Jagbags: Recent Episodes
Michael Beyer, Len Foote
Jagbags is a new podcast featuring Len Foote and Mike Beyer. Every week, Len & Mike discuss a new topic based in music, sports, or overall pop culture.
Most Favored Guest Iva-Marie Palmer is back on the podcast, and this time the subject is her upcoming novel "Christmas People", which will be in stores September 30. She talks through her process for writing the novel, and also talks what she's doing now to promote the book. She also talks about the latest project she is working on, and also discusses her attitude towards critics. Tune in!
It's an ULTRA EFFICIENT recap episode! We talk more SNL cast maneuverings, Sly and the Family Stone's "There's A Riot Goin' On", Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums, Van Morrison's new LP "Remembering Now", "Major League" (in honor of Beave's Guardians Fever), the Cubs' playoff clinching, and the suddenly white-hot Guardians back from the dead! (And they assiduously avoid discussion of the Bears and Browns' respective 0-2 starts). Tune in for the last recap!!!
The great Amy Seeley is BACK on Jagbags and this time we are discussing the career and influence of a man who truly changed television: the one and only David Letterman. We talk our favorite guests, favorite bits, favorite regulars, and why he was so popular for so long. Plus we learn about Amy's trip to New York to be a member of Dave's studio audience. It's a great 90 minutes of content about a great entertainment figure. Put some JAGBAGS in your ear!
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk MLB baseball where Len chooses not to fret overly about the Cubs, while Beave is close to giving up on the Guardians' season. They also talk a little WNBA, and provide a mini-preview of the NFL season, specifically the Browns and Bears. They also discuss Len's INXS/Duran Duran bracket, where Beave considers legal action if "Suicide Blonde" does not win. Beave reviews the new Margo Price album. The Ringer also came out with an article discussing the best acting performances of the 21st century, and Beave and Len talk through their agreements and disagreements. Plus "I Recommend", the New Yorker, and Robert Christgau's A+ albums. Tune in!
Wonderful Morgan Gire returns to the pod and we talk the movies of Mr. Val Kilmer. Were you a fan? What films were your favorites? Have you seen Kiss Kiss Bang Bang? (That will prove your worthiness as a film buff and a fan.) Plus Real Genius, Top Secret, Top Gun, Batman and THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU OF COURSE!!! Tune in for a freewheeling, fun episode (we absolutely bounced all over the place but had a great time ).
With their backs against the wall, the Cubs take a series at Wrigley from the white-hot Brewers, reverting to their winning ways. The Guardians, meanwhile, stop hitting completely and tumble out of wild card contention. And Colson Montgomery announces himself as the newest White Sox star. The Chicago Sky play out the string and look for consistency, while Beave roots hard for the Golden State Valkyries to sneak into the WNBA playoffs. Plus Beave reviews the new Psychedelic Porn Crumpets LP, Len talks a little John Oliver, Beave discovers the hilarious young comedian Josh Johnson, and much more! Tune in.
Len and Beave discuss the iconic 60s TV series "Batman", and its impact on popular culture even today. They discuss favorite villains, favorite episodes, and ways that the series broke ground during its short three-year run. Tune in for some BAM! THWOK! POW! style banter, especially when Beave picks Eartha Kitt over Julie Newmar!
Throughout this entire recap episode, the genius of Paul Davis, his music and his hair come shining through. When not discussing Mr. Davis, Beave and Len discuss the results of the Billy Squier/Eddie Money Facebook bracket, as well as discuss the Guardians, Cubs, and White Sox (WOULD THE BREWERS PLEASE LOSE A GAME?!??). Plus we discuss the Chicago Sky, the Golden State Valkyries, and the rest of the WNBA. Beave recommends "Vegas: A Memoir of a Dark Season" by John Gregory Dunne. Len recommends "Stranger Things" star Finn Wolfhard's new album, called "Happy Birthday". Plus Recently Discovered Top 40 Songs, the New Yorker, and a Len/Beave argument about Moby's "Play". Tune in!
On an extremely efficient episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk through their favorite performances associated with the successful MTV Unplugged series. They talk through performances by Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Korn, and many more. They go through their playlists (check out the Smithereens' Unplugged EP), and argue over which concerts were the best. Tune in for MUSICAL AND PODCAST ECONOMY!
The new recap episode is up and we talk "Adults" on Hulu. We recommend Season One completely -- hopefully there will be a Season Two! Len frets about Caleb Williams, the Sky and the Cubs, who are chasing the Brewers in the NL Central (would they PLEASE LOSE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE?!??). Beave bows before the Guardians' Slade Cecconi. Len fills you in on The New Yorker, as he is all caught up, to the Diamond Listeners' delight. The unreleased 1974 Badfinger album "Head First" is the subject of an "I Recommend". Plus Bobby C's A+ albums and Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits. Tune in for an EFFICIENT recap!!!
Len and Beave truly revisit the music of their youth when they talk the music of Billy Squier and Eddie Money! The two artists go up against each other in Len's latest Facebook bracket, and they go through all their (numerous) hits, career arcs, career-ending videos (OK, just one). Who's better? And where do they rank in the 80s pantheon? And why are Len and Beave going off the rails to also discuss Loverboy and Paul Davis? Tune in for some VERY specific 80s jams!
The Jagbags hosts return with a great recap episode! They talk MLB, the upcoming trade deadline, and the Emmanuel Clase gambling disgrace. Len is starting to lose patience with the Chicago Sky. He also rants about the Bulls' extension of Billy Donovan, as Beave enjoys. Beave reviews new documentaries on Pee Wee Herman and Billy Joel. Len reviews the book "Lorne" by Susan Morrison, and the compilation album "This Is Reggae". He discusses the latest issue of the New Yorker. They discuss the movie "Sinners", the Mekons' "Fear & Whiskey", plus recently discovered top 40 hits. Tune in for recap fun!
A CAVALCADE OF STARS SHOWED OUT for the fifth anniversay episode of Jagbags! Join us as a parade of JagCore members (and beloved friends) come in hot with their respective top 5 lists, one for each year we have been in existence. It truly was a night to remember, so tune in for all the anniversary fun! We will talk about the after parties for years to come. JAGBAGS!
Beave and Len talk the movies of Bruce Willis. Which ones were your favorites? We talk our favorites, most underrated, whether he's a good actor or not, and more! Tune in.
On the latest recap episode, Len talks the first-place Cubs, while Beave bemoans the Guardians' ten-game losing streak. Beave and Len compare the mustaches of Kyle Manzardo and Sun-Times reporter Vinnie Duber. Len reviews "Jurassic World", while Beave takes you through "The Gilded Age" and the new Netflix series "Department Q". Len falls behind on the New Yorker. Beave talks a little too much about church. Beave reviews a 2024 LP by the supergroup Silverlites. Len discusses his Limbo Games with Jennifer Beals while Beave rolls his eyes. And Len and Beave talk a little Anita Baker! Tune in.
Len and Beave talk through their favorite Chicago sports announcers, in conjunction with Len's now-completed Facebook bracket. Beave tries to guess the top seeds and successfully guesses seeds two and three. We also talk national sports announcers, what makes a good announcer, and even throw in a smattering of Cleveland sports announcer as well. And we talk our favorite (and least favorite) sports play-by-play and color analysts of all time. Tune in for some excellent sports reminiscing! OH BOY!!
JagCore member Kirk Pynchon comes back on the pod and this time the subject is Steely Dan. As with all our music profiles, we go through their albums, do a 45-minute playlist, and come up with best sports for a Steely Dan highlight soundtrack (golf, pickleball). Join us for a look into the world of Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Michael McDonald, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, jazz, and peerless studio production! Tune in now.
Beave and Len talk through a wide variety of topics on the latest recap episode, including the NBA draft, the ASCENDANT Golden State Valkyries, Angel Reese's improved play, the Cubs' continued hold on first place, the improving Sox, and the sinking Guardians. Plus Iva-Marie Palmer joins the pod for a little 5th anniversary celebration and Top 5 lists, Len keeps everyone up to date on the New Yorker, Beave reviews the new McKinley Dixon album, the guys review Magnetic Fields' "69 Love Songs", and more! Tune in for recap excellence!
The great Scott OKen returns to Jagbags once again to discuss the all-time guitar master Jimi Hendrix, and his brief but influential career. WIll his music live on? Why has it continued to be so popular, some 55 years after his death? What is his best album? Where might his music have gone in the 70s, 80s and beyond? What songs belong on a tight 45-minute playlist? We talk his releases, compilation LPs, his ultimate legacy, and what made his guitar sound so unique and instantly successful. Tune in for SERIOUS JAMS.
The Pacers extend OKC to Game 7 in the Finals before finally bowing in defeat. Plus we go through the Cubs lineup and Len provides thumbs up or thumbs down (and Len gives periodic thumbs down throughout to Alex Caruso). Plus Guardians, White Sox, WNBA, Beave reviews a new book (The Bronx is Burning), and Len talks about the 30 for 30 episodes on the Baltimore Colts football band and the story of the USFL. Plus Madonna's "Immaculate Collection", and Beave and Len discuss the music of the Backstreet Boys (and also Jim Backus). And finally, the Darkness have a new album out!! Tune in!
Friend of the podcast Kevin Stern rejoins Jagbags to talk through the music of the Chairman of the Board: Mr. Frank Sinatra. Will his music live on? Did he put out the very first concept album? What is his influence in 2025, and will his legacy connect with the incoming generation? What are his very best songs and albums? We each created a 45-minute playlist (one is "Sinatra Sobs", another "Sinatra Swings", and the final is "Sinatra Simple"), and discuss those in great detail as well. Finally, we make too many jokes about Frank Sinatra Jr.'s collab with Was (Not Was). Tune in for some Ol' Blue Eyes!
Beave and Len continue to argue about the NBA Finals. Marlana May Carlson joins the pod to provide her top 5 U2 songs. Beave continues to review Elvis Costello's autobiography. Len mourns the season-ending injury to Courtney Vandersloot, and discusses where the Chicago Sky go from here. Len's Cubs fever also intensifies. Len reads the Atlantic and listens to Hendrix's "First Rays of the New Rising Sun". Len also reviews the new Wes Anderson movie, "The Phoenician Scheme". Plus Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, the New Yorker, and more!
Beave and Len discuss the career and films of Robert Redford, from his debut in "Barefoot In The Park" to his recent appearances in Marvel movies. We also talk the legacy of the Sundance Film Festival, as well as his directorial accomplishments. Was he actually a good actor, or just a pretty face? What are his best films, both as an actor and director? Tune in for cinema discussion!
In the latest recap, Len discusses how the Cubs are absolutely for real. Beave and Len talk the NBA Finals matchup between the Pacers and Thunder. They make their predictions on who will win (Len says OKC in 5, Beave says OKC in 6). The Chicago Sky get their first wins of the season. The Cleveland Guardians flounder about in the AL Central standings. And the Sox make strides! Beave has more thoughts on Elvis Costello's memoir "Unfaithful Music". Len recommends Roxy Music's live album "Heart Still Beating", and the book "Bear Tooth", by Callan Wink. Beave reviews the new Beach Bunny LP. Len reads the New Yorker, plus a LOT of Babyface! Tune in.
On the new Jagbags, Beave and Len go through their favorite songs that somehow either languished on the Billboard charts, or remained a deep cut stashed away somewhere on an obscure album. If you've ever loved a song, and wondered how the heck it didn't dominate radio and become a #1 hit, this podcast is for you! What are some of your favorite songs that went nowhere commerically? Tell us in the comments!
Len and Beave scratch their heads at Robert Christgau's A+ grade for the 1976 album "Have Moicy". But he is the Dean of American music critics, so he just knows more, right? Plus "I Recommend", Len reads the New Yorker and provides his insights, Beave reviews the new Beach Bunny LP, undiscovered Top 40 hits (it's a bit of a desert right now), and all the Chicago/Cleveland/Knicks mockery sports talk you can handle! Tune in now.
Len and Beave go through the career and films of Demi Moore, who shockingly lost Best Actress earlier this year for her performance in "The Substance". What were her best performances? Is she in fact a good actress? What is the key to her appeal? What movies are among her best? Has anyone seen "Wisdom", "Forsaken", or "Wild Oats"? Is "Striptease" a good movie? (Beave will defend that one to the death) And of course, has St. Elmo's Fire aged for the better or worse since its premiere 40 years ago? Tune in!
On the newest recap episode, Len discusses his plans to marry Pete Crow-Armstrong. We also talk the Cleveland Guardians' relative struggles and the White Sox's relative improvement. The NBA Conference Finals are set and they make their predictions on who will win. Len discusses the Chicago Sky's bad start out of the gate, while Beave obsesses over the Golden State Valkyries. Plus "I Recommend", where Len talks about the Sheepdogs and Beave questions why Elvis Costello seems to have a problem with the Doobie Brothers. Beave disses Frankie Avalon and celebrates Avant. And Len talks New Yorker as well. Tune in!
JagCore member Christopher Marcum comes back to the podcast and the subject is the WNBA 2025 season preview. What player is set for a breakout year? Can the return of Courtney Vandersloot to Chicago energize the Sky? Will Angel Reese start to make layups? Is this the season Caitlin Clark wins her first MVP? How will Kelsey Plum fare in LA? Who can challenge Paige Bueckers for Rookie of the Year? AND HOW FAR WILL THE GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES RISE this season? Tune in for all these answers.
The newest recap episode is out and Len recommends a John Oliver segment for about the 250th time (this one on minor league baseball teams that rename themselves -- hilarious). We also talk NBA playoffs and Beave tries not to fret over the Cavs. We talk MLB and the Cubs' efforts to fend off the suddenly resurgent Cardinals. We also get on a tangent about MLB uniforms. Plus Chicago Sky, excellent New Yorker articles, the outstanding publication Front Office Sports, Robert Christgau A+ albums, recently discovered Top 40 hits, and more! JAGBAGS!
The legendary Jill Oliver comes back to Jagbags to talk Jim Carrey movies, best characters, and discuss the secret of his appeal and his comedy success. Did he deserve an Oscar nomination for "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"? (He did.) Plus we talk our favorite Carrey movies and performances, our most underrated as well as the Carrey movies we liked the least. Outside of Ace Ventura, what do you consider his best performance? Also Beave disparages "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" while Len contemplates having Beave removed forcibly from the Jagbags studio. Tune in!
In our latest recap episode, we talk the amazing first round of the NBA playoffs, plus the Cubs' first-place standing and the Guardians' cautious success. (We will also be better about the Sox moving forward, especially now that Vinnie Duber is covering them.) Plus Len recommends "Thunderbolts" and Beave recommends "Sinners". We also talk New Yorker, the new Deafheaven LP, and recently discovered Top 40 hits. Tune in!
Len and Beave discuss the staggering amount of films that feature the incomparable Willem Dafoe. Which ones are your favorite? We talk our top 5 favorite films, list some of our favorite performances, lament the fact he has never won an Oscar, and much more! Tune in for ULTIMATE DAFOE!
In the latest recap, Len and Beave discuss the first round of the NBA playoffs, as well as MLB and the continuing journalism of the celebrated Chicago Sun-Times columnist Vinnie Duber. Plus "I Recommend", PJ Harvey, Jason Isbell, the New Yorker, and undiscovered Top 40 hits! Tune in NOW for recap brilliance!
Len and Beave go through their favorite albums of this first quarter century. From Taylor Swift to Beyonce to D'Angelo, and more, we go through our own personal top ten LPs from 2000 to this year. Tell us yours, and tune in for some great music discussion!
Len and Beave go through their most likable Cubs (Mr. Mickey Morandini, etc.) and their least likable Cubs (Dave Kingman has now entered the chat). Plus they talk the Cubs' continued fast start, and the Guardians' mini-run to second place. The NBA playoffs are underway and the guys talk the Cavs' chances against Miami, Rockets-Warriors, and Clippers-Nuggets. Beave reviews "Salinger" by Paul Alexander, Len recommends the 2024 LP "Million Voices Whisper" by Warren Haynes. Plus Al Green, Rhiannon Giddens, Len's take on the New Yorker, and Undiscovered Top 40 Hits! Tune in!
Now that the dust has settled, and time has passed, Len and Beave examine the career and legacy of Sammy Sosa, who hit 609 home runs and will likely not be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Was he a great player, truly, or just a stat padder who could never come through in the clutch? How much do you care about his steroid use? Do you consider him one of the all-time great Cubs? Len and Beave ponder these questions, and more. (And Len exorcises a few past Cubs demons along the way) Tune in!
Beave forgets to listen to all of Ashanti's top 40 hits as part of his assigned podcast duties, drawing her ire and scorn. We also go through the NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season. Len contracts a mild but growing case of Cubs Fever("I'm ordering my World Series tickets"), while calling for Billy Donovan's dismissal. Beave tries not to fret about the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Plus Len and Beave predict the first round of the NBA playoffs and who they think will advance. Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ albums (Live/Dead is the album this week), and Len goes through highlights of the most recent New Yorker issue he has read. Tune in!
We examine the career and movies of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty on the newest Jagbags. We go through all his movies and discuss their merits. We also rank his movies, discuss his more underrated and overrated films, and discuss his abilities as an actor and director. We also talk his influence over Hollywood. We take an in-depth look at one of cinema's most interesting luminaries of the last half-century. Tune in, and tell us your favorite Warren Beatty movies as well!
We talk the NCAA national championship games for men's and women's basketball on the latest Jagbags. Plus we talk the start of the MLB season, NBA playoff preview, Robert Christgau's review of Gogol Bordello's album Super Taranta, and Greil Marcus' latest book on Bob Dylan. Plus Len tears up the dance clubs of Chicagoland with "Mr. Washing Machine", talks a little Rosanne Cash, and Nile Rodgers' latest interview in Spin Magazine. It's a true grab bag of a recap episode -- tune in!
Len's latest Facebook bracket pits the music of two 80s legends: Kool and the Gang vs. The Pointer Sisters. Which songs are your favorite? What song in particular should win this bracket? We talk our own favorite songs, go through our 45-minute playlists, and discuss whether the Pointer Sisters are Hall of Fame worthy. (They are.) We go through some deep cuts, and compare these two bands to some of their contemporaries. Where do they rank on the Pantheon? Tune in for some top 40 jams!
The newest recap episode runs a bit light, but is sports heavy. Len and Beave still talk Final Four, the opening of the MLB season, and the sprint to the finish for the NBA before devolving completely into the pent-up discussion of Immaculate Grid that they have always wanted to have. We also talk "I Recommend", Beave reviews the new album by The Weeknd, and Len visits Exile in Bookville in the Fine Arts Building on Roosevelt Road. Plus we get a New Yorker status update! Tune in.
Beave and Len are back and this time the subject is the best live albums ever recorded. Which ones are your favorite? We submit our top ten favorite live LPs of all time, as well as our toughest omissions. Beave includes way too many jazz albums, to Len's chagrin. They discuss what makes a great live LP, and in some cases contain recordings that are better than anything done in the studio. From the Who to Kiss to Nirvana to Billy Joel, we dig deep into some of the best live music available and bring it straight to you. Tune in now!
Beave and Len talk through the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which soon devolves into several boring stories about their own dominance of the pickup games at Queen of Angels. Len considers renaming his oldest son "Grant Funk". Beave is NOT PANICKING over the Cavs' recent stumbles. Len contracts a mild case of Bulls Fever. They both review Ghostface Killah's "Fishscale". Plus "I Recommend", Len Reads The New Yorker, Beave's review of the album "Glutton for Punishment" by Heartworms, and Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums. Tune in!
The MLB season kicks off today and we have you covered on our annual season preview! Baseball authority Anthony D'Andrea is back (as he is every spring) to help you make sense of the season, and what to look for, particularly from the Chicago Cubs. You can't find these takes anywhere else but here on Jagbags! We also talk the Cleveland Guardians, and kick the hapless White Sox while they're down. Plus our annual division and playoff predictions, along with postseason award predictions. Tune in, as spring has arrived at last and it's time to play ball!
JagCore member Marlana May Carlson returns with authority, and this time the subject is UK rock/goth legends The Cure. We go through their music in the usual painstaking detail, ranking all their albums with each of us providing a 45-minute playlist. What are their best albums? Best songs? Did they go downhill after the release of "Wish", or are there more treasures to find? We also talk their latest LP, "Songs of a Lost World". Tune in for a gigantic podcast of jams!
We talk March Madness and go through our thoughts on who will win this year's tournament. "THE STORIES ARE HERE ALREADY!!" Len cries with glee. In particular, we focus on Illinois (and its new lease on life coach Brad Underwood), who has a chance to advance to at least the Sweet Sixteen. Plus NBA, "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, Beave's 2025 Album Review, Len's progress on reading the New Yorker, and Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits, where we talk a little April Wine. Tune in!
Join treasured guest Christopher Marcum as we set sail on a mellow smooth sea of sound and explore the greatness of yacht rock. We attempt to define the genre, talk the Web series that started it all, and discuss the recent (excellent) documentary on the genre (found on Max). We argue "yacht or nyacht", and submit our 45-minute playlists for discussion, acceptance or complete rejection. It's lively and full of quick hitting banter! So grab your Bacardi Breezer and join us portside for refined, tasteful rock-type jams with hints of R&B and jazz!
In the latest recap episode, Beave reviews Chick Corea's "Trilogy 3", while Len takes a well-deserved nap. The Bulls embark on their longest winning streak of the season. Conference tournament time is on us at last, and Len and Beave plot the path for Northwestern to WIN THE WHOLE ENCHILADA. Plus a little NFL talk, as Myles Garrett resigns with the Browns and the Bears stockpile offensive linemen. Beave recommends "Detroiters", on Netflix. Len recommends the soundtrack to the 2005 movie "Elizabethtown". Plus they take on Brian Eno's "Another Green World". Tune in!
We discuss the late great Gene Hackman on the new Jagbags. From Bonnie & Clyde to The Royal Tenenbaums, we go through nearly all of his movies and discuss our favorites, our least favorites, and ones we still haven't seen. We also talk through his impact, his ultimate legacy, and what made him such an outstanding actor. Tune in for all the Hackman!
In the latest recap episode, Len provides the post-Oscar recap and details all his adventures at the various post-Oscar parties. The Cavs overcome a 22-point deficit to beat the Celtics in Boston, and Beave has officially contracted serious Cavs Fever. Plus Bulls and other NBA news. The Illini lurch to the NCAA tournament, while Northwestern fights to even make the Big Ten tournament. Beave recommends "The Game", by Ken Dryden. Len recommends the documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" with strong enthusiasm, plus "Don't Forget Me" by Maggie Rogers, and "Smoke & Fiction", by X. Plus Dylan and the Band's "The Basement Tapes", and Beave discovers the Flamin' Groovies at age 55. Tune in!
On the latest Jagbags, in support of the new Aretha Franklin Facebook bracket, we discuss her career and her musical impact. Was she the greatest cover artist of all time? What songs are your favorite? Does she have a classic album? Did you like her comeback songs in the 80s? Where does she rank on the All-Time Music Pantheon? Tune in for the full discussion of all things Aretha.
