Jagbags

In addition to previewing the upcoming Academy Awards set for March 12, Len contemplates firing his staff after a three-day no-sleep bender. Beave launches his write-in Best Actor campaign for Tom Cruise while Len sighs with disgust. Beave also repeatedly apologizes to Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand for falling asleep during "The Tragedy of Macbeth" last year. They talk through their hopes for Oscar winners, and who they think will actually win. And as an added bonus, they each present their All-time Top Ten Best Actress winners! Tune in for Oscar excellence!

Beave receives piles of faxes from angry fans (namely Brian Duncan), angry about his disparagement of Nolan Ryan, Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon, etc. Len and Beave talk through the Brothers Gibb bracket. Beave and Len make their Super Bowl predictions. Can the Northwestern Wildcats make the NCAA Tournament? Why can't the Bulls get it together? What Rock Hall nominees should be enshrined? And finally.....we bid a tearful farewell to Chicago hoops legend Courtney Vandersloot. Tune in for 90+ minutes of solid entertainment!

Renowned music critic and dance minor Kirk Pynchon joins Jagbags to talk the music of Robin, Barry, Maurice, and Andy Gibb. What song is their best? Is "Stayin' Alive" a good song in the slightest, or a wet fart? What were the best parts of the recent documentary, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"? Were the Bee Gees a disco group or a pop group? We take on the REAL questions on this episode. If you are a serious Bee Gees fan, you will approve of this episode. If you are just a casual fan, then you need to learn! Tune in now!

Beave goes to LiqrBox to pry Len from the dance floor celebrating the Chiefs' AFC Championship. The guys break down both conference championships in detail. Beave makes plans for a NCAA Tournament appearance by Northwestern, thoroughly jinxing the team in the process. Len texts the Milwaukee Bucks GM, offering Caruso AND Drummond for Giannis. Len continues to master the ins and outs of the WNBA trade machines, while watching the Sky become gutted. Beave recommends the Chicago Art Institute and Len recommends a documentary and THREE albums. Plus Rolling Stone AND Len's Top 500 albums! TUNE IN!

Beave and Len take on the elusive Keanu Reeves, and discuss what makes him tick. Which movie is his very best? From "Bill & Ted" to "Point Break" to "The Matrix" to the genius trilogy that is "John Wick", we break down his acting chops, his onscreen presence, and try to identify the secret to his success. We go through nearly all of his movies, from the good to the not-so-good, and talk about his stoner-with-a-heart persona. We pick his Top Five movies as well. Tune in for expertise!

We break down the second round of the NFL playoffs on the newest Jagbags. Beave and Len discuss ways to break up the Bulls. Beave and Len talk college hoops, and the WHITE HOT Northwestern Wildcats! Len bemoans the potential loss of Sloot by the Chicago Sky. Beave reviews another 70s war movie "Cross of Iron", while Len naps. Len recommends the book "Three Girls of Bronzeville", by Dawn Turner, as well as the movie "Nope". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums and Len's Favorite 500 Albums. Tune in without delay!

Our Special Jams Correspondent Susan Donatello joins Jagbags for an in-depth discussion of New Wave heroes the Police, plus Sting's solo career. Which Police album was the best? What solo Sting album is your favorite? What Sting/Police songs would make your all-time 45-minute Spotify playlist? Did Sting make the finest lute album in the history of the form? We answer these questions and much more!

The NFL playoffs are underway and Len and Beave have you covered on Jagbags! Speaking of Jags, we go through Brett Maher's misadventures, Jacksonville's incredible comeback, Minnesota's inevitable defeat, the Bengals' survival, Trevor Lawrence's punchable face, and Brock Purdy skipping 7th period chemistry to defeat the Seahawks. Plus the confounding Bulls, Len's ongoing feud with Zach LaVine, "I Recommend", Rolling Stone, and Len's personal Top 500 albums. This is an hour and forty minutes of SOLID ENTERTAINMENT. Tune in!

Len and Beave go through their own Top 10 TV series, movies and books of 2022 and rank them for you, the lucky Jagbags listener! They also read through contributions from the Diamond Listeners and rank those shows as well. Tune in for a gigantic slab of expertise! And tell us your favorites as well. Put some end-of-year Jagbags in your ear!

