellowing out their fans, this time Belle & Sebastian take us dancing! Sort of... Listen to the album, listen to us, and listen to Andy Heidel to find out! Continue reading
Today's artist, the incomparable They Might Be Giants, represent a welcomed throwback in the course of this series. For those interested in our analysis of their 2013 album, Nanobots, be sure to check out CCP Ep. #38. For their latest project, Glean, you're just a play-button away! Their seventeenth studio release, They Might Be Giants seem to have no shortage of ideas as they use Glean to unload all of their rants, musings, wordplay, and involuntary spasms. As for our topic, stick around for a lighthearted chat on the un-'soundly' world of "music trash-talking". Continue reading
Blur's evolution as a brit-pop/alt-rock band from their formation in 1988 to their 2003 album Think Tank cannot be understated. But after a twelve-year hiatus, and the return of core member Damon Albarn (now of Gorillaz and solo fame), how will Blur's long-awaited LP, The Magic Whip, fare? After peering deep into the full album, we take some time to discuss the "many-hat musician"! What are the long-term effects of an artist who dabbles in multiple projects? Continue reading
In revisiting the pop community, much hype has been bestowed to a 16-year-old Canadian artist who broke the record for youngest artist to debut in the top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100. Brought to the world's attention through his successful Vine covers, Shawn Mendes and his debut album Handwritten promises to bolster his 6.5-second skills with a full-length production. Let's hop in and see how those skills translate! Afterwards, some general thoughts on the impact of 'age' in music. From child prodigies to latent talents, can we quantify the effects that passing years have on artists' abilities? Continue reading
Owing its concept to the life and death of Joyce Carol Vincent, the fourth solo album by prog giant Steven Wilson, Hand. Cannot. Erase., is a poignant excursion through isolation's subtle yet crippling onset. Listen to the album yourself first, then—as always—let's explore and analyze its finer points in long-form discussion and weigh them against the whole. Also, be sure to stick around for a riveting followup discussion on the nature of genre fusion. We've got some theories; let's hear yours! Continue reading
Anxious Kids Make Good People (AKMGP): the acronym, the axiom, and the "-nym" are all coined by today's guest, Devin Jackson Mullen, who writes & performs under the namesake. Straight from his career in sound design and the release of his latest EP, Radio Fire Flies, Devin joins our team to unveil the 2012 album Nocturne by Wild Nothing (the brainchild of Virginia-based artist Jack Tatum.) After Devin helps us break apart the album, we go on to break apart Devin! Figuratively, that is. For those who can't wait, Devin's interview begins at 1:25:37. For his three groovy surprises however, you'll have to hunt. Continue reading
Prime your ears for the latest release by Death Cab for Cutie! A pop favorite for much of the millenium, Death Cab for Cutie has been known to their fans as the modern soul of Indi, and their frontman (singer/songwriter Ben Gibbard) as the purveyor of tear-jerkers. Let's walk through their most recent project, Kintsugi. Then stick around for a discussion on time, place, and acoustics. Where do you get your most comprehensive listening done? Continue reading
"April is the cruellest month," as T.S. Eliot put it. If rain and taxes weren't proof enough, let's tack on some death! Sufjan Stevens' latest release, Carrie & Lowell, is not so much an expansion on his existing work as it is a trip down the bleak rabbit hole of life's greatest mystery. With the untimely passing of his mother Carrie, Stevens drifts from the cutthroat realities of death's aftermath to despair and bittersweet nostalgia. Join us as we join him on this harrowing yet preparatory journey. Afterwards, we address other methods of dealing with death. Seriously, don't enjoy this episode too much! Continue reading
Courtesy of our fan, Kristin V., today we investigate American Beauty/American Psycho, the latest release by the reunited pop giants, Fall Out Boy. However we might have approached this band in the past, let's take our analysis one note at a time. Aftewards the review, stick around for... "The Great Cliché Debate"! Join us as we cite our darkest terrors in modern music and then duke it out! (Spoilers: we all lose.) Tell us about your most feared clichés! Continue reading
The year of hiatuses continues! If you remember Modest Mouse, then you might be wondering where they've been lately. Indeed, it's been eight years since their last release, but they have returned in a big way with their newest curiosity, Strangers to Ourselves. After we pick apart the album, stick around for a brief chat on the "anytime band." What elusive appeal keeps a band forever bumping around our comfort playlists? Continue reading
Today we welcome guitarist, clarinetist, and singer-songwriter Robare James Pruyn-Bush to the podcast as our guest panelist and dynamic performer. Kicking off the episode with a cover he performs with one of his many bands, The Waysties, we then lunge into our album analyis (courtesy of Robare himself). The former lead singer of My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way, is on a solo kick! But just how will his debut project, Hesitant Alien, fare in our roundtable discussion? Check out the album and find out for yourself! Also stick around for an exclusive interview with Robare and for some surprises from his other band, The Rose West. Continue reading
Once known as a controversial figure in music for his peculiar image, scathing lyrics, and perceived negative influence, Marilyn Manson's impact as a counter-culture figure in the 90s has undoubtedly bled into the present day. What's more, the band and their eponymous frontman are still at it! Let's dive into Manson's ninth studio album, The Pale Emperor, and see how it fares. Finally, join us for a brief chat on what it means to be a frontman or frontwoman in a brand-building enterprise. When is it more effective to market a single entity as opposed to a collective? Could this be considered an "afront" to its other members? What's your take? Continue reading
Described as indie folk, indie rock, and baroque pop, most genres fail to capture the plethora of avenues used by The Decemberists to spin fanciful yarns to their devoted fans. Often celebrating antediluvian themes with modern sensibilities, The Decemberists have become the paradigm for making the old-timey "à la mode". Let's take a trip through their latest work, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World for today's much-awaited analysis. Also stick around for a chat on what it means to employ research in the course of band-diving. Should the discography of a band be calling the shots? Continue reading
This week, our trip through "high" art involves clearing a high "arc". In Kangding Ray's ambitious electronica album Solens Arc, he aims to portray the simple physics of ballistics in musical arcs of three. But just how high can our arc's arc fly when our "arc" is hard to see? Challenge your ears with this inventive album and join us in a high-flying analysis. Also join us as we explore the line between music-infused visual art and visually-enhanced musical concepts. As our minds are constantly prone to superseding roles, when does the artist's goal become lost in translation? Continue reading