In the latest recap episode, Len recounts his day at the five-Best-Picture-Nominee marathon in Woodridge, IL. We also talk NBA and college hoops, including the new Northwestern mini-resurgence. We have our "I Recommend" section, where Beave recommends the baseball book "July 2, 1903", and Len recommends some SNL-related books, including Norm McDonald's "Based On A True Story", Martin Short's "I Must Say", "The Chris Farley Show", and Colin Jost's "A Very Punchable Face". Len shakes his head at the now monumental task of completing the New Yorker's 100th Anniversary Issue. Beave reviews the new album from Matt Berry ("What We Do In The Shadows"). Finally, they review Bob Dylan's "Modern Times", plus Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums. Tune in!
Beave and Len go through their favorite albums and songs of 2024, and also go through their most pleasant surprises and biggest disappointments. We go through new LPs by Dua Lipa, Black Crowes, Blue Oyster Cult (!!), Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Sleater-Kinney, and much more! Tell us your favorite albums as well.
We discuss the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary schedule in detail, and comment on our favorite sketches and cameos. We also talk through various Best Picture nominees, including The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Dune Part Two. The NBA All-Star Weekend came and went without much fanfare or fan interest. Plus, "I Recommend", Beave reviews the new Guided By Voices album, Len receives his 100th anniversary issue of the New Yorker, and Newly Discovered Top 40 hits! More Paul Anka than you ever dreamed of! JAGBAGS!
Beave and Len give you their annual Academy Awards preview episode for 2025. They go through nominees for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Best Animated Feature, and Best Documentary (before they grow too depressed). They assess each category and predict who may win and also who they want to win. Can Demi Moore break through and win? Will Kendall get the best of Roman once again in the Best Supporting Actor category? And who will win Best Picture? Tune in for Oscar talk!
In the latest recap episode, Len laments the ascension of George Carlin as winner of the standup comedy bracket. He also laments the Chiefs' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Beave laments the Northwestern Wildcats, who lost Brooks Barnhizer to injury and whose season is likely over. The guys discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' trade for DeAndre Hunter. Beave struggles with Gravity's Rainbow, by Thomas Pynchon. Len does not struggle to keep up with issues of The New Yorker. They also discuss top 40 hits by the Animals, Lee Andrews & The Hearts, and others. Tune in!!
The tremendous Amy Seeley is back and this time the subject is right in her wheelhouse: COMEDY. We talk the legendary work of the absurdly brilliant Monty Python, whose "Flying Circus" and subsequent movies dominated the 70s. We talk our favorite performers, favorite sketches, favorite lines, and favorite movies. We also get into a discussion of their influence, and talk a bit about comedy in general. It's a most excellent 90 minutes, so strap in for something completely different! TUNE IN!
Super Bowl LIX is upon us and Jagbags has your ultimate Super Bowl analysis! Len also reveals he will not have a notebook out for Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, nor will he serve any "Chiefs cake". Beave encourages Len to trash talk EVERYONE WITH IMPUNITY should the Chiefs win. We also discuss the Dallas Mavericks' stunning trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Plus Zach LaVine finally packs his bags out of Chicago, the Cavs improve themselves, college hoops, Oscar controversies, stand-up comedian brackets, and THOMAS PYNCHON!! Tune in now!
Super Bowl LIX is all set for February, and we talk through the Kansas City Chiefs' status as Ultimate Villains. We also talk brand new Hall of Famer Billy Wagner (as Len celebrates at Girl & The Goat), NBA and WNBA, and college hoops. They briefly touch on Oscar nominations, plus Beave has book recommendations, and Len talks through "Life of Brian", which he had never seen, and "Splendor in the Grass". Plus Derek and the Dominoes' "Layla" , Ringo Starr's new C&W album, and undiscovered top 40 hits. Tune in!
Friends of the podcast Lizzy Mosher and Ryan Hake join the podcast and the topic is the best books we read last year! This is a popular annual topic and we each go through our ten favorite favorite books we read last year (or in Beave's case, eight). Lots of horror (Lizzy reads her very first Stephen King novel), lots of sports, and a bio of Albert Einstein as well! Tune in for ultimate literature, and tell us your favorite books you read last year!
The AFC and NFC championship games are upon us, and Len and Beave go through the divisional playoff games that got us here. Plus the Cavs hit the inevitable lull in their schedule -- can they get back on track? The Bulls and Zach LaVine trade rumors continue. Beave reviews the Dashiell Hammett novel "The Maltese Falcon". Beave and Len talk about Iris DeMent's 1994 album "My Life". They also talk about the four-part documentary "Beyond Saturday Night". Plus secret top 40 hits! All JAGBAGS!
Len and Beave go through their own separate Top Ten Movies of 2024, and then their own Top Ten TV Series of 2024. Tune in as they count down, argue, agree, insult and make up. You won't want to miss the Siskel & Ebert style banter, and hopefully our lists agree with yours! You see, WE WAIT UNTIL THE ACTUAL END OF THE YEAR TO DO OUR "BEST OF" LISTS.
The world has long wondered what Len and Beave think of the seminal DeBarge classic LP "In A Special Way". Wonder no more! The review comes at last! Plus NFL playoffs, Cavs keep rolling through the regular season, CFP is set with Ohio State and Notre Dame, and the Big Ten basketball season kicks off with the usual chaos. Beave reviews a top movie of 2024, "Do Not Expect Too Much from The End of the World", while preparing for his upcoming darkness retreat with Aaron Rodgers. Len reviews albums by Cage the Elephant and his good friend Ray LaMontagne. Plus Secret Top 40 hits! A JAM-PACKED recap episode, so don't miss it!
Friend of the podcast Jill Oliver is back with an in-depth discussion of the 2000 Best Picture winner "Gladiator", as well as the 2024 sequel, both directed by Ridley Scott. Which movie is better? Did "Gladiator" deserve the Best Picture Academy Award? Who gave the best performance in either film? What happened to Oliver Reed during filming of "Gladiator"? Is "Gladiator 2" a good movie? Tune in!
We get our NFL playoff predictions to you just as the games begin! Plus the CFP semifinals, the unbelievable Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bulls' Zach LaVine saga, and the gauntlet that is the Big Ten basketball standings. Beave turns to Russian literature while Len naps. Len reviews "Shogun", "Nobody Wants This", and "Man On The Inside". And Len keeps up with The New Yorker flawlessly!!!
In the newest Jagbags, we talk the music of both Heart and Pat Benatar. "Barracuda" won the Facebook bracket over "Heartbreaker". Were you happy with the results? Which artist do you prefer and which songs/albums are your favorite? Do you believe they belong in the Rock Hall? We go through our 45-minute playlists, talk favorite albums, and talk about songs we hoped would do well in the bracket. (Beave: "Promises In The Dark" should have won) JAGBAGS!
Beave and Len talk the end of the NFL season, as well as preview potential playoff matchups. They also discuss the white-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, who have won 31 out of their first 35 games. They talk college hoops, Len's forgiveness of Brad Underwood, and the gauntlet that is the Big Ten basketball schedule. Beave reviews "Nosferatu" and Len reviews "A Complete Unknown", "The Penguin", "Fallout", and "Mr .& Mrs. Smith". They discuss Robert Christgau's latest A+ album, "Two Sevens Clash", by Culture. Plus undiscovered Top 40 hits and the Carpenters put out a 2024 Christmas album! JAGBAGS!
Did you know that Grand Funk Railroad sold out Shea Stadium faster than the Beatles themselves? In the latest Jagbags, we delve into the career and music of Grand Funk Railroad, providing you our favorite albums, first memories, 45-minute playlists, and other delights! Tune in for end of year JAMS!
Len and Beave go through the ten main characters on "The Bear", and rank them from 10 to number one. How would you rank them? Plus NFL, NBA, the Guardians and Cubs' latest trades, "I Recommend", and the golden age of Chicago college hoops continues! Finally Beave forgets the secret top 40 hits, and we discuss David Remnick's pickleball habits. Tune in!
Len and Beave examine the music of the mercurial and prolific Van Morrison, who continues to churn out records even in the 2020s. We discuss our first memories of his music, rank our favorite albums, compose our signature 45-minute playlists, and discuss his work with Them. Tune in!
Beave visits the home studios in Woodridge, IL for a jam-packed recap episode, eats 3,029 Hershey Kisses in the process, explains Mr. Pibb's pulling sponsorship because of his "Shawshank Redemption" review, and then slips into a diabetic coma under the holiday tree. The Bears and Browns are both forgettable, but we still talk NFL and the charmed Chiefs. Who can challenge them for NFL supremacy? Plus NBA, college hoops (Northwestern beats Illinois in Evanston), college football playoffs, "I Recommend", CCR's "Willy & The Poorboys", unknown Top 40 hits, and Beave and Len forget to rank the characters in "The Bear".
In the latest literary episode, Beave and Len sit down in their comfy chairs in front of a roaring fire, light their pipes, and educate you on fine literature. Specifically, they talk the New York Times' recent list of the Top 100 Books of the 21st Century. How many have you read? We go through the ones we actually have read, the ones we have on our shelves but have not yet gotten to, and ones that may have been snubbed but are still fantastic. Tune in for some good book recommendations!
Beave and Len go through the anonymous NFL players who appear on the league's all-time sack leaders. You can't believe how many players we never heard of. The Bears fire Matt Eberflus after another last second loss. The Cavs keep it rolling with a huge win over the Boston Celtics. Beave reviews the movie Wicked. Beave and Len reminisce about Bakers Square and Len discusses his love of rice pilaf. They discuss the album "Strong Persuader" by Robert Cray. Beave reviews the new Tyler The Creator album. Plus Unknown Top 40 hits! Tune in!
The new Facebook bracket is here and the subject is Morgan Freeman movies! He has appeared in several classics, including "Glory", "Unforgiven", "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Dark Knight", and countless others. (And who can forget Easy Reader on The Electric Company?) His work ethic is without peer, and he can be seen in the new Paramount+ series "Lionness". Which Morgan Freeman performance is your favorite, and which Freeman film has sailed under the radar unfairly? Tune in for ultimate Freeman!
In the latest recap episode, we talk through the week that was in the NFL, NBA and COLLEGE HOOPS!!! We go through Ilinois, Northwestern, Loyola and DePaul and offer outlooks for the men's team seasons. Plus Beave reviews "The Penguin" and Len reviews "Wicked". Plus Beave talks the new album from Elvis Costello, and they both talk "London Calling" by the Clash. TUNE IN!
The subject is one of the most successful and controversial bands of all time: KISS. We talk their songs, albums, and impact. Where do they rank in the All-Time Rock Pantheon? Where does their live LP "Alive!" rank in the all-time Live Album Pantheon? What songs would you include in your 45-minute KISS playlist? Why is "KISS Meets The Phantom" better than "Citizen Kane"? Tune in for ultimate jams!
Beave pronounces the new Cure album as one of their very best, and a surefire "Top 10" ranking for the year. Len eats a delicious peanut butter nutella cupcake while Beave sulks with his green beans. Beave and Len bemoan the latest losses by the Chicago Bears (to the Packers at the end of the game) and the Cleveland Browns (to New Orleans). Beave celebrates the Cleveland Cavaliers' blazing hot start. College basketball is underway and Jagbags star Matthew Nicholson warms up with mashed potatoes and green beans (!!). Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, and the Top 40 catalog of Air Supply and Akon. Join the witty banter!
On the latest Jagbags we talk the comedy genius of the great Richard Pryor -- a true American original whose comedy sounds as fresh and (sadly) timeless as ever. We talk his comedy albums, his appearances on SNL, the short-lived but incredible "Richard Pryor Show", and movies such as "Silver Streak", "Lady Sings The Blues", and "Richard Pryor: Live In Concert", arguably the greatest stand-up film of all time. Tune in for interesting discussion.
On this darkest of American times, we fearlessly bring you a recap episode for you to hopefully enjoy. Len continues to fall behind in his issues of the New Yorker. The Kansas City Chiefs continue their winning ways. The Browns inquire about just quitting at 2-7. The Chicago Bears take it on the chin from the Cardinals. The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to stay unbeaten and lay the wood to the Golden State Warriors. Plus "I Recommend", Len is forced to listen to yet another jazz LP, Hugh Grant's "The Heretic", the SNL Cold Open, and much more! Tune in.
We talk the growing popularity of the 1997 sci-fi classic "Starship Troopers", starring Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Clancy Brown, Neil Patrick Harris and the great Michael Ironside. Directed by Paul Verhoeven. We talk through the plot, initial critical reaction, and box office performance. We then rate our favorite and least favorite performances, and talk about whether the satire landed or not. What explains its enduring popularity, more than 25 years later? Tune in for cult movie discussion!
We have a great recap episode in store for you! The Bears and Browns both lose while the Chiefs stay as the last unbeaten team in football. The Cavs stay as the last unbeaten team in basketball. Plus "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ albums, Beave's 2024 album review, and undiscovered Top 40 hits! TUNE IN!!
We are talking the music of Beck on the latest episode of Jagbags! We talk our favorite albums, and we each go through our 45-minute playlists as well. It's hard to believe he has been around for almost 30 years. Enjoy!
It's a jam-packed recap episode where Beave reluctantly grills Len on his progress in keeping up with his New Yorker subscription (while Jennifer Beals waits in suspense). The Cavs are off to a white-hot start to the new NBA season. Bears lose a heartbreaker in DC on a Hail Mary. Indiana Fever fire their head coach, and the Yankees go down in the World Series, to America's delight. Plus, "I Recommend", Beave reviews the best jazz album of 2024 while Len naps, Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits, and DONUTS! Tune in now.
Beave and Len discuss the greatest debut albums ever made, and provide their own favorite Top Ten. From the Cars to Pearl Jam to Hendrix to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and N.W.A., we cover all genres and talk the music acts that absolutely roared out of the gate with an all-time classic! Tune in for ultimate debut record discussion and some tremendous jams!
Beave laments the fallen Guardians but shares his night at the wild Game 3 -- the best baseball game he has ever attended. Plus the WNBA has a new champion in the New York Liberty and Len shows off his new Sloot swag. Beave innocently asks how reading The New Yorker is going, and Len explodes. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's review of the new Ministry album, the Beach Boys' "Wild Honey" -- how good is that LP? And secret Top 40 hits featuring Oleta Adams and the Addrisi Brothers (who?) TUNE IN!
Friend of the Pod Morgan Gire returns to the pod to talk the movies of the great director Robert Zemeckis, who is known best for Back To The Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Forrest Gump, and many more. What are the hallmarks of a Zemeckis movie? We also talk about other great movies that people may not know he directed. What performances in Zemeckis movies are your favorite? What is his most overrated movie? And are you excited for "Here"? We talk all Zemeckis, plus a little movie I like to call "Used Cars". Tune in!
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the pulse-pounding WNBA Finals between New York and Minnesota. Has there ever been a better one? Plus Len celebrates the suddenly powerful Chicago Bears as they steamroll the Jaguars in London. Yankees go up 2-0 on the Guardians, while Beave frets helplessly. Beave recommends "Monsters: The Menendez Brothers" on Netflix. Len tries to catch up on all the New Yorker articles. Beave and Len review Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible", which received an A+ rating from Robert Christgau. And much much more!
With the NBA season due to kick off soon, Beave and Len don their expert hats and pick the playoff teams, conference winners, and eventual NBA champions. They also debate who could win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. What team will surprise and which team is about to let its fans down hard? Plus we do deep dives on the Bulls and Cavs. Will the return of Lonzo Ball make a difference for Chicago? Is the addition of Josh Giddey a plus or minus? We answer all these questions and more -- ULTIMATE NBA PREVIEW!
Yet another recap episode where cookies stand front and center! Beave makes more shameful cookie consumption confessions. Len introduces Beave to MeTV Mall, whereupon Beave promptly disappears for the next two days. Guardians battle the Tigers in the ALDS playoffs, and Beave has the Game 1 attendance report. The WNBA Finals loom, and Len makes his picks for the eventual league champs. Bears look great in sending Red Rifle crying to Len's backyard. Plus new season of Only Murders in the Building! Beave reviews the Lemon Twigs' concert in Cleveland (amazing, see them in Chicago 10/18). And Secret Top 40 hits by Paula Abdul.....REVIEWED! JAG! BAGS!
We're talking Mel Brooks movies on the newest Jagbags! Which movie is your favorite? What movies would you put in his all-time Top Five? Has he ever made a bad movie? (He has.) Where do you stand on Spaceballs? Or High Anxiety? Who gave the greatest comic performance in a Mel Brooks movie? We take on all these questions FEARLESSLY. Tune in for ultimate comedy discussion! SEDAGIVE?!??
Beave and Len preview the MLB playoffs opening by predicting winners of all the wildcard matchups. Beave has a horrific Javy Baez/Kyle Schwarber 2016 World Series flashback. They also talk the Bears and Chiefs' win and the Browns' awful loss to the Raiders. Len roots for the Minnesota Lynx to make the WNBA Finals. Beave tries to guess the #1 seeds in Len's Facebook cookie brand bracket, which leads to an incredibly in-depth discussion of kinds of cookies, Beave's alarming cookie-eating habits, and a formation of a "Cookie Committee". Plus "I Recommend", new 2024 album review, and hidden Top 40 jams. Tune in now!
We're talking Matthew McConaughey movies on the latest Jagbags! Which performance is his greatest? OK, David Wooderson doesn't exist -- which performance is his greatest? We also talk his book "Greenlights", which has sold six million copies. We talk his Oscar-winning turn in "Dallas Buyers Club", his stunning performance in "True Detective", and much more! Tune in for insightful, expert McConaughey discussion!
On the latest recap episode, Len completes his Favorite 500 Albums review by going five through one. Tune in to see what LP grabs the coveted top spot! Plus NFL (Red Rifle Returns With a Venegeance), MLB (GUARDIANS FEVER), and WNBA playoffs. Beave reviews the new Fontaines DC album, "The Gentlemen" on Netflix and the Pillow Queens concert in Cleveland. Len talks through "little known" Top 40 hits, and reviews the B-52's installment from the movie "The Flintstones". Tune in!
RATINGS GOLD guest Amy Seeley comes back and this time the subject is the New Wave legends the Cars, led by Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. Beave and Len discover they've been pronouncing "Ocasek" incorrectly all this time. Amy talks about her teenage love of the Cars, and has some outstanding stories as well. We go through our favorite albums, put together a tight 45-minute playlist, and discuss the secret of their appeal. And is the Cars' debut album one of the greatest of all time? (HINT: Yes.) It's a fun discussion, and apologies to Todd Rundgren for all the cheap shots! Tune in!
In the newest recap episode, Beave cautiously celebrates the Guardians' drive to the playoffs, Len lauds Ian Happ's excellent season, and the Sox make a final push for infamy. Plus the Bears fall to Houston, KC wins a tight one over Cincy, and the Browns escape Jacksonville. Beave and Len lament the end of the Chicago Sky's season. Beave struggles with "Einstein", by Walter Issacson. And LEN'S FAVORITE 500 ALBUMS COMES TO A CLOSE! We talk the near misses, then jam out with a little band I like to call Big Country. Enjoy!
Friend of the podcast Chris Marcum joins Jagbags for a CONTENTIOUS discussion of the current state of the WNBA, reasons for its explosion in popularity, and the influx of rookies making an impact on the league. Chris shares his experience of traveling to Indianapolis for a Fever game. We argue Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese vociferously! Who will win the WNBA championship this year? What team could surprise? And what should the league do to maintain and grow its positive momentum? Tune in for all hoops!
Len and Beave do another SPEED RECAP for you. Len is on the cusp of entering the Top Ten of his all-time favorite albums. They go through five more albums, which leads to discussion of the dean of American music critic Robert Christgau's word choices of "fatuous" and "middling". The NFL season kicks off with a Bears and Chiefs win and a terrible Browns loss. MLB winds down as the Guardians sweep the Sox (who have lost 27 of their last 28 home games). Len watches Kyle Hendricks in twilight, as he faces the Dodgers. TUNE IN FOR ELECTRIC DISCUSSION!
NFL Expert Matt Beyer rejoins the podcast to talk through the 2024 NFL season, with particular attention paid to the Browns, Bears and the defending champion Chiefs. Can the Ravens or 49ers break through? Who will be the surprise team of the season? Who will win MVP? Why do the guys make so many Aaron Rodgers/Egypt jokes? And when will Carolina quit messing around and turn over the keys to future Hall of Famer Red Rifle? TUNE IN FOR FOOTBALL EXPERTISE!
Recap action is back and we have sports, music and TV favorites for you! Beave recommends "Dark Winds", available on Netflix. Len recommends "Hum", the new novle by Helen Phillips. Guardians continue to get pushed to the brink, then fight back. Cubs make a bid for the postseason. Sox make a bid for the wrong kind of baseball immortality. The Chicago Sky endure a losing streak at the worst possible time. Beave reviews the new Pearl Jam LP. And Len's Favorite 500 continues the countdown! JAGBAGS!
On the newest Jagbags, Beave and Len go deep into the music of Pink Floyd as the newest Facebook bracket kicks off. Beave correctly guesses all top seeds and then collapses from joy. They talk the tragic tale of band founder Syd Barrett, and how Floyd progressed from his departure to the triumph of "Dark Side of the Moon", one of the best selling albums in music history. They go through their five favorite Floyd albums and then their 45-minute playlists (which you can access on Spotify). Tune in and Breathe! Breathe in the Air!
Although the latest recap episode features MLB, WNBA recaps, plus "I Recommend", Beave's New Album Review, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums, we spend the majority of time arguing The Boys, and ranking the main characters in show from worst to first. Which characters are strongest? The weakest? Who is the moral center? Who has the most interesting arc? And which character is your favorite and least favorite? We talk them all in the latest recap. TUNE IN!
Meryl Streep is widely regarded as the finest living actor, so we go through her movies and rate her performances. She has the most Oscar nominations of all time (23). We go through each nominated performance and rate her films. We also go through her lesser known works, discussing her more underrated roles that perhaps deserve more attention. In particular, we go through her 70s and 80s films. Tune in for some high-fivin' fun!
We talk the new Pete Rose documentary, called "Charlie Hustle", on Max. Should he be in the Hall of Fame? We also talk MLB, as the Guardians wobble on their way to September, while the Cubs look to the future. Grady Sizemore tries to revitalize the White Sox. The WNBA starts back up with a couple of Sky losses. Len reviews hidden top 40 hits, and Beave reviews the new album by Ghost Funk Orchestra. And Len rockets to the #1 spot for his all-time Favorite 500 Albums. Which album would you pick for Len's all-time favorite? JAGBAGS!
JagCore Professor of Jams Scott OKen is back to talk one of the all-time best bands you've never heard of: Badfinger. Known mainly for hits such as "Come and Get It", "No Matter What", and "Baby Blue", the story of this UK-based band is incredibly compelling (and tragic). We talk about Badfinger's deep connection with the Beatles, and how the band is named for the working title of a Beatles song. We dive into their first four albums, which are as good as any classic rock records from the early 70s. And we discuss their place in the Pantheon as well as the history of "power pop". And did you know that Harry Nilsson's "Without You" was written by Badfinger? Tune in for ultimate education!
In the newest episode of "Jagbags" we do a COMPLETE SPEED THROUGH and recap the week that was in MLB and the closing of the 2024 Summer Olympics. We also talk five of Len's all-time favorite 500 albums, and Len continues to chide Beave for his opinion of "Songs in the Key of Life". And that's it! Quickest recap ever! JAGBAGS!