Beave and Len celebrate "Jagbags Night" at Welsh-Ryan Arena with speeches, awards and parades. They also break down the Northwestern Wildcats and other local college basketball teams. They also provide their predictions for the upcoming NFL playoffs and give their Super Bowl predictions. Beave discusses a private conversation he had with Jennifer Beals, while Len fumes. Plus: "I Recommend"! Rolling Stone Top 500! Len takes you through the 80s with his latest album reviews! Tune in at one for podcasting excellence!

Beave and Len pick their favorite albums of 2022. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW! Listen now for ultimate musical expertise.

Len and Beave ring in the New Year with a discussion of an ILLEGAL GATHERING for New Year's Eve at Beave's place. We discuss the various terrible behaviors of celebs like Joel Higgins, Andy Avalos and Ken Burns at the party. They also talk new year's resolutions for their favorite NFL and NBA teams, plus an overview of the college football playoffs. Donovan Mitchell scores 71 points on the Bulls right underneath Len and Beave's noses. Beave makes more sports hot takes, plus "I Recommend", Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums, and Len provides you INSIGHTS into his favorite 500 albums of all time. Tune in!

Beave and Len discuss the criminally underrated Doobie Brothers on the newest podcast. The Doobies had a gajillion hits in the 70s, featured one of the most iconic lead singers in music history, and yet were inducted into the Hall of Fame only a few years ago. Beave and Len talk their favorite Doobie Brothers albums, favorite songs, and present their 45-minute playlist of best Doobie Bros/Michael McDonald songs. Plus all the "What's Happening" content you can handle as an added bonus! Tune in now!

In the new holiday recap, Len officially welcomes Illinois coach Brad Underwood to the Jim Boylen Pantheon of Jagoff Coaches. Beave expresses anger over the Pittsburgh Steelers' failure to tackle with sportsmanship. Len refuses to watch the Packers as they potentially drive to the playoffs. The Browns' season ends at the hands of Red Rifle, to Len's delight. The Bulls potentially turn their season around thanks to Len and Beave's motivational ploys. Len and Beave discuss "Slow Horses" and The Backstreet Boys' Christmas album. Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums list, and Len talks five more of his favorite albums for Beave's ultimate judgement. Tune in!

In the annals of 80s Southern rock, one band sort of reigned a bit supreme for like two years -- but those were GLORIOUS TIMES. That band is .38 Special. Beave finally gets his wish and the guys explore the life and career of the guys who brought you "Caught Up In You", "Hold On Loosely", "Second Chance", and, well there are others too. You'll never think about .38 Special the same way again. Find out how they got started, why they changed their band name from Sweet Rooster to .38 Special, and learn about other songs in Billboard's Top 10 during their all-too brief stay at the top. Tune in for education!

It's the Holiday Season! And at Jagbags we have full command of your holiday podcasting needs. We talk through the latest Facebook bracket where we talk the best holiday songs of all time. Len claims to have never heard of "The Friendly Beasts". We also talk the Bulls' season low point and how they can turn their season around. Plus NFL, "I Recommend", where Beave shares his thoughts on the World Cup championship game. And Rolling Stone's Top 500 album countdown rolls on, leading to a spirited argument over who is better: Daft Punk or Kraftwerk? Ring in the holidays with Jagbags!

On the latest Jagbags we talk one of the all-time legendary bands of all time: Rock Hall of Famers Cheap Trick. Are they Top 20 ALL-TIME? A hefty designation, and Beave argues why they belong. We talk their albums, their incendiary live performances (At Budokan, Music for Hangovers), their personnel, their best songs, best cover versions and their colorful personalities. We go through the Beatles' influence on the band, where "At Budokan" ranks as far as all-time live albums are concerned, and much much more! It's a JAM PACKED episode! Tune in now.

All you need to know about this new recap episode is that Leo Sayer's "Endless Flight" is involved, which makes this particular podcast episode OUR PINNACLE ACHIEVEMENT. Plus, Len has a salty sports week while shifting blame for the Bulls to Billy Donovan. Beave dissects the up-and-down Cavs and does his best Hubie Brown impersonation. He also officially adds Brad Underwood to his Enemies List. Beave talks "Doctor Sleep" in the I Recommend section, and the guys talk multiple albums. But tune in for the genius of SAYER!

