Jagbags

It's a sports-filled recap episode, as we talk the Browns' trade of Baker Mayfield, the Bulls signing of Andre Drummond and Zach LaVine, the improving Cubs, the sinking Guardians, the Sky's chances as the WNBA heads into the All-Star Break, the tumultuous Phoenix Mercury, the 2022 USFL Championship (which will go down as an Instant Classic), and their great QB Case Cookus, Plus we talk Rolling Stone's top 500 Albums of all time, a discussion of "Obi-Wan Kenobi", plus the Mark Twain Comedy Awards honoring Jon Stewart. TUNE IN AT ONCE!

We're talking the films of one of the great American masters on the new Jagbags: the one and only Martin Scorsese. We talk his best films, his most underrated (and overrated), his best documentary, the best performance in his films, and which film should win a 32-film bracket. Tune in for EDUCATION!

Len celebrates the opening of his amazing mashed-potatoes-and-water vibed restaurant Mashwaters, with an A-List celebrity turnout, Beave's jazz sextet, Richard Daley's drunken antics, Mickey Morandini's security detail, and an appropriate handling of an unruly Chicago weatherman Andy Avalos. Beave and Len discuss the place of Stephen Curry in the Pantheon of NBA All Time Greats. Beave celebrates THE GUARDIAC KIDS and their late-inning June heroics. Len recommends the new Pixar movie "Lightyear". Beave talks up the new Angel Olsen record. And six more Rolling Stone Album reviews! Neve Campbell, thank you for the podcast love!

Internationally acclaimed New Wave expert Marlana May Carlson joins Jagbags for a MAMMOTH discussion of all things New Wave music, as well as . Take a trip down memory lane, as Marlana spins the New Wave jams and we talk hits by Tears for Fears, the Human League, Duran Duran, the Cars, Howard Jones, and that's only for starters! Beave battles his failing voice as he compares his 45-minute New Wave playlist to Len's and Marlana's. Len disparages the Pretenders' "Brass In Pocket", to Beave's chagrin. They discuss the important questions like "Is Men At Work New Wave?", "How many Cocteau Twins albums do you own?" and "Why isn't Culture Club in the Rock Hall of Fame?"

In the newest Jagbags, Len directs you to the jams, with a review of the new Black Keys album. Len's elderly agent suggests a cure for Beave's scratchy throat, veiled as a threat of job loss. Beave exults over the first-place Guardians and their late-inning resilience. Beave and Len dismiss the White Sox and call for Tony LaRussa's job. And they go through the new MLB All-Star ballot. Len starts his new job as President of the International Courtney Vandersloot Admiration Club. Beave recommends "Operation Mincemeat", available on Netflix, as well as SIX albums on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. Tune in for HISTORY!

Noted cinema expert Bruce Hollett joins the podcast to talk all things Ethan & Joel Coen and their amazing movies. Bruce gets over his dissatisfaction with the Jagbags green room craft service to provide his all-time top five films, best performance in a Coen Brothers movie, most underrated Coen Brothers work, and their most disappointing film. The quotes fly at a fast and furious pace, so lock it into Jagbags for COEN EXPERTISE!

Beave and Len started out this podcast episode with the best of intentions, but once they learned about the seminal 1987 sexploitation classic "Stripped To Kill", ALL BETS ARE OFF. Marvel at their deep dive into the strong character work of Kay Lenz, Greg Evigan and Norman Fell, as well as the directing genius of the great Katt Shea! Oh and they also talk Chicago Sky, MLB, and the NBA Finals as well. Plus "I Recommend", the 80s music bracket, and album reviews of Toots and the Maytals and Sly & The Family Stone. Put some Jagbags in your ear!

Forget what you thought you knew about Mr. Billy Joel. This podcast is, without question, the most important and the final word on this subject. We dissect all the albums. We make the 45-minute playlists. We rank the greatest songs. No stone is left unturned. You want amateurish thoughts on this subject, go read Chuck Klosterman. But if you want EXPERTISE on Billy Joel, put it right on here Jagbags!

Beave and Len discuss Kobe Bryant's most rabid Facebook fan, and Len shares MANY thoughts about the Cubs, including optimism and pessimism. Len delights in the name "Konnor Pilkington". Beave and Len discuss Tony LaRussa's job security. The NBA Finals come into sharp focus. Vandersloot and James Wade chide Beave for ignoring the Chicago Sky. Beave reviews the newest season of "The Boys". Len enjoys White Castle's latest gourmet offering. And Beave reviews Rolling Stone's placements of Arctic Monkeys, GZA and Bruce Springsteen albums in its all-time Top 500. TUNE IN!

This COMPREHENSIVE episode of Jagbags goes over all the entrants in Len's newest bracket: "What Musical Acts Dominated the 80s"? Beave tries to guess the top four seeds in the bracket, while Len snickers. Tune in for the suspense! Who is seeded higher, Rick Springfield or Men At Work? Did Richard Marx or Loverboy make the bracket? Should Paul McCartney's 80s output be under consideration? And what act has an outside sleeper's chance at winning the whole thing? Tune in NOW!

