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PODCAST

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Hey, look at you! You made it to the Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast. Your hosts Pete and Brian are musicians, music fans, and long-time collaborators ready for lively discussion and debate on an eclectic mix of albums and genres. We’ll chat about classics, personal favorites, records you may know well or may be new to you. We’ve got two words for you: ”honest” and ”unmerciful” - what works on these albums, what doesn’t, and viewed through the prism of time, how do they hold up today

music music commentary

All Episodes

53:10

Ep. 28 - The White Stripes: "Elephant"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Join Pete and Brian as they search for clues to what made The White Stripes' 2003 album "Elephant" a massive hit despite a lo-fi recording mode. Forerunners of the garage/blues-rock revival with distinct sound and style, the two-piece band of Jack (guitars, vocals, etc) and Meg (drums) White turn out stompers alongside quirky deep cuts. Does that variety still make "Elephant" a cohesive listen? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 4 November 2022.

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01:01:06

Ep. 27 - Pearl Jam: "Yield"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit Pearl Jam's 1998 album, "Yield". After a trio of hugely successful records, internal and external stresses required Pearl Jam to shake things up in their songwriting approach. Does "Yield" represent a return to classic form, a new stylistic direction, or a herald the "end" of the golden period for the band? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 19 September 2022.

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01:03:01

Ep. 26 - Kate Bush: "Hounds of Love"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Join Pete and Brian as they rediscover a monumental art-pop work from the prodigious talent and unique voice of Kate Bush, who is being rediscovered by a new generation. This episode features Bush's 1985 album "Hounds of Love" which included the single "Running up that Hill", returning to top the UK and US charts again in 2022 thanks to inclusion in the series "Stranger Things". The record is a striking introduction to Kate Bush, split between catchy, well-crafted singles and a side-long conceptual

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01:05:48

Ep. 25 - David Bowie: "Hunky Dory"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Join Pete, Brian, and special guest reviewer Kevin Brown ("The Tom Petty Project") as they track the many stylistic changes on David Bowie's fourth LP, 1971's "Hunky Dory". Bowie at once honors his inspirations and looks toward his own future on an album that features a variety of styles. But with any break from the past and harbinger of what's to come in an artist's career, does the album hold up? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 27 June 2022.

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57:47

Ep. 24 - U2: "Achtung Baby"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Join Pete and Brian as they explore U2's "Achtung Baby" (1991), a transformative, influential record with a surprising origin story. This album finds the band redefining their sound and taking huge steps from self-serious 80's rockers to changing the musical landscape of the 90's. Experimenting with new production approaches and attitudes, while still unmistakably U2, "Achtung Baby" garnered even greater commercial success. How does this record hold up 30 years later? Tune in to find out! Episode

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50:34

Ep. 23 - The Cure: "Disintegration"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they delve into the many layers of The Cure's landmark 1989 album, "Disintegration". Striving to create a work of lasting importance and sustaining a heavy mood, Robert Smith and co. recorded an album that reverberates with melancholia and melodies both grand and sparse. An all-time classic or an emotionally-draining experience? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 10 May 2022.

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01:11:29

Ep. 22 - XTC: "Black Sea"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they dive deep into the churning sonic waters of XTC's 1980 album, "Black Sea". This record is brimming over with experimental sounds and lyrics, with XTC wearing the "New Wave" badge as well as referencing mid-60's British psychedelia, while sounding totally distinct and modern. Is the record a work of genius, challenging conventions of the time, or the album equivalent of "everything and the kitchen sink"? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 29 March 2022.

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01:10:07

Ep. 21 - Genesis: "A Trick of the Tail"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they explore 1976's "A Trick of the Tail" album by Genesis, the band's first without Peter Gabriel on lead vocals, swapping in young drummer Phil Collins. While the loss of a distinct voice and visual identity could have ended the fledgling band, Genesis delivered a classic album full of progressive music, adventurous lyrics and a voice that began a new era of critical and popular acclaim. Does this record point the band in the direction of pop hitmakers, or represent the

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55:51

Ep. 20 - AC/DC: "Back in Black"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they tackle AC'DC's 1980 classic LP "Back in Black". One of the all-time best-selling albums, "Back in Black" found the hard-rocking Aussie band paying tribute to their departed vocalist, Bon Scott, and breaking in the pipes of new lead singer, Brian Johnson. Never backing away from hedonistic themes and heavy guitar licks, the album delivers huge singles mixed with some controversial lyrics. Episode originally released 14 January 2022.