Well, it's happened. Crash Chords covers the topic of... DEPRESSION. But first, we look at the pain, the comedy, and the minor nuisances of the subject through the lens of today's album, Haven't Got the Blues (Yet) by stage veteran Loudon Wainwright III. This album is brought to you by our returning guest, Painless Parker. Practically a veteran in his own right, Painless helps us through the episode with some of his own aptly-focused tunes. So stick around for that and our post-album take on today's much-maligned, and oft-avoided subject. Continue reading
Today we rejoice in the first guest appearance of our new writer, Tony Catalano! Answering up our earlier, less-refined analysis of Flying Lotus's Until the Quiet Comes (back in CCP Ep. #19), Tony thrusts us into the artist's latest project, You're Dead! — this time with the combined force of the entire Crash Chords think tank. But first, we kick-start the episode with Matt's detailed account of his journey to see the play Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and presented by the Public Theater. This clever Hip-Hop narrative of Alexander Hamilton's life—and ultimate feud with Aaron Burr—runs until May 3rd. Finally, after the album, we talk to Tony about Tony, covering his background in jazz, his life as a copywriter, his ambitions for the website, and of course, the eternal theme of objectivity. Continue reading
Prepare yourself for the smoothest vibes from the punchiest band name. We have GUSTER for you today! Staples of the alternative community since 1991, Guster's craft is matched only by their humor and stage prowess. What should we be on the lookout for in their latest album, Evermotion? Listen in and join in the discussion! Also stick around for some topical thoughts on the impact of award shows, namely the Grammys. What distinguishes "awards" from "critical acclaim?" On what merits should we award... And who's looking? Continue reading
Harkening back to her first appearance in CCP Ep. #45, Kita St. Cyr makes good on her promise to deliver us something from the Far East with her much-awaited return. Her choice: Crush by the immensely popular K-Pop girl group, 2NE1. Then, a discussion on cultural diffusion, as stemming from K-Pop's relatively recent U.S. debut. From South Korea's Psy to Japan's Babymetal, what does it take to steal Western attention? Continue reading
Courtesy of Mark H., we welcome our first fan-pick of the year by taking a trip through the long-awaited Black Messiah by D'Angelo and the Vanguard. Breathing new life into R&B and blending it with modern themes, D'Angelo's re-emergence after a 14-year hiatus has appeared to pique critics' interest in just about every corner of the field. Following the album, we then say a few words on the oldest theme in the book: LOVE. In any form, the 'L'-word's thematic presence in music is so ubiquitous as to almost be shrugged off. What keeps "love" fresh, and why the compulsion to wear one's heart on their CD-sleeve? Continue reading
With the recent release of Yo La Tengo's Extra Painful (a bonus-happy re-release of their 1993 album Painful), we thought we'd use the opportunity to explore the '93 album as if they'd released it today — since, after all, they technically have. In doing so, we experience the prime of "Shoegaze" as a stylistic departure from the heavier rock of the era. Following that, we discuss another vestige from the past: the ever-substantial "double disc." Useless holdover? Artistic tool? Let's hear your thoughts! Continue reading
We're starting off the year by reviving a prominent electronic composer by the name of Aphex Twin. After a 13-year hiatus, the man behind Aphex Twin, Richard David James, has released a new album under the old namesake, titled Syro. Steeped in bizarre titles and technical flourishes, Syro keeps us on our analytical toes every step of the way. Join us in the challenge! And afterwards, join us for a light topic: our collective expectations from the new year. We mention our new writer Tony Catalano, share some informative fanmail, and finally reaffirm the project at large. Continue reading
Well, we hope you've enjoyed the holidays and soaked in the silliness of our last episode, but once again it's time to get serious. Welcome to the 2014 Year in Review! Last chance to consider all the music we've explored this year... last chance to place our awards. Join us in our annual summation and private awards ceremony before next year's batch rolls in. (Follow along with the CCP Archive.) Continue reading
Happy Holidays from Crash Chords! Our gift to you: pure nonsense. Our third annual montage takes us on a journey to absolutely nowhere by analyzing our toughest work yet: ourselves. On sugar, caffeine, or lack of sleep, we're hardly in top-form for these meddling, meandering, and maddening outtakes. Endure! Continue reading
For our final album of the year, we look at Sonic Highways, a special project by the Foo Fighters, featuring eight tracks recorded in eight studios in eight different cities, all to commemorate—you guessed it—their eighth album. The project also serves as a companion to their HBO television series, Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways, which debuted on October 17th, 2014. Also stick around for a followup conversation on music idolatry: the types of idols we venerate, and the responsibilities that go with it. Continue reading
What is Art Rock? Well, we won't be answering that question today, but we will be examining the latest work by a band to whom the genre has often been attributed. Listen in and hear how TV on the Radio's Seeds stacks up against the work that propelled them out of Brooklyn and into the public eye. Then, stick around for a discussion on the nature of "excusing" bands' artistic choices. What are the challenges that artists face deeper in their careers? Continue reading
As we're nearing the end of the year, we've made this week's episode a special one. For only the second time in CCP history, we devote an entire episode to a full-band interview in lieu of our usual album analysis. Peering deep into the local NYC rock scene, we unveil to you the vibrant and hair-raising ensemble known as Circadian Clock. With their trescendent melodies, backed by a formidable punch, Circadian Clock is poised to take NYC by storm, having released an EP last year called Someone Out There Loves You After All and a music video for their single, "Brightside". They are currently working on an LP, slated for release next year. Rarely confronted by a band with such extensive and expansive musical roots, join us in hearing how these veterans of live performance forged their tight and incomparable sound. Continue reading
Happy Thanksgiving from Crash Chords! (If today's album & analysis should find its way into your extra-long weekend, we'll be giving plenty of thanks indeed.) Ripe for the picking, we look at an album that debuted at #1 in the U.K. this September, the plaintive This Is All Yours by the English band Alt-J (or "∆"). Then, following the album, we briefly discuss the impact of varying an album's style as opposed to its mood. Continue reading
And then the orchestra met the synthesizer... and it was good. Today we feature a special fan-chosen album for our weekly analysis, courtesy of Heather S. (@wildflowerfever). The album is called In Conflict, by the composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Owen Pallett. Then we take some time to discuss the particulars of an upper echelon rating system. Why are things harder to rate the closer they come to true exceptionalism? Continue reading
Today we find out what happens when Indi Power Pop goes electronic! However you choose to categorize them, the four-piece rock band OK Go is clearly dabbling into new areas with their latest album, Hungry Ghosts. Early in Crash Chords history, Matt had the priviledge of conducting an interview with OK Go's drummer, Dan Konopka, while also reviewing their previous release, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. For their new album however, we administer the unadulterated CCP treatment, so hop on board and share your own opinions! Following that, we shift to a more lighthearted topic: quite simply, the nature of "rocking out!" Can this primal urge ever mingle freely with the stoic world of critical analysis? Continue reading