Longtime Friends of Jagbags (FOJ) Chris Marcum and Colin Milroy join the program to debate the merits of the music of the Motor City rocker Bob Seger. Chris, a widely acclaimed Segerist and lifelong fan, takes the "pro" side, while Colin, an anti-Seger activist and organizer, takes the "con" side. They discuss all Seger's hit songs, live albums and film contributions, and in particular, "The Little Drummer Boy". They also take Len and Beave's Ultimate Seger Playlist and give each tune a letter grade. Tune in to hear assumptions being challenged and minds being changed!

In the latest recap episode, Len decides that he will have nothing more to do with the Chicago Bulls until further notice. Len further deplores the state of the Chicago Bears, though he does celebrate the continued improvement of Justin Fields. Beave celebrates the Cavs' third-place spot in the Eastern Conference while watching the Browns' playoff chances carefully and cautiously. We also talk about the book "The Killer Angels", college football and hoops highlights, and SO MANY album reviews. Tune in for expertise in every area!

The podcast is Jagbags. The subject is Mr. Steve Winwood. The verdict is EXPERTISE! Tune in for a lively discussion of the latest Facebook bracket, where we talk his solo work, plus the output as a member of Traffic, Blind Faith and the Spencer Davis Group as a teenage prodigy. What song do you think could win a bracket? Do you prefer his 80s output or his 70s songs? Is "Roll With It" annoying or great? Does he belong in the Rock Hall of Fame? Where does "Gimme Some Lovin'" rank all-time? These are the questions we tackle on Jagbags. Tune in now. Now! NOW!

On the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk through Michigan's shattering defeat of Ohio State in The Game, the "box office flop" Strange World, Kacey Musgraves' "Star-Crossed", and argue over the current best teams in the NFL. Beave reviews albums by the Buzzcocks, Herbie Hancock, Devo, Pink Floyd and Elton John. Len talks through "Pinkerton" by Weezer, the Temptations' Greatest Hits, "Breakfast In America" by Supertramp, "Purple" by Stone Temple Pilots, and the best of Steely Dan. Tune In!

Factory Theater living legend Amy Seeley joins Len and Beave and they are NOT messing around! The subject is ABBA, and should you choose to listen, get ready for hilarity and more importantly KNOWLEDGE. They go through Abba's hits, and discuss what makes their music so timeless and universal. They favorably compare ABBA to the Beatles, which sends them on an outstanding tangent on the seminal Peter Jackson documentary "Get Back". They discuss ABBA's rightful place in the 70s music canon, and conclude the podcast with an in-depth look back at "ABBArama", Amy's monster hit show that both saluted ABBA and ruled the Factory (and Chicago) in the mid-90s. Hit "Listen", and then settle in because you will be thoroughly entertained for the next 90 minutes!

Len and Beave's latest recap episode reviews "Wakanda Forever", as well as Bruce Springsteen's new album "Only The Strong Survive". Len discusses Zach LaVine's dustup with coach Billy Donovan, and resumes his role as chief counsel for the Elect Billy Wagner to the Hall of Fame Committee. Beave reviews albums by Janis Joplin, Joni MItchell and Tracy Chapman, while Len goes through albums by Jack White, HAIM (sob!!) and.....(too distraught to continue with this podcast summary)

Two Swifties (Jessie Beyer and Rita Chandler) join Jagbags for a thorough discussion of the life and career of Taylor Swift. On the day where Beave risked life, limb and wallet to secure tickets for next year's Soldier Field show, Jessie and Rita talk through their favorite Taylor Swift albums and favorite songs. They talk about her latest LP, "Midnights", and rate their favorite songs from the record. They also talk about how they became Swifties, what they are hoping to see at the upcoming concert, and present their definitive 45-minute Taylor Swift playlist. Tune in for Ultimate Swift Expertise!

