Jagbags

On the newest Jagbags, Beave and Len go deep into the music of Pink Floyd as the newest Facebook bracket kicks off. Beave correctly guesses all top seeds and then collapses from joy. They talk the tragic tale of band founder Syd Barrett, and how Floyd progressed from his departure to the triumph of "Dark Side of the Moon", one of the best selling albums in music history. They go through their five favorite Floyd albums and then their 45-minute playlists (which you can access on Spotify). Tune in and Breathe! Breathe in the Air!

Although the latest recap episode features MLB, WNBA recaps, plus "I Recommend", Beave's New Album Review, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums, we spend the majority of time arguing The Boys, and ranking the main characters in show from worst to first. Which characters are strongest? The weakest? Who is the moral center? Who has the most interesting arc? And which character is your favorite and least favorite? We talk them all in the latest recap. TUNE IN!

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as the finest living actor, so we go through her movies and rate her performances. She has the most Oscar nominations of all time (23). We go through each nominated performance and rate her films. We also go through her lesser known works, discussing her more underrated roles that perhaps deserve more attention. In particular, we go through her 70s and 80s films. Tune in for some high-fivin' fun!

We talk the new Pete Rose documentary, called "Charlie Hustle", on Max. Should he be in the Hall of Fame? We also talk MLB, as the Guardians wobble on their way to September, while the Cubs look to the future. Grady Sizemore tries to revitalize the White Sox. The WNBA starts back up with a couple of Sky losses. Len reviews hidden top 40 hits, and Beave reviews the new album by Ghost Funk Orchestra. And Len rockets to the #1 spot for his all-time Favorite 500 Albums. Which album would you pick for Len's all-time favorite? JAGBAGS!

JagCore Professor of Jams Scott OKen is back to talk one of the all-time best bands you've never heard of: Badfinger. Known mainly for hits such as "Come and Get It", "No Matter What", and "Baby Blue", the story of this UK-based band is incredibly compelling (and tragic). We talk about Badfinger's deep connection with the Beatles, and how the band is named for the working title of a Beatles song. We dive into their first four albums, which are as good as any classic rock records from the early 70s. And we discuss their place in the Pantheon as well as the history of "power pop". And did you know that Harry Nilsson's "Without You" was written by Badfinger? Tune in for ultimate education!

In the newest episode of "Jagbags" we do a COMPLETE SPEED THROUGH and recap the week that was in MLB and the closing of the 2024 Summer Olympics. We also talk five of Len's all-time favorite 500 albums, and Len continues to chide Beave for his opinion of "Songs in the Key of Life". And that's it! Quickest recap ever! JAGBAGS!

Ultimate JagCore member Marlana May Carlson joins the pod to talk all things Depeche Mode, one of the most successful bands of all time. We go through their entire discography, talk our earliest memories of the band, submit 45-minute playlists, and compare them to their peers such as New Order, the Cure and the Smiths. What album is their most underrated? And where do they rank all-time? Tune in for ultimate EMT jams!

We reverse the order a bit for the latest recap episode. Len starts off the podcast with five of his favorite 500 albums of all time. Chappell Roan sets a Lollapalooza attendance record, and Beave delivers his long-awaited review of her album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess". We talk MLB and focus on the White Sox's historic 21-game losing streak. We talk Olympics before devolving into a discussion of the 3-on-3 hoops trend. Tune in for a quick and wacky recap!

We're talking the newest Facebook bracket, which goes through the storied career of the great Robert DeNiro. From Godfather, Part II, to Raging Bull to Goodfellas to Meet The Parents to Killers of the Flower Moon, we go through all his great roles, and pick our favorites, most underrated, and most overrated films. What is the key to DeNiro's appeal, and how has he been able to stay successful for so long? Hear more about "Falling In Love" and "The Intern" than you ever thought possible! JAGBAGS!

Beave and Len talk the 2024 Olympics, which just kicked off in Paris. We talk swimming, basketball, table tennis, gymnastics and then beach volleyball (which leads to an IN-DEPTH discussion on Len and Beave's past horrific volleyball experiences). Plus the White Sox sink toward baseball infamy. The Guardians now have the best record in all of baseball. And the Cubs get All-Star Issac Paredes. Plus I Recomend, Beave's latest album review, and Len's 400-hour playlist of his favorite 500 albums. TUNE IN AT ONCE!

