Ep. 152 - Independence Day Special: Classic Rock, Music History, and 4th of July Festivities

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how certain songs make it to the top of personal music lists? Join us as Lou Colicchio and I, Scott McClain, celebrate Independence Day with a fun-filled episode packed with nostalgic tunes, quirky facts, and tales of music history. We kick off with some unforgettable 4th of July music and dive into lively conversations, including an amusing interaction with Allison, a self-proclaimed stoner. Despite our co-host Mark Smith being MIA, the show must go on, and it does with plenty of spirited banter and reflections on past episodes that will keep you entertained.Take a trip down memory lane with us as we revisit the golden days of classic rock. From Jefferson Starship and War to Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, we share the impact these legendary tracks have had on our lives and personal top 100 lists. We recall humorous technical mishaps and share intriguing music trivia, like the Foo Fighters' debut album release on July 4, 1995, and the misattributed quotes that have become pop culture staples. Our chat takes unexpected turns, touching on everything from Freddie Mercury’s stage costumes to the infamous incidents that occurred on July 4th involving music icons like George Michael and U2.But it’s not all music and history; get ready for some mouth-watering discussions about 4th of July BBQ foods and desserts. We debate the merits of lemonade versus iced tea, hot dogs versus ribs, and classic rock anthems for the holiday. Wrapping up, we take a retrospective look at the top hits from July 4th, 1976, and share stories from recent live concerts, peppered with humorous anecdotes and a surprising car accident tale involving a wine delivery. This episode promises a blend of music, laughter, and memorable moments perfect for gearing up for the 4th of July. Tune in and join the conversation!

Send us a Text Message.What if your favorite 80s movies and music could teach you about loyalty, friendship, and even corporate controversies? Buckle up for an episode packed with chaotic banter, nostalgic memories, and a hearty dose of humor. From technical hiccups that had us in stitches to lively debates about Kip Winger's hits and personal anecdotes that will make you feel like part of our crew, we've got it all. Join us as we navigate through the social dynamics of reunions, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the spontaneous humor that live chat comments bring to our show.Get ready for a 45 Poker showdown that will leave you laughing out loud. We celebrate a shift in wine preferences from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc and dive into our weekly poker game where each of us draws three 45s to compare hits. Whether you're rooting for Andy Gibb, Stevie Wonder, or Vicky Lawrence, the friendly competition and brotherly banter create an engaging and nostalgic atmosphere. And as we reminisce about the rise and fall of Bud Light through the lens of 1989's significant musical and cultural events, you'll find yourself reflecting on corporate controversies and brand loyalty in today's media landscape.We'll take you on a nostalgic trip through the careers of the iconic Brat Pack, the evolution of 60s and 50s music, and the unforgettable moments from the late '80s. From the brilliance of John Hughes' films to the Moscow Music Peace Festival and Madonna's provocative MTV Awards performance, our discussion is filled with humor, personal preferences, and candid opinions. Plus, we'll explore the complexities of brand loyalty and consumer behavior, using beer preferences and celebrity endorsements to draw intriguing parallels. So tune in, laugh with us, and reconnect with the music and movies that defined an era.

Send us a Text Message.What if you could relive the magic of 1989 through music and movies? Join us for the 150th episode of "Milk Crates and Turntables," where we celebrate this milestone with special guests Mark Smith and Luke Colicchio from the Music Relish Show. We traverse back to 1989, contrasting Scott's time overseas in the Philippines with Mark and Luke’s more relaxed experiences, all while diving into the standout albums and films from that unforgettable year. From personal anecdotes to playful banter, our lively discussion blends our unique memories with the era’s greatest hits, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.Our celebration doesn't stop there as we reflect on past episodes, including the memorable 50th episode with Jack, and explore Mark's fascinating journey in the music industry. We delve into his days making cassettes at CPI, his passion for Devil's games, and the dynamics of music sharing. Adding to the excitement, we experiment with background music to enhance the podcast atmosphere and engage with our live chat audience, keeping things spirited with a round of 45 Poker. The episode takes a deeper dive into the rich landscape of classic music, discussing influential artists like the O'Jays and notable tracks from Atlantic Records. We reminisce about the evolution of bands like The Cult and iconic albums from 1989 such as Rush's "Presto" and Bob Dylan's "Oh Mercy." Wrapping up with humorous stories and heartfelt reflections on sobriety, this episode offers a vibrant blend of music, movies, and memories that promise to entertain and resonate with our listeners. Don’t miss this special celebration of 150 episodes and more!