In the latest recap episode, Beave talks about the latest Star Wars series, "Andor", and provides his review. He also gives his final opinion on Robert Pirsig's "Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Len and Beave discuss the conclusion of the SNL character bracket and the shocking victory of "Wayne's World". Len recommends the latest issue of The New Yorker and its article on The Spice Girls. Beave reviews albums by Pink Floyd, the Beatles, New Order and the Beastie Boys. And Len talks Pete Yorn, Matthew Sweet, Janelle Monae and goddam BILLY SQUIER. Tune in!

In a Jagbags first, Len and Beave explore all things 1972 for you. They go through some of the best movies of the year (The Godfather, Deliverance), television (All In The Family, Sanford & Son), music (Bowie, Elton John, Deep Purple), sports (Lakers' first championship, Munich Olympics), and inventions (the Egg McMuffin! Atari games! MR. PIBB!). Take a walk down memory lane with the guys, and enjoy the nostalgia! Put some Jagbags in your ear!

In the latest recap episode, we talk sports, Fairleigh-Dickinson University and music as always! Len spends a LOT of time extolling the genius of BTO, to the chagrin of Diamond Listener Matt Engle. Beave decries the very existence of Pavement, and wonders how Rolling Stone can rank their album "Wowee Zowee" ahead of the Beatles' "Help". Len wonders about the health of Zach Lavine while exchanging texts with "Mattbags" host Matt Beyer about the one and only Red Rifle. Beave recommends the documentary "The Terry Kath Experience", and Len recomends "Hustle". Tune in!

SNL has been on the air for 47 years, and in that time so many characters have come and gone. Which characters are your favorite? Which SNL cast member had the best characters? Which popular characters do you actively despise? In a 96-character bracket, which characters would be your top seeds? Are the Blues Brothers actual SNL characters, or just musical guests and therefore ineligible? Which SNL hosts came up with the best characters? We go through all these burning questions for you. Tune in!

The newest recap episode features a ton of great music, including Johnny Cash, John Hiatt, the goddam Outfield, and the Byrds. We review albums from these artists, plus our "I Recommend", including Beave's struggles with Robert Pirsig. We also talk the World Series, the Cavs' hot start, the Kyrie Irving issue, and the Bears' recent moves. Tune in at once!

In September, Rolling Stone unveiled its list of the Top 50 TV Series of all time. And Len and Beave are close on the heels of this list with EXPERTISE! What shows were rated properly? What shows absolutely do not belong? Can one season qualify a series for greatest of all time? Should game shows be considered? Talk Shows? WHY WASN'T MIAMI VICE ON THIS LIST??? We go through all these questions and much more, in a spirited debate! Tune in for our long-awaited thoughts on Rolling Stone's latest!

In the latest recap episode Len reviews five records from his personal list of all-time Top 500 favorite records, including Son Volt's "Okemah and the Melody of Riot" and Lisa Loeb's "Firecracker". Len also celebrates the Chicago Bears' thrilling upset of the New England Patriots in Foxboro, and expresses high hopes for the Bulls. Beave reviews Curtis Mayfield's "Curtis" and Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy" from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of the All Time. They also talk Creed, Linkin Park and Nirvana. Tune in for KNOWLEDGE.

Beave and Len discuss the upcoming 2022-23 NBA season and predict the NBA Finals matchups. Len invites Luka Doncic to Mashwaters for complimentary mashed potatoes, to Beave's chagrin. Len predicts Ayo Dosunmu will become a star in Lonzo Ball's absence. Beave worries about how Donovan Mitchell will fit in with the Cavs. We talk through the Bulls and Cavs in great detail, and also pick teams that will make a huge improvement and those who are a bit overrated. Tune in for hoops EXPERTISE!

Beave tries to concentrate on his podcasting duties, while the deciding ALDS Game 5 undergoes a rain delay. Len and Beave decide to blast Uncle Tupelo while heading down to LiqrBox. They talk through the Guardians/Yankees series to date, in particular the classic Game 3. They also suffer through the mandatory NFL segment where they are forced to discuss the crappy Bears and crappier Browns. Beave recommends the documentary "Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead", and Len recommends a trip to the Brookfield Zoo. And then Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time! And Len's personal Top 500 albums of all time! Understand Possum Kingdom! Tune in for EXCELLENCE.