Ultimate JagCore member Marlana May Carlson joins the pod to talk all things Depeche Mode, one of the most successful bands of all time. We go through their entire discography, talk our earliest memories of the band, submit 45-minute playlists, and compare them to their peers such as New Order, the Cure and the Smiths. What album is their most underrated? And where do they rank all-time? Tune in for ultimate EMT jams!
We reverse the order a bit for the latest recap episode. Len starts off the podcast with five of his favorite 500 albums of all time. Chappell Roan sets a Lollapalooza attendance record, and Beave delivers his long-awaited review of her album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess". We talk MLB and focus on the White Sox's historic 21-game losing streak. We talk Olympics before devolving into a discussion of the 3-on-3 hoops trend. Tune in for a quick and wacky recap!
We're talking the newest Facebook bracket, which goes through the storied career of the great Robert DeNiro. From Godfather, Part II, to Raging Bull to Goodfellas to Meet The Parents to Killers of the Flower Moon, we go through all his great roles, and pick our favorites, most underrated, and most overrated films. What is the key to DeNiro's appeal, and how has he been able to stay successful for so long? Hear more about "Falling In Love" and "The Intern" than you ever thought possible! JAGBAGS!
Beave and Len talk the 2024 Olympics, which just kicked off in Paris. We talk swimming, basketball, table tennis, gymnastics and then beach volleyball (which leads to an IN-DEPTH discussion on Len and Beave's past horrific volleyball experiences). Plus the White Sox sink toward baseball infamy. The Guardians now have the best record in all of baseball. And the Cubs get All-Star Issac Paredes. Plus I Recomend, Beave's latest album review, and Len's 400-hour playlist of his favorite 500 albums. TUNE IN AT ONCE!
Friend of the podcast Iva-Marie Palmer returns once again to discuss her Edgar Awards nomination for her book The Jules Verne Prophecy, and shares her thoughts on the award ceremony in New York. She also talks about her new children's book coming out in August, called "Oh My Dog". We also talk bookstores, and Iva-Marie talks about some of her favorite books she's read so far in 2024. Tell us some of your favorites as well! If you love books, you will love this episode. Tune in now!
In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk MLB and its start-up post All-Star Break. Len wears his Kyle Hendricks jersey to the Cubs game and gets heckled by a complete stranger. They also talk about the Angel Reese effect on Chennedy Carter, Chicago's terrific win over the Las Vegas Aces, and what the Olympic break will mean for the team. Len reviews Audioslave's second album, the movie "Nacho Libre", and the hits of Average White Band! Tune in now for the most definitive content on Average White Band!
Len and Beave talk the legendary run of SCTV, which launched the careers of comic luminaries such as John Candy, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and a host of others. Which sketches were your favorite? Why does the comedy endure today? Which SCTV alum has had the most successful career? What characters were your favorite and why? Talk to us, after you listen to this entertaining segment about some of the most influential comedy of all time. TUNE IN!
Beave shows up for this recap podcast dressed EXACTLY like Steven Kwan, and along with Len he predicts the Guardians', Cubs' and Sox's season ending records. Len talks the improving Chicago Sky and their up-and-down offense. They also discuss whether the Bulls' off-season moves has made them a better team. Beave reviews "Shogun" and "Baby Reindeer", as well as Jason Isbell's 2023 album "Weathervanes". And Len gets closer to the top spot in his all-time Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW!
Len and Beave discuss the newest Facebook bracket, featuring the music of Chicago! Did you know that only the Beach Boys are the only American band that have sold more records than Chicago? We talk their incredible success, what songs we hope will win the bracket, and Beave tries to guess the #1 seeds but winds up guessing the #2 seeds instead. We also discuss where Chicago IX ranks among the all-time "greatest hits" albums ever released. We also talk solo Cetera (grudgingly). Tune in for some ultimate hits!
Len and Beave's recap episode is a complete overview of the Chicago Sky and their current position in the WNBA standings. We dissect much of the roster, and where the team currently stands as they seek to make a playoff push. Plus the Guardians have the best record in the American League, Beave reviews the ridiculous show "Banshee", Len reads the New Yorker and tracks down "unknown" Billboard Top 40 hits, plus new album reviews and Len's top 500 albums of all time. Tune in!
Friend of the podcast Tim Amos rejoins Jagbags to tell about his visit to the famed Brickyard for the running of the Indianapolis 500, considered the "greatest spectacle in racing". Tim talks all about what he saw at the race, from the crowds, the smells, the EDM concert in the middle of the infield WHILE THE RACE IS HAPPENING, the nearby museum, the differences between Indy cars and NASCAR stock cars, and the history of the Indy 500 itself. He also compares the Indy 500 to the NSCAR race held last year in Chicago. This episode is the next best thing to being there!
Both Len AND Beave picked season four of "The Boys" for the "I Recommend" section, so you know this recap episode is going to be white hot! Plus the Chicago Sky beat Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the Guardians claim the best record in the American League, the White Sox remain on track for its worst season ever, and Len is fast running out of patience with the Chicago Cubs. Plus Len's favorite 500 albums of all time, and he also talks about Celeb Night at the Factory Theater in Chicago to see the new play "Die 4 Your Luv". TUNE IN!
Friend of the podcast Morgan Gire returns triumphantly to talk James Cameron movies on the latest episode of Jagbags! We talk the Terminator movies, the Avatar movies, and spend a LOT of time on "The Abyss". We also talk a good deal of "Aliens", and of course "Titanic". We discuss why Cameron's movies were so wildly successful, talk about our favorite movies of his, discuss his treatment of female characters, his many marriages (Kathryn Bigelow, Linda Hamilton, Gale Anne Hurd) and explore why he was considered for a time "the scariest man in Hollywood". Oh -- and a TON of Michael Biehn. It's another great Jagbags n' Morgan! TUNE IN!
The NBA season has officially ended and the Boston Celtics are the new NBA champions. We talk through Boston's easy Finals victory, and whether Jaylen Brown should have won Finals MVP. We also talk the Cubs' struggles, and Beave continues to celebrate Steven Kwan while fretting over the Guardians' playoff chances. We also talk the Chicago Sky's relatively slow start and argue over Angel Reese's value to the team. Beave recommends "Remembering Gene Wilder", on Netflix. Len recommends songs by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, as well as the Libertines. Plus Beave's new album review and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!
The great Amy Seeley comes back to Jagbags to talk the music of the legendary Akron-based band Devo. We go through their discography, discuss their enduring influence, what made them more than just a rock band, and offer reasons why they may now be even more popular than ever. Hear about Amy's Mark Mothersbaugh sighting in LA! We also construct our respective "Best of Devo" 45-minute playlists, and talk all-time favorite Devo albums. Remember -- we can have no serious discussions about Rock Hall nominees while Devo remain unenshrined. JAGBAGS!
In the latest recap episode, "Die Hard 4 Your Luv" opens to a Jeff recommendation at the Factory Theater, and Beave provides a shameless plug. Triumph's "Allied Forces" completely hijacks Len's latest selections from his Favorite 500 Albums of All Time. NOTHING BUT JAMS! Len reviews "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" by The Ames Brothers, and it rules. We also talk MLB, NBA Finals, and the Chicago Sky's up-and-down season start. Tune in for EXPERTISE!
With the NBA Finals in full swing, and on the day of Jerry West's passing, we talk the ten most influential players in NBA history. Not necessarily the best of all time, but the most influential -- the ones who had the greatest impact on and off the basketball court. Len picks Shaquille O'Neal, and Beave faints from the surprise. Some changes are for the better, while others, not necessarily, but Beave and Len each go through their own Top Ten. Who are yours? Tune in for a lively discussion!
In a detailed recap episode, Beave and Len preview the NBA FInals, while Beave provides the Dallas Mavericks and Luks Doncic tons of motivation. Len challenges the Cubs to use the Sox series at Wrigley Field to launch themselves back into playoff contention. Len finally sees "Alien", with Sigourney Weaver, and recommends the movie enthusiastically. Beave re-reviews all the new albums he has listened to this year, and ranks them again. Beave and Len discuss the Chennedy Carter/Caitlin Clark incident in Indianapolis. Tune in!
Beave and Len discuss the latest Facebook bracket featuring the movies of Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman. Which movies are his best, and which have not aged well? Which movie contains his very best performance? What movie is criminally underrated? (Answer: Straw Dogs or Finding Neverland) We also talk his turns in Death of a Salesman and the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Tune in for yet another actor profile!
In the newest recap episode, Len introduces the world to the JAMS of "Jon Savage's 1969-71 Rock Dreams on 45". Beave and Len talk through the week that was in the NBA playoffs, where the Finals are all but assured between Boston and Dallas. Beave eats crow for his past Luka Doncic taunts. Beave consoles himself by celebrating the continued excellent play of the Cleveland Guardians. Len would like the Cubs to start hitting. Beave reviews "Franklin" and "Sugar", as well as the John Huston classic "The Maltese Falcon". Plus Len's Favorite 500. Tune in!
In the latest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave try to discuss the music of Paul Simon (and his music for Simon & Garfunkel), but instead wind up devoting at least a quarter of the episode to the 1980 Art Garfunkel stone classic film "Bad Timing". Tune in for 45-minute playlists, discussions of our favorite Simon and Garfunkel LPs and songs, favorite Paul Simon albums, a discussion of various books and documentaries on Paul Simon's storied career -- and all the "Bad Timing" you can handle! ULTIMATE JAGBAGS!
It's the recap episode! (Featuring special guest: Akon) We talk the continued hot start of the Cleveland Guardians, and the glorious results of the May 18 home game against the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs remain in playoff contention, but need more hitting to back up their incredible rotation. The White Sox are still bad. The Chicago Sky are off to a surprising start to the season, playing well! We also talk the conference finals in the NBA and make predictions. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's new album review, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!
Len and Beave talk through their respective lists of Bruce Springsteen's 30 best songs. They argue over placements (or inclusion) of songs like "I'm Goin' Down", "Born In The USA", "Trapped", "Streets of Philadelphia", "Backstreets", and "Rosalita". Does "Born To Run" automatically go to the top spot, or is there a better choice? Tune in for ultimate Boss discussion!
Hear Beave and Len's expertise and propensity for butchering names during the upcoming 2024 WNBA season preview. Len calls for new leadership in the commissioner's office! Beave reviews the new movie "Unfrosted", on Netflix. Len explores the jams of April Wine. Beave bemoans the Cavs' injuries and is disgusted with the Guardians' performance against the Sox in Chicago. Len celebrates the power of Shota Imanaga, off to one of the best starts in Cubs history! Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW!
Beave and Len take you back to the 70s and 80s with an in-depth discussion of the music of Maurice White, Philip Bailey and the musical geniuses that are Earth, Wind & Fire. The guys discuss the band's biggest hits, go through their own EWF 45-minute playlist, and talk Philip Bailey's recent book "Shining Star". They also compare Earth, Wind & Fire to contemporary musical acts of that particular era. Tune in and Sing a Song! It'll make you glad!
Len and Beave are back with another recap episode for your entertainment! We talk the NBA playoffs, and the young Cavs' continuing playoff ascension. We also talk second round matchups. MLB is in full swing, and we talk Cubs and Guardians injuries, plus the improving White Sox. Len has a message for the WNBA as they start their season. "I Recommend"! Album reviews! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! Tune in now!
BEAVE GUESSES ALL OF LEN'S NUMBER ONE FACEBOOK BRACKET SEEDS!! He is still gloating and covered in confetti. We talk all of our favorite game shows on the newest episode of Jagbags. We talk Match Game, Price is Right, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Hollywood Squares, among many many more. We rate our favorite game shows, favorite hosts (ultimate Richard Dawson!), and favorite game show satire episodes. AND BEAVE GUESSES EVERY LAST NUMBER ONE SEED OF THE BRACKET! Come join him on his victory lap!
The guys are back after a week-long hiatus with an outstanding recap episode made just for you! We chat through the NBA playoffs, and what the Cleveland Cavaliers must do to advance to the second round and a date with the evil Boston Celtics. We also talk the first month of the MLB season, and chat the White Sox's unprecedented start to the season. Beave talks the new Roland Lazenby bio on Magic Johnson, while Len tilts his nose upward to discuss articles he has read in The New Yorker while sipping chamomile tea. Plus Beave reviews the new Taylor Swift album and Len takes Robert Christgau TO TASK!! JAGBAGS!
He created two of the most iconic movie characters of the past 50 years. His name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty. On the latest Jagbags, we discuss the entire career of the legendary Harrison Ford. We talk movies like "Blade Runner", "Witness", "Presumed Innocent", and "The Fugitive", among many others. And we also delve into the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Star Wars" movies as well. Is Harrison Ford a good actor? And where does he rank on the all-time Actors' Pantheon? We also talk the great Al Waxman, and Len makes a lifelong enemy of Brad Pitt. Tune in for podcasting excellence!
Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins the podcast for a SPIRITED look at the multi-platinum Brit New Wave band Tears for Fears. We talk the band's outstanding first LP "The Hurting", their smash follow-up "Songs From The Big Chair", "Seeds of Love", and every album that followed. We also do a 45-minute playlist, discuss the band's influence on artists like Drake and Kanye West, and compare them to their musical contemporaries (to Marlana's decision-making dismay). Tune in for some great musical flashbacks!
In the newest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the NCAA championship results and analyze the Final Four games. We also discuss the start of the MLB season and the fast starts for the Cubs and Guardians (but not the Sox). Len also gives us the Top Five Cubs relievers of all time. The Bulls make the playoffs while the Cavs slide down the standings. Len rates five new albums, and Beave talks "Magic" by Roland Lazenby, as well as the new IDLES album. Plus Len's Top 500 albums! ULTIMATE PODCAST EXPERIENCE!
Beave and Len go through the filmography of actress Scarlett Johansson, and discuss her career. They pick their top five movies and go through their favorite performances as well. They also pick her most underrated movies. Tune in for ULTIMATE JOHANSSON EXPERTISE!
In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four matchups, and predict the winners. They also talk potential NBA playoff matchups for the Bulls and Cavaliers, and grow more depressed by the second. Their outlook brightens as they discuss the fast MLB starts of the Guardians and the Cubs. Beave gives thumbs up to the new Black Crowes LP. Len reviews the show "Gen V" on Amazon and discusses the tragic death of actor Chance Perdomo. Beave talks the sports documentary "Giannis" on Amazon, and the Hulu documentary "Secrets of Penthouse". Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS NOW!!!
Our Jagbags baseball expert Anthony D'Andrea joins the podcast for the 2024 MLB preview episode. We go through the Cubs, White Sox (briefly and mercifully), and Guardians' chances for this season, assess their offseason moves, discuss the minor league pipeline, and finally predict World Series, MVP and Cy Young winners. Len relies on the guidance of the mysterious "guy on the train", who has advised him to bet it all on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tune in now!
Len and Beave talk the magic of March Madness, including the Fighting Illini's success and the Northwestern Wildcats' thrilling win and inevitable exit. We also talk NBA, and bemoan the recent stumbles of the Bulls and Cavaliers. Len recounts his trip to the public library in his gabardine pants to check out the hits of Mr. Clay Aiken. Beave takes another long look at the Rolling Stones' new album "Hackneyed Diamonds", and places it in the all-time Rolling Stones Pantheon. Len reviews the new "Ghostbusters" movie. JAGBAGS!
We talk the music and the career of the controversial English guitarist and singer Eric Clapton. Though he is known more today for his beliefs outside of music, we try to focus on his best songs, albums, and his work with bands such as the Yardbirds, Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and Blind Faith. We also discuss his solo career, go through our favorite Clapton albums, and of course construct our personal 45-minute playlists. Tune in for scintillating discussion!
March Madness has begun across the country and Jagbags has you covered with FEARLESS EXPERT predictions. Listen as we influence Vegas odds with our prognostication prowess (especially on Illinois and Northwestern), plus our free assessment of the announcing impartiality of Robbie Hummel. We also talk the Justin Fields trade and the inevitable arrival of Caleb Williams, Bulls and Cavs. Plus "I Recommend", featuring a spirited discussion of the outstanding movie "BlackBerry". Plus Beave's 2024 Album Review! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS!
The magnificent Carrie Sullivan comes on to Jagbags to discuss a true American treasure: "Weird Al" Yankovic. Since one of his comedy songs appeared on the Dr. Demento radio show in 1976, Weird Al has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums and win five Grammy Awards. We discuss his entire career, pick our favorite albums and songs, and do a huge deep dive into his seminal 1989 movie "UHF". Sully has seen Weird Al live in concert five times! She describes what a typical Weird Al show is like. Tune in for the wacky!
We talk about our all-time favorite Bulls and Cavs of all time. Prepare for a LOT of talk about Ben Gordon, as well as how World B. Free literally saved the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. Plus college hoops, as we do a deep dive into Illinois, Northwestern and Loyola. Beave recounts his trip to Vegas and his big resulting court case. We talk Oscar winners, "I Recommend", a review of the new Judas Priest album (flips tables) and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!
Friend of the pod Morgan Gire comes on the podcast to discuss the films of new Oscar winner Christopher Nolan. We start with "Following", end with the new Best Picture winner "Oppenheimer", and talk all movies in between! Each of us rank our all-time Top Ten Nolan Films, and also talk our favorite performances from Nolan's career. Tune in for top-notch cinema discussion!
Len goes through his all-star all-maligned Chicago Bulls starting five, while Beave provides his for the Cavs. (Both teams feature Carlos Boozer.) Plus Len extols the genius of Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required". We assess Loyola's NCAA Tournament chances. We talk what NU and Illinois need to do to finish the season strong. "I Recommend", Len's Favorite 500 Albums, and of course, the continued fallout over the devastating "Mr. Pibb Incident". TUNE IN!
The Academy Awards are almost here, so Beave and Len sit down to tell you their picks as well the movies and artists they are rooting for the most on March 10. We talk "Oppenheimer", "Barbie", "Zone of Interest", "Killers of the Flower Moon", and many more! Plus all the acting categories, directing, and documentaries. Tune in for Oscar EXPERTISE!
On the latest recap episode, an unspeakable incident occurs ON THE AIR as Beave completely mischaracterizes the category of soft drink for Len's beloved Mr. Pibb. Shock, consternation, horror....all the emotions pass through Len and you can hear them all in his voice. Beave survives (barely) and the guys go on to discuss the week in NBA action, featuring the Cavs coming back to earth and Bulls continuing their Jekyll-and-Hyde ways. College hoops: Illinois rebounds from the bad Penn State loss to defeat Iowa and Minnesota! Beave recommends the documentary "Radical Wolfe", on Netflix. Len recommends the new album "Little Rope" by Sleater-Kinney. And more album reviews as well! TUNE IN!
Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins Jagbags again and the subject is "Creating A Great Playlist". We talk about themes to consider when constructing a killer playlist, different types of playlists, what kind of occasions call for a playlist, appropriate times to share a playlist, and we even go old school to talk about burning CDs as well as the ancient art of making the perfect mixtape. Then we create a playlist of our own -- ON THE AIR! Tune in right now! And check out our playlist here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/52Weou8VULOVF9itIEmCk9?si=iNqqeq8zSh-YXUFF7qp2mgπ=u-LvSWGlDvTVm8&nd=1&dlsi=633ccd430f834c59
We talk the NBA All-Star Game on the latest Jagbags, plus the men's college basketball fortunes of Northwestern, University of Illinois and the SURGING Loyola Chicago Ramblers! Plus we talk the Chicago Sky's latest maneuverings, the Oscar-nominated movie "Anatomy of a Fall", the new Bob Marley biopic "One Love", the C&W gem "What, When & Without" by Amanda Fields, and finally Len's Favorite 500 Albums, where we settle the question about the Eagles' Greatest Hits, Vol.1.....once and for all. JAGBAGS!!! A fun listen!
The newest Jagbags deals with the career of the Oscar winner Natalie Portman, and her films. We go through her films, her co-stars, and our favorite performances. Don't miss this episode, even if you don't consider yourself a Portman fan! JAGBAGS!
Len invades LiqrBox for the second consecutive February, chugging Mr. Pibb like there's no tomorrow in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' second consecutive Super Bowl victory. Plus we go over the potentially devastating news about Ty Berry's season-ending injury for Northwestern, Loyola's continued ascendance up the A10 standings, and Illinois' holding firm in the Big Ten. Plus Rock Hall nominees! Nikola Jokic in The New Yorker! True Detective! And the new Beyonce country single. JAGBAGS!
JFK assassination expert Daniel Lapke joins the podcast to discuss the various theories advanced over the years over who shot U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. We go over all the major players on that day, discuss the events of the assassination, and speculate on the findings of the Warren Commission. We also discuss movies and books that have dealt with the subject. Tune in for an insightful, fascinating discussion!
The Cleveland Cavaliers are absolutely on fire -- have they peaked too soon, or are they legit contenders? We also talk the Super Bowl and who might win. Andre "Jeans" Drummond is a major contributor to the Bulls and we talk his growth (as well as a serious discussion of Coby White). Rough week for Northwestern hoops, but Illinois and Loyola hoops roll on. Plus a Chicago Sky preview from Len! We also talk the new book "Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever", plus the new Netflix documentary "The Greatest Night In Pop". Tune in for recap excellence!
Jagbags regular Kirk Pynchon joins the program to talk about Lionel Richie, who is now back in the public eye with the release of the excellent Netflix documentary on the making of "We Are The World". We do a deep dive into Lionel's career with the Commodores and as a solo artist. What is his best song? What is his very WORST song? Is he an artist who will be remembered 30 years from now? Think about Lionel as you have never have before!
Len and Beave get together once again for ham sandwiches, trying to avoid Meryl Streep's enthusiastic high-fives, and an OUTSTANDING Big Ten basketball game between Illinois and Northwestern! They discuss the night in full. Plus the Super Bowl is set and we provide a preview. NBA is heading toward the All-Star Break and we talk Bulls and Cavs. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's album reviews and Len's Favorite 500 Albums (no Greatest Hits compilations this week)! JAGBAGS!
On the eve of Oscar season, Len and Beave examine the filmography of one of the hottest names in Hollywood: Director Greta Gerwig, whose billion dollar smash film "Barbie" is up for multiple Academy Awards. In light of her obvious snub for Best Director, we go through her three movies (Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie) in great detail and rank them. We also pick our favorite performances from each movie, dig into her acting career a bit, and finally preview what's around the corner for her going forward. TUNE IN AT ONCE!
In the newest recap episode, Len and Beave preview the upcoming NFL conference championships, and predict the upcoming Super Bowl matchup. They also talk the Cavs' surge up the NBA standings and potential trade scenarios for Zach Lavine. Northwestern, Illinois and Loyola are all having great seasons so far, so we dissect their teams and upcoming games. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's New Albums, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in at once!
Chicago artists Ryan Hake and Lizzy Mosher join Jagbags for an outstanding discussion of the best books we all read in 2023. They are not necessarily books published in 2023, but rather books we discovered and books we loved. We also discuss other book-related topics (such as the authors we would most like to have dinner with) in a stimulating 90 minute podcast. JOIN US for ultimate literature back and forth! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Beave returns from California, having pitched the Jefferson Airplane biopic script to clandestine movie mogul Jimmy The Acid King. Len handicaps the upcoming NFL playoff games, with Beave too distraught over the Browns to even speak. Cavs are on fire! Beave has the breakdown. Bulls continue to run in place and Len waits patiently. Northwestern and Illinois stay on a collision course in Evanston for Jagbags Night 2. Plus Emmy Awards recap, "I Recommend", Beave reviews a jazz album while Len naps, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS!