In the newest recap episode, the specter of Franklin Sampson looms large over the podcast. Beave tries to stay awake after moving his entire family into a new home. Len likes the Cubs' competitiveness and applauds David Ross' aggressiveness. Beave openly roots for his all-time favorite Cleveland baseball player Jose Ramirez and invites him to dinner. (No response yet) Beave and Len preview the NBA Finals, and Beave celebrates the demise of the Mavericks. Beave reviews the new Harry Styles LP. Len celebrates the hilarity of Bob's Burgers. And much, much more! Tune in!

Prince's good friend Kirk Pynchon comes back to Jagbags to discuss the life and career of His Royal Badness. We talk his best (and worst) albums, and construct 45-minute playlists covering his hits, his top guitar performances, and songs to make love by. What is his best five-album streak? What is his best album that no one knows about? We argue over who was the better friend to Prince, and also a quick tangent we discuss why Carlos Boozer is the ultimate jagoff. Finally, we discuss why "Come" is secretly one of Prince's greatest records (you are welcome). Tune in now!

In the latest recap episode, the Jagbags' brilliant legal counsel Franklin Sampson bests Neil Diamond's team in a court of law. Len celebrates a perfect Chicago sports day with the Cubs and Sky and considers accepting Ian Happ in his inner circle of Most Favored Cubs. Beave bemoans the ill treatment of Shane Bieber by Guardians fans, and celebrates the Warriors' 3-0 series lead against the lucky Dallas Mavericks. Len offers his services to the Sky as a rebounding consultant by fax. Beave talks "Gaslit" and Len recommends the book "Sicker In The Head" by Judd Apatow. Finally, the guys review past albums by Eminem and Roxy Music. Tune in NOW!

It's been a while since our last podcast, but we are attempting to make up for it with a MAMMOTH discussion of all things MLB! The 2022 baseball season is swinging into June, and our Jagbags baseball correspondent Anthony D'Andrea is back for another lively and spirited program. We talk all things Cubs, Sox and Guardians, plus we break down the contenders and pretenders for the World Series. In addition to our love of Cubs and Guardians, we also hate on the Yankees and Cardinals and go over a list of current players and their future Hall of Fame chances. And last not but not least, we talk the end of "Ozark", and its place in the television pantheon. Strap in for the marathon!!! Put us in your ears NOW!

Len celebrates the Dallas Mavericks' advance into the Western Conference Finals while Beave pouts and cries. Lil Wayne teams up with Beave to grandly predict the Golden State Warriors' sweep. Beave faxes his prediction to the entire Mavs squad. Len tells Stephen A. Smith to calm down. Beave recommends the Paul Thomas Anderson movie Phantom Thread. Len recommends War's Greatest Hits while Beave applauds. Then he recommends Billy Joel's "River of Dreams" while Beave snickers. Beave recommends albums by X Ray Spex and the Cars. And we talk the conclusion of the Neil Diamond bracker, and Len addresses the sadness of Neil Diamond. Tune in NOW!!!

Len and Beave discuss the work of Nick Hornby in rhyme and riddle, like two true literary dudes. From "High Fidelity" to "About A Boy" to "Fever Pitch" to his latest work, "Just Like You", we break down his work, his love of pop culture, and his fixation on men stuck in ruts. Len implores Beave to stop bringing up the Welsh on every podcast. Len works his staff nearly to death in order to read all of Hornby's work. Tune in for LITERARY EXCELLENCE.

In a marathon recap episode, we talk the 2022 Rock Hall inductees, the Guardians' ninth inning miracle on the South Side, the amazing James Wade, the new Doctor Strange movie, Suzanne Vega, and SEVEN reviews from Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums! Plus the cheating Dallas Mavericks, the Cubs' roller coaster start, and Beave UNLOADS on Tom Waits. Tune in for EXPERTISE!

We talk the movies of Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson on the newest Jagbags. Which movies do you like best? Which director is better? Who had the better debut? We know how their movies and sensibilities are different, but how are they the same? We go through nearly all of their films, break them down for you, and compare each movie in chronological order. Tune in and see if you agree! JAGBAGS!!!

Beave and Len give you a NO HOLDS BARRED discussion of various sports and entertainment topics for your listening pleasure! Barry! Ozark! Henry Winkler! Jason Bateman! Luther Vandross! Parliament! Lucky, lucky Luka! Tune in for expertise!

Diamond Listeners rejoice! We are giving you a musical two-fer with the newest episode of the podcast. We will talk the music of Elvis Costello, and then give you a SPECIAL TREAT with a quick discussion of the musical saint himself: Mr. Neil Diamond. We also get into John Parr briefly, and Beave fends off his latest admirer Ursula, and her posters. We talk the best Costello albums, songs, and compare him to other of his contemporaries. What Elvis albums are your favorites? And he is better than John Parr? Tune in for musical expertise!