Len and Beave explore the life and music of the legendary Elton John. They try to select a 45-minute playlist of his best songs (an impossible task), and discuss his place in the annals of 70s rock. They compare him to other singer-songwriters from that era (including Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, etc.) and also compare him to other top-selling artists of all time. What songs are your favorites, and what are your favorite Elton John albums? Tune in for melodic expertise!

In the latest recap episode, Beave celebrates the Guardians' advancement to the next round of the MLB playoffs against the hated New York Yankees. Len and Beave do a final debrief on the Cubs and Sox. Both Len and Beave refuse to talk about the Bears or Browns, based on their pathetic recent weekends. Beave derides the first quarter of the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Len reviews Neil Young's latest album, "Toast". and the Cowboy Junkies' "Songs of the Recollection". Plus Len reviews incredibly obscure albums (to Beave, anyway) for his personal Top 500 list. Beave ponders Bjork and whether he should play her album "Post" at his next party. And Beave reveals his hatred of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to Len's delight. Tune in!

In a very special episode of Jagbags, Beave and Len talk through their favorite memories of the famed Wrigley Field. What are yours? From Jose Cardenal to Bruce Sutter to Ryne Sandberg to Andre Dawson to Mark Prior to Anthony Rizzo to Ian Happ, we have you covered. They try to explain what makes Wrigley such a special place, and why it attracts visitors from all over the world. There is so much that is unique about the appeal of Wrigley, and we encapsulate it for you in great detail. Finally, they talk through their very favorite memories of Wrigley over the years, which makes for a terrific episode. Tune in now!

Len and Beave talk through Jagbags Night and attending celebrities that wished us well, including Belinda Carlisle, Sean Penn, Tom Ricketts, Swift and his sons, and GULLIVER! Plus Beave breaks down the Guardians' chances against Tampa, as well as the Cardinals' recipe for self-destruction. Beave reviews the new documentary on Sinead O'Connor, "Nothing Compares". Len reviews the new John Irving 900-page epic, "The Last Chairlift". Len reviews Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky" while Beave tries not to gag. Beave reviews Weezer and Van Halen's debut albums and decries their ridiculous ratings (with support from Len). Tune in at once!

Beave and Len discuss the latest Facebook bracket, which explores the hits of the Jackson family dynasty. From the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons, to Jermaine, LaToya, Marlon, Janet, and what's-his-name, we cover all the decades of amazing tunes and #1 hits. Beave tries to the guess the Number One seeds from the bracket. What is your favorite Jackson 5 song? Your favorite Janet song? Michael? And why didn't Jermaine and Pia Zadora record an entire album? These are the burning questions, and Len and Beave give you solutions. Tune in now!

Beave celebrates the Guardians' Central Division title all weekend long at LiqrBox, while Len lauds the mound work of Cubs pitcher Adrian Sampson, better known as The Litigator. Beave and Len dream of a Guardians/Cardinals World Series. Beave also celebrates the Browns' dismantling of evil Pittsburgh, while Len confidently predicts the Bears' impending playoff appearance. Beave reviews "Confess, Fletch" and the Showtime documentary "The Kings". Len gives thumbs up to the new Marvel offering, "She-Hulk: Attorney At Law". Plus reviews of albums by the Police, Neil Young, AC/DC, and DAFT PUNK! Watch us put Robert Christgau to shame!!

Jagbags NFL correspondent Matt Beyer takes time off from his NFL Network gig to join the guys and provide his expert analysis. We go over the Browns, Bears, and the rest of the league. Will Mitch Trubisky thrive in Pittsburgh? Is Matt Eberflus a good hire for the Bears? What is Justin Fields' ceiling? Is Jalen Hurts Good? Does Baker Mayfield just need a change of scenery? Will Rodgers and Brady ever go away? Who will win the Super Bowl? MVP? We utilize our superior knowledge to give you the ultimate football insights. Tune in NOW!