Death From Above 1979 rages on! For those who can recall their only LP back in 2004, You're a Woman, I'm a Machine didn't just hit the shelves -- it broke them. Conceived in the seamy cracks between Punk, Indi, Metal, and Noise Rock, the self-propelling bass/drum duo has returned a decade later to wreak more havoc on its fans. Their new album is called The Physical World; join us as we talk it out, break it down, and try to convey its fearsome nature. As such is the case, our final discussion touches upon the meaninglessness of "strength in numbers" when dealing with music. Continue reading
Weeezerrrrr! A staple band from the 90s that has continued to be a bridge between genres, Weezer's appeal is widespread, their albums anticipated, and their artistic choices hotly debated. Try to set all this aside (but keep it on the table) for our analysis of Weezer's brand new album, Everything Will Be Alright in the End. As an album that could be said to explain and reassure its listeners, it certainly proves that Rivers Cuomo's songwriting has firm footing for the next twenty years. Enjoy this hefty discussion, then stick around as we talk about fanship's impact on an artist's work. Continue reading
He's here. He's in your ears. Highly exalted and frequently referenced, he is: SCHAFFER THE DARKLORD. Yes, today we welcome the talented Hip Hop artist and third & final component of the EPIC PIEcast to our very own show. Schaffer, who has consistently regaled his fans with macabre subjects, nerdy adventures, and cerebral excursions, now takes a tip from the latter as he joins us to discuss a vital influence in his work, the 1992 Beastie Boys LP, Check Your Head. Let's help to turn the tables on it! Then we cut to an special "away"-interview where Schaffer explores Schaffer, with a little help from Matt. And do keep your ears open for some tastes of Schaffer's work, including a track from his provocative album Sick Passenger, a track from Remix Passenger, and something terribly appropriate to close us out. Continue reading
For our third fan request, courtesy of Jose (Nokjaw), we are pleased to analyze the album Ohio by [DARYL]. A throwback of about a decade, Ohio takes us back to the impassioned roots of Indi-punk. With its garage-born atmosphere, we explore the album's theme, style, and structure. Just another day on Crash Chords! Following that, we discuss the use of common sound effects and textural practices. Why do some things grow stale, while others stay timeless? And who gets away with it? Continue reading
A time warp has thrown us today, specifically to a time when "Pop Goddess" could only conjure up one name: Madonna. In welcoming today's special guest Rashmi, an actress and musician in her own right, she has us take a look at Madonna's breakthrough album, True Blue. And then we shift to Rashmi herself. Raised in Dallas, Texas, her music is a blend of country folk tinged with the pleasing lilts of traditional Indian ornamentation. Not only do we find out when her style took shape, but we get to hear it for ourselves — as do you! Ears open, everyone. Continue reading
Analyzing a free album may seem a bit harsh, but as Groucho Marx said: "Art is art, isn't it? Still, on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west, and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does." Case in point, we're doing it anyway. The altruistic album, by U2, is called Songs of Innocence and is available to all (with an Apple ID). Then, a few thoughts on a curious term: "Anthemic Pop." What's wrong with feelin' good all the time? Continue reading
Never at a loss for notes, Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond is at it again, this time with a brazen tell-all album called This Is My Hand. Join us as we pick apart the nuances of this latest work in our weekly review. After this musical onslaught, we took some time to discuss the impact of "person" in an album. Whether invited to place oneself in someone else's shoes, or to accept a foreign narrative, this simple literary choice guides our experience of the tale... but does it ever affect the intensity of the experience? Continue reading
If you like musical paint strokes, then you may like a group called Set and Setting, a post-rock band from Florida that's all about the moods and impressions. This week we take their latest impression, ironically titled A Vivid Memory, and put it up for review. But don't forget to stick around for the big question... How does one get famous?! This age-old question has plagued many an aspiring artist, especially those seeking validation for their work. Once we drop the walls of humility, the path is as uncertain as it ever was; still, hear us address the various paths that other artists have taken, while debating their success rates. Continue reading
This week we explore the much-awaited solo project of Damon Albarn, the English singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist behind such projects as Gorillaz and Blur. His album is called Everyday Robots, and we're breaking it down. Afterwards, we discuss the conflicts of passion and fluidity in songwriting, particularly with respect to concept albums. Often conceived from a singular inspiration and executed with a singular ambition, it's easy for artists to overlook aspects of their work when a theme takes center-stage. Does this leave audiences wanting more or does it blow over with the more concept-minded clique? Continue reading
Raise your glasses and call a toast with today's musical homage to silverware! (The reference is Spoon.) Having established themselves as a staple of the Alt Rock community, Spoon has released their eighth studio album, They Want My Soul, which we take on for this week's review. As Alternative Rock often harbors some of the most diverse artists, we then take some time to discuss Alt as both a name and a movement. Is the genre merely an aggregate of misfits branded under a careless label, or has it in fact grown a definitive character of its own? Continue reading
Today we're joined by an especially talented folk singer and member of The Waysties, Molly Herbert-Wilson. Kicking us off with a performance, she then takes us into her album pick, The Once by The Once. This self-titled debut is a varied medley of folk tracks that Molly admits contributed to her own personal folk tradition... As such, we then cut to Matt Storm's "away" interview with Molly where he gets the chance to dive into those career origins a little further. And keep your ears open for more performances throughout! Continue reading
Today's band, the English guy-girl duo Slow Club, dips from modern Indie-Pop back to 60s/70s-era Motown for their new release, Complete Surrender. First we take a trip through the album, and then, as per the present case of genre-meshing, we take another trip a through a thesis: "Pop music looks toward the future while Indie looks to the past." Any validity? That's today's question. (Opinions & comments encouraged.) Continue reading
You should be very attracted to today's album if you're a magnet. It's our "metal-est" yet! Judas Priest, veteran metal-heads and forerunners of the genre, has never abandoned the stage or their fans — so we think it only fair to check in on their latest work, Redeemer of Souls. Steeped in its own archetype, the iconic guitar solo is a primary feature of the album, built to shred its way into our hearts, if not, at least our curiosity. We take some time then to discuss the solo as a breathing figure of the modern age and a reflection of narrative thought. We also discuss how its moments of inspiration have been captured for posterity. Continue reading