Friend of the podcast Iva-Marie Palmer returns once again to discuss her Edgar Awards nomination for her book The Jules Verne Prophecy, and shares her thoughts on the award ceremony in New York. She also talks about her new children's book coming out in August, called "Oh My Dog". We also talk bookstores, and Iva-Marie talks about some of her favorite books she's read so far in 2024. Tell us some of your favorites as well! If you love books, you will love this episode. Tune in now!

In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk MLB and its start-up post All-Star Break. Len wears his Kyle Hendricks jersey to the Cubs game and gets heckled by a complete stranger. They also talk about the Angel Reese effect on Chennedy Carter, Chicago's terrific win over the Las Vegas Aces, and what the Olympic break will mean for the team. Len reviews Audioslave's second album, the movie "Nacho Libre", and the hits of Average White Band! Tune in now for the most definitive content on Average White Band!

Len and Beave talk the legendary run of SCTV, which launched the careers of comic luminaries such as John Candy, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and a host of others. Which sketches were your favorite? Why does the comedy endure today? Which SCTV alum has had the most successful career? What characters were your favorite and why? Talk to us, after you listen to this entertaining segment about some of the most influential comedy of all time. TUNE IN!

Beave shows up for this recap podcast dressed EXACTLY like Steven Kwan, and along with Len he predicts the Guardians', Cubs' and Sox's season ending records. Len talks the improving Chicago Sky and their up-and-down offense. They also discuss whether the Bulls' off-season moves has made them a better team. Beave reviews "Shogun" and "Baby Reindeer", as well as Jason Isbell's 2023 album "Weathervanes". And Len gets closer to the top spot in his all-time Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW!

Len and Beave discuss the newest Facebook bracket, featuring the music of Chicago! Did you know that only the Beach Boys are the only American band that have sold more records than Chicago? We talk their incredible success, what songs we hope will win the bracket, and Beave tries to guess the #1 seeds but winds up guessing the #2 seeds instead. We also discuss where Chicago IX ranks among the all-time "greatest hits" albums ever released. We also talk solo Cetera (grudgingly). Tune in for some ultimate hits!

Len and Beave's recap episode is a complete overview of the Chicago Sky and their current position in the WNBA standings. We dissect much of the roster, and where the team currently stands as they seek to make a playoff push. Plus the Guardians have the best record in the American League, Beave reviews the ridiculous show "Banshee", Len reads the New Yorker and tracks down "unknown" Billboard Top 40 hits, plus new album reviews and Len's top 500 albums of all time. Tune in!

Friend of the podcast Tim Amos rejoins Jagbags to tell about his visit to the famed Brickyard for the running of the Indianapolis 500, considered the "greatest spectacle in racing". Tim talks all about what he saw at the race, from the crowds, the smells, the EDM concert in the middle of the infield WHILE THE RACE IS HAPPENING, the nearby museum, the differences between Indy cars and NASCAR stock cars, and the history of the Indy 500 itself. He also compares the Indy 500 to the NSCAR race held last year in Chicago. This episode is the next best thing to being there!

Both Len AND Beave picked season four of "The Boys" for the "I Recommend" section, so you know this recap episode is going to be white hot! Plus the Chicago Sky beat Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the Guardians claim the best record in the American League, the White Sox remain on track for its worst season ever, and Len is fast running out of patience with the Chicago Cubs. Plus Len's favorite 500 albums of all time, and he also talks about Celeb Night at the Factory Theater in Chicago to see the new play "Die 4 Your Luv". TUNE IN!

Friend of the podcast Morgan Gire returns triumphantly to talk James Cameron movies on the latest episode of Jagbags! We talk the Terminator movies, the Avatar movies, and spend a LOT of time on "The Abyss". We also talk a good deal of "Aliens", and of course "Titanic". We discuss why Cameron's movies were so wildly successful, talk about our favorite movies of his, discuss his treatment of female characters, his many marriages (Kathryn Bigelow, Linda Hamilton, Gale Anne Hurd) and explore why he was considered for a time "the scariest man in Hollywood". Oh -- and a TON of Michael Biehn. It's another great Jagbags n' Morgan! TUNE IN!

The NBA season has officially ended and the Boston Celtics are the new NBA champions. We talk through Boston's easy Finals victory, and whether Jaylen Brown should have won Finals MVP. We also talk the Cubs' struggles, and Beave continues to celebrate Steven Kwan while fretting over the Guardians' playoff chances. We also talk the Chicago Sky's relatively slow start and argue over Angel Reese's value to the team. Beave recommends "Remembering Gene Wilder", on Netflix. Len recommends songs by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, as well as the Libertines. Plus Beave's new album review and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!