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered what it would be like to possess healing superpowers or chat with animals? Our latest episode of "Milk Crates and Turntables" takes you on a rollercoaster ride through these intriguing hypotheticals and more, as we journey back to the music and culture of 1988. Join the Wrecking 2 team—despite Lou's late arrival—and dive into a mix of playful banter and nostalgic memories, all kicked off by Amanda's charming but technically challenged introduction. From Rangers and Panthers hockey updates to a lighthearted joke about AI-affirming surgery, this episode promises a lively start to a treasure trove of discussions.Listen in as we debate the merits of classic tunes and the influence of iconic album covers, sharing our personal favorites from the likes of Bo Donaldson and the Haywoods, Elvin Bishop, and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Whether it's reflecting on the impact of radio on our youthful music tastes or reminiscing about bands such as the New York Dolls and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, our trip down memory lane is filled with laughter, karaoke antics, and guilty pleasure songs. Plus, hear about our future plans, including birthday celebrations and an exciting cruise, setting the stage for even more engaging conversations.But that's not all—this episode takes an unexpected turn into the realm of superpowers, ethical dilemmas, and personal experiences with tinnitus. We debate the logistics of flying like superheroes, the allure of x-ray vision, and the lifelong impact of loud environments on our hearing. From discussing the controversial dynamics between Madonna and Sean Penn to the peculiar charm of raisin commercials, our conversation is a delightful blend of humor and thought-provoking scenarios. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride with us on this unforgettable episode!

Send us a Text Message.Remember the flutter of excitement when you found a long-lost mixtape, each track a portal to the past? That rush of nostalgia is what we're serving up in our latest episode, as we take the scenic route back to 1974, an era rich with bell bottoms, tank tops, and tunes that refuse to fade. Jack, Mark, Lou, and I invite you into our circle for a laugh-filled journey, where personal anecdotes and the quirks of our teenage years collide with the music that became the soundtrack of our lives.Ever played '45 poker'? It's a game where the deck is stacked with memories, and each flip of a record delves into the heart of the '70s music scene. From the amusing saga of The Zombies' two-band tour to the reverence of vinyl in the shadow of Roulette Records, our episode spins a yarn as eclectic as the 45s we reminisce over. And with guest appearances that add spice to our banter, we're critiquing and celebrating in equal measure, ensuring you're right there with us, grooving to the beat of nostalgia.Rounding out the experience, we invite you to weigh in—what's the true legacy of Rush without Neil Peart? How do today's ticket prices compare to the inaugural American Music Awards back in '74? We're tackling these debates head-on, while also paying homage to the icons and epic moments that have etched themselves into music history. From the myths of Mama Cass to the debate over "Young Frankenstein" versus "Blazing Saddles," our conversation is as vibrant and diverse as the era we're celebrating. Tune in, and let the familiar chords of the past strike a chord in your heart.

Send us a Text Message.Strap on your nostalgia goggles and get ready for an electrifying blast from 1981, as I, your ever-enthusiastic host, am joined by the legendary Mark Smith from Music Relish. Together, we're set to serenade you with a symphony of memories, exploring the year's top albums—from Styx's 'Paradise Theater' to Stevie Nicks' 'Belladonna'—and delving into trends that shaped our musical tastes. Imagine headbands, leg warmers, and the raw, unedited banter of live podcasting, complete with personal rants and laughter-inducing misspellings by our new friend, Bob Kirkman.Turn the volume up as we hit play on the most iconic tracks and artists, reminiscing about the good old days when music was on vinyl and movies were without CGI. There's a treasure trove of nostalgia as we chat about the horror flicks that had us peeking through our fingers, the emergence of Rob Zombie's divisive artistry, and the quirky films that became cult classics. It's a candid and humorous stroll down memory lane with the ever-insightful Mark, connecting dots between past and present, and proving that the spirit of the '80s is alive and well within us.We round off this time-traveling experience by shining the spotlight on the film side of things, discussing everything from the special effects wonders pre-CGI to the enduring charm of New York City as captured on the silver screen. We're breaking down what made movies like 'Wolfen' and 'Clash of the Titans' iconic and sharing our personal experiences of the Big Apple, then and now. So, whether you're a die-hard '80s aficionado or just in it for the laughs, this episode is your backstage pass to the sights, sounds, and stories of an unforgettable year in music and movies.