Let the chatter begin! The Living Statue Galatea has agreed to break her stone encasement of silence for the likes of Crash Chords, and of course, for her album of choice: Singles by Future Islands. The album title is a pun that combines the accessible music format with those bereft of that special someone. Join our analysis for the details and come be a part of Galatea's motionless journey through NYC's street performing scene. Follow her blog at The Statue Speaks! Continue reading
Checking in on one of the mellowest pop rock bands of the last decade, we simmer down to discuss Coldplay's latest LP, Ghost Stories. Afterwards, join us in a discussion on unconventional vocalists! More often than not, inflection and artistic flare will win over classical training. But in the world of rock, where a singer's humanity is paramount, how much can an artist get away with? When does novelty fail in the face of effort? Continue reading
You won't find us around today... we've gone Phishin'! Yes, the veteran jam band, Phish, is still at it with more studio LPs, live albums, and compilations than we can even keep track of. Today, however, focuses specifically on Fuego, the most recent of those studio releases. So be prepared to jam out to the album, jam out to the review, and finally, jam to a discussion on jamming! The art of cumulative improvisation has the power to both entrance and discourage audiences, perhaps because of that fine line between inspiration and gibberish. Fine as it may be, let's explore that line. Continue reading
Welcome to Crash Chords: Season 3! We have plenty else in store for you this year, but of course our album reviews continue to be the meat and potatoes. Today's review looks at Jack White, formerly of The White Stripes, and his burgeoning solo work. His latest, Lazaretto, is a medley of ideas inspired by his own writings when he was 19 years old. Join in the analysis! Then, as a taste of what's to come, we feature a special phone interview that Matt had the pleasure of arranging with Mawk (Mark Young) of (hed) p.e. Visit directly at 2:14:54. Continue reading
Well we've made it. That simple third digit marks the beginning of our third year. We've come a long way since the podcast first aired on 7/3/2012, with many memorable reviews, topics, guests, and most of all the discussions that were born out of each. Today's episode, much like our 50th Ep., features a full discussion in lieu of an album review—this time to talk about yours truly: the hosts, the podcast, its origins, its process, and its future. We hope you enjoy this 3-segment podcast as it serves to provide our listeners with an insight to our critical reasoning, and to the passion that we employ on a weekly basis. Could we do any less? For of course, music is life... and life is good. Continue reading
For want of ballads, or if laments in need, just hearken; it's the return of Joe Rude, indeed! Recalling his first appearance in Ep. #36, we step away from karaoke this time to further discuss J. Robert Coppola's professional life as an actor-combatant. But first, to business. Our guest-picked album review is of the spirited yet sorrowful Celtic sort: Virginia-based Carbon Leaf's Ghost Dragon Attacks Castle. After that, the spotlight's back on Joe to discuss the New York Rennaissance Fair, theatrical realism, and the modernization of the stage. Continue reading
For our second fan-pick, brought to us by Kristin Vislocky, we review the latest from the 90s-era hard rock band, Saliva. The album, called Rise Up, is a re-release of their previous album, In It to Win It. Afterwards, we discuss the various applications for which music is used, honing in on the divide between the musician and the non-musician, both humble listeners and recipients of inspiration. Continue reading
Welcome to our favorite Calgarian's special day! That's right, the renaissance man of the Indi-Folk world, Chad VanGaalen, has released a new album, Shrink Dust, the subject of today's analysis. We also take some time to discuss fans' expectations of a given artist's work based on prior conditions. Artists may often govern our tastes, but our tastes certainly don't govern them! Ergo, some personal tales. Enjoy! Continue reading
Ready to make some noise? Swans has enough to go around. The veteran Noise Rock band that reformed after its 13-year slumber is back to mesmerizing audiences with their garbled, often fearsome tones. This week, we tackle Swans' most recent experiment, a two-disc set called To Be Kind. We review it all here, so strap in for today's special extended podcast. And, as many of these tracks breech well into the double digits, we finally take some time to discuss that very thing: time (in music). Just what does "track length" mean for us? Is a generous run-time the mark of ambition, genius, or a lack of self-awareness? From past trends to future predicitons, we field our thoughts; now let's hear yours! Continue reading
Today we welcome guests Mark & Chuck of the music comedy duo Afterbirth Monkey. As tradition demands, they have the honor of the weekly album pick, which they reveal to be Katy Perry's latest, Prism. Later, we spotlight our guest duo and pick apart the origins of their risque yet quirky comedy style. And of course, we couldn't let them leave without giving us a taste of their craft, so they regail us with three unique tales (in song form of course). Stay alert for these performances at the most logical intervals. Hint: you won't have to wait long for the first. Continue reading
Prepare for the trolling of a lifetime as we tackle Neil Cicierega's unique mashup album, Mouth Sounds. Without giving away the experience, you can expect to hear some clever twists on familiar favorites, scourges, and bygone curiosities. Just how does one review a mashup album? As many mashups rely on revamping the emotional tone of the source material, we then leap into a larger discussion on the mutability of tonal perception. Continue reading
This week we're happily obliged to thank Dae Rak Lee for our fan-picked album review: Old Boy Jon by the Korean-American rapper, Dumbfoundead (DFD). Then stick around while we prod the concept of credibility (or "cred") in music. When might it be over, or under-emphasized, and what is its bearing on other artists, on music moguls, and most importantly, on the fans? Continue reading
Time for one of our favorite things: another cosmic ballet between traditional composition and pop songwriting. This week we find it in the band Arc Iris, fronted by the highly animated vocalist, Jocie Adams (formerly of the Low Anthem). With the help of her poetic flair, their self-titled debut packs a wallop. Let's hope we do it justice. Also stick around for an interesting discussion on musical identity and personality, and whether they're at all linked with staying power. Continue reading
There's a glitch in the system... several of them, actually. But it's okay, really; we let them in. They're called The Glitch Mob and they brought their own album, Love Death Immortality. After all, how could we refuse this opportunity to explore the intricate world of rock-inspired EDM? And how could you? So just fistpump your way to that play-button and join right in! And don't go away or you'll miss a great chat about the process of finding new music. We share some of our stories, now share yours! Continue reading