The great Amy Seeley comes back to Jagbags to talk the music of the legendary Akron-based band Devo. We go through their discography, discuss their enduring influence, what made them more than just a rock band, and offer reasons why they may now be even more popular than ever. Hear about Amy's Mark Mothersbaugh sighting in LA! We also construct our respective "Best of Devo" 45-minute playlists, and talk all-time favorite Devo albums. Remember -- we can have no serious discussions about Rock Hall nominees while Devo remain unenshrined. JAGBAGS!

In the latest recap episode, "Die Hard 4 Your Luv" opens to a Jeff recommendation at the Factory Theater, and Beave provides a shameless plug. Triumph's "Allied Forces" completely hijacks Len's latest selections from his Favorite 500 Albums of All Time. NOTHING BUT JAMS! Len reviews "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" by The Ames Brothers, and it rules. We also talk MLB, NBA Finals, and the Chicago Sky's up-and-down season start. Tune in for EXPERTISE!

With the NBA Finals in full swing, and on the day of Jerry West's passing, we talk the ten most influential players in NBA history. Not necessarily the best of all time, but the most influential -- the ones who had the greatest impact on and off the basketball court. Len picks Shaquille O'Neal, and Beave faints from the surprise. Some changes are for the better, while others, not necessarily, but Beave and Len each go through their own Top Ten. Who are yours? Tune in for a lively discussion!

In a detailed recap episode, Beave and Len preview the NBA FInals, while Beave provides the Dallas Mavericks and Luks Doncic tons of motivation. Len challenges the Cubs to use the Sox series at Wrigley Field to launch themselves back into playoff contention. Len finally sees "Alien", with Sigourney Weaver, and recommends the movie enthusiastically. Beave re-reviews all the new albums he has listened to this year, and ranks them again. Beave and Len discuss the Chennedy Carter/Caitlin Clark incident in Indianapolis. Tune in!

Beave and Len discuss the latest Facebook bracket featuring the movies of Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman. Which movies are his best, and which have not aged well? Which movie contains his very best performance? What movie is criminally underrated? (Answer: Straw Dogs or Finding Neverland) We also talk his turns in Death of a Salesman and the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Tune in for yet another actor profile!

In the newest recap episode, Len introduces the world to the JAMS of "Jon Savage's 1969-71 Rock Dreams on 45". Beave and Len talk through the week that was in the NBA playoffs, where the Finals are all but assured between Boston and Dallas. Beave eats crow for his past Luka Doncic taunts. Beave consoles himself by celebrating the continued excellent play of the Cleveland Guardians. Len would like the Cubs to start hitting. Beave reviews "Franklin" and "Sugar", as well as the John Huston classic "The Maltese Falcon". Plus Len's Favorite 500. Tune in!

In the latest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave try to discuss the music of Paul Simon (and his music for Simon & Garfunkel), but instead wind up devoting at least a quarter of the episode to the 1980 Art Garfunkel stone classic film "Bad Timing". Tune in for 45-minute playlists, discussions of our favorite Simon and Garfunkel LPs and songs, favorite Paul Simon albums, a discussion of various books and documentaries on Paul Simon's storied career -- and all the "Bad Timing" you can handle! ULTIMATE JAGBAGS!

It's the recap episode! (Featuring special guest: Akon) We talk the continued hot start of the Cleveland Guardians, and the glorious results of the May 18 home game against the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs remain in playoff contention, but need more hitting to back up their incredible rotation. The White Sox are still bad. The Chicago Sky are off to a surprising start to the season, playing well! We also talk the conference finals in the NBA and make predictions. Plus "I Recommend", Beave's new album review, and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!

Len and Beave talk through their respective lists of Bruce Springsteen's 30 best songs. They argue over placements (or inclusion) of songs like "I'm Goin' Down", "Born In The USA", "Trapped", "Streets of Philadelphia", "Backstreets", and "Rosalita". Does "Born To Run" automatically go to the top spot, or is there a better choice? Tune in for ultimate Boss discussion!

Hear Beave and Len's expertise and propensity for butchering names during the upcoming 2024 WNBA season preview. Len calls for new leadership in the commissioner's office! Beave reviews the new movie "Unfrosted", on Netflix. Len explores the jams of April Wine. Beave bemoans the Cavs' injuries and is disgusted with the Guardians' performance against the Sox in Chicago. Len celebrates the power of Shota Imanaga, off to one of the best starts in Cubs history! Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in NOW!