The Men of Jagbags return with a freewheeling episode that covers Beave's day at Riot Fest, the continuing playoff push of the Guardians, the end of the WNBA season, "The Gray Man" and "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once", plus albums by Bill Withers (Just As I Am), Neil Young (Tonight's The Night), Black Sabbath (their flawless debut), and Beck (Midnite Vultures). This is MUST LISTEN. Tune in NOW!

After an unprecedented sabbatical to go to fantasy basketball camps and workplace solitary confinement, Beave and Len return with a TWO HOUR recap episode, where they talk all things Dave Grohl, the winding down of the MLB season and the start of the NFL season, Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums List (Beave reviews "Alive" by Kiss), "I Recommend", and Len unveils his own "500 Favorite Albums" for Beave. Tune in for the RETURN OF JAGBAGS!!!

Len and Beave talk the new bracket available on Facebook, covering the most iconic music videos of all time. What music videos are your favorite? What four videos should be the #1 seeds? What was the first music video that you remember? What is the weirdest video of all time? Who will win the bracket? So many questions....and we answer them fearlessly. Tune in for EXPERTISE!

In the newest episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk the latest Emmy nominations, particularly "Succession", "Ozark", "Murders In The Building", and "Ted Lasso". Len laments the snubbing of Atlanta, and Beave makes mental notes on all the shows he has missed! They go into great detail on the characters of the show "Succession". (Which character is your favorite?) Plus, MLB, particularly the recent Guardians/Sox series on the South Side, plus WNBA recap, "I Recommend", and Beave's long list of Roling Stone Top 500 album reviews! TUNE IN!

Len and Beave discuss the life and career of the legendary Neil Young. What are his top five albums? His top five songs. They talk through the impossible task of constructing a 45-minute playlist of great Neil tunes as well. Neil's prolific output, superior songwriting, and his collaborations with Crosby, Stills and Nash are also discussed. Finally, they discuss books devoted to the man and his music. Tune in for jams, and discussions of jams! Put some Jagbags in your ear!

Beave and Len kick off Season 3 of Jagbags with a hot HOT recap episode! Beave provides a review of the new Paramount Plus series "The Offer". Plus -- the guys go over the results of the Steve Martin bracket, in particular the movie "Three Amigos". Beave and Len receive an irate fax from Sox manager Tony LaRussa. Len's legal counsel Franklin Sampson has stern words for Beave, warning him to provide Len with his chocolate cheesecake forthwith! Len and Beave discuss trading Ian Happ. Plus Chicago Sky without "Sloot", Rolling Stone Top 500 albums, and more! TUNE IN!

We're talking all things "The Godfather", "The Godfather, Part 2", and (briefly) "The Godfather, Part 3". Is "The Godfather" the greatest movie ever made? Is "The Godfather, Part 2" better? Who gave the best performance in those movies? What is the best scene in the movie? What's behind the universal appeal of these movies? We talk the main themes of the movies, the actors and artists who made them great, and the various storylines of these landmark films. THIS IS THE FINAL WORD ON THESE MOVIES!! Tune in now!

Len and Beave discuss the Chicago White Sox, and their prospects for the rest of this season. Beave strangely defends the Sox's chances for contention, and Len accuses Beave of being on Tony LaRussa (TL)'s payroll. They also talk through the Cubs' and Guardians' All-Star selections. Also, the Chicago Sky and the WNBA All-Star Game! Plus: Boylen! TOUGHNESS!! They also talk through the new trailer for Amsterdam, and go through the films of David O. Russell. Beave reviews "Thor: Love & Thunder". Len reviews the jams of the Brit rock band Wet Leg, and their songs "Piece of Sh*t" and "Chaise Lounge". Plus Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums reviews! TUNE IN NOW!

Beave and Len talk about their favorite books they were assigned in school. Tune in for a spirited discussion of book titles such as "Charlotte's Web", "A Wrinkle In Time", "1984", and "To Kill A Mockingbird", among many others. Len talks about the SOPHISTICATED titles he read in high school, while Beave tries to talk Mad Magazine and Russian literature. There's also talk of Dickens, Kafka, Thomas Hardy, and J.D. Salinger. Also, Len tries to sabotage the discussion by bringing up the acting genius of Bruce Boxleitner, leading Beave down a potential rabbit hole to "Tron" and "How The West Was Won".