230 - Pulp: Different Class

Last year we recorded the audio for my birthday episode, about Pulp's 1995 opus Different Class. But the audio wasn't great. So we did it again this year! And luckily the album was just as fresh to our ears as it was last July! In a better world this would be the album people think of when they hear "Britpop".

Muse is one of the most popular rock acts of the 21st century, especially in the US. It wasn't always like this, however. Once upon a time, one of their early alums was kept from distribution in America for four years after the record company gave the band very tame constructive criticism.This was that album. Origin of Symmetry time, baby.

RIP to Sly Stone, a true genius in the world of R&B music. We recorded this about a month after his passing, and are particularly pleased with the final product. So without further ado, let's talk Stand!

The Police's third release and one of their most lauded. But does it still hold up after 45 years? Especially with that "monumental pile of shit"? Let's find out as the theater kids discuss Zenyatta Mondatta!Originally recorded: July 5, 2025 (yeah I know, I have to catch up)

The South Korean musical that won multiple Tonys in 2025, including Best Musical, was an unexpected treat for all of us listening. Here's our thoughts and my occasional rantings about their sad attempts to make "Gil Brentley" a real person. And also why HwaBoon is the MVP.Originally recorded June 28, 2025.

We dedicate this episode to the memory of America's premier pop musician/composer, Brian Wilson. He made us all smile.We spend most of the episode fawning over the album, but...at the same time, why wouldn't you?Originally recorded June 22, 2025.

The great Southern Rock debut album by the great Southern Rock band. On paper it doesn't really sound like the type of album a theater kid would vibe with, but you'd be surprised. Let's dive into Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first, and possibly final, time on this podcast!Originally recorded June 14, 2025.

Jangle Pop Month concludes for real this time. And of course we couldn't say goodbye without covering one of the great jangle pop bands' eponymous debut album. This also means though we have to cover Morrissey both as a singer and as a person for the first time on the podcast, something none of us were mentally prepared for but we tried our to best to separate art/artist when needed. Let's talk The Smiths!Originally recorded June 7, 2025.

This episode is instantly dated because we made jokes about how it's not on Spotify. Literally the day, the very DAY, after we recorded this, May 31, the band's catalog returned to Spotify. Funny how life turns out sometimes.Obscure Jangle Pop Month finally concludes! Or does it? In this installment, we check out the debut album by a band that's not obscure by most standards, especially given who their famous bassist is, but still not heard of much on the American side of the pond. Well it's time that changed. This is London 0 Hull 4 by The Housemartins!

A new season means new Rock of Ages episodes. And in this episode we talk of things ranging from anime to a harsh critique of the Danny Boyle picture 'Yesterday'. But you might also hear us continue Obscure Jangle Pop Month with our thoughts on our first Japanese band on the podcast, Advantage Lucy, and their grossly overlooked masterpiece 1999 album, Fanfare!Originally recorded May 24, 2025.