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58:13

Ep. 19 - Radiohead: "Kid A"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they dig into Radiohead's lauded but challenging 2000 album, "Kid A". Coming off their acclaimed "OK Computer" record, anticipation for the next LP was high and the pressure was on to deliver. Radiohead responded with an album of sonic experiments and disparate influences that confounded many but also shaped their sound going forward. Is it a landmark masterpiece or a big mess? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 22 December 2021.

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59:06

Ep. 18 - The Who: "Who's Next"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit a true monolith of classic rock, The Who's 1971 album "Who's Next". We'll discuss how the album's tracks were born out of sessions for another ambitious concept LP/rock opera. A band of huge characters and musical talents, "Who's Next" collects some of their most famous and recognizable tunes, showcasing their style and stretching into new themes and techniques. Does "Who's Next" live up to its mythic status? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 25

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53:05

Ep. 17 - Nada Surf: "Let Go"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Can a band escape the dreaded "one-hit wonder" label and craft a career of consistency and critical acclaim by musical maturation and perseverance? That was Nada Surf's challenge with 2002's "Let Go", taking the independent route to establish their true identity beyond 1996's buzz-bin hit "Popular". Did they succeed in their efforts? Tune in as Pete and Brian offer their perspectives on this transitional album by a beloved band. Episode originally released 27 September 2021.

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54:53

Ep. 16 - Ben Folds Five: "Whatever and Ever Amen"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/02/01

Join Pete and Brian for an honest, unmerciful analysis of 1997's "Whatever and Ever Amen" LP by Ben Folds Five. This power trip (piano, bass and drums) rocked and walked the edge of 90's irony and sincerity with a lively mix of melody, melancholy and rage. Does that sound like a recipe for success or disaster? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 2 Sept 2021.

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54:39

Ep. 15 - Peter Gabriel: "So"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/30

Pete and Brian share their honest, unmerciful insights on one of the defining albums of the 80's, Peter Gabriel's "So" from 1986. How does this record walk the line between Gabriel's unique artistic vision and major commercial success? How did he evolve in a way that led to huge pop hits while staying true to his experimental muse? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 7 August 2021.

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01:01:08

Ep. 14 - Smashing Pumpkins: "Siamese Dream"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/30

Join Pete and Brian as they dig into the monumental second Smashing Pumpkins record, 1993's "Siamese Dream". This record appeared as grunge was pushing into the mainstream, and the band was struggling internally and externally to make a different mark. Is it a colossal work of (Billy Corgan's) genius, or an overblown opus? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 1 July 2021.

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51:34

Ep. 13 - Tom Petty: "Wildflowers"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/30

Join Pete and Brian as they explore a legendary, critically acclaimed album by Tom Petty, 1994's "Wildflowers". This "solo" LP, with major assists from Heartbreakers bandmates, documents the professional and deeply personal changes Petty was feeling at the time. We'll discuss how such changes impact the record's sounds and themes. So get ready to find yourself sonically somewhere you'll feel free! Episode originally released 14 June 2021.

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51:17

Ep. 12 - Franz Ferdinand: "Franz Ferdinand"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/30

In this episode, Pete and Brian dive into the party that is Franz Ferdinand's eponymous debut album from 2004. Full of raw guitar swagger, disco beats, and ambiguous lyrics, we'll peel away the many layers of this electric, eclectic record. Come check it out with us! Episode originally released 28 May 2021.

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49:30

Ep. 11 - The Sundays: "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/27

Join Pete and Brian as they discuss the debut album by The Sundays, 1990's "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic". This college rock/dream pop album launched a promising career, thanks to Harriet Wheeler's unmistakable vocals, David Gavurin's jangly guitar lines, and a set of literary, sometimes precious lyrics. But as sure as their star rose, The Sundays faded from view just a couple of records later. How does their debut hold up? Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful review! Episode originally

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01:00:24

Ep. 10 - Elvis Costello: "This Year's Model"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/26

Pete and Brian discuss a touchstone of New Wave, Elvis Costello & the Attractions' 1978 classic, "This Year's Model". What makes the record tick: a) a rock-solid rhythm section, b) catchy, omnipresent organ, c) clever wordplay, d) Costello's unmistakable voice, e) all of that, or f) that's too much! Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 12 April 2021.

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52:23

Ep. 9 - Depeche Mode: "Songs of Faith and Devotion"

Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast ·

2025/01/26

Join Pete and Brian for a deep dive into Depeche Mode's 1993 album, "Songs of Faith and Devotion", a record that saw the synth-focused band intentionally update their sound amid the early 90's musical landscape. With emphasis on rock elements, live guitar and drums, and layers of interesting samples, the band also experimented with new non-electro genres, while maintaining their emotionally/spiritually-charged themes. So did Depeche Mode survive the alt/grunge era and thrive with a new formula for

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48 results

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