Jagbags

We talk March Madness and go through our thoughts on who will win this year's tournament. "THE STORIES ARE HERE ALREADY!!" Len cries with glee. In particular, we focus on Illinois (and its new lease on life coach Brad Underwood), who has a chance to advance to at least the Sweet Sixteen. Plus NBA, "I Recommend", Robert Christgau's A+ Albums, Beave's 2025 Album Review, Len's progress on reading the New Yorker, and Recently Discovered Top 40 Hits, where we talk a little April Wine. Tune in!

Join treasured guest Christopher Marcum as we set sail on a mellow smooth sea of sound and explore the greatness of yacht rock. We attempt to define the genre, talk the Web series that started it all, and discuss the recent (excellent) documentary on the genre (found on Max). We argue "yacht or nyacht", and submit our 45-minute playlists for discussion, acceptance or complete rejection. It's lively and full of quick hitting banter! So grab your Bacardi Breezer and join us portside for refined, tasteful rock-type jams with hints of R&B and jazz!

In the latest recap episode, Beave reviews Chick Corea's "Trilogy 3", while Len takes a well-deserved nap. The Bulls embark on their longest winning streak of the season. Conference tournament time is on us at last, and Len and Beave plot the path for Northwestern to WIN THE WHOLE ENCHILADA. Plus a little NFL talk, as Myles Garrett resigns with the Browns and the Bears stockpile offensive linemen. Beave recommends "Detroiters", on Netflix. Len recommends the soundtrack to the 2005 movie "Elizabethtown". Plus they take on Brian Eno's "Another Green World". Tune in!

We discuss the late great Gene Hackman on the new Jagbags. From Bonnie & Clyde to The Royal Tenenbaums, we go through nearly all of his movies and discuss our favorites, our least favorites, and ones we still haven't seen. We also talk through his impact, his ultimate legacy, and what made him such an outstanding actor. Tune in for all the Hackman!

In the latest recap episode, Len provides the post-Oscar recap and details all his adventures at the various post-Oscar parties. The Cavs overcome a 22-point deficit to beat the Celtics in Boston, and Beave has officially contracted serious Cavs Fever. Plus Bulls and other NBA news. The Illini lurch to the NCAA tournament, while Northwestern fights to even make the Big Ten tournament. Beave recommends "The Game", by Ken Dryden. Len recommends the documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" with strong enthusiasm, plus "Don't Forget Me" by Maggie Rogers, and "Smoke & Fiction", by X. Plus Dylan and the Band's "The Basement Tapes", and Beave discovers the Flamin' Groovies at age 55. Tune in!

On the latest Jagbags, in support of the new Aretha Franklin Facebook bracket, we discuss her career and her musical impact. Was she the greatest cover artist of all time? What songs are your favorite? Does she have a classic album? Did you like her comeback songs in the 80s? Where does she rank on the All-Time Music Pantheon? Tune in for the full discussion of all things Aretha.

In the latest recap episode, Len recounts his day at the five-Best-Picture-Nominee marathon in Woodridge, IL. We also talk NBA and college hoops, including the new Northwestern mini-resurgence. We have our "I Recommend" section, where Beave recommends the baseball book "July 2, 1903", and Len recommends some SNL-related books, including Norm McDonald's "Based On A True Story", Martin Short's "I Must Say", "The Chris Farley Show", and Colin Jost's "A Very Punchable Face". Len shakes his head at the now monumental task of completing the New Yorker's 100th Anniversary Issue. Beave reviews the new album from Matt Berry ("What We Do In The Shadows"). Finally, they review Bob Dylan's "Modern Times", plus Recently Discovered Top 40 Albums. Tune in!

Beave and Len go through their favorite albums and songs of 2024, and also go through their most pleasant surprises and biggest disappointments. We go through new LPs by Dua Lipa, Black Crowes, Blue Oyster Cult (!!), Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Sleater-Kinney, and much more! Tell us your favorite albums as well.

We discuss the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary schedule in detail, and comment on our favorite sketches and cameos. We also talk through various Best Picture nominees, including The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Dune Part Two. The NBA All-Star Weekend came and went without much fanfare or fan interest. Plus, "I Recommend", Beave reviews the new Guided By Voices album, Len receives his 100th anniversary issue of the New Yorker, and Newly Discovered Top 40 hits! More Paul Anka than you ever dreamed of! JAGBAGS!

Beave and Len give you their annual Academy Awards preview episode for 2025. They go through nominees for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Best Animated Feature, and Best Documentary (before they grow too depressed). They assess each category and predict who may win and also who they want to win. Can Demi Moore break through and win? Will Kendall get the best of Roman once again in the Best Supporting Actor category? And who will win Best Picture? Tune in for Oscar talk!