Send us a Text Message.As we fired up the mics for another episode, it felt like 1981 had crashed our party, bringing with it all the technical chaos of a bygone era. Despite the hiccups, we took a raucous journey back in time, exploring the music and events that defined an unforgettable year. We dug through our vinyl collections, pitting classics like "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" against each other in a battle of the hits, while sharing stories that'll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even dust off your old record player.Our trip down memory lane didn't stop at vinyl; we tackled the great Grammy upsets, the wild antics of Wendy O. Williams, and reminisced about bands that hit the scene with names that still raise eyebrows, like The Better Beatles. We even took a detour to discuss the legacy of music legends, from the formation of iconic bands to the rise of Synthpop. It's a conversation seasoned with personal tales, light-hearted banter, and insights into the artistic growth that's shaped us into the hosts we are today.Wrapping up, we dropped a hint about future discussions and our audience's integral role in this wild ride. It's an episode that celebrates the chaotic beauty of live podcasting and the timeless allure of the music from 1981—no technical difficulties can hold us back! So pour yourself a strong cup of coffee, and join us next Thursday for another engaging trip through music's storied past.

Send us a Text Message.Prepare to be whisked away on a sonic journey to 1971, as your guides, Scott McLean, Mark Smith, and Lou Collichio, pull back the curtain on an era bursting with musical genius and cinematic charm. We promise an auditory feast where you'll rediscover the year's hidden treasures and pay homage to the late Dickie Betts, whose guitar licks still echo through time. Whether you're a seasoned music lover or a rookie eager to expand your playlist, this episode is your ticket to understanding the depth and diversity of '71's cultural tapestry.Settle in for a rollercoaster of emotions and trivia as we throw down in our weekly game of 45 poker—where the competition is as fierce as the debate over who should have won last week. The air is electric with stories of Fred Garvin's untapped comedic potential and the mysterious whims of social media algorithms. Our clash over classic hits will have you rooting for your favorites, from the Beatles to Dionne Warwick, while our banter – infused with a touch of disco and nostalgia – might just make you see these timeless tunes in a whole new light.

Send us a Text Message.Embark on a groovy trip to 1971 with us, your hosts of Milk Crates and Turntables, as we spin the wax with Mark Smith and Luke Colicchio from the Music Relish Show. From the quirky technical glitches that bring an authentic vinyl-spinning experience to our light-hearted banter over bell bottoms and soccer, we've got your ticket to a time when John Lennon's collaborations were charting and Elvis's home had just opened to the public. Tune in and let the nostalgic tunes and tales whisk you away to an era that continues to resonate in our hearts and headphones.Feel the pulse of '71 as we lace up high heels for a stroll through music milestones, from Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" debut to the haunting melodies of the gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows." We'll share a laugh over the curiosities of rock history, debate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame credentials of Grand Funk Railroad, and pay tribute to the unforgettable moments that defined the year's musical landscape. Our vibrant discussions span the emergence of bands like the Eagles and the poignant farewells to iconic groups, all while juggling the quirks of our live episode recording.Finally, brace yourself for the ultimate Steely Dan desert island playlist challenge—where Mark and I go record for record on their most unforgettable tracks—and ponder their complicated musicianship that dares any cover band to match their finesse. As we bring this auditory adventure to a close, we're already tuning our guitars for next week's exploration of the seminal albums from '71. Thanks for riding the waves of sound with us, and remember, whether you're a diehard vinyl collector or a casual music enthusiast, there's always a seat at our turntable.

Send us a Text Message.Ever wonder what happened to those one-hit wonders that captured our hearts for a brief, shining moment? Mark Smith, Lou Colicchio, and I are your tour guides on a nostalgic expedition through the twists and turns of music history. We kick things off with a playful round of '45 Poker,' rifling through our records to unearth once-cherished tunes like "Black Water" and "Lady Marmalade." The debate heats up as we toss party anthems into the ring, putting "Love Rollercoaster" head-to-head with "Fire," and we don't shy away from a little controversy as we unpack Steve Miller's Rock Hall of Fame drama.Join us as we share the studio with the charming Jack, and we can't help but dish out laughter and sarcasm when discussing the quirky pasts of musicians like Creed Bratton and Terence Trent D'Arby. The show takes an interactive turn with "You Make the Call," where our listeners weigh in on the musical musings of the day. It's a session filled with insider anecdotes, the unexpected life choices of artists stepping away from the limelight, and the quiet afterlives of fame. Whether we're musing over Eric Clapton's guitar god status or the legacy of 70s hits, there's never a dull moment.To wrap things up, we reminisce about the 1978 music rankings, sparking a lively debate on the merits of Clapton's riffs versus those of his contemporaries. Our musical journey is packed with tales of artistic transformations, like Bill Berry's transition from R.E.M. to farming, and the quiet but fulfilling paths some artists take post-mainstream success. So, grab your headphones and get ready to smile, laugh, and maybe even sing along as we explore the rich tapestry of stories that the music world has woven into our lives.