Our 90th episode's review is brought to you by the world-travelling, rhyme-spitting, ivory-tickling Louis Logic! Not so incidentally, he is also our guest. As for the album of study, we look at II, the self-implied second LP by the curiously eclectic Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Afterwards, Louis walks us through the trials and fortuities that have landed him his one-of-a-kind solo career as a rapper/keyboardist. He even touches upon his own eclectic range of influences, culminating in his recent release, Look on the Blight Side. Listen for yourself in the sample he supplies to sign us off. Continue reading
Finally giving the biggest collaborator of the music industry his due, this week's review spotlights Pharrell Williams' latest solo album, GIRL With the artist's smooth rhythms and groovy textures, it's no surprise that his singles seem to find their way to every DJ's library. Simply put, they're easy on the feet. And so, for our discussion, we open the floor to dance music! We cover its varied history and cultural quirks, so be sure to boogie down with us after the review. Continue reading
You all know Suzanne Pike from The Barbaric Yawps... well now you'll know her as a bona fide CCP guest! Yes, we're honored to have the famed Indi icon on the podcast, not only for an interview, but also to provide us with this week's album review. Spurring another genre-first for Crash Chords, she has us examine the 2007 album Rival Factions by the Christian hardcore rock band, Project 86. After unpacking this issue-straddling album, we of course question Suzanne about her rise to fame. And, if you stick around, there's a chance you'll receive a treat performance — a good chance. Continue reading
Ease off the throttle for this week's lighthearted surprise-cast. First we welcome guests Kim & Sage of Head Over Feels, the most heartfelt website in all of pop culture "fannon". Then, in lieu of our weekly review, we discuss and dissect the common practice of compiling playlists, using Kim & Sage's personal submission as our model: The Ultimate Rose/Doctor Mixtape. Of course, our discussion covers only a minute fraction of their monstrous homage to the popular sci-fi series, Doctor Who, which dices the season-spanning forbidden love story into 728 bite-size morsels of feels. Also stick around for a discussion of playlists in the broad, and a brief interview chronicling the origins of Head Over Feels. Continue reading
Strap yourselves in for this week's big review. It's time for St. Vincent by St. Vincent! But don't be fooled... it's musical sainthood we're speaking of. Armed with a pop-fusion edge and a chamber composer's sensibilities, St. Vincent is actually the stage name of composer/singer-songwriter Annie Erin Clark. She's certainly a saint to all her fans, as they might testify in reaction to her latest "miracle", the release of her self-titled album. In response, we take some time after to field our own impressions on the otherwise prevailing boundaries between formal composition and pop songwriting—if any at all. Continue reading
This week we check out one of the many side-projects of world-renowned bassist and Primus frontman, Les Claypool. This particular side-project is known as Duo de Twang, a union of Claypool and M.I.R.V. guitarist Bryan Kehoe. Their debut album (and our review): Four Foot Shack. Then join us in a discussion of a band's "namesake" — that is, the thing we search for in our libraries. From a marketing and artistic standpoint, what does the name mean for a band's collective members? And what does it mean when it changes? Continue reading
Prepare to ease yourself into the creamy lo-fi world of Beck. After a six-year hiatus, Beck has returned to making studio albums. This week, we'll be reviewing his highly-praised Morning Phase. Then, on the topic frontier, we sidle back over to an old favorite: cinema — only this time in regards to its bite-size self-portrait, the trailer! Join us in uncovering just what variety of music makes a good trailer flow... or better yet, sell. Continue reading
You might know him as an actor and a comedian, but don't forget about that banjo! That's right, grammy-award winning musician Steve Martin has teemed up with Edie Brickell (of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians) for an original roots and bluegrass album called Love Has Come for You. This album review is brought to us by our guest (another folk talent, singer-songwriter, actor, and member of the Waysties), Sarah Bisman Storm. Stick around for an interview on her musical background, some treat performances, and a hefty discussion on folk theater. Continue reading
Hope the title isn't too much for you, because you can expect no less from their music. The seasoned post-rock ensemble, Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra (a.k.a. the band of too many a.k.a.'s) has released their bold new LP, F* Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything. You know the drill; now let's dissect this behemoth! Then, for our topic, we wander into the fiery ring of copyrights vs. fair use. Don't miss this great debate! Continue reading
It's back to flannels, patches, and malcontent for this week's episode. Our review confronts the latest punk release by Against Me!, a cathartic work bluntly titled, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. We also take some time in the beginning to discuss the Olympic Opening Ceremony, and for our topic we cover the influence of activism in music over the years (for better or worse). Continue reading
In the mood for some satirical gibberish? Who isn't. That's why we're pushing forward with more reviews of comedy music albums. This week we chose The Wack Album by The Lonely Island (the comedy Hip-Hop troupe composed of former SNL staff & cast members, Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone). Then stick around for a brief intro to the use of satire in art. Conversely, stay tuned for a future discussion on the use of music to a comedic end. Continue reading
This week we take a trip into... well, suffice it to say, we take a "trip". After forty-eight years of burrowing down the rabbit hole, the Brazilian psychedelic rock band, Os Mutantes, has released their tenth studio album (their second since reuniting in 2006). The album is called Fool Metal Jack, and we're putting it to the panel! Then, from artistry to controversy, we get into a broad discussion on the impacts of psychedelics and hallucinogens on music creation. Continue reading
You might know him from System of a Down. Or perhaps you know him from his solo work. Well now we're all privileged to know him as... a classical composer? Yup. Serj Tankian wrote a symphony. It's his first symphony, titled Orca, and you can bet we're reviewing it! Then afterwards, be sure to catch our little discussion on the cross-pollination of various aesthetics. Can music directly influence our other tastes, like literature, art, décor, or even food? Continue reading
Today we explore the layered worlds of Glitch-Hop and Chillwave with an album called Vapor City by Machinedrum. This album review is brought to us by today's guest, the talented rapper, Hops. Afterwards, stick around for an interview and learn how Hops cultivated his knack for wordsmithing. In fact, stay a bit more and you may find a treat to close us out. Continue reading
We're kicking off the year with a common thread by tackling the most influential Pop/Rock songwriter ever to bridge the Atlantic: Sir Paul McCartney. Join us in this review of his new album, New. And don't go away! You've probably heard the phrase, "They don't make 'em like that anymore!" We'll be discussing just what fascinates people about music from bygone times. Is it just that pesky nostalgia at work, or something more fundamental? These and more unquenchable queries in a brand new year of Crash Chords! Continue reading