Len and Beave go through their favorite films and TV series of 2023, and once again they share several favorites. A full investigation has been launched as a result! Tune in to complete your entertainment consumption needs of 2023 through our hosts' EXPERTISE! Put us in your ear.
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the Cavs and the fast-improving Bulls. Len quietly gloats over a despondent Beave and Illinois' decimation of Northwestern in Champaign. They talk Emmy Award nominations and go over various categories. Len roots for Jury Duty in particular to win, while Beave nods politely. Plus "I Recommend", where Len recommends various new songs and Beave discusses the new reality series "Redefined", which follows J.R. Smith's fledgling golf career. Plus Beave's Album Review and Len's Favorite 500 Albums continues. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Beave and Len kick off 2024 by picking their favorite albums and songs of 2023! And they agreed on three albums in their top 10! Plus their #1 album was the same! What's going on here? What's next, a Browns-Lions Super Bowl? They also go over some of their favorite songs of 2023 as well. Len picks his top 10 songs, while Beave unveils his 45-minute playlist (partially curated by JagCore guest Jessie Beyer). Tune in for the JAMS!
Len continues to push "The Postman"-related content while celebrating the celebrity-packed New Year's Eve party featuring the surviving Beatles, Don Johnson & Philip Michael Thomas, and Matthew Nicholson and his beard that caught fire. Len anticipates the Bears-Packers shut down, and how Chicago can play spoiler. Beave talks the Cavs and his frustrations with coach JB Bickerstaff. They preview the upcoming Northwestern-Illinois game in Champaign, as well as the upcoming college football national championship. Len reviews the new Dolly Parton album "Rockstar", and Beave reviews the new Oscar bait movie "Maestro". Tune in for expertise!
In a preview of Len's latest Facebook bracket, Jagbags attempts to settle the age-old question head-on. We compare the numerous hits of Barry Manilow and the Carpenters, discuss what made them so popular, and rank them alongside other musical titans in the Easy Listening Pantheon. Tune in for lots of cheese, corn and syrup!
Beave ponders the utter improbability of the Joe Flacco story in Cleveland, while Len hopes for the drafting of another wide receiver for Justin Fields and the Bears. The guys talk trading Zach Lavine and (gasp) Donovan Mitchell? They discuss the fact that Illinois and (gasp) Northwestern may be two of the Big Ten's top men's basketball teams. Plus "I Recommend", Len's Favorite 500 Albums, albums that should have made Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and more! Put JAGBAGS in your ear!
Len and Beave work to untangle the complicated life and music of iconoclastic musician Warren Zevon. They go through their favorite albums, compose a 45-minute playlist, and go through some of Zevon's wildest bouts of alcohol and self-destructive excess. Tune in for great music and stranger-than-fiction LA stories.
Len masks his pain over the Bears' heartbreaking loss in Cleveland by decorating his home to reflect the holiday season in the spirit of Leo Sayer and his wedding to his girlfriend Donatella PIccinetti. Beave podcasts from the streets in his new David Njoku-styled hairdo, while Len disapproves. The Bulls go on a post-Zach Lavine winning run, while Len celebrates Coby White, Patrick WIlliams, and Andre Drummond's jeans and comb. Beave describes the U2 concert at Sphere in Las Vegas. Len recommends the Christopher Nolan movie "Interstellar". Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Len and Beave rewatch two notable 90s film releases, "The Doors" starring Val Kilmer (and Titus Welliver in an unforgettable cameo), and "The Postman", directed by and starring Kevin Costner. We discuss our opinions of each movie, and why it succeeded (or failed). Len discusses his hatred for GIovanni Ribisi, and wonders aloud how many Kevin Costner love scenes remained on the cutting floor. Beave reminisces about how things were so much better in the sixties, while Len sighs.
In an accomplishment that ranks with the building of the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China, Beave finishes his review of Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of all Time. He ranks the last five and then considers retirement, as there are no more mountains left to climb. We also talk the upcoming Bears/Browns game and how that will undoubtedly be a preview of Super Bowl LVIII. The Bulls are a different (and better) team without Zach Lavine. The Cavs go on a upward swing. Illinois takes a tough loss. Plus "I Recommend" and Len's Favorite 500.
Ultimate Spotify maven Marlana May Carlson comes back on Jagbags to talk the career and the music of Athens-based college radio legends R.E.M. What albums are their best? How did you first come to the band and what was your initial take? Did you ever see them in concert? What R.E.M. tunes make the best children's songs? What is their worst album? Most overrated songs? Did you listen to any albums after "Up"? And is "Automatic For The People" their masterpiece or the moment they hit rock bottom? Tune in for all things Stipe, Mills, Berry and Buck!
Beave celebrates Northwestern's incredible triumph over #1 Purdue in Evanston. Len texts Matthew Nicholson furiously, urging him to show a little more on-court intensity and put the restaurant business on hold. Len discusses the Chiefs, NFL refs, and how the 4-8 Bears can make the playoffs. Beave celebrates the return of Joe Flacco to the Browns. Plus the Bulls, Cavs and NBA in-season tournament that no one understands. And "I Recommend" (San Francisco Sounds, Joyride), Rolling Stone Top 500, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in for recap mastery!
We talk the career, the commercials, the documentaries and above all the movies of Mr. Spike Lee. We go through our favorite movies of his, as well as the countless careers he helped to launch. We discuss our first memories of his work (Mars Blackmon, Nike commercials with Michael Jordan) to Do The Right Thing, to X, He Got Game, 4 Little Girls, Da 5 Bloods, and many many more. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Len and Beave discuss the genius of Season Five of "Fargo", and talk Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Dave Foley (with music by Grand Funk Railroad!!). We also address the Browns' rough afternoon in Denver, the Bulls' efforts to trade Zach Lavine, Meryl Streep's luminous performance in "Only Murders In The Building", the Cavs' up-and-down start to the NBA season, plus Beave approaches the end of Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of all Time! Soon, he will have no purpose in life. TUNE IN!
Jagbags welcomes Val Kyriakopoulos back to the podcast for an ESSENTIAL DISCUSSION of all things heavy metal. We talk our favorite heavy metal bands and albums, and present our curated 45-minute Table Busting Playlists. We also talk about what got us into heavy metal initially, and how the music has changed over the years. We also talk speed metal, thrash, doom metal (riffs), and jazz metal (to Len's chagrin). Get ready to turn it up ear-bleeding levels and prepare your 2X4 to smash everything in sight!
Due to college basketball constraints, Beave and Len record the shortest Jagbags episode of all time. The guys discuss the current Hall of Fame induction candidates, plus they assess Billy Wagner's chances. You know his credentials! Hear Beave's reviews of Rolling Stone's all-time Top 500 Albums of all Time, plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums. And that's it! Happy holidays! Enjoy the leftovers.
Jag Core Member Bruce Hollett joins the podcast, resplendent in his "Five-Time Guest" purple blazer to discuss the music and the influence of the Who. What is their best album? Their best song? What songs would you put in a tight 45-minute playlist? What was their influence on punk music? How albums are produced and staged? So many questions, and we provide answers to you in less than an hour. Substitute no lies for fact! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Len goes to see "The Eras Tour" and receives his official Swiftie Card afterwards. Beave celebrates the Browns' unbelievable comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens. Len also celebrates the Bears' win over Carolina while scanning the sidelines for Red Rifle. Beave talks the Cavs' slow start, while Len ponders trade possibilities for Zach Lavine. The Michigan cheating scandal comes under scrutiny, Beave and Len talk NU possibly going back to the NCAA tourney, and Beave recommends "It Ain't Over", on Netflix. Tune In!
Ever get that horrific earwormy song in your head, and it won't go away? Of course you do -- everyone does. But what songs are the single worst? Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins the podcast to discuss those types of songs. This is a podcast episode where violence is threatened, angst revealed, and impotent nightmarish scenarios are played out and relived over and over -- through the power of song. Join us, if you dare!
In the latest recap episode, Len asks Beave about his favorite moments from the latest Halloween "party" (i.e. unwanted home invasion), particularly hanging out with the cast fro "The Bear". Len talks new Cubs manager Craig Counsell, while Beave wonders about the new Guardians skipper Stephen Vogt. They also talk about the winner of the Steven Spielberg movie bracket, the latest Bears and Browns news, NBA, and "I Recommend"! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Friend of the podcast Morgan Gire joins Len and Beave for a THOROUGH REVIEW of movies directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg. We go through our very favorites (Morgan has strong feelings on both Hook and The Post), as well as his more underrated features (Duel) and more overrated works (E.T.). What will we say about your favorite Spielberg films? Tune in for a true Spielberg immersion!
In the latest recap episode, Luka Doncic gets the Mavericks off to a hot start and then taunts Beave via fax. Len recommends the greatest hits of Dave Edmunds. Beave recommends "The Saint of Second Chances", on Netflix. Beave and Len cry about their favorite NFL teams' performances. Plus, the World Series, the NBA's first week of games, and we get even closer to the end of Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of all time! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! Check us out!
Friend of the podcast Eric Roach rejoins Jagbags to talk the films of the late William Friedkin, who recently passed away at the age of 87. We go through his movies, including "The French Connection", "The Exorcist", "To Live & Die in LA", "Cruising", and especially the unsung MASTERWORK "Sorcerer", starring Roy Scheider. Why did "Sorcerer" come and go without so much as a whimper at the box office? What made Friedkin's best work so compelling? Did the ends justify the means with Friedkin? What is his lasting legacy? We answer these questions, and many more. TUNE IN FOR FRIEDKIN!
In the latest recap episode, the Patriots try to take revenge on Beave for his incendiary comments about their current squad, with Tucker Curtis lurking nearby. We talk the World Series matchup that has all of America breathless with anticipation: Rangers! Diamondbacks! Both the Bears and Browns win, and the guys make Super Bowl plans and talk trash. Len goes to town on the offerings of the Chocolate Shoppe, on Devon, while Beave tries to channel his inner teen girl with a review of boygenius' latest EP. Also, PICK WITHERS!
Halloween is just around the corner, and in the spirit of the season we discuss our favorite horror movies of all time! Our horror movie Fan Supreme Matt Beyer joins us for a discussion of our favorite slasher, vampire, monster, supernatural possession, and zombie movies of all time! We also get into our all-time Top Ten Horror Movies Ever Made, and our Scariest Scenes of all Time. Dim the lights, put on some John Carpenter music, and dig in with some HORROR JAGBAGS!
On the newest Jagbags episode, Beave gives his review of The Darkness at The Vic, on Sheffield and Belmont featuring Salty, The Greatest Roadie Of All Time. Len reads a word from our sponsor. Len talks Tyson Bagent, Eberflus, the shaky Luke Getsy, and the improved Bears defense. Beave celebrates a Top 5 All-Time New Browns Win over the 49ers in Cleveland. They talk the MLB Playoffs, and the failures of the Braves and Dodgers. Plus "I Recommend", the WNBA Finals, Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len's Favorite 500 albums. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Beave and Len come at you with their way-too-early 2023 NBA Season Preview Episode! Why did the Bulls stand pat, and what is management's actual vision for the team? Can the Cavs make The Leap to contender status? Is Evan Mobley ready to get MVP votes? Can the Denver Nuggets repeat as NBA champs? Does Damian Lillard now make the Milwaukee Bucks a contender? Does LeBron have more greatness left? Is Victor Wembanyana Next? All these questions and more! Put some Jagbags in your ear.
The guys wish Laura Foote a happy birthday! Former Bulls coach Jim Boylen obtains a new job at the Checkers drive-thru! We break that new job down. Beave and Len review the MLB playoffs and pick their post-season favorites. They talk the Bears' big win over Washington as well, and provide their scouting report on the upcoming opponent Minnesota. They also celebrate the terrible starts for New England and Green Bay. Plus WNBA Finals! I Recommend! Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums! And Len's Favorite 500! Tune in now.
Podcaster, movie critic and friend of Jagbags Morgan Gire comes back to talk the films of the eccentric Tim Burton. Which films are his very best? Which ones are most overrated? Underrated? Is Planet of the Apes in fact his worst film, or is another movie more deserving of the title? We talk all this, plus we compare him to other directors and talk about the diverse array of A-list stars that have appeared in his movies over the years. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
You know what? It's our podcast, and so we get to do whatever we want. That means as a result of one of the worst weeks in Chicago/Cleveland sports history, we will NOT be talking the Guardians, Cubs, Browns, Bears, or ANY OF IT! So instead we flip the script and talk "I Recommend" ("The Creator", Studs Terkel's "Division Street"), Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, Len's Favorite 500 Albums, and Len's successful tour of dramatic readings of top 80s song lyrics. EAT IT, LARRY FROM SCHAUMBURG! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
With the remastered version of "Stop Making Sense" currently playing in Chicago and other cities, plus Len's newest Talking Heads bracket, the time is right to discuss their music, their impact and the chances for a reunion. What was their best album? (They had no bad albums.) What would go on your 45-minute Ultimate Playlist? Where do they rank in the Musical Pantheon Rating System? First Pantheon, or lower? We also discuss whether "Stop Making Sense" is in fact the greatest concert movie of all time, and its worthy rivals. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
On a very personal recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave re-examine their relationship, all while talking the Cubs' fight for a wild card spot, the Chicago Bears' rough week, the burgeoning romance between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Terry Francona's final days in Cleveland, the dominant Browns defense, "Still", nominated for seven Emmy Awards and starring Michael J. Fox, and much more! Tune in for the soul-baring.
Friend of the Jagbags Bruce Hollett joins us to discuss the music and career of the British power pop/punk pioneer the Kinks. Where do they rank in the all-time Rock Pantheon? What is their beat album? Their best song? Are they underrated or properly rated? Why were they destined to live in the shadow of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones? We go through our 45-minute all-time Kinks Playlist (an impossible task), and try to remember the exact word-for-word titles of the Kinks' most successful LPs.
In the latest recap episode, Len spells out the Cubs' exact path to the playoffs, and whether he thinks they can do it. We close the chapter on the Chicago Sky's season, and Len provides his postmortem for the team, and areas they need to improve in the off-season. (He also officially announces his candidacy for the Sky head coaching job.) We talk Bears' and Browns' bad Week 2 losses, plus Len previews the upcoming Chiefs/Bears matchup. Plus "I Recommend", where Beave reviews "Shrinking" and Len reviews our inferior competitors "Smartless". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
The L.A. band the Doors continue to inspire strong opinions, even in 2023, and Beave and Len talk through the band's music in detail. Will their popularity come roaring back yet again, or has their time passed at last? Was Jim Morrison the first art rock poet, or was he a drunken fraud? Does the music hold up 50 years later? What was the secret of the band's appeal (make no mistake, at their zenith they were as big as anyone)? Tune in for some strange days.
Beave and Len both attend the Printers Row Lit Fest downtown (unbeknownst to each other) and report back on their experiences. The Bears lose to Green Bay at home while the Browns beat Cincinnati definitively. The Cubs continue their postseason push, and the Chicago Sky make the WNBA playoffs. Plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len's All-Time Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in for podcasting DELIGHTS!
Beave and Len discuss some of the most terrifying "villains" in cinema history. From Darth Vader to Annie Wilkes to Bellatrix and everyone in between, we go through an hour's worth of despicable behavior by the people film goers love to hate. Who was the scariest? The most devious? Most overrated? And which villains had a point to their behavior? We cover it all (while forgetting so many along the way). Put some Jagbags in your ear!
In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, the guys talk the BBC episode "Dalgliesh", and its superiority to "Bosch" (but not "Shetland"). Len reviews the book "Welcome to the Surface of Baseball", and takes in a Chicago Dogs game in Rosemont. Plus, the Cubs slide into the playoff driver's seat! The Guardians lose by a couple of touchdowns to officially exit the playoff race! The Sox haven't found their stadium shooter! The Chicago Sky fight hard for the final remaining playoff spot. And album reviews galore! Put a little Jagbags in your ear.
NFL insider Matt Beyer joins Jagbags for the annual 2023 NFL season preview! We go through every division and predict the division winners. We pick playoff teams and predict the Super Bowl matchups. We take a deep dive into both the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns and their prospects for the season. We predict the MVP winners for 2023 as well. We also preview the upcoming Andy Dalton/Baker Mayfield GRUDGE MATCH when the Panthers take on the Buccaneers! Put a little Jagbags in your ear!
The newest recap episode is here with an IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION of Len's newest Facebook bracket, on pop (the drink, not music). They discuss the different brands of soft drinks, and speculate as to what drink may win. (Len and Beave are both rooting for Green River.) Len officially contracts Cubs Fever, and dares to dream of the postseason and a division title. Beave expresses cautious hope over the Guardians, with a month to go. They also lament the Chicago Sky's season, which is hanging by a thread. Plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in for PODCAST EXPERTISE!
Jamaal Johnson, host of the 950 Club Anime Podcast, joins Len and Beave for an in-depth discussion of the series many regard as the finest of all time: "The Wire". Join us for an in-depth discussion of each season, which characters are our favorite, the best lines from the series, the best episodes, which actors have gone on to have the most successful careers, and much more! Tune in for an outstanding discussion.
Len and Beave talk through the return of Baker Mayfield to a starting job in the NFL, and if he can succeed with the Buccaneers. The Cubs continue to roll on through the National League, and they talk through the impact of Swanson and Bellinger on this team (and Happ!!). Beave talks whether Terry Francona's time in Cleveland is coming to an end. And they discuss whether the Sox will move to Dubuque or Cedar Rapids. It's do-or-die time for the Chicago Sky as the WNBA season comes to an end. Beave recommends Community Tavern in the Six Corners neighborhood, despite tangling with the surly bartender Slatterson. Len recommends the upcoming book "Kind of a Big Deal", which details the making of the movie Anchorman. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!
Jagbags favorite guests Scott OKen and Morgan Gire join Beave and Len to talk the hugely successful "Planet of the Apes" movie franchise, which began in 1968 and is still going strong today. From the original movie starring Charlton Heston to next year's highly anticipated "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", we talk pretty much all the movies, all the TV shows, all the cartoons, and all the comic books! Join us for an excellent discussion, whether you are an expert or a novice (You can skip if you are a "Beneath The Planet of the Apes" fan, or if you are the famous Hollywood director Tim Burton). Tune in for ACTION-PACKED DISCUSSION!
Len and Beave go through the results of the fast food bracket on Facebook. Beave is inspired to eat a BK chicken sandwich as a result, and immediately regrets it. Beave and Len discuss the Cubs' signing of Cody Bellinger, and where it ranks on the franchise's all-time list of free agent signings. Beave bemoans the Guardians' horrific loss to Tampa while expressing hope for Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams. Len goes through the Chicago Sky's recent rough patch, as well as the Bears' promise for the coming year. Plus Beave recommends a jazz album, to Len's horror! Finally Len gives his review of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums and Len's Favorite 500 Albums! Tune in for pop culture!
Len and Beave go through the entire filmography of Kevin Costner, who is riding high yet again after the massive success of "Yellowstone". From "The Untouchables" to "No Way Out" to "Bull Durham" to "A Perfect World", we trace Costner's massive hot streak until the twin debacles of "Waterworld" and "The Postman". We rank our Top 5 favorite Costner movies, talk favorite Costner performances, discuss some hidden gems ("Thirteen Days", "The Upside of Anger"), go through the bombs, and of course talk his comeback with "Yellowstone". Tune in for ULTIMATE COSTNER!
In a recap mini-episode, Len and Beave talk Jagbags Night at the Earth, Wind & Fire/Lionel Richie concert at the United Center. They discuss both performances, as well as the multiple honors lavished upon us at ceremonies throughout the night. (The Q&A after the show was ELECTRIC!) Plus, the Cubs are now within striking distance of the playoffs, Jose Ramirez flattens Tim Anderson with one punch, and the Chicago Sky show signs of life. Tune in for podcast efficiency!
Beave and Len discuss Len's newest bracket, which asks Facebook users to vote on their very favorite fast food items of all time. Culver's or Popeye's? Big Mac or Whopper? McDonald's Fries or Arby's Curly Fries? Chik-Fil-A or not? The controversy and interest is already brimming over the latest bracket and we break it down in great detail. What would be your top seeds? What is your dark horse to win it all? Is Starbucks fast food? These are the questions we answer, and much more! Tune in.
We talk the Cubs' incredible rise, the Guardians' puzzling moves, and the White Sox's sell-off on the latest Jagbags! Plus Jagbags Night at the upcoming Earth, Wind & Fire/Lionel Richie concert, the latest Stone Temple Pilots album, Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW for podcasting wonderment!
Ultimate Jams Expert Scott OKen comes back on the podcast to talk the music of Queen. We go through their discography and talk favorite Queen albums and songs. We each talk about our Ultimate 45-minute Playlist and go into some deep Queen cuts. We discuss Freddie Mercury and Brian May's place in music history. And then, we talk the Ultimate Rock Pantheon and its many levels. What bands are charter members of the First Pantheon? Second Pantheon? Third? And who does NOT belong? Is Boston a member of the First Pantheon? (HINT: Yes) We talk this and more on the newest Jagbags. TURN IT UP LOUD!!
The "Barbenheimer" opening weekend has come and gone -- and Jagbags has you covered! We talk both movies on the latest recap episode, and provide our reviews. Also, Red Rifle loses his grip on the Carolina Panthers starting job, while Len petitions the Supreme Court to overturn the decision. Plus, Cubs resurgent! Guardians floundering! Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums.....almost finished! And Len's Favorite 500! Put some Jagbags in your ear.
Beave and Len walk through the band originally known as Jefferson Airplane, and trace it through its evolution to Jefferson Starship and then eventually Starship. Are they an underrated band? Was Grace Slick in fact the most badass rock star of them all? What are their best songs? Is Starship even worthy of discussion? What is their all-time best album? Did you know they also did a rooftop concert in New York? Why was Grace Slick ultimately thrown out of the band? All these questions get answered and more! Put a little Jagabsg in your ear.
Beave and Len channel their inner Siskel & Ebert as they argue about the new Wes Anderson movie "Asteroid City". They also talk about the new Indiana Jones movie as well. They also talk through the latest Emmy nominations, and discuss shows like "White Lotus", "The Bear", "Abbott Elementary", and of course "Succession". They also talk about the WNBA All-Star Game, the Northwestern hazing scandal, Cubs, Guardians and White Sox, and of course our reviews of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums and Len's own Favorite 500 albums. Tune in!
Acclaimed author Iva-Marie Palmer returns to the podcast to discuss her newest young adult book, "The Jules Verne Prophecy", written with Larry Schwartz. Iva discusses her writing process with Len and Beave, and reveals how she got the idea for the new book. They talk about the role an editor plays in the writing of a book, how to best write for ages 9-12, her favorite LA indie bookstores, and also find time to discuss her all-time favorite team the Los Angeles Clippers! Tune in for an excellent discussion.
