Bands Across North America: Canada (Leonard Cohen & Bryan Adams)

What makes a classic compilation album? This week, Dude and Don explore the role compilations play in music history: introducing new genres, bridging musical generations, and proving the staying power of great songs. From Stax and Atlantic soul to KISS’s stadium anthems reimagined, we celebrate two landmark compilations that defined eras for new listeners and longtime fans.The Theme: Why Compilations MatterVarious artist compilations curate the sound of a scene, a label, or a moment, letting listeners discover diverse voices side by side. Whether for promotion, charity, or creative tribute, these albums shape how entire generations experience and remember music.Album #1: This Is Soul (1968)Artists: Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Sam & Dave, Ben E. King, moreBackground: Issued by Atlantic Records for the UK, showcasing both Stax and Atlantic soul stars; quickly became the UK’s gateway to American soul. Features 12 definitive tracks from Pickett's “Mustang Sally” to Aretha’s “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”.Sound: Cohesive due to Muscle Shoals and Stax/Volt studio magic—tight grooves, big horns, urgent vocals.Legacy: Cemented soul’s place in popular music; educated a generation; still one of the best introductions to the genre.Songs: “Mustang Sally,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “B-A-B-Y,” “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” “Land of a Thousand Dances” and more.Album #2: Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved (1994)Artists: Lenny Kravitz (with Stevie Wonder), Anthrax, Garth Brooks, Shandi’s Addiction, Toad the Wet Sprocket, moreBackground: Official 20th-anniversary KISS tribute, curated by Gene Simmons, uniting alt-rockers, country stars, and metal bands; gold-certified, sweeping styles from rock to orchestral piano.Sound: Every cover brings a new color—funk-infused by Kravitz, thrash by Anthrax, mellow by Toad. Highlights what makes KISS songs durable.Legacy: Shifted focus from KISS’s image to their songwriting craft, underlining their influence across genres and eras.Songs: “Deuce,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Black Diamond,” and more reimagined for the ‘90s and beyond.Diggin’Curtis Harding – Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt (2025): Space-funk concept album with deep soul roots.Ratt – Out of the Cellar (1984): Polished ‘80s glam metal and classic MTV glam hooks.Cut Copy – Moments (2025): Australian indie-dance euphoria.Anne Murray – Here You Are (2025): Canadian pop/country veteran covers timeless standards.Join the ConversationWhat compilations got you hooked on a genre or artist? Share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, or BlueSky @albumnerds or email [email protected]. For more, check albumnerds.com and subscribe wherever you listen.Wrap up: “Classic compilations like these aren’t just playlists—they’re passports to musical worlds. Keep spinning, keep diggin’, and keep sharing the records that move you!”

What makes New Wave tick? Find out as special guest Steve from The New Wave Music Podcast joins us for a deep dive into the colorful, cult-worthy world of Oingo Boingo’s Dead Man’s Party. We tackle what defines the genre, break down standout tracks, and explore the influence of theatrical rock, synths, and Halloween vibes!Guest Spotlight: Steve from The New Wave Music PodcastSteve’s podcast is your go-to for core new wave artist interviews, reviews, and news. What is New Wave?Emerging in the late ‘70s, New Wave evolved punk’s spirit but added pop hooks, danceable rhythms, synths, and quirky visuals. It ranges from guitar-driven acts (The Cars, Blondie) to synth specialists (Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears), known for fashion, irony, and experimentation that defined the sound and style of the ‘80s.Album: Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party (1985)Oingo Boingo, led by Danny Elfman, transformed from theatrical troupe to horn-driven new wave band. Their fifth album, Dead Man’s Party, blends eccentric energy with dark humor and Halloween iconography. Released in October 1985, it includes hits “Weird Science” (John Hughes’ film) and the enduring title track, now a Halloween staple.Diggin’ Joe Jackson – Look Sharp! (1979): British new wave/punk/reggae blend, witty lyrics, iconic LP cover.OMD – Crush (40th Anniversary Deluxe Reissue, 2025): UK synth-pop classics, deluxe remaster, unreleased mixes.Julian Shah Tayler – Elysium (2022): Concept album blending new wave, post-punk, and modern electro, featuring David J from Bauhaus/Love and Rockets.Join the ConversationShare New Wave-inspired style choices, your favorite Oingo Boingo tracks, or what you’re currently spinning—Instagram/Facebook @albumnerds or [email protected]. Full episode archive at albumnerds.com. Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show!

