Ep. 51 - Pulp: "Different Class"

Pete and Brian are back, and this time they’re diving headfirst into Pulp’s gloriously chaotic 1995 masterpiece Different Class. They’re joined by Kevin Brown, who brings the kind of insider wisdom that only comes from living through the Britpop boom. Together they unpack the unlikely rise of Jarvis Cocker — patron saint of the commoner, accidental sex symbol, and king of supermarket chic. Is this album truly in a class of its own, or just the best night out you can have on a student budget? Tune in and find out. Also please check out Kevin Brown's musical podcasts! Tom Petty Project: https://www.tompettyproject.com   Seaside Pod Review - A Queen Podcast: https://pod.link/1650331194 Ultimate Catalogue Clash: https://www.pod.link/1700472647

It's our 50th episode and 5-year anniversary! Join us as we give our honest, unmerciful review of Led Zeppelin's adventurous 1973 album "Houses of the Holy". Chock full of classics, and some genre hops, does the record hold up? Tune in and find out!

Pete and Brian dive into Fiona Apple's unflinching, incisive, and emotionally charged second album, 1999's "When the Pawn...".  Apple's acrobatic vocalizations, clever lyrics and piano skills are on display, backed by a percussive, expressive band. For the young singer, this album was a response to the criticism from her stunning debut, "Tidal", full of fury and also self-reflection and unique takes on relationship dynamics.  How does it hold up 26 years later? Tune in to find out!

Join Pete and Brian as we discuss 1994's debut eponymous album by alternative rock band Weezer, commonly known as the Blue Album. Arriving on the scene with a powerfully produced record that spawned hits "Undone (the Sweater Song)", "Buddy Holly", and "Say It Ain't So", Rivers Cuomo and his bandmates defied expectations almost from day 1.  Embracing their geekiness while blasting power chords and tight harmonies, Weezer's debut was a critical and commercial success... but how does it hold up over 30 years later? Tune in as we uncover the album's secrets and give our honest, unmerciful review!

Pete and Brian share a listening experience that none should take lightly: Boards of Canada's fourth and last(?) studio album, "Tomorrow's Harvest" (2013).  The mysterious Scottish duo is renowned as vanguards of "intelligent dance music", but craft soundscapes and sonic experiments that cross genres.  "Tomorrow's Harvest" is a concept record in many ways, and we'll explore some of the lore and the emotions it conjures.  Be warned - it's not easy listening, but the challenges Boards of Canada throw can lead to revelations!  

Join Pete and Brian as they unravel the many sonic layers of Spoon's revered 2005 indie-rock album, "Gimme Fiction". We'll dig deep into the lyrics, themes, and music of this well-produced, oft-experimental record.  Do the experiments work?  Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful appraisal!

Know what the world needs now more than ever? An honest, unmerciful review of Green Day's 1995 album "Insomniac"...by none other than Skinny D and Jet Carlo, Pete and Brian's special guests this episode.  We'll dig into the punk-rock blast that is Green Day's fourth record, but also their important follow-up to their fame-making album "Dookie". Do they deliver the goods on "Insomniac"?  Tune in to find out!

Pete and Brian return with a journey through "El Dorado", the 1974 concept album by Electric Light Orchestra. Jeff Lynne and Co. craft a record that's sometimes a cinematic throwback with its orchestration, and sometimes a progressive-leaning rock LP. Does the "concept" hold up and is the variety a feature or a bug? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 2 February 2025. 

Pete and Brian travel back to 1985 when Tears for Fears ruled the world, or at least the pop charts on the strength of "Songs From the Big Chair", their multi-million-selling second album. Featuring massive hits "Shout", "Head over Heels" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", the creative forces of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal were on full display. But with such huge singles, how does the album hold up? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 27 May 2024.

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit The Black Crowes' 1992 album "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion". The band topped the charts with their earnest revival of 70's-influenced rock, with aspects of blues and gospel, riding four hit singles in a time when hair metal was giving way to grunge on the FM dial. So how does it land all these years later? Tune in to find out!