Beave and Len take you back to the 70s and 80s with an in-depth discussion of the music of Maurice White, Philip Bailey and the musical geniuses that are Earth, Wind & Fire. The guys discuss the band's biggest hits, go through their own EWF 45-minute playlist, and talk Philip Bailey's recent book "Shining Star". They also compare Earth, Wind & Fire to contemporary musical acts of that particular era. Tune in and Sing a Song! It'll make you glad!

Len and Beave are back with another recap episode for your entertainment! We talk the NBA playoffs, and the young Cavs' continuing playoff ascension. We also talk second round matchups. MLB is in full swing, and we talk Cubs and Guardians injuries, plus the improving White Sox. Len has a message for the WNBA as they start their season. "I Recommend"! Album reviews! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! Tune in now!

BEAVE GUESSES ALL OF LEN'S NUMBER ONE FACEBOOK BRACKET SEEDS!! He is still gloating and covered in confetti. We talk all of our favorite game shows on the newest episode of Jagbags. We talk Match Game, Price is Right, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Hollywood Squares, among many many more. We rate our favorite game shows, favorite hosts (ultimate Richard Dawson!), and favorite game show satire episodes. AND BEAVE GUESSES EVERY LAST NUMBER ONE SEED OF THE BRACKET! Come join him on his victory lap!

The guys are back after a week-long hiatus with an outstanding recap episode made just for you! We chat through the NBA playoffs, and what the Cleveland Cavaliers must do to advance to the second round and a date with the evil Boston Celtics. We also talk the first month of the MLB season, and chat the White Sox's unprecedented start to the season. Beave talks the new Roland Lazenby bio on Magic Johnson, while Len tilts his nose upward to discuss articles he has read in The New Yorker while sipping chamomile tea. Plus Beave reviews the new Taylor Swift album and Len takes Robert Christgau TO TASK!! JAGBAGS!

He created two of the most iconic movie characters of the past 50 years. His name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty. On the latest Jagbags, we discuss the entire career of the legendary Harrison Ford. We talk movies like "Blade Runner", "Witness", "Presumed Innocent", and "The Fugitive", among many others. And we also delve into the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Star Wars" movies as well. Is Harrison Ford a good actor? And where does he rank on the all-time Actors' Pantheon? We also talk the great Al Waxman, and Len makes a lifelong enemy of Brad Pitt. Tune in for podcasting excellence!

Friend of the podcast Marlana May Carlson joins the podcast for a SPIRITED look at the multi-platinum Brit New Wave band Tears for Fears. We talk the band's outstanding first LP "The Hurting", their smash follow-up "Songs From The Big Chair", "Seeds of Love", and every album that followed. We also do a 45-minute playlist, discuss the band's influence on artists like Drake and Kanye West, and compare them to their musical contemporaries (to Marlana's decision-making dismay). Tune in for some great musical flashbacks!

In the newest recap episode, Beave and Len talk the NCAA championship results and analyze the Final Four games. We also discuss the start of the MLB season and the fast starts for the Cubs and Guardians (but not the Sox). Len also gives us the Top Five Cubs relievers of all time. The Bulls make the playoffs while the Cavs slide down the standings. Len rates five new albums, and Beave talks "Magic" by Roland Lazenby, as well as the new IDLES album. Plus Len's Top 500 albums! ULTIMATE PODCAST EXPERIENCE!

Beave and Len go through the filmography of actress Scarlett Johansson, and discuss her career. They pick their top five movies and go through their favorite performances as well. They also pick her most underrated movies. Tune in for ULTIMATE JOHANSSON EXPERTISE!

In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four matchups, and predict the winners. They also talk potential NBA playoff matchups for the Bulls and Cavaliers, and grow more depressed by the second. Their outlook brightens as they discuss the fast MLB starts of the Guardians and the Cubs. Beave gives thumbs up to the new Black Crowes LP. Len reviews the show "Gen V" on Amazon and discusses the tragic death of actor Chance Perdomo. Beave talks the sports documentary "Giannis" on Amazon, and the Hulu documentary "Secrets of Penthouse". Plus Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS NOW!!!

