1001 Album Complaints

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. As the son of Afrobeat pioneer and Nigerian political activist Fela, Femi Kuti has a lot to live up to. The boys discuss the wisdom of not changing chords, ways to get live energy on a studio recording, and the long legacy of Afrobeat on Western music.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3GEabAwi8ynqPJtcA9u8rn?si=c9a5973fe9ed438aListen to the weekly album here:https://open.spotify.com/album/6VrhPe4z1gPzeXAXW02I1y?si=o8K-aKGBTCyTyVb4Sm6sag&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Spirit- Twelve Dreams of Dr Sardonicus

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Steve Earle dreamed of being like his idol Townes Van Zandt. The boys discuss cookie-cutter country production tropes, the 1980s as a nadir of country music popularity, and why very experienced songwriters sometimes miss their mark.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6hzwy2AStVRSfT3b6lZnXH?si=fee59610a8e24e5aListen to Guitar Town here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3bEnaGjQRqfoqNkAQtO1Uy?si=kSYtsUbsTs6_xV8Cjz32UA&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Femi Kuti - Femi Kuti

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Velvet Underground cut their first record in a nearly condemned building with Andy Warhol peering over their shoulders. The boys have a contentious conversation about bad drum takes, out of tune guitars, and the visceral punch that a 2-chord song can pack. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4mMqEO01i0fhyrHJ0I3jby?si=69ef2fb3021e4365Listen to the The Velvet Underground and Nico here:https://open.spotify.com/album/4xwx0x7k6c5VuThz5qVqmV?si=9l0XNshISna2Wpr7VPo4YQ&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Steve Earle - Guitar Town

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Iron Maiden kicks off a true heavy metal institution with their 1980 eponymous debut album. The boys talk about time signature changes creating tension and release, 70s prog rock's connection to 80s metal, and stacking up quadruple guitars.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6XsnFDrzskjZlU2CDAKRem?si=a986595f39644793Listen to Iron Maiden here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5nyyw7ThJdClJ0jPisOta3?si=HJVLUmpHQB-zpYvK8xWtPA&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground and Nico

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. ZZ Top, aka the little ol' band from Texas, head into a Memphis studio to record their 3rd album, unaware that chart-topping success is just around the corner. The boys discuss double guitar tracking, seamless song transitions, and public domain grooves.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xEiubVnFkG5CieGKp0n7M?si=d6f43b06cc224608Listen to Tres Hombres here:https://open.spotify.com/album/0Em8m9kRctyH9S3MTXAHvY?si=8XRZXXz1RfC7ODgwgUexOw&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. TLC were assembled as a female answer to BelBivDevoe, but with CrazySexyCool they far surpassed the comparison and entered the music industry record books. The team talks about the tasteful use of horns, the downstream effect of signing a bad contract, and the delicate bass production on "Waterfalls".Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2CcOEwUqaxhpfan0qOdRy6?si=f4a1b7b718d046c4Listen to CrazySexyCool here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5eg56dCpFn32neJak2vk0f?si=M8nTHKOgRJ2jCdLJhhOAjg&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: ZZ Top - Tres Hombres

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Count Basie conducted his world famous orchestra across 6 decades, and this 1958 release was one of his most commercially successful. The crew look to a more expert jazz opinion this week while getting into economical piano playing, large-band recording techniques in the 1950s, and the origins of the Kansas City sound.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lgxLbPqa3vEYL4fGxGqw6?si=9fef6c3a0cb948f1Listen to The Atomic Mr. Basie here:https://open.spotify.com/album/03M3VID0s2wANlxJIJBWKb?si=_gNpWj63S2G7ZwuhB2dBJg&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: TLC- CrazySexyCool

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Police went out on top as one of the biggest bands in the world, releasing their final album Synchronicity at the apex of their popularity. This week, the gang talks unlikely collaborations, dentist office soundtracks, and how smash hit singles influence the critical perception of an album. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5K8mqJehzzI94Dw4aOj8XF?si=1e1ddab949e74d9eListen to Synchronicity here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5W9OT0a5iZlBr83a9WMKFY?si=CE3QYYIVSNmNh_NUL9QOGQ&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Count Basie - The Atomic Mr. Basie