Summer Len and Punchy Beave return to the podcast with an ELECTRIC recap! Beave tells about his productive journey to Hollywood to pitch various projects related to his iconic character Ron, from the hit Factory show "Lane Call" (Everyone responded by going on strike). James Wade leaves the Chicago Sky for an assistant coaching job with the Raptors, and Len puts in his name for consideration as a replacement. We also talk second half previews for the Cubs, Guardians, and officially give up on the White Sox. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500, and Len's Favorite 500 albums. Suck it, Bobby Christgau!
Len and Beave gather together past and present members of the Chicago improv troup Hippohorsey Donkeymonkey for a recap of their past performances, their favorite memories and shows, and hilarious stories. Tune in to hear all the hilarity, and the group will also be playing a special 20th Anniversary Performance at the Greenhouse Theater in Chicago, July 29 at 7:30 pm! Put some #Jagbags in your ear!
Beave officially recommends "Lane Call" at the Factory Theater on Howard Street. You'll absolutely love this play that is simultaneously nostalgic and timeless. You don't need to have lived in the Chicagoland area to enjoy this terrific show. Tickets on sale now! Also, Len celebrates the Cubs' latest hot streak. Beave bemoans the Guardians' pitch woes. With the 2023 NBA Finals in the books, Len and Beave get nostalgic over Michael Jordan's greatest NBA Finals game. Plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums, Len's Favorite 500 Albums, and much more!
Beave and Len debate the music and the impact of the Beach Boys. Beave argues the band's significant impact, rivalry with the Beatles, and the greatness of their album Pet Sounds, while Len sniffs in disdain. Beave tries to educate Len on the cultural impact of the song "Chug-A-Lug". They compare 45-minute playlists (which can be found on Spotify), talk their favorite albums, and the subsequent solo efforts of Brian Wilson. Tune in for some California jams!
Beave and Len talk through the results of the 90s bracket, and critique the final choices left in the bracket. The Denver Nuggets win the 2023 NBA Finals, while Len and Beave follow along with delight. The Cubs and Guardians continue to yo-yo through the season while their fans go along for the ride. Also, f*ck the Yankees and Cardinals. Beave recommends "The Maltese Falcon", while Len thanks Ron-Ron for introducing him to Coke Move. Beave demands that Ron-Ron get a raise! Plus, Rolling Stone Top 500, Len's Favorite 500 (under the watchful eye of Robert Christgau), and finally, LANE CALL! GO SEE IT!
Factory Theater legend Jenny Kirkland Laffey joins the podcast to talk through the greatest rom-coms of all time! Hear Jenny disparage Julia Roberts while Len looks sadly at "My Best Friend's Wedding" atop his all-time list. Hear Jenny and Len disparage pretty much every last one of Beave's rom-com choices! And hear Jenny and Beave reminisce about the Factory classic rom-com "The Barbara Walters Interviews"! Tune in for romance AND comedy!
Len and Beave talk the new Sony Marvel movie, "Spider-Man: Across The Spider Verse", and give it a collective thumbs-up. The Factory Theater's Lane Call begins previews tonight and we talk through the latest Chicago premier in great detail. Beave analyzes the play of Cody Zeller and Christian Braun in the NBA Finals, while Len disapproves. They also talk the Sox and Cubs, and discuss what would need to happen for the Cubs to get on a long winning streak. Len's Sky Fever is at "moderate" stage after Chicago's victory over Sloot and the New York Liberty. Beave also reviews the new Mary Tyler Moore documentary. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 and Len's own personal Favorite 500. Tune in!
Beave and Len go through Len's latest Facebook bracket, asking people to vote for the best musical act of the 90s. What bands would you rate as #1 seeds? Beave lobbies for Sugar Ray's and Pantera's inclusion. They talk the dearth of metal bands in the bracket. They also talk about the ten best selling albums of the 90s (Beave was about 50%) and the ten best selling songs of the 90s (Beave completely whiffed on every last one). They talk more about Hootie & The Blowfish, Shania Twain, and the Macarena in one hour than in the last 25 years combined. Tune in!
Beave and Len plug their upcoming Factory Theater shows. They also talk through the season finale of Succession, and who deserves an Emmy the most. They talk the NBA Conference Finals, and the Celtics' miraculous near-comeback. Beave makes fun of Cody Zeller again and Len defends him vigorously. The Cubs are in Len's doghouse, and the Guardians are very close to Beave's. And the Chicago Sky are tearing it up! Len applauds GM/coach James Wade and the Sky's 3-1 start. Plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone Top 500 and Len's Favorite 500! Tune in!
Beave and Len talk about the genre of Western movies. Beave does not include "Tombstone" in his all-time Top Ten, and prepares to get yelled at. They talk "Lone Star", which devolves into a discussion of the movies of John Sayles. Plus "Stagecoach", "Unforgiven", "The Searchers", "The Wild Bunch", "Rio Bravo", "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly", "Shane", "High Noon", and much more. They talk "Hud", which disintegrates into Beave mooning over Patricia Neal. They talk "McCabe & Mrs. Miller", and Warren Beatty's beard. Tune in for ultimate Western knowledge!
In the newest recap episode, Beave and Len discuss the latest episode of Succession, and which cast member is turning in the best performance this season. They talk Christopher Morel's unbelievable start to the 2023 season. Len keeps his pulse on the teen beat with his review of the new album from Boygenius. (He also reviews the new Rita Wilson album) Beave ponders a potential Shane Bieber trade. The NBA Finals are nearly upon us, and Beave and Len talk the Nuggets and Heat. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums! Len talks Spinners.....and Rick Springfield! JAMS! Tune in.
In a Jagbags episode that can be best described as "off the beaten path", Len and Beave talk through the most influential, greatest inventions of all time. As part of Len's latest Facebook bracket, they guys talk through the light bulb, the Internet, the plane, the automobile, the potato chip, the plow, the fork, LSD, Viagra, AI, and sliced bread, among many others. Which invention to you consider the greatest? Tune in for Len and Beave's thoughts!
Len and Beave spend way too much time talking the latest episode of Succession. Scroll to the 30-minute mark to avoid any spoiler talk! They also talk the results of the NBA second round playoffs, and lament another 76ers failure while celebrating the Miami Heat and the defeat of the Warriors. They make new predictions, since their original ones went out the window! Plus MLB, WNBA, "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3", and Len's script ideas for "Guardians 4". Len's "I Recommend" is friendship! Plus Rolling Stone Top 500 and Len's Favorite 500 LPs. Tune in!
Film expert Morgan Gire joins Beave and Len for a deep dive into the war movies genre! What are the best movies of that genre, and which are the most overrated? What is the best Vietnam movie ever made? World War II? World War i? Civil War? Does Forrest Gump qualify as a war movie? We learn about Morgan's general aversion to Brian DePalma films. Morgan also throws MASH under the tank (as opposed to the bus). Tune in!
On the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Beave tells everyone to rush out and see John Wick 4 while Len sniffs with superiority. Len recommends the latest issue of The New Yorker while Beave feels inferior. Len finds that "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World" and its all star cast still holds up 13 years later. Plus: NBA Playoffs! Can LeBron and Steph make it back to the Finals again? MLB! Should the Guardians trade Shane Bieber? Will Justin Steele win 20 games? Can the Sox save their season? Plus Rolling Stone Top 500 and Len's own 500 favorite LPs! Check it.
The latest episode features an ULTIMATE DEBATE over who was better: The Beatles or the Stones. Let It Be or Let It Bleed? Exile on Main Street or the White Album? London or Liverpool? Lennon/McCartney or Jagger/Richards? Charlie Watts or Ringo? Brian Epstein or Andrew Loog Oldham?We argue all these questions and much, much more! Tune in for PODCASTING FISTICUFFS!
Beave and Len take you through the first round of the NBA playoffs and make predictions for the second round matchups. Beave analyzes what went wrong for the Cavs against the Knicks. The guys break down the White Sox's 10-game losing streak. They also discuss Gordon Lightfoot's best albums. Len gives you the WNBA season preview and shows off his new New York Liberty jersey. Plus Rolling Stone and Len's own top 500 albums. Tune in for podcast excellence!
The 200th EPISODE of Jagbags delves into the question of the greatest football players in the history of the National Football League. Is Tom Brady in fact the greatest? If not, who? Who is the greatest running back of all time? Wide receiver? Tight end? Len and Beave go through their own Top 10, then turn to their favorite and least favorite players of all time. Tune in as Len goes into a full on, no-holds-barred rant over the supreme jagoffery of Jay Cutler! It's truly cathartic. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
(SPOILER NOTE: In order to avoid all "Succession" spoilers, start this episode at the 25-minute mark)Beave and Len talk the newest season of "Succession", and talk the plot twists. Len deals with Cubs fever, and the guys analyze the White Sox's historically bad start to the season. Beave laments the Cavs' inability to handle the playoff pressure. Len finally unleashes a torrent of hate on Shaquille O'Neal's broadcasting ability, and feels much better afterwards. Len and Beave talk John Irving's "The Last Chairlift", after Beave finally finishes the 900-page book. They officially place the novel on the Tiers of Irving Novels. Len reviews the new Iggy Pop and Margo Price albums. Plus Rolling Stone Top 500 albums! Len's favorite records! Tune in now!
Len and Beave step into Saul Spartacus' time machine and go directly to the year 1983, where they talk Scarface, Strange Brew, Risky Business, rip on Mama's Family, debate "Buffalo Bill" and "Hill Street Blues", discuss the year's critical inventions (the camcorder and mobile phone, with no idea that one day they would combine), and the genius of Def Leppard's "Pyromania" (Beave is very obviously writing this summary). As an added bonus, we give you the album cover of America's seminal 1983 classic LP "Your Move". Tune in for nostalgia expertise!
Beave returns from a week of spelunking and quail hunting to rejoin the podcast for the newest recap episode. The guys talk the results of the Best Singer bracket, and Len resolves to fill out his own bracket. Len also contracts a mild case of Cubs Fever over the ball club's hot start. Beave talks the Cavs' chances in the playoffs, and the guys make their playoff predictions. Len continues to keep his finger on the pulse of hip-hop nation with his latest "I Recommend". Plus Beave rips off TEN reviews of Rolling Stone's Top 500, to Len's amazement. And the entire podcast devolves into a massive sing-along of the "South Park" soundtrack. Tune in!
Len and Beave welcome back Jagbags baseball expert Anthony D'Andrea back to the program for a complete overview of the upcoming 2023 MLB season. We go through the Cubs major league roster in great detail, and also talk the team's most promising minor league prospects. We also talk White Sox and Cleveland Guardians, and provide brief synopses on both ball clubs. We then talk the new rules in effect for 2023, and how they will they change the game going forward. Finally, we give our predictions for Cy Young and MVP awards as well as postseason participants. Tune in! It's one of the best episodes of the year.
Beave and Len go through their latest recap episode with aplomb, as they talk the upcoming end of the NBA season, and the success of Beave's Demotivational Campaign against the disappointing Dallas Mavericks. They also talk the NCAA Men's and Women's hoops championships, the Best Singers Facebook bracket, and the spirited responses to date, plus the new and upcoming seasons of "Succession" and "Barry". Finally, does Steely Dan's "Can't Buy A Thrill" and Depeche Mode's "Violator" belong in Rolling Stone's Top 500? And Len reveals his latest five albums from his personal Top 500 collection. (HINT: No Nick Gilder.) Tune in!
Len and Beave talk through the latest Facebook bracket, which asks the Diamond Listeners to pick the best singer of all time. What constitutes a great singer? Is Bob Dylan a great singer? Why aren't Kenny Rogers or Huey Lewis in this bracket? Beave struggles to name the #1 seeds in the bracket, while guessing the #2 seeds instantly. The studio audience in Woodridge, IL heckles some of the omissions from the bracket, to everyone's surprise. Len makes some last-second switches to the bracket, and the singers who were cut express their displeasure through multiple faxes to Beave. Tune in for musical learnings.
Beave and Len talk about the Final Four in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Alex launches his new business venture: "AlexGPT", in league with his business advisor Hancock Caruso. The Jagbags accountants manage a myriad of issues related to the podcast's exploding listenership numbers. Beave recommends the new documentary on Amazon Prime about Reggie Jackson. Len bravely talks about his obsession with Vanilla Orange Coke during March Madness. Len recommends Planters "Bold & Savory" Peanuts and refrains from eating the snack throughout the podcast. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time, Len's personal collection of best 500 albums. And Len and Beave hope Franklin Sampson's recent fondness for sloe gin fizz subsides quickly!
Secure all furniture, get your affairs in order, and grab a 2x4 because the topic of the latest podcast is goddam Black Sabbath. Factory Theater legends Val and OKen join us to go through the complete discography of heavy metal's finest quartet, plus the solo careers of Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio. What albums are Sabbath's very best? What songs go on your Sabbath 45-minute playlist? What is their most underrated album? Who had the better solo career: Ozzy or Dio? Where does Sabbath rank all-time in the Heavy Metal Pantheon? Tune in for ultimate table-busting jams!
March Madness is upon us, and Len & Beave take you through the first round of the NCAA Tournament in full. They talk Northwestern and Illinois' showings (NU hooray, Ilini boo), plus the Big Ten's overall showing in the tournament. Beave goes to Timothy O'Toole's on Ontario & Fairbanks to take the edge off his blood pressure while watching the Wildcats. Len watches an entire day of college basketball, then goes to play basketball. The NBA is headed toward the playoffs and Beave has just been elected President of the Evan Mobley Hall of Fame Society. And finally.....SHETLAND!!!! Understand the brilliance!
Len and Beave discuss the 40-plus year career of Tom Cruise. Is he a good actor? Or is he the ultimate Hollywood creation? What are his five best movies? Did he ever top "Risky Business"? What is your favorite Cruise performance? Will we ever get a Les Grossman movie? What did you think of the Katie Holmes saga? Should he ever win an Oscar? We ponder these questions and much more -- TUNE IN!
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the NCAA tournament seedings, and how they expect Northwestern and U of Illinois to perform in the tournament. Len hates Brad Underwood and does not care. Beave fills Len in on his darkness retreat, and what he learned. The guys discuss the Chicago Bears' recent trade with Carolina, and what that means for the team next season. Len hates Brad Underwood and does not care. Beave recommends a jazz LP, to Len's chagrin. Beave also disparages James Taylor, making an enemy for life in Len Foote. Finally, Len hates Brad Underwood and does not care. Tune in!
We go through the latest Facebook bracket, which covers the greatest high school movies of all time. Is "Back To The Future" a high school movie? What about the Harry Potter series? Which movies would be your personal #1 seeds? And finally, does Porky's belong in the bracket or not? Tune in for expertise with a capital E!
Len and Beave talk through the latest Facebook bracket on the best high school movies ever made. What are your favorites? Is "Spider-Man: Homecoming" a high school movie? What about the Harry Potter series? What movie is the most overrated? And where would you seed the seminal movie "Porky's"? Tune in for Expertise with an E!
On the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk John Irving's "The Last Chairlift", and recommend the book with enthusiasm. Len decides to refrain from reviewing Future's "Puffin' On Zootiez" and instead discusses Rob Sheffield's top 100 songs of 1983 (SPOILER ALERT: The #1 song is "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant). Plus college hoops, and Illinois' revenge win over the slumping Northwestern Wildcats. Len shifts his anti-Brad Underwood campaign into overdrive. Beave talks the Oscar nominees for Best Documentary, and Len reviews Best Picture "Women Talking". Tune in!
Jagbags favorite Sherrie Adams joins Jagbags once again and this time the subject is Jack White. Which albums are his best? What incarnation was better -- White Stripes, the Raconteurs, or the Dead Weather? Sherrie goes through her top 5 albums with the guys and listens politely as they list their incorrect choices. Beave reads faxes from a hurt Bruce Springsteen, wondering when Sherrie would like to talk about his music -- while Sherrie pronounces him the "Middle Manager" as opposed to "The Boss". We also talk Jack White's guacamole scandal, and why specifically he hates the Black Keys. Tune in for ultimate rock riffs!
Len and Beave go over the recent Jagbags Oscar Night, and give reviews of Triangle of Sadness (bonkers) and Causeway (Brian Tyree Henry). Len talks up Red Rifle Rehab, for all your rehab needs. Beave submits the idea of "Jazzbags" to Regency Van Pelt, while Len laughs and laughs. Beave makes his NCAA tournament ticket reservations and buys purple socks and other Wildcat merch. Len connects with the youth of today by reviewing the new cocaine-themed Pusha T album, They talk the recent horrific NBA All-Star Game and the complete lack of defense. Plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone, Pavement jokes, and Len's all-time top 500 albums. Tune IN!
Len and Beave talk through the music and output of the legendary 70s (and 80s) icons Fleetwood Mac. From Peter Green to Bob Welch to StevieNicks/Lindsey Buckingham, we go through all the music and rate their albums. If "Rumours" never existed, which LP is their best? What songs belong on a 45-minute playlist? Which Stevie Nicks song is their very best? Should they have tried to do a grunge album in the 90s? And are you a Peter Green fan? (You should be.) We leave no stone unturned. Tune in to gain musical knowledge, Room 222-style!
Beave and Len take up permanent residence at LiqrBox celebrating the incredible success of the Kansas City Chiefs (Super Bowl champs) and the Northwestern Wildcats (defeating #1 Purdue and almost assuredly making the NCAA Tournament). They talk the amazing sports Sunday, plus Cavs! Bulls! Chicago Sky and the indomitable James Wade! Plus Rolling Stone Top 500 and Len's personal best 500 albums! Come SAVOR THE TRIUMPH!!
In addition to previewing the upcoming Academy Awards set for March 12, Len contemplates firing his staff after a three-day no-sleep bender. Beave launches his write-in Best Actor campaign for Tom Cruise while Len sighs with disgust. Beave also repeatedly apologizes to Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand for falling asleep during "The Tragedy of Macbeth" last year. They talk through their hopes for Oscar winners, and who they think will actually win. And as an added bonus, they each present their All-time Top Ten Best Actress winners! Tune in for Oscar excellence!
Beave receives piles of faxes from angry fans (namely Brian Duncan), angry about his disparagement of Nolan Ryan, Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon, etc. Len and Beave talk through the Brothers Gibb bracket. Beave and Len make their Super Bowl predictions. Can the Northwestern Wildcats make the NCAA Tournament? Why can't the Bulls get it together? What Rock Hall nominees should be enshrined? And finally.....we bid a tearful farewell to Chicago hoops legend Courtney Vandersloot. Tune in for 90+ minutes of solid entertainment!
Renowned music critic and dance minor Kirk Pynchon joins Jagbags to talk the music of Robin, Barry, Maurice, and Andy Gibb. What song is their best? Is "Stayin' Alive" a good song in the slightest, or a wet fart? What were the best parts of the recent documentary, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"? Were the Bee Gees a disco group or a pop group? We take on the REAL questions on this episode. If you are a serious Bee Gees fan, you will approve of this episode. If you are just a casual fan, then you need to learn! Tune in now!
Beave goes to LiqrBox to pry Len from the dance floor celebrating the Chiefs' AFC Championship. The guys break down both conference championships in detail. Beave makes plans for a NCAA Tournament appearance by Northwestern, thoroughly jinxing the team in the process. Len texts the Milwaukee Bucks GM, offering Caruso AND Drummond for Giannis. Len continues to master the ins and outs of the WNBA trade machines, while watching the Sky become gutted. Beave recommends the Chicago Art Institute and Len recommends a documentary and THREE albums. Plus Rolling Stone AND Len's Top 500 albums! TUNE IN!
Beave and Len take on the elusive Keanu Reeves, and discuss what makes him tick. Which movie is his very best? From "Bill & Ted" to "Point Break" to "The Matrix" to the genius trilogy that is "John Wick", we break down his acting chops, his onscreen presence, and try to identify the secret to his success. We go through nearly all of his movies, from the good to the not-so-good, and talk about his stoner-with-a-heart persona. We pick his Top Five movies as well. Tune in for expertise!
We break down the second round of the NFL playoffs on the newest Jagbags. Beave and Len discuss ways to break up the Bulls. Beave and Len talk college hoops, and the WHITE HOT Northwestern Wildcats! Len bemoans the potential loss of Sloot by the Chicago Sky. Beave reviews another 70s war movie "Cross of Iron", while Len naps. Len recommends the book "Three Girls of Bronzeville", by Dawn Turner, as well as the movie "Nope". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in without delay!
Our Special Jams Correspondent Susan Donatello joins Jagbags for an in-depth discussion of New Wave heroes the Police, plus Sting's solo career. Which Police album was the best? What solo Sting album is your favorite? What Sting/Police songs would make your all-time 45-minute Spotify playlist? Did Sting make the finest lute album in the history of the form? We answer these questions and much more!
The NFL playoffs are underway and Len and Beave have you covered on Jagbags! Speaking of Jags, we go through Brett Maher's misadventures, Jacksonville's incredible comeback, Minnesota's inevitable defeat, the Bengals' survival, Trevor Lawrence's punchable face, and Brock Purdy skipping 7th period chemistry to defeat the Seahawks. Plus the confounding Bulls, Len's ongoing feud with Zach LaVine, "I Recommend", Rolling Stone, and Len's personal Top 500 albums. This is an hour and forty minutes of SOLID ENTERTAINMENT. Tune in!
Len and Beave go through their own Top 10 TV series, movies and books of 2022 and rank them for you, the lucky Jagbags listener! They also read through contributions from the Diamond Listeners and rank those shows as well. Tune in for a gigantic slab of expertise! And tell us your favorites as well. Put some end-of-year Jagbags in your ear!
Beave and Len celebrate "Jagbags Night" at Welsh-Ryan Arena with speeches, awards and parades. They also break down the Northwestern Wildcats and other local college basketball teams. They also provide their predictions for the upcoming NFL playoffs and give their Super Bowl predictions. Beave discusses a private conversation he had with Jennifer Beals, while Len fumes. Plus: "I Recommend"! Rolling Stone Top 500! Len takes you through the 80s with his latest album reviews! Tune in at one for podcasting excellence!
Beave and Len pick their favorite albums of 2022. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW! Listen now for ultimate musical expertise.
Len and Beave ring in the New Year with a discussion of an ILLEGAL GATHERING for New Year's Eve at Beave's place. We discuss the various terrible behaviors of celebs like Joel Higgins, Andy Avalos and Ken Burns at the party. They also talk new year's resolutions for their favorite NFL and NBA teams, plus an overview of the college football playoffs. Donovan Mitchell scores 71 points on the Bulls right underneath Len and Beave's noses. Beave makes more sports hot takes, plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len provides you INSIGHTS into his favorite 500 albums of all time. Tune in!
Beave and Len discuss the criminally underrated Doobie Brothers on the newest podcast. The Doobies had a gajillion hits in the 70s, featured one of the most iconic lead singers in music history, and yet were inducted into the Hall of Fame only a few years ago. Beave and Len talk their favorite Doobie Brothers albums, favorite songs, and present their 45-minute playlist of best Doobie Bros/Michael McDonald songs. Plus all the "What's Happening" content you can handle as an added bonus! Tune in now!
In the new holiday recap, Len officially welcomes Illinois coach Brad Underwood to the Jim Boylen Pantheon of Jagoff Coaches. Beave expresses anger over the Pittsburgh Steelers' failure to tackle with sportsmanship. Len refuses to watch the Packers as they potentially drive to the playoffs. The Browns' season ends at the hands of Red Rifle, to Len's delight. The Bulls potentially turn their season around thanks to Len and Beave's motivational ploys. Len and Beave discuss "Slow Horses" and The Backstreet Boys' Christmas album. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums list, and Len talks five more of his favorite albums for Beave's ultimate judgement. Tune in!