Our Jagbags baseball expert Anthony D'Andrea joins the podcast for the 2024 MLB preview episode. We go through the Cubs, White Sox (briefly and mercifully), and Guardians' chances for this season, assess their offseason moves, discuss the minor league pipeline, and finally predict World Series, MVP and Cy Young winners. Len relies on the guidance of the mysterious "guy on the train", who has advised him to bet it all on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tune in now!

Len and Beave talk the magic of March Madness, including the Fighting Illini's success and the Northwestern Wildcats' thrilling win and inevitable exit. We also talk NBA, and bemoan the recent stumbles of the Bulls and Cavaliers. Len recounts his trip to the public library in his gabardine pants to check out the hits of Mr. Clay Aiken. Beave takes another long look at the Rolling Stones' new album "Hackneyed Diamonds", and places it in the all-time Rolling Stones Pantheon. Len reviews the new "Ghostbusters" movie. JAGBAGS!

We talk the music and the career of the controversial English guitarist and singer Eric Clapton. Though he is known more today for his beliefs outside of music, we try to focus on his best songs, albums, and his work with bands such as the Yardbirds, Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and Blind Faith. We also discuss his solo career, go through our favorite Clapton albums, and of course construct our personal 45-minute playlists. Tune in for scintillating discussion!

March Madness has begun across the country and Jagbags has you covered with FEARLESS EXPERT predictions. Listen as we influence Vegas odds with our prognostication prowess (especially on Illinois and Northwestern), plus our free assessment of the announcing impartiality of Robbie Hummel. We also talk the Justin Fields trade and the inevitable arrival of Caleb Williams, Bulls and Cavs. Plus "I Recommend", featuring a spirited discussion of the outstanding movie "BlackBerry". Plus Beave's 2024 Album Review! And Len's Favorite 500 Albums! JAGBAGS!

The magnificent Carrie Sullivan comes on to Jagbags to discuss a true American treasure: "Weird Al" Yankovic. Since one of his comedy songs appeared on the Dr. Demento radio show in 1976, Weird Al has gone on to sell more than 12 million albums and win five Grammy Awards. We discuss his entire career, pick our favorite albums and songs, and do a huge deep dive into his seminal 1989 movie "UHF". Sully has seen Weird Al live in concert five times! She describes what a typical Weird Al show is like. Tune in for the wacky!

We talk about our all-time favorite Bulls and Cavs of all time. Prepare for a LOT of talk about Ben Gordon, as well as how World B. Free literally saved the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. Plus college hoops, as we do a deep dive into Illinois, Northwestern and Loyola. Beave recounts his trip to Vegas and his big resulting court case. We talk Oscar winners, "I Recommend", a review of the new Judas Priest album (flips tables) and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in!

Friend of the pod Morgan Gire comes on the podcast to discuss the films of new Oscar winner Christopher Nolan. We start with "Following", end with the new Best Picture winner "Oppenheimer", and talk all movies in between! Each of us rank our all-time Top Ten Nolan Films, and also talk our favorite performances from Nolan's career. Tune in for top-notch cinema discussion!

Len goes through his all-star all-maligned Chicago Bulls starting five, while Beave provides his for the Cavs. (Both teams feature Carlos Boozer.) Plus Len extols the genius of Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required". We assess Loyola's NCAA Tournament chances. We talk what NU and Illinois need to do to finish the season strong. "I Recommend", Len's Favorite 500 Albums, and of course, the continued fallout over the devastating "Mr. Pibb Incident". TUNE IN!

The Academy Awards are almost here, so Beave and Len sit down to tell you their picks as well the movies and artists they are rooting for the most on March 10. We talk "Oppenheimer", "Barbie", "Zone of Interest", "Killers of the Flower Moon", and many more! Plus all the acting categories, directing, and documentaries. Tune in for Oscar EXPERTISE!

On the latest recap episode, an unspeakable incident occurs ON THE AIR as Beave completely mischaracterizes the category of soft drink for Len's beloved Mr. Pibb. Shock, consternation, horror....all the emotions pass through Len and you can hear them all in his voice. Beave survives (barely) and the guys go on to discuss the week in NBA action, featuring the Cavs coming back to earth and Bulls continuing their Jekyll-and-Hyde ways. College hoops: Illinois rebounds from the bad Penn State loss to defeat Iowa and Minnesota! Beave recommends the documentary "Radical Wolfe", on Netflix. Len recommends the new album "Little Rope" by Sleater-Kinney. And more album reviews as well! TUNE IN!