This week we have a special episode! The boys come together to "add back" 5 albums to the "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" list (Harry Belefonte's Calypso, Indigo Girls Swamp Ophelia, Weird Al Dare to Be Stupid, The Meters Look-Ka Py Py, and Dr Dog's Easy Beat) Everyone sounds off on a personal favorite that's been omitted and plays a couple representative tracks from the album while everyone else reacts and breaks them down. Check out our playlist of "add backs" to the 1001 list:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZreURXPAhtBEm71GPAjFn?si=c28fb6a7b0014ebeIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch Store

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Zombies called it quits 4 months before their 2nd album was even released. This week, the boys dig into identity theft in the pre-internet age, World War I (again), and just who holds the power in a band. Can a mix of pop, experimentation, and a second-hand mellotron re-animate this 60-year old album?Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65fbhVpRie8wut98eMp3ZX?si=8536a6de4c034b68Listen to Odessey and Oracle here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7K6JtyaSSVr7HidQsCHun0?si=YHd0TTP8TZqTZNhqivej5w&dl_branch=1Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Police - Synchronicity

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The 9th studio album by Bee Gees is an examination of divorce, pivotal historic events, and money problems. Listen as the boys dig into a pre-disco Bee Gees album and discuss if Beatles-esque vocal harmony can save trite lyrics, and how much you can borrow from another song before it becomes outright theft. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2UsqJVyFnFS2LldsLtGkcc?si=PxJmb0iFQz6rHJIlGT8L6wListen to Trafalgar here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2FHiXBmtRn9fuTRyRHWcnV?si=897eQj7JTQCS8-7m91N7MgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Rock legend Iggy Pop's second solo album shows a blue collar hero coming into his own as a lyricist and songwriter. The boys dish up hot takes on indulgent song lengths and questionable romantic relationships, as well David Bowie's penchant for rehabilitating struggling musicians. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ffF7VWW8Ueit4nvLzPoyi?si=CMk1cHrJQHy8Aajs86WLHwListen to "Lust for Life" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2jnV6ytZOmt71iEC5xHEYz?si=xsXgEWBARdO8NgroLlb3vgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Bee Gees - Trafalgar

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Fiona Apple's breakout album showcases a young artist with an old soul. The boys dig into the record and discuss high school crushes, tasteful production choices, and the Real Book.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7e1DlzbXSJldsuuJtU8LWe?si=VhHixmOMS8O6u2Yue_WU3gListen to "Tidal" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5gVBXH8MT6zfdRkjp7qT18?si=BMq0fFzMQyqxJhMCpeabOwIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Iggy Pop - Lust for Life

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Prodigy takes “Big Beat” to the States, freaking out squares but racking up record sales along the way. The crew explores the practice of sampling samples, ill-conceived royalty structures, and how manufactured angst was big business in the late 90s. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ClH4Je28GCW6xH7XLvACM?si=Zx2Bz_xhQty38pBWVPrLPgListen to the weekly album here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2qivROlvQ8BcUKTaCA7dL2?si=VD5H2FKATImHBcj9xbc8hgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Fiona Apple - Tidal

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Beastie Boys revamp their image and are crowned hip hop innovators on their second release, Paul's Boutique. The boys discuss the title's origins as an inside joke, the history of sampling the Beatles, and what it's like to make your living in a cover band.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pdvGcM7zXAug5t10VchSB?si=1tdwc_ygSTO4Q_H_LlO3DAListen to "Paul's Boutique" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1kmyirVya5fRxdjsPFDM05?si=-XeBlSTET_KTjgazUHPzQAIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Prodigy - The Fat of the Land