In the annals of 80s Southern rock, one band sort of reigned a bit supreme for like two years -- but those were GLORIOUS TIMES. That band is .38 Special. Beave finally gets his wish and the guys explore the life and career of the guys who brought you "Caught Up In You", "Hold On Loosely", "Second Chance", and, well there are others too. You'll never think about .38 Special the same way again. Find out how they got started, why they changed their band name from Sweet Rooster to .38 Special, and learn about other songs in Billboard's Top 10 during their all-too brief stay at the top. Tune in for education!
It's the Holiday Season! And at Jagbags we have full command of your holiday podcasting needs. We talk through the latest Facebook bracket where we talk the best holiday songs of all time. Len claims to have never heard of "The Friendly Beasts". We also talk the Bulls' season low point and how they can turn their season around. Plus NFL, "I Recommend", where Beave shares his thoughts on the World Cup championship game. And Rolling Stone's Top 500 album countdown rolls on, leading to a spirited argument over who is better: Daft Punk or Kraftwerk? Ring in the holidays with Jagbags!
On the latest Jagbags we talk one of the all-time legendary bands of all time: Rock Hall of Famers Cheap Trick. Are they Top 20 ALL-TIME? A hefty designation, and Beave argues why they belong. We talk their albums, their incendiary live performances (At Budokan, Music for Hangovers), their personnel, their best songs, best cover versions and their colorful personalities. We go through the Beatles' influence on the band, where "At Budokan" ranks as far as all-time live albums are concerned, and much much more! It's a JAM PACKED episode! Tune in now.
All you need to know about this new recap episode is that Leo Sayer's "Endless Flight" is involved, which makes this particular podcast episode OUR PINNACLE ACHIEVEMENT. Plus, Len has a salty sports week while shifting blame for the Bulls to Billy Donovan. Beave dissects the up-and-down Cavs and does his best Hubie Brown impersonation. He also officially adds Brad Underwood to his Enemies List. Beave talks "Doctor Sleep" in the I Recommend section, and the guys talk multiple albums. But tune in for the genius of SAYER!
Longtime Friends of Jagbags (FOJ) Chris Marcum and Colin Milroy join the program to debate the merits of the music of the Motor City rocker Bob Seger. Chris, a widely acclaimed Segerist and lifelong fan, takes the "pro" side, while Colin, an anti-Seger activist and organizer, takes the "con" side. They discuss all Seger's hit songs, live albums and film contributions, and in particular, "The Little Drummer Boy". They also take Len and Beave's Ultimate Seger Playlist and give each tune a letter grade. Tune in to hear assumptions being challenged and minds being changed!
In the latest recap episode, Len decides that he will have nothing more to do with the Chicago Bulls until further notice. Len further deplores the state of the Chicago Bears, though he does celebrate the continued improvement of Justin Fields. Beave celebrates the Cavs' third-place spot in the Eastern Conference while watching the Browns' playoff chances carefully and cautiously. We also talk about the book "The Killer Angels", college football and hoops highlights, and SO MANY album reviews. Tune in for expertise in every area!
The podcast is Jagbags. The subject is Mr. Steve Winwood. The verdict is EXPERTISE! Tune in for a lively discussion of the latest Facebook bracket, where we talk his solo work, plus the output as a member of Traffic, Blind Faith and the Spencer Davis Group as a teenage prodigy. What song do you think could win a bracket? Do you prefer his 80s output or his 70s songs? Is "Roll With It" annoying or great? Does he belong in the Rock Hall of Fame? Where does "Gimme Some Lovin'" rank all-time? These are the questions we tackle on Jagbags. Tune in now. Now! NOW!
On the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk through Michigan's shattering defeat of Ohio State in The Game, the "box office flop" Strange World, Kacey Musgraves' "Star-Crossed", and argue over the current best teams in the NFL. Beave reviews albums by the Buzzcocks, Herbie Hancock, Devo, Pink Floyd and Elton John. Len talks through "Pinkerton" by Weezer, the Temptations' Greatest Hits, "Breakfast In America" by Supertramp, "Purple" by Stone Temple Pilots, and the best of Steely Dan. Tune In!
Factory Theater living legend Amy Seeley joins Len and Beave and they are NOT messing around! The subject is ABBA, and should you choose to listen, get ready for hilarity and more importantly KNOWLEDGE. They go through Abba's hits, and discuss what makes their music so timeless and universal. They favorably compare ABBA to the Beatles, which sends them on an outstanding tangent on the seminal Peter Jackson documentary "Get Back". They discuss ABBA's rightful place in the 70s music canon, and conclude the podcast with an in-depth look back at "ABBArama", Amy's monster hit show that both saluted ABBA and ruled the Factory (and Chicago) in the mid-90s. Hit "Listen", and then settle in because you will be thoroughly entertained for the next 90 minutes!
Len and Beave's latest recap episode reviews "Wakanda Forever", as well as Bruce Springsteen's new album "Only The Strong Survive". Len discusses Zach LaVine's dustup with coach Billy Donovan, and resumes his role as chief counsel for the Elect Billy Wagner to the Hall of Fame Committee. Beave reviews albums by Janis Joplin, Joni MItchell and Tracy Chapman, while Len goes through albums by Jack White, HAIM (sob!!) and.....(too distraught to continue with this podcast summary)
Two Swifties (Jessie Beyer and Rita Chandler) join Jagbags for a thorough discussion of the life and career of Taylor Swift. On the day where Beave risked life, limb and wallet to secure tickets for next year's Soldier Field show, Jessie and Rita talk through their favorite Taylor Swift albums and favorite songs. They talk about her latest LP, "Midnights", and rate their favorite songs from the record. They also talk about how they became Swifties, what they are hoping to see at the upcoming concert, and present their definitive 45-minute Taylor Swift playlist. Tune in for Ultimate Swift Expertise!
In the latest recap episode, Beave talks about the latest Star Wars series, "Andor", and provides his review. He also gives his final opinion on Robert Pirsig's "Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Len and Beave discuss the conclusion of the SNL character bracket and the shocking victory of "Wayne's World". Len recommends the latest issue of The New Yorker and its article on The Spice Girls. Beave reviews albums by Pink Floyd, the Beatles, New Order and the Beastie Boys. And Len talks Pete Yorn, Matthew Sweet, Janelle Monae and goddam BILLY SQUIER. Tune in!
In a Jagbags first, Len and Beave explore all things 1972 for you. They go through some of the best movies of the year (The Godfather, Deliverance), television (All In The Family, Sanford & Son), music (Bowie, Elton John, Deep Purple), sports (Lakers' first championship, Munich Olympics), and inventions (the Egg McMuffin! Atari games! MR. PIBB!). Take a walk down memory lane with the guys, and enjoy the nostalgia! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
In the latest recap episode, we talk sports, Fairleigh-Dickinson University and music as always! Len spends a LOT of time extolling the genius of BTO, to the chagrin of Diamond Listener Matt Engle. Beave decries the very existence of Pavement, and wonders how Rolling Stone can rank their album "Wowee Zowee" ahead of the Beatles' "Help". Len wonders about the health of Zach Lavine while exchanging texts with "Mattbags" host Matt Beyer about the one and only Red Rifle. Beave recommends the documentary "The Terry Kath Experience", and Len recomends "Hustle". Tune in!
SNL has been on the air for 47 years, and in that time so many characters have come and gone. Which characters are your favorite? Which SNL cast member had the best characters? Which popular characters do you actively despise? In a 96-character bracket, which characters would be your top seeds? Are the Blues Brothers actual SNL characters, or just musical guests and therefore ineligible? Which SNL hosts came up with the best characters? We go through all these burning questions for you. Tune in!
The newest recap episode features a ton of great music, including Johnny Cash, John Hiatt, the goddam Outfield, and the Byrds. We review albums from these artists, plus our "I Recommend", including Beave's struggles with Robert Pirsig. We also talk the World Series, the Cavs' hot start, the Kyrie Irving issue, and the Bears' recent moves. Tune in at once!
In September, Rolling Stone unveiled its list of the Top 50 TV Series of all time. And Len and Beave are close on the heels of this list with EXPERTISE! What shows were rated properly? What shows absolutely do not belong? Can one season qualify a series for greatest of all time? Should game shows be considered? Talk Shows? WHY WASN'T MIAMI VICE ON THIS LIST??? We go through all these questions and much more, in a spirited debate! Tune in for our long-awaited thoughts on Rolling Stone's latest!
In the latest recap episode Len reviews five records from his personal list of all-time Top 500 favorite records, including Son Volt's "Okemah and the Melody of Riot" and Lisa Loeb's "Firecracker". Len also celebrates the Chicago Bears' thrilling upset of the New England Patriots in Foxboro, and expresses high hopes for the Bulls. Beave reviews Curtis Mayfield's "Curtis" and Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy" from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of the All Time. They also talk Creed, Linkin Park and Nirvana. Tune in for KNOWLEDGE.
Beave and Len discuss the upcoming 2022-23 NBA season and predict the NBA Finals matchups. Len invites Luka Doncic to Mashwaters for complimentary mashed potatoes, to Beave's chagrin. Len predicts Ayo Dosunmu will become a star in Lonzo Ball's absence. Beave worries about how Donovan Mitchell will fit in with the Cavs. We talk through the Bulls and Cavs in great detail, and also pick teams that will make a huge improvement and those who are a bit overrated. Tune in for hoops EXPERTISE!
Beave tries to concentrate on his podcasting duties, while the deciding ALDS Game 5 undergoes a rain delay. Len and Beave decide to blast Uncle Tupelo while heading down to LiqrBox. They talk through the Guardians/Yankees series to date, in particular the classic Game 3. They also suffer through the mandatory NFL segment where they are forced to discuss the crappy Bears and crappier Browns. Beave recommends the documentary "Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead", and Len recommends a trip to the Brookfield Zoo. And then Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time! And Len's personal Top 500 albums of all time! Understand Possum Kingdom! Tune in for EXCELLENCE.
Len and Beave explore the life and music of the legendary Elton John. They try to select a 45-minute playlist of his best songs (an impossible task), and discuss his place in the annals of 70s rock. They compare him to other singer-songwriters from that era (including Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, etc.) and also compare him to other top-selling artists of all time. What songs are your favorites, and what are your favorite Elton John albums? Tune in for melodic expertise!
In the latest recap episode, Beave celebrates the Guardians' advancement to the next round of the MLB playoffs against the hated New York Yankees. Len and Beave do a final debrief on the Cubs and Sox. Both Len and Beave refuse to talk about the Bears or Browns, based on their pathetic recent weekends. Beave derides the first quarter of the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Len reviews Neil Young's latest album, "Toast". and the Cowboy Junkies' "Songs of the Recollection". Plus Len reviews incredibly obscure albums (to Beave, anyway) for his personal Top 500 list. Beave ponders Bjork and whether he should play her album "Post" at his next party. And Beave reveals his hatred of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to Len's delight. Tune in!
In a very special episode of Jagbags, Beave and Len talk through their favorite memories of the famed Wrigley Field. What are yours? From Jose Cardenal to Bruce Sutter to Ryne Sandberg to Andre Dawson to Mark Prior to Anthony Rizzo to Ian Happ, we have you covered. They try to explain what makes Wrigley such a special place, and why it attracts visitors from all over the world. There is so much that is unique about the appeal of Wrigley, and we encapsulate it for you in great detail. Finally, they talk through their very favorite memories of Wrigley over the years, which makes for a terrific episode. Tune in now!
Len and Beave talk through Jagbags Night and attending celebrities that wished us well, including Belinda Carlisle, Sean Penn, Tom Ricketts, Swift and his sons, and GULLIVER! Plus Beave breaks down the Guardians' chances against Tampa, as well as the Cardinals' recipe for self-destruction. Beave reviews the new documentary on Sinead O'Connor, "Nothing Compares". Len reviews the new John Irving 900-page epic, "The Last Chairlift". Len reviews Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky" while Beave tries not to gag. Beave reviews Weezer and Van Halen's debut albums and decries their ridiculous ratings (with support from Len). Tune in at once!
Beave and Len discuss the latest Facebook bracket, which explores the hits of the Jackson family dynasty. From the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons, to Jermaine, LaToya, Marlon, Janet, and what's-his-name, we cover all the decades of amazing tunes and #1 hits. Beave tries to the guess the Number One seeds from the bracket. What is your favorite Jackson 5 song? Your favorite Janet song? Michael? And why didn't Jermaine and Pia Zadora record an entire album? These are the burning questions, and Len and Beave give you solutions. Tune in now!
Beave celebrates the Guardians' Central Division title all weekend long at LiqrBox, while Len lauds the mound work of Cubs pitcher Adrian Sampson, better known as The Litigator. Beave and Len dream of a Guardians/Cardinals World Series. Beave also celebrates the Browns' dismantling of evil Pittsburgh, while Len confidently predicts the Bears' impending playoff appearance. Beave reviews "Confess, Fletch" and the Showtime documentary "The Kings". Len gives thumbs up to the new Marvel offering, "She-Hulk: Attorney At Law". Plus reviews of albums by the Police, Neil Young, AC/DC, and DAFT PUNK! Watch us put Robert Christgau to shame!!
Jagbags NFL correspondent Matt Beyer takes time off from his NFL Network gig to join the guys and provide his expert analysis. We go over the Browns, Bears, and the rest of the league. Will Mitch Trubisky thrive in Pittsburgh? Is Matt Eberflus a good hire for the Bears? What is Justin Fields' ceiling? Is Jalen Hurts Good? Does Baker Mayfield just need a change of scenery? Will Rodgers and Brady ever go away? Who will win the Super Bowl? MVP? We utilize our superior knowledge to give you the ultimate football insights. Tune in NOW!
The Men of Jagbags return with a freewheeling episode that covers Beave's day at Riot Fest, the continuing playoff push of the Guardians, the end of the WNBA season, "The Gray Man" and "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once", plus albums by Bill Withers (Just As I Am), Neil Young (Tonight's The Night), Black Sabbath (their flawless debut), and Beck (Midnite Vultures). This is MUST LISTEN. Tune in NOW!
After an unprecedented sabbatical to go to fantasy basketball camps and workplace solitary confinement, Beave and Len return with a TWO HOUR recap episode, where they talk all things Dave Grohl, the winding down of the MLB season and the start of the NFL season, Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums List (Beave reviews "Alive" by Kiss), "I Recommend", and Len unveils his own "500 Favorite Albums" for Beave. Tune in for the RETURN OF JAGBAGS!!!
Len and Beave talk the new bracket available on Facebook, covering the most iconic music videos of all time. What music videos are your favorite? What four videos should be the #1 seeds? What was the first music video that you remember? What is the weirdest video of all time? Who will win the bracket? So many questions....and we answer them fearlessly. Tune in for EXPERTISE!
In the newest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk the latest Emmy nominations, particularly "Succession", "Ozark", "Murders In The Building", and "Ted Lasso". Len laments the snubbing of Atlanta, and Beave makes mental notes on all the shows he has missed! They go into great detail on the characters of the show "Succession". (Which character is your favorite?) Plus, MLB, particularly the recent Guardians/Sox series on the South Side, plus WNBA recap, "I Recommend", and Beave's long list of Roling Stone Top 500 album reviews! TUNE IN!
Len and Beave discuss the life and career of the legendary Neil Young. What are his top five albums? His top five songs. They talk through the impossible task of constructing a 45-minute playlist of great Neil tunes as well. Neil's prolific output, superior songwriting, and his collaborations with Crosby, Stills and Nash are also discussed. Finally, they discuss books devoted to the man and his music. Tune in for jams, and discussions of jams! Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Beave and Len kick off Season 3 of Jagbags with a hot HOT recap episode! Beave provides a review of the new Paramount Plus series "The Offer". Plus -- the guys go over the results of the Steve Martin bracket, in particular the movie "Three Amigos". Beave and Len receive an irate fax from Sox manager Tony LaRussa. Len's legal counsel Franklin Sampson has stern words for Beave, warning him to provide Len with his chocolate cheesecake forthwith! Len and Beave discuss trading Ian Happ. Plus Chicago Sky without "Sloot", Rolling Stone Top 500 albums, and more! TUNE IN!
We're talking all things "The Godfather", "The Godfather, Part 2", and (briefly) "The Godfather, Part 3". Is "The Godfather" the greatest movie ever made? Is "The Godfather, Part 2" better? Who gave the best performance in those movies? What is the best scene in the movie? What's behind the universal appeal of these movies? We talk the main themes of the movies, the actors and artists who made them great, and the various storylines of these landmark films. THIS IS THE FINAL WORD ON THESE MOVIES!! Tune in now!
Len and Beave discuss the Chicago White Sox, and their prospects for the rest of this season. Beave strangely defends the Sox's chances for contention, and Len accuses Beave of being on Tony LaRussa (TL)'s payroll. They also talk through the Cubs' and Guardians' All-Star selections. Also, the Chicago Sky and the WNBA All-Star Game! Plus: Boylen! TOUGHNESS!! They also talk through the new trailer for Amsterdam, and go through the films of David O. Russell. Beave reviews "Thor: Love & Thunder". Len reviews the jams of the Brit rock band Wet Leg, and their songs "Piece of Sh*t" and "Chaise Lounge". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums reviews! TUNE IN NOW!
Beave and Len talk about their favorite books they were assigned in school. Tune in for a spirited discussion of book titles such as "Charlotte's Web", "A Wrinkle In Time", "1984", and "To Kill A Mockingbird", among many others. Len talks about the SOPHISTICATED titles he read in high school, while Beave tries to talk Mad Magazine and Russian literature. There's also talk of Dickens, Kafka, Thomas Hardy, and J.D. Salinger. Also, Len tries to sabotage the discussion by bringing up the acting genius of Bruce Boxleitner, leading Beave down a potential rabbit hole to "Tron" and "How The West Was Won".
It's a sports-filled recap episode, as we talk the Browns' trade of Baker Mayfield, the Bulls signing of Andre Drummond and Zach LaVine, the improving Cubs, the sinking Guardians, the Sky's chances as the WNBA heads into the All-Star Break, the tumultuous Phoenix Mercury, the 2022 USFL Championship (which will go down as an Instant Classic), and their great QB Case Cookus, Plus we talk Rolling Stone's top 500 Albums of all time, a discussion of "Obi-Wan Kenobi", plus the Mark Twain Comedy Awards honoring Jon Stewart. TUNE IN AT ONCE!
We're talking the films of one of the great American masters on the new Jagbags: the one and only Martin Scorsese. We talk his best films, his most underrated (and overrated), his best documentary, the best performance in his films, and which film should win a 32-film bracket. Tune in for EDUCATION!
Len celebrates the opening of his amazing mashed-potatoes-and-water vibed restaurant Mashwaters, with an A-List celebrity turnout, Beave's jazz sextet, Richard Daley's drunken antics, Mickey Morandini's security detail, and an appropriate handling of an unruly Chicago weatherman Andy Avalos. Beave and Len discuss the place of Stephen Curry in the Pantheon of NBA All Time Greats. Beave celebrates THE GUARDIAC KIDS and their late-inning June heroics. Len recommends the new Pixar movie "Lightyear". Beave talks up the new Angel Olsen record. And six more Rolling Stone Album reviews! Neve Campbell, thank you for the podcast love!
Internationally acclaimed New Wave expert Marlana May Carlson joins Jagbags for a MAMMOTH discussion of all things New Wave music, as well as . Take a trip down memory lane, as Marlana spins the New Wave jams and we talk hits by Tears for Fears, the Human League, Duran Duran, the Cars, Howard Jones, and that's only for starters! Beave battles his failing voice as he compares his 45-minute New Wave playlist to Len's and Marlana's. Len disparages the Pretenders' "Brass In Pocket", to Beave's chagrin. They discuss the important questions like "Is Men At Work New Wave?", "How many Cocteau Twins albums do you own?" and "Why isn't Culture Club in the Rock Hall of Fame?"
In the newest Jagbags, Len directs you to the jams, with a review of the new Black Keys album. Len's elderly agent suggests a cure for Beave's scratchy throat, veiled as a threat of job loss. Beave exults over the first-place Guardians and their late-inning resilience. Beave and Len dismiss the White Sox and call for Tony LaRussa's job. And they go through the new MLB All-Star ballot. Len starts his new job as President of the International Courtney Vandersloot Admiration Club. Beave recommends "Operation Mincemeat", available on Netflix, as well as SIX albums on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. Tune in for HISTORY!
Noted cinema expert Bruce Hollett joins the podcast to talk all things Ethan & Joel Coen and their amazing movies. Bruce gets over his dissatisfaction with the Jagbags green room craft service to provide his all-time top five films, best performance in a Coen Brothers movie, most underrated Coen Brothers work, and their most disappointing film. The quotes fly at a fast and furious pace, so lock it into Jagbags for COEN EXPERTISE!
Beave and Len started out this podcast episode with the best of intentions, but once they learned about the seminal 1987 sexploitation classic "Stripped To Kill", ALL BETS ARE OFF. Marvel at their deep dive into the strong character work of Kay Lenz, Greg Evigan and Norman Fell, as well as the directing genius of the great Katt Shea! Oh and they also talk Chicago Sky, MLB, and the NBA Finals as well. Plus "I Recommend", the 80s music bracket, and album reviews of Toots and the Maytals and Sly & The Family Stone. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Forget what you thought you knew about Mr. Billy Joel. This podcast is, without question, the most important and the final word on this subject. We dissect all the albums. We make the 45-minute playlists. We rank the greatest songs. No stone is left unturned. You want amateurish thoughts on this subject, go read Chuck Klosterman. But if you want EXPERTISE on Billy Joel, put it right on here Jagbags!
Beave and Len discuss Kobe Bryant's most rabid Facebook fan, and Len shares MANY thoughts about the Cubs, including optimism and pessimism. Len delights in the name "Konnor Pilkington". Beave and Len discuss Tony LaRussa's job security. The NBA Finals come into sharp focus. Vandersloot and James Wade chide Beave for ignoring the Chicago Sky. Beave reviews the newest season of "The Boys". Len enjoys White Castle's latest gourmet offering. And Beave reviews Rolling Stone's placements of Arctic Monkeys, GZA and Bruce Springsteen albums in its all-time Top 500. TUNE IN!
This COMPREHENSIVE episode of Jagbags goes over all the entrants in Len's newest bracket: "What Musical Acts Dominated the 80s"? Beave tries to guess the top four seeds in the bracket, while Len snickers. Tune in for the suspense! Who is seeded higher, Rick Springfield or Men At Work? Did Richard Marx or Loverboy make the bracket? Should Paul McCartney's 80s output be under consideration? And what act has an outside sleeper's chance at winning the whole thing? Tune in NOW!
In the newest recap episode, the specter of Franklin Sampson looms large over the podcast. Beave tries to stay awake after moving his entire family into a new home. Len likes the Cubs' competitiveness and applauds David Ross' aggressiveness. Beave openly roots for his all-time favorite Cleveland baseball player Jose Ramirez and invites him to dinner. (No response yet) Beave and Len preview the NBA Finals, and Beave celebrates the demise of the Mavericks. Beave reviews the new Harry Styles LP. Len celebrates the hilarity of Bob's Burgers. And much, much more! Tune in!