Album Nerds – Episode 305: Bands Across America – CanadaFeatured Albums:Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)Bryan Adams – Reckless (1984)Episode HighlightsThe summer road trip heads north to Canada! We celebrate Canadian music with two landmark albums: Leonard Cohen’s introspective folk debut and Bryan Adams’ chart-topping rock anthem machine. Tune in for in-depth discussion, standout tracks, production tales, and how each record weaves into the tapestry of Canadian culture.Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard CohenCohen’s 1967 debut is a masterclass in poetic songwriting and sparse, haunting folk. His background as a Montreal-born novelist shapes every lyric, blending themes of love, spirituality, and alienation.Bryan Adams – RecklessReleased in 1984, Adams’s biggest record was a cornerstone of ‘80s FM rock, packed with energy, hooks, and radio-ready polish.What We’re Diggin’Bask – The Turning (2025): Heavy Americana blending psychedelic, stoner, and Appalachian influences, telling cosmic and country-tinged stories.Mastodon – Blood Mountain (2006): Progressive sludge-metal concept album full of wild, intricate songcraft.Panic Priest – Once Wild (2025): Chicago darkwave with atmospheric synths, baritone vocals, and a dance-driven edge.Don Beck – Dark to Light (2025): Colorado indie songwriter delivers faith-rooted, gospel-tinged tracks recorded at home.Shout-Out: Check out music pods like Can I Pod With Madness? for more 80s/90s metal deep-dives.Share your favorite Canadian album or musical memory on our socials @albumnerds or email [email protected]. Full episode archives at albumnerds.com. Please subscribe, rate, and review to support the show.

Album Nerds – Episode 304: Bands Across America – GeorgiaFeatured Albums:The B-52s – Cosmic Thing (1989)Mastodon – Crack the Skye (2009)Episode Highlights: Our summer road trip rolls into Georgia—the “Peach State”—where Southern roots, funk, campy art-pop, and cosmic metal collide.Dance through Athens with The B-52s’ neon-colored Cosmic Thing—their joyful, funky comeback that turned grief into glitter, resilience, and universal celebration.Travel from Atlanta to the astral plane with Mastodon’s Crack the Skye—a prog-metal masterpiece mixing sludge, mythology, Rasputin, and raw grief into one of the 2000s’ most ambitious albums.We dig into standout tracks, the production magic of Nile Rodgers, Don Was, and Brendan O’Brien, and how both bands shaped Georgia’s diverse musical legacy—from art-pop quirk to modern metal greatness.Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery—which sends us headed north, across the border, to Canada!What We’re Diggin’:Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day (2025): Neo-traditional country with cinematic Americana storytelling.Men at Work – Business as Usual (1981): Aussie new-wave/reggae-pop with quirky hooks and unforgettable sax & flute riffs.Coley Kennedy – Neptune Blue (2025): Michigan songwriter’s heartfelt, post-punk-tinged indie rock.Pile – Sunshine and Balance Beams (2025): Experimental, genre-bending indie that blurs the line between folk-punk and post-rock.Shout-Out: This week we recommend checking out the Astrovert Podcast—hosted by Mike and Jake—covering underground and progressive rock/metal, plus stories from their band’s journey. A great listen if you like your music talk raw and heavy.Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Georgia album or musical memory? Share it with us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky @albumnerds—or email us anytime at [email protected] Stop: 🍁 Canada!

Album Nerds – Episode 303: Bands Across America – PennsylvaniaFeatured Albums:The Roots – Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995)Live – Throwing Copper (1994)Episode Highlights:Our summer road trip stops in Pennsylvania—the “Keystone State”—where creativity and music history meet in places like Philadelphia and York.Dive into The Roots' genre-bending jazz-rap, fueled by live instruments and Philly soul.Relive Live’s high-drama, spiritually charged alt-rock, with anthems rooted in small-town struggles and hope.We chat standout tracks, killer production details, and how both records helped shape ‘90s music and Pennsylvania’s legacy.Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery to reveal the next state: Georgia!What We’re Diggin’:Hayes Carll – We’re Only Human (2025): Honest, introspective Americana.Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – I Love Rock ’n Roll (1981): Timeless punk-rock attitude.Luke Haines & Peter Buck – Going Down to the River to Blow My Mind (2025): Surreal indie pop.B-Movie – Hidden Treasures (2025): Early ’80s new wave, finally heard.Shout-Out: Check out the Polyphonic Press podcast for deep-dive album reviews that’ll broaden your tastes!Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Pennsylvania album or musical memory? Find us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds—or email [email protected] Stop: Georgia