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. MIA travels the world to record her 2nd studio album Kala. In this episode the boys discuss how sampling creatively moves art forward, how borrowing lazily undermines your message, and how club music has always made them feel old, even when they were young. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/102QQkSWg37vsPI4kFMJcm?si=CkPKvfEzTQiynekTP_MV1AListen "Kala" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2xoj2gYed3IYmGWn3owSfu?si=Da-0wIf_RMCzv9xiQrSNvQIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Devendra Banhart ambles into a professional studio for the first time and bangs out a whole lotta tracks. The team discusses under-production as a conscious choice, Devendra's ever-changing pronunciation, and the "keep San Francisco weird" heyday of 2003.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74eiCtGd92RSUwxUfDPLWt?si=UZ0gVoUFQ7-9cAenWs2ldwListen to Rejoicing in the Hands here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Zb4BBkenfVUOZ2gI1mxWY?si=ZtiyBWbYQW-vi4QEwjuRnwIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: MIA - Kala

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Smiths finally get what they want - a universally adored 3rd album in The Queen is Dead. Except, not everyone's on board. The boys discuss Manchester's musical history, Morrissey's pitchiness and wit, and how this band set the template for many indie rockers to come.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4AifZZSYQUwkpyqK0ANbja?si=sQuiEC0_Tbiha8kM7EglLwListen to "The Queen is Dead" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Y0p2XCgRRIjna91aQE8q7?si=_gN0pgt9RpiQm_RchU0DZgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing in the Hands

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Donald Fagen puts in work on his very first solo outing away from Steely Dan. The team discusses early digital recording techniques, extended chord voicings, and the surprising optimism of lyrics written by a self-proclaimed hipster and curmudgeon. Email us your complaints (or questions/comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2YSRZx5MC42M8Gf3ATwnA9?si=i51pRq3-RXqKToP70nJdFwListen to "The Nightfly" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5cOS6szqlcoqmiSoVTqqe8?si=QoQ4VmXWSvS5ucejYA10bgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: The Smiths - The Queen is Dead

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Solomon Burke was destined to be great. The boys get into his history with the genre of soul music, long-standing relationship with songwriter Bert Burns, and Solomon's impressive microphone controlEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist with all the songs we reference on the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0GwcQYLm1KS4fd4Qeo1Z2K?si=xqV3s-z_Ta2k4PlbTuWhJAListen to "Rock 'n Soul" here:https://open.spotify.com/album/152R8N9N0ACnWPNOBIO4M8?si=2G9ic6rXQwmOyVmXzufrZQIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Donald Fagen - The Nightfly

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Eric Clapton is back at it after a 3 year hiatus from music. The boys dive deep into Clapton's history, his cover choices, and vocal approach on this week's episode.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (where we compiled all the songs we mentioned on the podcast) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0c2AtrjaWcwkPsaFOJnJGB?si=7LmwyxvwRQKxl4P_MZJUSgListen to the weekly album here:https://open.spotify.com/album/73cxqemPE6sVoCkwRuPU6E?si=lffNBMsxSG-tGjg1yJNBxwIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Solomon Burke - Rock n Soul

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. LL Cool J launches a comeback at the tender age of 22 to regain some credit from the neighborhood - does it work out? The boys discuss Marley Marl's production, LL's good and bad lyrics, and the turning of the hip hop decade.Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (where we compiled all the songs we mentioned on the podcast) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4fbK9TXgqAVWyLCDKPp4tV?si=-01qjnywTcWoLbolFfwebQListen to Mama Said Knock You Out here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7p7kcsrdoJ8DKQIMouujcb?si=kl0Ho_O-R_mpYSOg1mZ_zgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Blvd

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The 1st Led Zeppelin album comes out of the gate strong, but can it maintain the pace? The boys discuss the record plus Jimmy Page's illustrious session career, playing style, and song theft...err choice. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] to our episode companion playlist (where we compiled all the songs we mentioned on the podcast) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2dXPHvt8zjwtIaRd8ODg27?si=9N835mTnRpmRiCpwAoqV4g Listen to Led Zeppelin here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1J8QW9qsMLx3staWaHpQmU?si=h30ItHQ3TvOpi_pnQb_iFAIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch StoreNext week's album: LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out

Every week we select a new album to research and listen to, then at the end of each week's show we pick the next album so you can listen along with us. Support the show by following our Spotify playlist and Instagram accounts below, or by leaving us a great review. Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at [email protected] our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsCheck out the Merch Store