Prince's good friend Kirk Pynchon comes back to Jagbags to discuss the life and career of His Royal Badness. We talk his best (and worst) albums, and construct 45-minute playlists covering his hits, his top guitar performances, and songs to make love by. What is his best five-album streak? What is his best album that no one knows about? We argue over who was the better friend to Prince, and also a quick tangent we discuss why Carlos Boozer is the ultimate jagoff. Finally, we discuss why "Come" is secretly one of Prince's greatest records (you are welcome). Tune in now!
In the latest recap episode, the Jagbags' brilliant legal counsel Franklin Sampson bests Neil Diamond's team in a court of law. Len celebrates a perfect Chicago sports day with the Cubs and Sky and considers accepting Ian Happ in his inner circle of Most Favored Cubs. Beave bemoans the ill treatment of Shane Bieber by Guardians fans, and celebrates the Warriors' 3-0 series lead against the lucky Dallas Mavericks. Len offers his services to the Sky as a rebounding consultant by fax. Beave talks "Gaslit" and Len recommends the book "Sicker In The Head" by Judd Apatow. Finally, the guys review past albums by Eminem and Roxy Music. Tune in NOW!
It's been a while since our last podcast, but we are attempting to make up for it with a MAMMOTH discussion of all things MLB! The 2022 baseball season is swinging into June, and our Jagbags baseball correspondent Anthony D'Andrea is back for another lively and spirited program. We talk all things Cubs, Sox and Guardians, plus we break down the contenders and pretenders for the World Series. In addition to our love of Cubs and Guardians, we also hate on the Yankees and Cardinals and go over a list of current players and their future Hall of Fame chances. And last not but not least, we talk the end of "Ozark", and its place in the television pantheon. Strap in for the marathon!!! Put us in your ears NOW!
Len celebrates the Dallas Mavericks' advance into the Western Conference Finals while Beave pouts and cries. Lil Wayne teams up with Beave to grandly predict the Golden State Warriors' sweep. Beave faxes his prediction to the entire Mavs squad. Len tells Stephen A. Smith to calm down. Beave recommends the Paul Thomas Anderson movie Phantom Thread. Len recommends War's Greatest Hits while Beave applauds. Then he recommends Billy Joel's "River of Dreams" while Beave snickers. Beave recommends albums by X Ray Spex and the Cars. And we talk the conclusion of the Neil Diamond bracker, and Len addresses the sadness of Neil Diamond. Tune in NOW!!!
Len and Beave discuss the work of Nick Hornby in rhyme and riddle, like two true literary dudes. From "High Fidelity" to "About A Boy" to "Fever Pitch" to his latest work, "Just Like You", we break down his work, his love of pop culture, and his fixation on men stuck in ruts. Len implores Beave to stop bringing up the Welsh on every podcast. Len works his staff nearly to death in order to read all of Hornby's work. Tune in for LITERARY EXCELLENCE.
In a marathon recap episode, we talk the 2022 Rock Hall inductees, the Guardians' ninth inning miracle on the South Side, the amazing James Wade, the new Doctor Strange movie, Suzanne Vega, and SEVEN reviews from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums! Plus the cheating Dallas Mavericks, the Cubs' roller coaster start, and Beave UNLOADS on Tom Waits. Tune in for EXPERTISE!
We talk the movies of Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson on the newest Jagbags. Which movies do you like best? Which director is better? Who had the better debut? We know how their movies and sensibilities are different, but how are they the same? We go through nearly all of their films, break them down for you, and compare each movie in chronological order. Tune in and see if you agree! JAGBAGS!!!
Beave and Len give you a NO HOLDS BARRED discussion of various sports and entertainment topics for your listening pleasure! Barry! Ozark! Henry Winkler! Jason Bateman! Luther Vandross! Parliament! Lucky, lucky Luka! Tune in for expertise!
Diamond Listeners rejoice! We are giving you a musical two-fer with the newest episode of the podcast. We will talk the music of Elvis Costello, and then give you a SPECIAL TREAT with a quick discussion of the musical saint himself: Mr. Neil Diamond. We also get into John Parr briefly, and Beave fends off his latest admirer Ursula, and her posters. We talk the best Costello albums, songs, and compare him to other of his contemporaries. What Elvis albums are your favorites? And he is better than John Parr? Tune in for musical expertise!
In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk MLB, the Jekyll-Hyde Guardians, and the frustrating Cubs. Beave debuts his David Byrne Covid hairstyle, and lobbies for a podcast devoted entirely to Fisher Stevens. Len recommends the movie "The Bad Guys", and the "Children of Nuggets" compilation LP. Beave talks the new Julia Roberts/Sean Penn series "Gaslit" and gifts himself a Sydney Sweeney poster while wracked with Covid. He also reviews albums by Madvillain and Talking Heads. Tune in immediately.
In a daring recovery of the "lost" Jagbags episode, Len and a Covid-infested Beave try to talk the music of U2, but wind up going down the irresistible rabbit hole that IS Top40Weekly.com. Is DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince better than Sade? Is Bono a jagoff? Ted Nugent's 1975 self-titled LP -- all jams? What is the better album: The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby? What songs would go on your 45-minute playlist? Tune in for FUN TIMES!
In the new recap episode of Jagbags, Beave brings up Ian Happ as a future Hall of Famer, and Len responds forcefully. We talk the NBA playoffs, and Len contacts lawyers in connection with Luka Doncic's prolonged absence from the playoffs. We talk the Nets/Celtics series in particular, which seems to be the most evenly matched series of the playoffs to date. Len recommends the new Eddie Vedder solo album and the new Spoon album. And Beave submerges you in his Rolling Stone Top 500 with reviews of George Harrison, Drake, Aerosmith, and MOBB DEEP. Tune in right now!
Noted Elvis expert Christopher Marcum joins Jagbags to talk the life and career of a true American original: Elvis Presley. They talk his life, his music, books devoted to his life, his cultural impact.....and yes, his movies. We try to make sense of his 31 movies, his countless songs, the '68 comeback special, his output for Sun Records, as well as the upcoming Baz Luhrmann biopic. It's gonna be a HOT ONE! Tune in!
Beave and Len celebrate the opening of the new MLB season by talking future Hall of Famer Steven Kwan! Plus, they share their predictions for the play-in and first round of the NBA playoffs. They also talk results to date from the 70s movie bracket, and Beave faxes himself several complaints. Tune in for EXPERTISE!
LA singer/songwriter Sherrie Adams joins Jagbags to talk the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Which album is better, Damn The Torpedoes or Full Moon Fever? Where does he rank in the all-time rock and roll pantheon? Is he better than the Eagles? Bruce Springsteen? And is Tom Petty appropriate music for "Spin The Bottle"? We answer these questions, and much much more on this informative, entertainment-packed episode. Tune in!!
In the recap episode of Jagbags, Beave provides tons of bulletin board material for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks by doubling down on their playoff chances. Len touts Devin Booker as a worthy MVP candidate. The guys talk the thrilling NCAA championship game and Beave apologizes to Kansas for his lack of faith in them. Beave reviews "Winning Time" on HBO Max, while Len discusses the movie "Red Rocket". And tune in for still another review of an album featured in Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time! Tune in at once!
Noted Chicago theater legend Billy Bullion joins Jagbags for an in-depth look at the best movie of the 1970s, known as a "golden age" for filmmaking. Was it? What are the best, and which may be overrated? Len, Beave and Billy discuss the movies they've seen, and shamefully admit to some classics that they have NOT ever seen. What genres were the best as well? Concert movies, dramas, comedies.....we work to cover it all! And don't forget to vote in the accompanying bracket on Len's Facebook page. Tune in NOW!
Len and Beave provide their take on the infamous Academy Awards altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock, and also discuss the telecast and award winners as a whole. They also talk the Final Four participants, Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time, and the NBA as the regular season winds down to a close. Tune in....FOR CONTROVERSY!!!
Legendary Chicago actor Tucker Curtis joins Len and Beave for a spirited discussion of the writer/director Kevin Smith and his movies. Is Clerks a great movie? Are his movies overrated? Or did his movies speak for an entire generation? We talk through his movies, books, past associates, and ultimately his legacy. Join us for EXPERTISE and witty repartee!
Beave fills in Len on his adventures south of the border rescuing the fugitive Alex with the help of Jimmer Fredette, Jack McDowell, and Andy Avalos. They also talk the week that was in the NBA, and welcome the return of MLB and FUTURE HALL OF FAMER FRANK SCHWINDEL. Beave reviews several records from Rolling Stone's Top 500, including Rush's "Moving Pictures" and Neutral Milk Hotel's "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea". And finally, Len and Beave share their initial thoughts on the NCAA Tournament, and who they expect to make this year's Final Four. Tune in for a classic episode!
Len and Beave celebrate their 100th episode of Jagbags with a WILD party at LiqrBox, with Meryl Streep, Holly Hunter, and Brad Pitt in attendance. They also talk the latest Facebook bracket, featuring the best coaches in Chicago history. Phil Jackson, Mike Ditka, Joe Maddon, Joel Quenneville and Ozzie Guillen are all represented, plus noted punching bags Terry Bevington, Jim Boylen, Vinny del Negro, and Mike Quade. ALSO: Don Zimmer. Tune in for the anniversary celebration!
Beave and Len celebrate their record week of listenership with a wild party at LiqrBox, featuring Meryl Streep's constant needs of high fives from Len. They talk the week that was in the NBA, lament the Bulls and Cavs' slow starts to the second half of the season, and compare Ja Morant to Derrick Rose. They talk about Loyola and Illinois' chances for success in the NCAA Tournament. And finally, they talk "Don't Look Up", and Beave reviews a Mingus album while Len falls asleep. TUNE IN!
Noted Chicago actors Jill Oliver and Matt Engle join Jagbags to take on the world's most daunting task: Convincing Len that the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) are masterpieces. We take Len into Middle Earth, through the forests of Mirkwood, the Misty Mountains, into harrowing encounters with Smaug and the Eye of Sauron. Join our guests as we discuss the movies and also the books in great detail. Our guests discuss how they first got into the Tolkien catalog, and which movie they like best. Finally, Beave works with Matt to develop a prototype "Jagbags" adult diaper, and we talk through the genius of Brother Theodore. TUNE IN!!
Beave and Len reflect on their massively successful Oscar watch party, and their A-List guests. In particular, they discuss the movies "Coda" and "The Tragedy of Macbeth". They talk about the NBA all-Star Game, and Beave AVOIDS talking about the Cavs and LeBron. They talk college hoops and various local teams' postseason chances. And they talk two albums off Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums List. Is Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" better than "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society"? These are the issues we fearlessly tackle! Tune in NOW.
Special guest Nicolas Cage joins Beave and Len to talk through his latest sequel "Pig 2: The Quickening" before getting tossed out of the studio so as to better focus on the upcoming 94th Academy Awards. Len and Beave go through all the major categories, and talk through what to look for, and who may walk away with the coveted statue. Tune in for OSCARS EXPERTISE!
In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk through the results of the Super Bowl. Beave tries to avoid gloating about LeBron while celebrating the Cavs. Len recommends Thin Lizzy's "Black Rose: A Rock Legend", while smashing furniture. Beave reviews albums by J Dilla and the Ramones, and Len catches wind of a rival mashed potato and water restaurant backed by Mr. Philip Michael Thomas! DRAMA!! Tune in at once.
Len & Beave explore the life and career of 75-year-old Sylvester Stallone, the only actor in the history of U.S. cinema to have starred in a box office number one film across six consecutive decades. What movies are his best? What "Rocky" movie was his best? Why is his face and speech slightly slurred? Is "Victory" a good film? Will he make any more Rambo or Rocky movies? These questions, and much more, will be answered with the usual EXPERTISE that you've come to expect from the good people at Jagbags. Tune in NOW!
Len and Beave vote for their own candidates for Rock Hall enshrinement. Fueled by gallons of coffee, Beave lays out the case for Judas Priest with INTENSITY. Andy Avalos sends multiple faxes trying to secure the emcee job for Len's opening of Mashwaters. Stacey King doubts Matthew Stafford's big game credentials while Beave and Len roll their eyes. Beave is on a Cavs mega-high! Len provides the Courtney Vandersloot Update. And DICKEY SIMPKINS IS THE GREATEST HOOPS ANALYST SINCE HUBIE BROWN. Tune in for an incredible recap!
LA-based singer/songwriter Sherrie Adams joins Len and Beave to discuss the songs and albums of Indiana music legend John Mellencamp. Which songs are his best? His most underrated? What is the best Mellencamp album of all time? Where does he rank alongside contemporaries such as Bob Seger, Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen, especially when it comes to songwriting? We've got questions, and Sherrie's got answers. Tune in NOW!
In the latest recap episode that is sure to break listenership records, Len recounts the SORDID and SHOCKING tale of his latest meeting with his agent and celebrity author Sean Penn. Mashed potatoes are prominently involved. We go over the Chiefs' surprising defeat, talk Beave's motivation of the Dallas Mavericks' rise up the Western Conference, and the genius of Larry Hagman in the 70s movie "The Eagle Has Landed". TUNE IN!
Beave & Len deconstruct the Peter Jackson masterpiece "The Beatles: Get Back" and give you their favorite moments from this 8-hour magnum opus. Listen as Beave and Len THROW DOWN over toast and tea! Hear Beave defend George Harrison TO THE DEATH, while Len sniffs! Chuckle at Paul's semi-threats to bring Eric Clapton and Jimmie Nicol into the band! Marvel at Len's denigration of George's Hare Krishna friend in the corner! Applaud as Beave and Len extol Ringo Starr......AND Yoko!! Tune in now!!
Len and Beave invent the new musical genre of jazzgrass, make sinister plans for Grayson Allen, and talk about their impending Supreme Court appearance to argue Billy Wagner for the Hall of Fame. And best of all, they go through the most exciting playoff weekend in the history of the NFL. Hear Len taunt Max Christie! Scratch your head at Beave's invention of "Rover" as the newest football position! Marvel at Beave's entry into the "400-351" section of Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums! TUNE IN IMMEDIATELY!
Don't screw around. Download this episode RIGHT NOW. Then prepare to flip tables and take a 2X4 to every window in sight -- because we're talking the music of the legendary rock outfit Thin Lizzy. We take you through all the albums, and also construct a 45-minute playlist of the band's top jams. (OKen's playlist was called "Ultimate Tin Lizzy") We take you through ALL the "go to IKEA, buy all the furniture, take a break to assemble it all, and then smash them" jams. Riffs we should ALL wake up to! How did Thin Lizzy not have #1 hits in every country for 26 weeks?!?? TUNE IN AND YOUR LIFE WILL GET BETTER INSTANTLY!!
In the latest recap episode, Beave introduces Len to the completely insufferable Jackson Mahomes, and both bemoan the possibility of either Brady or Rodgers in the Super Bowl. We outline the NBA Eastern Conference picture, discuss the Cavs-Bulls marquee matchup at the United Center, and Beave tries not to gloat over LeBron's struggles. Beave recommends the STAR-STUDDED "The Liberation of L.B. Jones", and Len recommends David Gray's "Skellig". Tune in!!
Beave and Len take you through the best movies and TV shows of 2021, and also cover off on the best sports moment of the year. Len picks his best books of 2021, and finally the guys discuss future job prospects for Matt Nagy. TUNE IN IMMEDIATELY!
In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave rank Caruso, Ball, and Vucevic for the Bulls, discuss the Cavs' pickup of Rajon Rondo, and debate whether Northwestern has what it takes to make the postseason. Len sticks up for various magazines, and Beave reviews a jazz album, to Len's consternation. They discuss which album is better, Blondie's self-titled debut, or the Go-Gos' "Beauty & The Beat". Finally, the guys take on the first round of the NFL Playoffs, and provide their predictions. It's a SMORGASBORD of entertainment! Put us in your ear.
Two middle-aged white men talk about their favorite albums of 2021, and Beave is proud of having only one jazz album in the Top 10. SPOILER ALERT: No Imagine Dragons. Beave has THREE Australian albums in his Top Ten, and has accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to come down under for a continental tour. Len and Beave also talk the "Jagbags shakes", concerning the fears of potential guests at the prospect of coming on the podcast and sitting in our giant collective shadow. We also discuss the spinoff episode "Catbags", where we talk about our cats. RATINGS BLOCKBUSTER!!
In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk the Bulls' white hot streak, ponder why Mike Glennon continues to get NFL starts (HINT: he makes delicious chili), recommend wonderful Hot Cocoa Hershey Kisses, review a Ghostface Killah album, and raise glasses of Mr. Pibb and Crystal Light to the celebrities that left us in 2021. Godspeed, Eddie Mekka. Put a little Jagbags in your ear!
In our exciting BOOK GIVEAWAY episode, we are offering all Jagbags listeners the chance to win an autographed copy of the seminal horror book "Chasing The Boogeyman", by Richard Chizmar. At the end of the podcast, we will give you a catchphrase. Simply repeat this catchphrase on any of our social media channels, and you could win this outstanding book! Furthermore, we will go through the greatest TV dramas of all time, pick our top ten, and also discuss the best eras for television dramas. Is right now the best time to watch a television drama, or did the 70s rule the roost? Tune in, and tell a friend!
In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Beave hires a truck to deliver Len's Christmas present. We talk the latest Marvel movie "No Way Home", discuss the current NFL playoff situation, and make plans for the upcoming HUGE GAME on January 19 between the Cavs and the Bulls! Plus Beave reviews albums by the Grateful Dead, Motorhead, Magnetic Fields, and much more! Put a little #Jagbags in your ear!
Perennial Jagbags favorite guest Jessie Beyer joins the program to talk all things Marvel movies. What are the best Marvel movies, and what characters are your favorite? Tune in to hear the cool 16-year-old perspective on the MCU! Jessie has seen all 28 movies, many of them three or four times, so her credentials are absolutely impeccable. We go through her reasons for her love of Marvel, favorite heroes and villains, as well as "the ones she thinks about rewatching the least". Tune in for the cool kid viewpoint!
The NBA recently released its list of the Top 75 players of all time. On the latest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave cut their own list down to ten. Do any current players belong? Who's better, Magic or Bird? Russell or Chamberlain? Did Ben Gordon make the list. Brace yourself for controversy and STRONG OPINIONS!
It's the recap episode of Jagbags, and we've got a HOT ONE for you! Len enjoys grilled cheese and soup with his agent Regency, while Beave stays out in the cold. Len sends his workout video to Bulls management as part of his tryout for the COVID-depleted squad. Beave tries NOT to compare Evan Mobley to Bill Russell. The guys discuss their favorite sports announcers. Len prepares his "Roach B Gone" solution for Matt Nagy, and Beave trashes a Beach Boys album. JOIN US FOR EXPERTISE AND HILARITY!
Noted ratings grabber and horror film expert Matt Beyer comes on the program once again to talk the movies of John Carpenter. Put down the Christmas present wrapping and tree trimming, because nothing says the holidays like a robust discussion of "The Thing"! We go through our Top 10 favorite Carpenter movies and label them as "Good", "Great", or just "OK" (Editor's note: John Carpenter does not make bad movies). Also, Matt and Len make plans for a solo venture, to Beave's consternation, and Philip Michael Thomas sends angry faxes to the program. Tune in!
Len & Beave review the week that was in the NFL, NBA, and college hoops scene. They also take a look at the New York Times' Top 25 books of the last 125 years and pick out some of their favorites. Len compares Nagy to a cockroach, and is elected President of the Matt Thomas Fan Club. Beave reviews TWO albums from the Rolling Stone Top 500 list, and Len sings the hits of Chic while preparing to storm the LiqrBox dance floor. Beave talks about the Australian pop music scene, while Len takes a brief nap. Tune in!
Len and Beave break down the newest Facebook bracket, this time covering the music of living legends Daryl Hall & John Oates. They discuss their Hall of Fame career and impact on American music. Which era was better -- their 70s folk or 80s straight pop? If you were charge of Hall & Oates concerts, which song would you choose to open with? What song is your go-to volume raiser? What is their most underrated song? Why the heck did they hire G.E. Smith? We discuss all this and more. Tune in!!
In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Beave kicks the Browns to the curb and welcomes the long lost Cavs home. Len delights in the glorious exploits of the legendary Red Rifle. Beave actually provides a negative review of a jazz album while Len faints in shock. And Len prepares his newest campaign to get Billy Wagner into the Baseball Hall of Fame, hiring the "Wagner Women" who ride on bicycles in all 50 states, as well the "Wagner Wings" in the form of biplanes dropping leaflets with his stats. Hopefully tonight's podcast is the one that pushes Billy over the top! Finally, the candidacy of Lefty O'Doul is raised, and you will absolutely enjoy his story. Tune in.
Rolling Stone just released its newest list of the Top 100 songs of all time, and Len and Beave are here to give the last word on the legitimacy of any list that does NOT include AC/DC, Black Sabbath or Motorhead! Is Waterloo Sunset one of the greatest songs of all time? Should Strange Fruit be the only jazz tune on the list? Where the f*ck is .38 Special? Is "I Want To Hold Your Hand" one of the Beatles' best? AND WHERE IS DAY TRIPPER? Tune in to hear the songs that Len and Beave would throw out, and if you agree with their choices, you too may be a Jagbags Diamond Listener!
On the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave discuss the continued resurgence of the Chicago Bulls, the Cavs' injury woes, and Len's franchising plans for his "Red Riflin' It" podcast featuring a 15-minute mustache grooming tutorial, and 15 more minutes devoted to Mr. Dalton's hair. Red Rifle burgers, Red Rifle jeans.....they're all coming! Plus Len and Beave attempt to fix Dire Straits, talk about "Succession", and laud the new Modest Mouse album. Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Beave and Len fearlessly take on Shea Serrano's excellent new book "Hip-Hop (And Other Things)", and use it as a launching pad for their own thoughts on the genre. They go through their favorite hip-hop albums, rappers, and songs, and also discuss the book in detail. Haven't you always wanted to hear the middle-aged perspective on rap? Tune in and tell five friends!!
Songs from our teenage years have been proven to create a dopamine rush. The creation of a mix tape is a lost art, requiring time, artistic vision, concentration, reflection, trial and error, commitment, and much, much more. Len and Beave combine a sneak preview of Shea Serrano's new book "Hip-Hop (And Other Things)", with songs that would go on their own "Magic Age Mixtape", covering songs from their own teenage years. Get ready for all the Raydio, Spandau Ballet and Van Halen you can handle! Plus, NFL, NBA, and "I Recommend". Put our recap episode in your ear!
Beave and Len welcome two Star Trek experts (Tim Amos and John Kuczaj) to discuss the entire Star Trek franchise. You do NOT have to be a fan of the series to enjoy their take on the original series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and so on! Is "The Wrath of Khan" the best Star Trek movie of them all? (HINT: Yes, it is) What series is the best? Where does "Star Trek V - The Final Frontier" rank? What characters (and villains) were the most enjoyable? We cover it ALL! No recaps, no albums, no sports....all science fiction for a solid two hours! Boldly go where no podcast listener has gone before!