Bands Across America: TexasSt. Vincent – St. Vincent (2014) & Ryan Bingham – Fear and Saturday Night (2015)Our summer road trip rumbles into Texas—the Lone Star State, where musical legends roam just as freely as longhorn cattle. From the genre-blurring art-pop genius of Dallas native Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) to the dust-worn Americana storytelling of Ryan Bingham, our two stops this week show just how wide the Texas soundscape can stretch. We get funky, fearless, and a little bit heartbroken as we explore the albums that put these artists on the global map while keeping one boot planted firmly in Texas soil.What’s Inside:St. Vincent’s self-titled album — bold, surreal, and genre‑defying: avant‑garde pop hooks wrapped in guitar wizardry and sly cultural critiqueRyan Bingham’s Fear and Saturday Night — an intimate, roots‑driven journey through loss, resilience, and hard‑earned hopeOur takes on standout tracks, production approaches, and how these records’ legacies continue to evolveDeep questions, click‑bait headlines, and a spin of the Wheel of Musical Discovery to see where the road takes us nextDiggin’:Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn (2025): Chicago post‑punk youth movement at its wiry, dance‑punk bestDio – Holy Diver (1983): Heavy metal classic of cosmic redemption and immortal riffsThe Armed – The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed (2025): Detroit’s anonymous hardcore collective adds melody without losing fireTom Odell – A Wonderful Life (2025): Piano-led indie pop with cathartic swells of hope and despairPodcast Shout-Out: Check out Music Notes with Jess — your weekly guide to what’s trending in music, with insider insight and infectious enthusiasm.Join the Conversation! What’s your favorite Texas album? What are you spinning lately? Drop us a line on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected] for riding with us—next stop: Pennsylvania!

Bands Across America: FloridaMiami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (1985) & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (1979)Our summer album road trip rolls into Florida—the land of sunshine, Latin pop crossovers, and resilient American rock. This week, we spin through two defining Florida albums and highlight what else we’ve been “diggin’.”What’s InsideMiami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (August 1985)Produced by Emilio Estefan Jr., this is the record that propelled Miami Sound Machine—and Gloria Estefan—onto the American pop stage. The album’s romantic, hypnotic energy comes through both in the high-energy club cuts and the gentle emotional ballads.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (October 1979)Gainesville’s own Tom Petty anchors the Heartbreakers’ classic lineup in this heartland rock classic, co-produced with Jimmy Iovine.Diggin’Cody Jinks – In My Blood (2025): Honest, soulful outlaw country.Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Oz: Classic album, prized for high sonic clarity Jet pressing.Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl (2025): Resilience after heartbreak.Billy Joel – And So It Goes (2025): HBO documentary.The Worst Podcast on Mars: Another great music podcast.Thanks for cruising down the Florida highway with us! What do you think about these Florida albums? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @albumnerds.Thanks for joining us on Bands Across America! Next stop: Texas

Bands Across America: Northern California Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970) & Journey – Frontiers (1983)Our journey lands in Northern California—home of counterculture trailblazers, iconic inventions, and musical legends. We spotlight two classic albums from Bay Area giants and dig into what makes the region an endless well for music lovers and explorers alike.What’s Inside- Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970): Palo Alto’s Grateful Dead hit a milestone with their fourth studio record—an earthy blend of roots, folk, and country rock, produced by Bob Matthews, Betty Cantor, and the band. We explore how the Dead’s acoustic turn, everyday storytelling, and songs like “Black Peter” cemented their place in California music folklore. Lyrical highlights emphasize belonging and transcendence, from Uncle John as a spiritual guide to meditations on life and death.- Journey – Frontiers (1983): Born from the Bay Area’s vibrant scene, Journey evolved from jazz-fusion beginnings to arena rock titans. Their 1983 album, Frontiers—driven by soaring Steve Perry vocals and Jonathan Cain’s songwriting—pushed into cinematic, synth-heavy rock and delivered some of the era’s most enduring pop anthems. It rocketed to #2 on Billboard, sporting unforgettable hits and an iconic music video.- Deep Question Other treasures from Northern California-Diggin’- Bush – I Beat Loneliness (2025): London’s alt-rock veterans return with their 10th album, diving into emotional isolation and healing over powerful riffs and raw confessionals. Standouts: “Scars,” “The Land of Milk and Honey,” “We’re All the Same on the Inside,” and lead single “60 Ways to Forget People.”- Tears For Fears – Songs from the Big Chair (1985, Vinyl): The British duo’s classic, released February 25, 1985, expands their synthpop sound into grand pop-rock storytelling. Includes anthems “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Head Over Heels.”- Limberlost – Beautiful Scars (2025): Seattle’s female-fronted rockers blend classic rock, soul, blues, and alternative on their third studio album, spotlighting dual vocalists Brittany Lauren and Sammie Gorham, and the track “Alien.”- Greet Death – Die In Love (2025): Flint, Michigan slowcore/shoegaze trio’s third album finds a more balanced emotional perspective, centered on themes of love, loss, and living fully.Discover more great album picks, deep cuts, and passionate music discussion every week on the Six Picks Music Club!What do you think about these Northern California classics or our Six Picks selections? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @albumnerds.Thanks for joining us on Bands Across America! Next stop: North Carolina.