Strap yourselves in! This episode is for all the completists out there. It’s our long-awaited 2013 Year in Review! We’ll be divvying up the year’s music into select categories, awarding trophies and booby prizes. It’s also our annual opportunity to express our outstanding hopes, surprises, corrections, and rationalizations. This is the final word, folks — for now. Continue reading
It’s that time again. Time to take stock of all things wrought by this crazy year. That’s why you should check in with tomorrow’s very special Year-End Review! But first, a lighthearted prelude: some outright silliness to fill that inner-holiday void. Enjoy! Continue reading
To close off the year, we thought we’d take a little stroll through the Billboard 200 and see what all the fuss is about. So when we heard that one of the world’s top-selling artists just released a “surprise” album slated to top the charts without any marketing or hype, our choice became apparent: Beyoncé’s self-titled, self-proclaimed “visual album”, BEYONCÉ. Then, in keeping with the artist’s decision to release a music video for each track on her album, we get into a little discussion on how other artists have applied the visual element in their work. Continue reading
We're returning to an old favorite this week with the cheerful theatrics of three musical robots: Steam Powered Giraffe. Incidentally, another old favorite (guest Nelson Lugo), is returning to us! For review, he delivers us Steam Powered Giraffe's third studio release, MK III. (To hear our review of their second album, see Ep. #39!) And stick around, because after this fun-filled excursion through the band's most daring product yet, we get to hear all about Nelson's excursions through the world of magic and theater, namely his upcoming show, "Gathering the Magic." Enjoy! Continue reading
This week’s review features an eclectic album of covers whose native genres have been turned on their heads to suit the creative muse of former Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon frontman, Mark Kozelek. Join us as we hash out this unique acoustic cover-album, Like Rats. Afterwards, we talk more broadly about what it means to “cover” existing music. Whether true to the note or fundamentally overhauled, why do some covers inspire us anew, while others fall flat on their face? Continue reading
Fasten your extra-soft Ambient belts for an armchair siesta with this week’s review of Sommer by Deepchord. Then, after taking on our most pared-down work to date, we discuss the broad artistic movement of Minimalism — when “less is more”, and when there’s an excess of “less”! Continue reading
Tonight we take a short breather from album reviews to direct our attention toward the foremost film score composer of our time — the stalwart master of his craft, John Williams. Joining us for this very special epis-“ode” is returning guest Nate Rider, armed with his vast knowledge of film and pop culture. Together, we discuss John Williams’ major works, the films at large, the scope of his contributions, and the films’ greater cultural impact. Continue reading
Let’s gear up for another fun-filled podcast! This time we’re reviewing the fresh new album, Everything Is Debatable, by the Indie Pop band, Hellogoodbye. Then be sure to stick around for a very ‘sole’-ful and singular topic: Singles! We’ll discuss just how the release of singles has changed over the past few decades and whether the practice stands to gain momentum, or downright vanish, in the modern age. Continue reading
A splash of Metal, a dose of Prog, a pinch of Post-rock, and a heap of adventure! That’s the bolognese that is The Migration by Scale the Summit. Join us for this intense review, followed by an equally intense discussion on “theme” vs. “arc.” Frequently lumped together in album reviews, these core components aren’t always holding hands, nor are they so clear-cut. What’s the distinction? Is one more important than the other? More questions and (some) answers in this week’s jam-packed episode. Continue reading
I’m afraid we’re one “6” short of making this episode truly frightening, but nonetheless, a Happy Halloween from Crash Chords! At long last, we return to deliver our review of AM by Arctic Monkeys. Then comes the really scary part: a long-winded reflection on why we have to be so darn long-winded all the time. Should critical analysis be an exercise in brevity or longevity? We’ll do the spitballing; you decide! Continue reading
This week’s review is powered by… nobody. We’re unplugging our hearts and minds to dissect the electric-gone-acoustic album, The Life Acoustic by Everlast. Then, be sure to stick around for the big joke: So… three hosts, 62 albums, and a hell of a lot of genres walk into a podcast… and, well, you’ll have to listen in to hear how they fare. That’s right, it’s a blind genre-guessing test! Just a little experiment on interpretation and categorization. Try it yourself for fun and post your claim in the comments! (No Wiki-ing though.) Continue reading
This week we’re trekking back to Electronica — this time in the loosest sense with Alison Goldfrapp emerging more as a “crooness” in her and Will Gregory’s latest release. So, come and join us in this review of Goldfrapp’s Tales of Us, followed by a discussion on what a “hook” means to us and how the definition seems to fluctuate depending on who you talk to. Continue reading
This week we're joined by our guest, manic mandolinist Painless Parker, who invites us to explore the rich history of American Folk music. After starting us off with a treat performance, he introduces this week's album review: Leaving Eden by Carolina Chocolate Drops. Then, after another performance, we get to talk about Painless as an artist, his background, and how he grew to attain a cult following within the Steampunk community and abroad. Oh, and for the subway enthusiast, be sure to remain all the way to the bumper block. Continue reading
This week we’re delving into the calculative and communicative characteristics of Math Rock! Join us in our review of The Chronicles of Marnia by the ever-imaginative Marnie Stern. Then we revisit our old Song Scales discussions by taking stock of our rating systems as they stand today. First impressions notwithstanding, tastes are malleable and adaptive. A good rating system boils down to a careful balance of subjectivity and objectivity Continue reading
This week we take on the Industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails (fronted by Trent Reznor) and review their recent post-hiatus release, Hesitation Marks. Then we move on to discuss the logistics of “one-man bands” — and we don’t mean the street performing kind. We’re pitting the solo-or-bust composer/performer/producers against the more collaboratively suited; i.e. the lone wolves vs. the team players. Any preference? Enjoy! Continue reading
Those episode numbers just keep on climbin’, don’t they? Well, for our 60th, we thought we’d vacation to a quiet corner of the world, rife with geologic wonder, cool air, and the soothing textures of ambient Post-rock. The place is Iceland, and the band: Sigur Rós. How did our trip go? Find out in this week’s review of Kveikur, the band’s latest album. Then be sure to join us in an intense discussion on the public education system, the fostering of creativity, and where music stands in the midst of it all. Continue reading
For this week’s review, we take on Blue October and their latest LP, Sway. Then, we try to leave all connotations at the doorstep for a serious discussion on sympathy vs. empathy, or how we relate to the artist. Continue reading
We might announce, “All aboard the crazy train,” but that would be a misnomer; Ozzy’s back, true, but not alone! The original Black Sabbath lineup of Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Ozzy himself have released their first studio album since 1978. It’s called 13, and we’re ready to review it. But don’t go anywhere, because then we pursue last week’s introduction to “the roles we assign to musical instruments” by starting us off with some familiar favorites. Continue reading