On the five-year anniversary of the 2016 World Series, Len and Beave share their memories of that fateful October. They go through the divisional playoff series, talk strategies, and rail on Joe Maddon whenever possible. They discuss the biggest disappointments of the Series and their reactions to seminal moments. It's a wonderful walk down memory lane (for Len, anyway)! Plus NFL, the 2021 World Series, the Bulls' torrid start, "I Recommend", and Beave's Album Immersion!! Listen now!!
Len and Beave discuss the life and work of the legendary Bill Murray over boxes of Mike & Ike, washed down with generous helpings of Crystal Light and Mr. Pibb. Which movies would be top seeds in your bracket? Where does Bill Murray rank in the all time SNL Pantheon? Which Wes Anderson movie is your favorite? And "Garfield" -- why? Plus NFL, the World Series, the future Bulls-Cavs Eastern Conference Finals, and the coming end of the Rolling Stone Top 500 Album rankings. OR IS IT?? Tune in and tell a friend!
Len and Beave welcome the first night of the NBA season with hoops EXPERTISE!! They preview the upcoming seasons for the Bulls and Cavs, predict the NBA Finals outcomes, talk about players they expect to make a big leap forward, and discuss potential Hall of Fame players -- OH, WHO CARES!!! COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT IS THE FINEST BASKETBALL PLAYER CHICAGO HAS SEEN SINCE MR. JORDAN HIMSELF!!! Plus MLB, NFL, a certified letter from a disgruntled Susanna Hoffs fan, and much, much more!
Len and Beave fearlessly take on the Herculean task of picking their personal Top Ten Actresses list. The results may surprise you! Len expresses respect for Beave while plotting career moves with his agent. Beave sends congratulatory fruit baskets to those who made his list, while Len sends engraved plaques and t-shirts. Diane Lane expresses TOTAL OUTRAGE at being left off. Glenn Close is filing multiple lawsuits in multiple states. And Meryl Streep is celebrating at LiqrBox with the guys! Plus MLB playoffs, NFL/Red Rifle, Rolling Stone Top 500, "I Recommend", and more!!!
Beave and Len discuss the impact of the seminal 1980 comedy "Caddyshack", which has assumed epic proportions 41 years later. Where does it rank on the list of all-time great comedy films? What was the best scene? Which performance was in fact the best? And which secondary character is the best. The guys discuss this plus, plus MLB, NFL, and Rolling Stone Top 500. Tune in for movie expertise!
Len and Beave examine the career of the legendary Eddie Murphy, perhaps the biggest overnight success in the history of Saturday Night Live. What characters were his best? What movies were his best, and what movie do you expect to win the upcoming Facebook bracket? Did he deserve the Oscar for Dreamgirls? Has his standup material aged well? Where does he rank all-time on the list of comedy greats? Plus Red Rifle blows off Cleveland, the darkest hour for Matt Nagy, hate for the Cardinals, I Recommend, and Rolling Stone Top 500 albums. This one's a BARNBURNER!!!
Chicago actor Christopher Marcum joins Jagbags to discuss the life and legacy of the Grateful Dead. What are their best songs? What is their lasting influence? What is a Wookie? Is Corey Hart their true musical rival? And what does "help slip Frank" mean? (If you don't know, you are what the kids call a "casual", and you must "take the L".) Plus we talk MLB, particularly the White Sox, Bears and Browns, Rolling Stone Top 500, and Christopher destroys Beave with an EGREGIOUS "I Recommend"! Tune in now!!
Beave and Len welcome acclaimed young adult author Iva-Marie Palmer to the program. Iva talks about the process behind the writing of some of her most successful books, which include the Gabby Garcia series for young adults, The End of the World as We Know It, and Gimme Everything You Got. Iva also discusses how she got started in the literature field, some of her own favorite authors, the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, and of course the White Sox! Plus, the NFL Week 1, MLB's final days, "I Recommend", and Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums. Tune in!
Beave and Len welcome the prominent NFL insider Matt Beyer to the program, and talk Browns, Bears, and predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Is this the Browns' year at last? Will Cleveland explode and slide into Lake Erie at season's end? What will be your favorite moment of the Andy Dalton Era? Who will be this year's MVP? And where in the world can Red Rifle merch be purchased? Plus Rolling Stone albums, "I Recommend", the UNSTOPPABLE Frank Schwindel, and nude Alex! Tune in immediately!
Len and Beave take on the newest Facebook bracket, and it's a MUSICAL SEVENTIES BLOODBATH! Dennis DeYoung and Styx take on Steve Perry and Journey in a battle for jam supremacy. We break down the bracket, pick our top ten songs from each group, and share our favorite memories of each band. Additionally, we talk MLB, the Lauri Markkanen trade to the Cavs, Rolling Stone Top 500....and ALEX GOES MISSING! Tune in to find out the scintillating details!
In the music industry, there's only one person known as The Boss. His name is Bruce Springsteen, and Beave and Len cover his albums and songs in GREAT detail. They compare Springsteen to his contemporaries, pick his top 5 albums and songs, and debate his overrated and underrated work. Plus: New writing staff additions, an EXHAUSTIVE MLB overview, Rolling Stone Top 500, plus Beave disapproves of Jodie Foster's Instagram fans. Make this episode of Jagbags yours!
Beave celebrates his birthday IN STUDIO with Len, as they discuss the life and work of the great Jodie Foster. Do her Oscar turns hold up today? What movies are overrated or underrated? How does she compare to some of her contemporaries of the time? We also talk through MLB, more talk show content, the immortal Chad Everett, and Cleveland-based sports trading cards. It's a very special episode that you should bookmark, listen to, and pass along at will!
Who is the greatest late night talk show host of them all? Who is the worst? And who were the finest guests in talk show history? In the latest episode of Jagbags, Beave and Len break down the entire genre and discuss favorites (and non-favorites). Also, Beave discovers a new hatred of Len's, which he has quietly filed away for an opportune moment. We also wind up the Madonna bracket, lament the demise of the Cubs and Indians, and talk more about the Pet Shop Boys than any other podcast in the history of the form. TUNE IN INSTANTLY!!
Long time Jagbags listener Bruce Hollett joins Len and Beave to lend his EXPERTISE to a discussion of Bob Dylan's albums, songs, lyricism and overall cultural impact. We provide our respective lists of Top Five Dylan albums, songs, and cover versions. You don't need to be a Dylan fan to enjoy this hour of back-and-forth. Plus, the guys talk Lollapalooza, sports, music, and hawk their incredibly popular T-shirts. Tune in now and tell five friends!!
Len and Beave assess the life and work of the living legend Madonna. What are her best albums? Or is she primarily a singles artist? We go through her controversies, her past relationships, her films (gulp), and her music. Plus we read another congratulatory fax to the guys, talk the end of the Cubs core, the Cleveland Guardians, and much much more!
Len and Beave celebrate the one-year anniversary of Jagbags with a sumptuous meal, a Facebook livestream, and a podcast dedicated to the life and films of Mr. Sean Penn! We also read certified letters of congratulations from celebrities, list our favorite episodes of the past year, and talk sports and music as well. It's a JAM-PACKED podcast episode, and we thank YOU the Jagbags listener for tuning in!!
If you love a good sports book, then this is the podcast episode for you. We each go over our ten favorite sports books of all time, from baseball to golf to hoops to football (barely). We also talk the NBA Finals, argue over the Cubs, make expert recommendations, and extol the "greatness" of Titus Welliver. We also made our triumphant return to the hardwood, and dissect our respective shooting and defensive performances. Tune in to the final episode of Season 1!
In the most personal episode of Jagbags yet, Beave talks to Len about his all-time favorite NBA player LeBron James. Where does he rank as far as all-time basketball greats? Has he gotten over The Decision? Was he overhyped coming out of high school, or strangely not hyped enough? We also talk the musings of Scottie Pippen, more merchandise mishaps, and Len's new IHOP privileges. Tune in!
Beave and Len explore the cinematic career of the living legend himself Brad Pitt. Which films are his best? Is he in fact a good actor? And how did he revolutionize Hollywood? Tune in for our expertise, plus a spirited discussion of MLB, the NBA playoffs, "I Recommend", and Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums. Also, a dissatisfied listener writes in via certified mail, which leads to an EXTENSIVE discussion of the classic movie "Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision". Put some Jagbags in your ear!
Sound engineer, composer and producer extraordinaire Declan Beyer joins Jagbags to discuss his favorite topic of all time: action movies. What are the very best action movies ever made? Are Marvel movies action movies? What's the best action movie no one has ever seen? Keanu Reeves or Harrison Ford? Tune in for #expertise!
Special guests Rita Chandler and Jessie Beyer return to the program, and their energy is truly infectious! They go through all things Harry Potter for you, the Jagbags listener. Which are better, the books or the movies? Which characters are your favorite? Least favorite? Who is the best villain of the series? Plus all things sports and music. Give us a listen and tell a friend!
The noted cinema authority Eric Roach joins Jagbags for a SPIRITED discussion of the work of Mr. Quentin Tarantino. Which movies are his best? His worst? What Tarantino characters stand out the most to you? Find out which actors almost got key roles in Pulp Fiction, and stick around afterwards for a breakdown of the NBA playoffs and the week that was in MLB. Finally, the guys discuss the latest Facebook bracket on best bands of the 70s. Tune in!
Was it Bowie or Abba? Queen or Led Zeppelin? The Bee Gees or Fleetwood Mac? It takes two brave experts to tackle this subject, and Jagbags breaks it down and supplies you the correct answer. Plus, we talk MLB, the NBA playoffs, Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums, and our WILD day at Wrigley Field! It takes a podcast THIS BIG to fit it all in!!
Len and Beave welcome acclaimed literary authority Colin Milroy to the program, where they talk the work of the novelist Stephen King. Are his books of the last decade even better than his earlier, iconic novels? What is the all-time scariest King book? What are the top 5 movies based on King novels? WE FEARLESSLY ANSWER. Plus, the NBA playoff preview, the week that was in MLB, the upcoming social calendar at LiqrBox, and much much more!
Beave and Len take on the combined solo efforts of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and break them down for your musical pleasure. What's the best solo Beatle LP? The most underrated? The worst? The guys also compile their very own 35-minute playlist of solo Beatles songs, which is a nearly impossible task. All this, plus the week in sports, album reviews, and general old guy nonsense. Tune in!
Put on your headphones, light some incense, and get the lava lamp out of storage -- cause we're gonna talk prog rock and it's gonna get loud. What are your favorite prog rock bands? What IS prog music? Have you ever heard a King Crimson record? Is Styx prog, or classic rock? Do you like Tool but dislike Tool fans? And what of the band Toehider? Also, Len deepens his love of Kanye, Beave bemoans the Cleveland Cavs, and Len's staff stages a Mother's Day revolt! Tune in!
Len and Beave welcome the legendary Kirk Pynchon to Jagbags, and the topic is one of Kirk's favorites -- the life and work of the one and only Wesley Snipes. From "Blade" to "White Men Can't Jump" to "Coming 2 America", we work to get to the heart of Mr. Snipes' appeal and share that with you! We also talk the Bears' amazing draft, moan about the Cavs and Bulls, and review about 75 different albums. Tune in!
Beave and Len break down the career and movies of the living legend himself, Denzel Washington. Which movies are your favorite, and which Denzel movie do you think wins Len's latest bracket? Also, Len pushes for a podcast devoted entirely to the song "That's What Friends Are For", the guys receive an angry fax from a fan of "Mank", and they discuss Ken Burns' latest documentary (and his Chicago arrest record). Special guest: The Doors! Tune in!
Len and Beave talk the movies of Brad Bird, Pete Docter, and the other geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios. They discuss their favorite (and least favorite) Pixar movies, best moments, most unforgettable characters, before the whole thing devolves into an argument over .38 Special. Join us before the whole thing turns into a train wreck! They also talk MLB, NBA, the Oscars, and much more!
We are through messing around on this podcast! The subject is Led Zeppelin. The guest is Scott OKen. The result are jams upon jams, followed by more TABLE-BUSTING JAMS!! We talk through Jimmy Page's best solos, rank our favorite Zep songs, and rate the band members' overall individual place in music history. Hear OKen disparage Beave's preparation! Marvel at OKen's controversial takes (Tangerine)!! See how Len dislikes the blues! Enjoy the Paul Davis and Jump In The Saddle Band tangents!!!
Len and Beave welcome Jagbags baseball correspondent Anthony D'Andrea for two PLUS hours of nothing but baseball! No record reviews, movie talk, or .38 Special jokes. Just the national pastime and thoughts on the Cubs, White Sox and Indians. Plus the guys make their fearless postseason predictions and preview who could win MVP and Cy Young awards. Tune in and tell a friend!
In preparation for Len's upcoming bracket, the guys get down to business and dissect the work of the living legend Mr. Stevie Wonder. What is his best song of all-time? His best album? His most underrated work? And was his string of 70s albums the finest run in music history? Len and Beave sit down to provide YOU their expertise. Additionally, the guys talk March Madness, Oscar movies, and the genius of .38 Special's fourth album (if you don't know what that is, you are NOT a fan). Put a little #Jagbags in your ear!
The Oscar nominations for 2021 have been released, and Jagbags is here to break it down for your listening entertainment! We talk egregious Oscar snubs as well, plus some Oscar trivia. We spend way too much time on Sean Penn, and also talk March Madness, Len's entire history with Stacey King, plus the time Beave personally heckled the Red Rifle himself, Mr. Andy Dalton. Tune in IMMEDIATELY!
March Madness is BACK and Beave and Len have you covered! Tune in for an expert assessment of this year's NCAA men's basketball bracket, and hear the picks to win it all. Then the guys switch gears and talk the current roster of nominees for the Rock Hall of Fame. Also: Who's not in the Hall, but should be? And who's in but should NOT be? Put a little #Jagbags in your ear!
Len and Beave finally tackle the billion-dollar juggernaut that is the Star Wars franchise. They talk their favorite movies and characters from the series, and Len tries to keep a straight face while Beave describes his relative hatred for a movie he has seen four times. From Darth Maul and Grand Moff Tarkin to the Ewoks and the insufferable Jar Jar Binks, this episode has it all! (Pictured: Beave's cosplay for this week's episode recording)
In the most expertise-filled episode of Jagbags yet, Beave and Len discuss their favorite film directors. Len makes several excellent points while Beave spaces out. Beave goes full-on pretentious with his picks while Len injures himself through excessive eye-rolling. But they agree on Scorsese and Spike Lee! Tune in for film discussion, plus sports, album reviews, and more!
In this latest episode, Beave and Len discuss all things Genesis. Did the band crumble after Peter Gabriel's departure, or improve? Why the hate for Phil Collins? Were Mike and the Mechanics in fact good? Also, Beave unleashes his singing voice (to Len's dismay), Len forgets an album seconds after he's done listening to it, and as always, a CRUCIAL Fedora Jazzman update. Tune in!
Remember concerts? In this new episode, Len and Beave take a walk down memory lane and recall their favorite concerts, plus the worst ones they've ever seen, artists they wish they would have caught in concert, and so much more. Plus -- Beave auditions for a Crystal Light sponsorship, Len breaks down his love for Don Johnson, and they thank their regular listeners. Give us a like, or a rating, or subscribe to our podcast! #Jagbags!
The guys explore a new podcasting topic with a discussion of the literary work of the author John Irving. What books rank as his very best, and what makes his work such interesting reading? Tune in for the bonus story of Len's no-holds-barred interview with the cantankerous Irving, and how they butted heads. Also: Len gets banned from Twitter for quoting Bangles lyrics, listeners provide feedback on their favorite sitcoms, and Beave turns green with envy at Len's podcast-themed dinner spread. Put some #Jagbags in your ear!
In this episode, Len and Beave discuss their favorite American sitcoms of all time. Beave describes his love for Three's Company and the genius of John Ritter while Len wrinkles his nose. Len expounds on the amazing comic wit of Tina Fey while Beave rolls his eyes. But they agree on Cheers! Also, they talk sports, music, and Crystal Light. Tune in!
In this episode, Beave and Len go through Len's 64-song Aerosmith bracket and come away with a winner. Was Aerosmith the greatest band of the 70s? They may very well have been! Tune in for the JAMS!
Len and Beave continue their marathon podcasting ways with a no-holds-barred look at the grunge era of the early 90s. What was the all-time best grunge album? Who is better, Nirvana or Pearl Jam? If Len hates jazz so much, why does he continually bring it up? Find out the answers to all these and more when you put a little Jagbags in your ear.
In another gigantic podcast, Beave and Len discuss their favorite movies, TV and books of 2020 for your enjoyment. Beave shares his joy over the Browns' amazing victory over the evil Steelers, while Len continues his hip-hop education by listening to albums on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. Come hear the podcast that is reaching unprecedented heights of popularity in Germany and Nepal!
In the guys' first episode of 2021, Len and Beave present a MAMMOTH PODCAST SLAB for your enjoyment. Can you handle it? They review the previous year in music and pick their ten best albums. Beave celebrates his wild sports weekend while Len adds even more job responsibilities to his already overworked writing staff. Tune in for NFL and NBA analysis, Nicolas Cage's specific diet requirements, college sports, and much much more!
Len and Beave talk the music and the influence of the seminal 80s girl bands the Go-Gos and the Bangles. Len dangles a treacherous new fedora-influenced merchandising plan in front of Beave, and the guys discover they have a burgeoning new fan base in Germany. Len tells you why Nick Foles is the greatest Bears quarterback since Sid Luckman, while Beave's Cleveland sports neuroses flare up once again. Tune in!
It's the most wonderful time of the year and Len and Beave are celebrating like the LiqrBox VIPs they are! Join them as they talk through their favorite holiday traditions, songs, movies and TV specials. Furthermore, Beave has strong words for Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, and Len ponders putting his son under the expert hoops tutelage of Chicago music critic Greg Kot. Tune in now!
Join us as we break down the seminal 2020 ESPN documentary on the Chicago Bulls' final championship season. We talk all things MJ, Pippen, Phil Jackson, Horace, Rodman, Paxson, and Jock Bushner. Who was the Bulls' toughest opponent? Is Michael Jordan the greatest of them all? Was Jackson a good coach, or did he just have good timing? Tune in for EXPERTISE!
Len and Beave discuss two of the hottest series currently streaming on TV: "Cobra Kai" and "The Boys". They rate each show on a scale of 1 to 10, and discuss their favorite (and most annoying) characters on each show. Also, they recap the Foreigner bracket, talk NFL and college hoops, and Len actually deigns to listen to a jazz album!! 2020 keeps delivering! Tune in.
This week's episode is a true smorgasbord of pop culture musings. We finally settle on the newest Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, and discuss the merits of Omar Vizquel, the steroid players, and one Mr. William Wagner. Then we discuss Len's new Foreigner bracket, and compare their musical output with bands in the Rock Hall. Tune in for UNUSUAL HEAT!!!
Noted podcast influencers Len and Beave break down the 40-plus years of Saturday Night Live, and offer their takes on each era, plus their favorite cast members and sketches. Additionally, they take controversial stances on beloved SNL icons, and also avoid any discussion of Gary Kroeger whatsoever. Tune in for this MAMMOTH episode!!
NU super fan Kevin Stern joins Len and Beave for a spirited countdown of the greatest games in the history of Northwestern University football. We talk the Rose Bowl season, the Cardiac Cats of 2000, and rip Clayton Thorson repeatedly. From the 1995 upset of Notre Dame to the glorious 2018 Holiday Bowl championship, we relive the obvious choices, and throw in a few surprises. You don't have to be an NU football fan to enjoy this latest episode.
Len and Beave discuss the musical output of the one and only David Bowie. Did he in fact have the greatest run of superior albums in the history of music? What are his top 5 songs? Why did he consent to do "Dancin' In The Streets" with Mick Jagger? Additionally, the guys talk sports, the Nicolas Cage bracket winner, and read a fan letter from a Nepalese admirer. Tune in!
Len & Beave welcome the hilarious Chicago comedian Jayson Acevedo to the program, and rank our all time-favorite comedians. We discuss Louis CK's and Bill Cosby's right place in the comedy pantheon, make the correlation between lovers of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Dane Cook fans, and get Jayson's insights on what makes a successful comedian. Do NOT bring the kids for this one!
Len and Beave take on the movies of the singular Nicolas Cage and break down their favorites. At one time during the 90s, he commanded as much as $40 million per movie. Was he worth it? What are his four best movies? Is he a believable action hero? And is "Mandy" the finest movie in the history of the form? Tune in and find out what people from the Netherlands to Nepal already know!
Len and Beave welcome their first guests to Jagbags -- a pair of One Direction's most dedicated stans. Jessie Beyer and Rita Chandler share their thoughts on One Direction's best work, who has the most satisfying solo career, and why Chelsea boots should be viewed suspiciously. Tune in for a HIGH ENERGY teen-fueled podcast!
Len & Beave pay tribute to the late great Eddie Van Halen in the latest episode of Jagbags. They compare David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar, pick their favorite albums and songs, and pretend Gary Cherone never existed. Tune in for the JAMS!
In this podcast episode, Len and Beave go through Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time PAINSTAKINGLY. Did Lauryn Hill really record the 10th best LP ever? What is Stevie Wonder's best album? Shoegaze -- why? And how did Semisonic's Dan Wilson weasel his way onto the selection committee? We answer these questions and more!
In the latest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk through the upcoming AC/DC Facebook bracket, and discuss the music of one of the great hard rock bands of the 70s. Or are they heavy metal? They also talk sports before the conversation breaks down into the personal habits of several stars of Dawson's Creek. Tune in!
In the latest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk all things "The Office". They go through the show's best intro scenes, favorite characters, and all-time greatest episodes. You'll learn why Len drives his writing staff to the point of total exhaustion, and you'll enjoy Beave's jealousy over Len's new European fan club. Tune in!
Len and Beave discuss their all-time favorite Steve Martin movies, stand-up routines, SNL appearances, writings, etc.
In the NFL season preview episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk through the NFL season, focusing mainly on the Bears and the Browns. Will Baker Mayfield have a big year? Who is Jedrick Wills, Jr.? Is Matt Nagy a good coach? And what made Jay Cutler such a lousy QB? All this and more on tonight's episode!
Beave and Len may have been children, but they WERE there for the disco craze. Tune in for an expert unpacking of disco's best songs, as found in Len's 96-song Facebook bracket. They discuss whether "Heart of Glass" is disco, make fun of the movie " The Disco Exorcist", and lament the sad fate of "Makin' It". Join us!
Beave and Len provide their expertise on the movies of Jack Nicholson. They discuss his greatest performances, argue over Prizzi's Honor, and even get into Sir Laurence Olivier (way over their heads). Tune in for a fun hour of cinema discussion.
Len & Beave dissect the musical output of the Rolling Stones, and discuss their albums, songs and various band members.
Len & Beave break down the upcoming NBA Playoffs, discuss the teams most likely to do well, pick their season MVPs, butcher the pronunciation of top Eastern European player names, and lament the Bulls and Cavs.
Beave and Len discuss the current baseball season, focusing in particular on the Cubs, White Sox and Indians.
Len and Beave discuss a new bracket of Tom Hanks movies, and the all-time Hanks Final Four may surprise you! As a bonus, they conclude with a discussion of great songs featuring the cowbell.
Len and Beave fearlessly rank the (U.K.) discography of the Fab Four, from worst to best.