Bands Across America: Southern CaliforniaCrosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu (1970) & Stone Temple Pilots – Core (1992)Our summer musical road trip cruises into Southern California—a region defined by sunshine, reinvention, and boundless creativity. This episode shines a light on two era-defining albums from bands that helped shape the sound of SoCal, from the dream-like harmonies of the ‘70s to the gritty alt-rock thunder of the ‘90s.What’s Inside:- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu: We dive into the iconic album that solidified CSNY’s status as folk-rock legends. From the peaceful optimism of “Teach Your Children” to the haunted beauty of “Helpless,” discover how this supergroup captured California’s dualities of hope and heartache.- Stone Temple Pilots – Core: Plug into the San Diego quartet’s hard-hitting debut and the grunge-influenced sound that made them 1990s radio staples. We unravel the hooks, the heavy riffs, and the hidden depth that made tracks like “Plush” and “Creep” stand the test of time.- Our Takes: We dig into the standout tracks, production quirks, and lasting replay value of both albums—plus, which one best embodies the SoCal musical spirit.- Deep Questions: We discuss other cultural treasures from Southern California.Diggin’:- Brent Cobb & the Fixin’s – Ain’t Rocked in a While (2025): Southern grooves and gritty storytelling perfect for a summer drive.- Creed – My Own Prison (1997): The post-grunge debut that launched a stadium-filling career, packed with anthems.- David Byrne – Who Is the Sky? (2025): The iconoclast returns with an inventive new set mixing art-rock curiosity with modern textures.- Presto Ballet – Dreamentia (2025): Retro-fueled prog rock celebrating melody, musicianship, and big ideas.Podcast Shout-Out:Pick a Disc Every album has a story. On Pick a Disc, guests bring their favorite album to dissect why it matters and how it changed their world—always insightful, surprising, and fun.Join the Conversation!What album defines Southern California for you? Which records ride shotgun on your summer playlist? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds or email [email protected] for listening—see you further up the coast next week!

Bands Across America: North Carolina Ben Folds Five – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (1999) & James Taylor – JT (1977)Our summer musical road trip rolls into North Carolina, a state rich in musical heritage and home to artists who have shaped the sound of jazz, folk, hip-hop, and alt-rock. This week, we spotlight two albums from North Carolina natives who brought their unique voices to the world stage: Ben Folds Five and James Taylor. We dive into their creative ambition, emotional resonance, and the ways their music reflects the diversity of the Tar Heel State.What’s Inside:- Ben Folds Five’s Ambitious Song Cycle: Explore the intricate, theatrical world of The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner, a piano-driven alt-pop album that blends chamber pop, jazz, and biting wit. We break down the album’s narrative arc, standout tracks, and how Ben Folds Five stretched the boundaries of 90s indie rock.- James Taylor’s Soft Rock Mastery: Take a drive through JT, the platinum-selling album that cemented Taylor’s legacy as the king of 70s soft rock. From the joyful “Your Smiling Face” to the soulful “Handy Man,” we discuss how Taylor’s Chapel Hill roots and California influences combine for a timeless, laid-back classic.- Our Takes: We break down each album’s vibe, killer tracks, production quirks, and replay value—plus, which one best captures North Carolina’s musical spirit.- Deep Questions: Don gets philosophical about North Carolina’s cultural legacyDiggin’:- Ian Noe – Between The Country (2019): Kentucky-born singer-songwriter delivers a haunting, Appalachian folk masterpiece full of vivid storytelling and empathy.- Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes – Live at the Greek (25th Anniversary Reissue, 2025): A newly expanded, remastered set capturing the explosive collaboration between Page and the Crowes—now with more tracks and Crowes originals.- Royel Otis – Hickey (2025): Sydney indie-pop duo returns with jangly guitars and dreamy melodies exploring the chaos of youth and romance.- Nation of Language – Dance Called Memory (2025): Brooklyn synthpop trio’s introspective fourth album blends post-punk, minimal wave, and a human touch inspired by Brian Eno.Podcast Shout-Out:Getting Down & Wordy Dive into the origins and musical connections of words and phrases with Hannah and Russell. From “beef” to “TGIF,” this podcast explores the language of music with wit and curiosity. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.Join the Conversation!What’s your favorite North Carolina album? What are you spinning lately? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected] for listening—see you on the road! Next stop: Southern California