Get ready to whip out your jazz hands, because this week we’re making good on our foray into the world of Jazz by checking in on one of the masters of cool, Chick Corea, returning with a new supporting group: The Vigil. Join us in our review of their fresh collaborative release, duly titled, The Vigil. Also, be sure to stick around for our preface to an upcoming discussion on the roles we assign, or shouldn’t assign, to certain musical instruments. Continue reading
This week we peek in on Jimmy Eat World to review their latest LP, Damage. Then we follow through with Episode #54's "Intro to Live Music" segment by immersing ourselves into the subject. We discuss the logistics of playing live, the perks, the pitfalls, types of venues, and our singular kinship with experiencing real-time music. Continue reading
This week we’re diving back into movie soundtracks by reviewing the score to the latest summer blockbuster, Pacific Rim, composed by Ramin Djawadi. Then we go on to discuss the applications of soundtracks in certain films, especially those cases when music makes the difference between mediocrity and masterpiece. Continue reading
Hope you have a chill pill on hand, because this week we’re diving deep into the droning depths of Ambient music (with a Techno twist) in our review of Tomorrow’s Harvest by the veteran Electronica duo, Boards of Canada. Then stick around for a quick listing of each of our best and worst concert experiences, as a brief precursor to an upcoming discussion on live music. Continue reading
In this week’s episode, we tackle the latest Barenaked Ladies album, Grinning Streak, followed by a glance into society’s double standards when reacting to Pop music themes. Continue reading
This week we explore the evolving sound of Queens of the Stone Age with their recent album, …Like Clockwork. Then we flip the coin to discuss the fine line of safety in music. Whether true to one’s own sound or to the sound of their peers, artists may encounter a capricious fanbase in the wake of their more comfortable releases. In this episode we address the implications of such choices on an artist’s popular reputation and critical standing. Continue reading
To inaugurate “Season 2″ of Crash Chords Podcast, we dive into something a little more complex: The Envisage Conundrum by the Welsh Prog trio, Godsticks. Then we talk a bit about the developing interactive capabilities of music, how marketable they are, and whether or not they’ll be a positive move for the industry. Continue reading
Well, we’ve made it! Fifty episodes of previews, reviews, interviews, and issues. After covering such a variety of styles and subjects, we’ve decided to take a step back and look at the larger picture. Music is, after all, a single art form—a favorite of ours, as you might imagine—which is why we feel the need to have a little intervention. We shine the spotlight on music and objectively compare it against all the other arts, humanities, and disciplines out there. What do they share? Where do they differ? Are any of them more versatile? These questions and more get hashed out on this special edition of Crash Chords Podcast. Continue reading
At the cusp of our one-year anniversary, this week’s episode looks toward the future by first glancing at the past. We review the recent Daft Punk LP, Random Access Memories, an original work that chronicles Electronica through the decades. From there, we jump to a heavy conjecture-driven debate on the future of mainstream music (as once imagined, and as we perceive it today). We explore how paragon shifts hinge on cultural phenomena, such as technology, invention, adaptation, and revolution. Continue reading
This week we're joined by the indomitable Gary Oransky and Nate Rider (a.k.a. Gary_O & JediN8) from the Average Intelligence Podcast. Apart from taking our weekly digressions to even scarier frontiers, they also deliver us our first music-comedy album, "Weird Al" Yankovic's biting answer to the 1990s, Running with Scissors. Afterwards, Gary and Nate discuss their panoptical role on Average Intelligence as the self-described "bastard children of Pop Culture and Momma Media." And so, what better way to wrap up a pop culture discussion than to sit back and gab about film sequels! Continue reading
This week we venture into pure Hip-Hop territory with an especially dense review for an especially dense album: The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Afterwards, we touch upon what it means to be an independent label, and then play fisticuffs with the ineffable vs. the naked truth. Continue reading
This week, prepare to unleash your inner goth for a review of Tears on Tape by the Finnish “Love Metal” band, HIM. Then, listen in while we wrestle the topic of overseas music culture and the far-reaching impacts of globalization. Continue reading
Today we’re delighted to welcome another charming burlesque artist, the creative and talented Kita St. Cyr, who presents us with our album of the week: Tabu! Volume 1, a 1960s compilation of Exotica, Rockabilly, Blues, and you name it! We also receive a fascinating lesson on Exotica as a genre, and of course get the inside scoop on Kita and her art. Continue reading
Today’s rowdy gathering of antics and philosophy is brought to you by a local Brooklyn talent and treasure, self-described “Celt-ish” cover band, The Waysties. Join us as we interview them on everything from the band’s origins to their influences, side-projects, hobbies, interests, and much more! We also dive into a big discussion on Steampunk as a movement and a form of expressionism. To top it all off, the band treats us to some live performances, so stay on your toes! Continue reading
This week we mellow out to the crooners of the Great Lakes, Low, and review their tenth studio album, The Invisible Way. Don’t have the album? We got you covered — follow along with our new Spotify widget! Then stick around for a whopper of a debate on the influential power of art, exploring music’s sociopolitical relationship with prejudice, conscience, and choice. Continue reading
This week we’re excited to be reviewing Paramore’s latest self-titled LP, their fourth studio album and first full-length since 2009, Paramore. We also send out a head-nod to Adam Schartoff with Filmwax Radio and then take some time out to speculate on Paramore’s discographical future. Continue reading
This week, we review OneRepublic’s third studio album, Native, followed by an overview of common lyrical formats, implementation, and lyrics’ capacity to strike a bigger chord than the chords that support them. Continue reading
This week we dive into last year’s LP, Swing Lo Magellan, by Dirty Projectors. Then we preface the topic of “interpretation” by hashing out the distinctions between artists’ music and their visual affectations. Continue reading
This week is full of throwbacks and smokestacks as we get down to the brassiest of tacks with the steampunk stylings of Steam Powered Giraffe, and their latest full-length, The 2¢ Show. Then we talk a little about music’s therapeutic capabilities, while gauging the polar extremes of musical receptivity. Continue reading
As the year presses on, we finally get around to reviewing our first 2013 release, the—wait for it—SIXTEENTH studio album by They Might Be Giants, called Nanobots. Join us for a peek at what they’ve been up to. From there, we begin to speculate on the next big “paradigm shift” for music (if indeed it’s coming or if it’s right around the bend). Continue reading
This week we have quite the mixed bag. For starters, we’re presenting our first-ever “NO pick” review, for Green Day’s third and final installment of their trilogy, ¡Tré! Then we talk a little about the staying power of music on things such as breakups, recoveries, and fond memories — followed by a fun tangent on hipsterism! Continue reading
It's finally time to tackle our first EP, an original work by Walk off the Earth called R.E.V.O.,which we discuss alongside a selection of self-released covers. This rare combo-review comes courtesy of our guest, the enterprising thespian known as "Joe Rude" of The Kings of Karaoke and of The Society of American Fight Directors. He tells us a bit about Karaoke as a business, and also as a haven for quelling inhibitions, one show at a time. Stick around at the end for a treat performance! Continue reading
Welcome, welcome… or should I say, “thank ya, thank ya,” because this week we’re traveling to the bygone days of Lawrence Welk with his 1960s compilation album, The Champagne Music of Lawrence Welk. This review is brought to us by today’s guest, the lovely Hazel Honeysuckle, a talented NYC-based burlesque performer who enlightens us with her unique perspective on music as an on-stage tool, as well as a brief history of burlesque and its resurgence as a popular performance art. Continue reading
This week we dive into a review of Break It Yourself by Andrew Bird. Then we talk a bit about our emotional connections with music, what we seek to gain, and the implications we ascribe to certain styles and genres. Continue reading
This week, we review Sublime Currency by Abandoned Pools, and then we press on with last week’s discussion of intelligence vs. creativity. Continue reading
This week, our review is Take the Crown by Robbie Williams, followed by an intense discussion on intelligence vs. creativity. Continue reading
This week we gear up for a review of Information Retrieved by Pinback, and then we voice our thoughts on the recent fiasco involving Glee’s “cover” of Jonathan Coulton’s “Baby Got Back” arrangement Continue reading
This week we tackle our first video game soundtrack: the Halo 4 OST. Then we get into a discussion on originality in film & video game scores, and the importance of compelling themes and vivid imagery. Continue reading
Tonight we’re joined by returning guests, the Wall Street Playaz, who come to us with a special choice album suggestion for this week’s review: Hide the Kitchen Knives by The Paper Chase. Then we get some insight into WSP’s latest work, as well as a sneak preview track from their upcoming LP, so stick around! Continue reading
This week we review the latest from Garbage, Not Your Kind of People, and we chat about active vs. passive listening. Continue reading
Welcome back! Join us in our first review of 2013, where we take on the remix album, A Wrenched Virile Lore, released by Mogwai. Then stick around for a discussion on the visual associations we come to have with music. Continue reading
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Crash Chords! To celebrate, we deliver to you this very special non-episode to commemorate our many off-air shenanigans… (and to dispose of some excess clippage). Enjoy! Continue reading
Hey folks, it’s our year-end special! Buckle up, this one is a bit longer than usual. Enjoy and Happy Holidays! Continue reading
This week we review Green Day’s album ¡Dos! (the second installment of their trilogy), and we talk about the effects and weight of discographies on music. Continue reading
This week we talk about Matt’s adventures at the red carpet premiere for The Hobbit, we review the Wreck-It Ralph OST, and talk about other soundtracks as well. Continue reading
This week we review the latest album from The Avett Brothers, The Carpenter, and we criticize critics who don’t think critically. Continue reading
This week we review Serj Tankain’s latest album, Harakiri, and we get into a discussion on the ups and downs of solo artists breaking away from their bands. Continue reading
This week we welcome back Jon to the podcast as we talk about the latest from Papa Roach, The Connection, and we discuss how we’re never gonna give up on guilty pleasures. Continue reading
This week we are without Jon, but we do have our featured guest: Nelson Lugo, of Epic Win Burlesque, The Sharkbite Sideshow, and The Epic Piecast. We also review Until the Quiet Comes, the latest from Flying Lotus, as well as talk with Nelson about all things Nelson. Continue reading
This week we review The Script’s latest album, #3, and we get into an intense discussion about pop culture, the youth of today, and the eternal search for information. Continue reading
This week we discuss what’s in our headphones, No Doubt’s latest, Push and Shove, and we dive deeper into music’s relationship with films and video games. Continue reading
This week we talk about New York Comic Con, the latest from Muse, The 2nd Law, and music’s role in Reality TV. Continue reading
This week we review the latest album from Ben Folds Five, The Sound of the Life of the Mind. Then we discuss public personas and the positives and negatives celebrity status can bring to one’s career. Continue reading
This week we talk about what’s in our headphones, we review Green Day’s latest, ¡Uno!, and get into an in-depth discussion about what constitutes a “zero” rating. Continue reading
Billie Joe Armstrong's recent hospitalization, we review Hoobastank's latest album, Fight or Flight, and talk with our guest Tyler Parker about his Shadow Play Project and his singing talent. Continue reading
This week we talk about what we’ve been listening to, we review Menomena’s latest album, Moms, and get into an introductory conversation about the art of music. Continue reading
This week we talk about Green Day’s upcoming tour, Led Zeppelin’s social media surprise, what we’ve been listening to lately, we review Matchbox Twenty’s latest, North, and we discuss the beginnings of a new feature on Crash Chords called Trigger Tracks. Continue reading
This week we talk about what’s been rattling around in our headphones, the new record from Flobots, The Circle in the Square, and speak about the effects production and mixing can have on albums. Continue reading
This week we mention what we’ve been listening to lately, we review The Young Veins album, Take A Vacation!, and discuss cross-media pollination between books and music. Continue reading
This week we talk about Pussy Riot and Putin’s politics, we review Kids in the Streets (the latest by The All American Rejects), we get into a discussion about listening to music critically, and much more. Continue reading
This week we talk about Muse’s new single, the latest from Eve 6, Speak In Code, our ten favorite soundtracks and more. Continue reading
This week we talk about the science of Pop music, the latest album from Interpol, and the cohesiveness of album composition. Continue reading
Today we talk about the announcement of KISS’s new album, a review of KoЯn’s latest, Path of Totality, dive deeper into genrefication, and more. Continue reading
This week we talk about the new Wallflowers single, Flea’s new EP, a review of Maroon 5’s latest album, Overexposed, dream bands, and much more! Continue reading
This week we talk about new music videos, new music from Green Day, how some musicians are pompous, an album review of You Can’t Take It with You by As Tall As Lions, and then we discuss music in marketing campaigns. Also I want to thank the Wall Street Playaz for letting us use “Livin’ The Life” as our theme music. Continue reading
This week we talk about the world’s largest drumsticks, a review of Cage The Elephant’s latest, Thank You, Happy Birthday, and then get up close and personal with the Wall Street Playaz. Enjoy! Continue reading
Hey guys and gals! It’s our first podcast. We talk new Linkin Park, technology, its effects on the music industry, music in general, and much more! Continue reading