In the latest recap episode, Beave and Len talk MLB, the Jekyll-Hyde Guardians, and the frustrating Cubs. Beave debuts his David Byrne Covid hairstyle, and lobbies for a podcast devoted entirely to Fisher Stevens. Len recommends the movie "The Bad Guys", and the "Children of Nuggets" compilation LP. Beave talks the new Julia Roberts/Sean Penn series "Gaslit" and gifts himself a Sydney Sweeney poster while wracked with Covid. He also reviews albums by Madvillain and Talking Heads. Tune in immediately.

In a daring recovery of the "lost" Jagbags episode, Len and a Covid-infested Beave try to talk the music of U2, but wind up going down the irresistible rabbit hole that IS Top40Weekly.com. Is DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince better than Sade? Is Bono a jagoff? Ted Nugent's 1975 self-titled LP -- all jams? What is the better album: The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby? What songs would go on your 45-minute playlist? Tune in for FUN TIMES!

In the new recap episode of Jagbags, Beave brings up Ian Happ as a future Hall of Famer, and Len responds forcefully. We talk the NBA playoffs, and Len contacts lawyers in connection with Luka Doncic's prolonged absence from the playoffs. We talk the Nets/Celtics series in particular, which seems to be the most evenly matched series of the playoffs to date. Len recommends the new Eddie Vedder solo album and the new Spoon album. And Beave submerges you in his Rolling Stone Top 500 with reviews of George Harrison, Drake, Aerosmith, and MOBB DEEP. Tune in right now!

Noted Elvis expert Christopher Marcum joins Jagbags to talk the life and career of a true American original: Elvis Presley. They talk his life, his music, books devoted to his life, his cultural impact.....and yes, his movies. We try to make sense of his 31 movies, his countless songs, the '68 comeback special, his output for Sun Records, as well as the upcoming Baz Luhrmann biopic. It's gonna be a HOT ONE! Tune in!

Beave and Len celebrate the opening of the new MLB season by talking future Hall of Famer Steven Kwan! Plus, they share their predictions for the play-in and first round of the NBA playoffs. They also talk results to date from the 70s movie bracket, and Beave faxes himself several complaints. Tune in for EXPERTISE!

LA singer/songwriter Sherrie Adams joins Jagbags to talk the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Which album is better, Damn The Torpedoes or Full Moon Fever? Where does he rank in the all-time rock and roll pantheon? Is he better than the Eagles? Bruce Springsteen? And is Tom Petty appropriate music for "Spin The Bottle"? We answer these questions, and much much more on this informative, entertainment-packed episode. Tune in!!

In the recap episode of Jagbags, Beave provides tons of bulletin board material for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks by doubling down on their playoff chances. Len touts Devin Booker as a worthy MVP candidate. The guys talk the thrilling NCAA championship game and Beave apologizes to Kansas for his lack of faith in them. Beave reviews "Winning Time" on HBO Max, while Len discusses the movie "Red Rocket". And tune in for still another review of an album featured in Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time! Tune in at once!

Noted Chicago theater legend Billy Bullion joins Jagbags for an in-depth look at the best movie of the 1970s, known as a "golden age" for filmmaking. Was it? What are the best, and which may be overrated? Len, Beave and Billy discuss the movies they've seen, and shamefully admit to some classics that they have NOT ever seen. What genres were the best as well? Concert movies, dramas, comedies.....we work to cover it all! And don't forget to vote in the accompanying bracket on Len's Facebook page. Tune in NOW!

Len and Beave provide their take on the infamous Academy Awards altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock, and also discuss the telecast and award winners as a whole. They also talk the Final Four participants, Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time, and the NBA as the regular season winds down to a close. Tune in....FOR CONTROVERSY!!!

Legendary Chicago actor Tucker Curtis joins Len and Beave for a spirited discussion of the writer/director Kevin Smith and his movies. Is Clerks a great movie? Are his movies overrated? Or did his movies speak for an entire generation? We talk through his movies, books, past associates, and ultimately his legacy. Join us for EXPERTISE and witty repartee!

Beave fills in Len on his adventures south of the border rescuing the fugitive Alex with the help of Jimmer Fredette, Jack McDowell, and Andy Avalos. They also talk the week that was in the NBA, and welcome the return of MLB and FUTURE HALL OF FAMER FRANK SCHWINDEL. Beave reviews several records from Rolling Stone's Top 500, including Rush's "Moving Pictures" and Neutral Milk Hotel's "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea". And finally, Len and Beave share their initial thoughts on the NCAA Tournament, and who they expect to make this year's Final Four. Tune in for a classic episode!

Len and Beave celebrate their 100th episode of Jagbags with a WILD party at LiqrBox, with Meryl Streep, Holly Hunter, and Brad Pitt in attendance. They also talk the latest Facebook bracket, featuring the best coaches in Chicago history. Phil Jackson, Mike Ditka, Joe Maddon, Joel Quenneville and Ozzie Guillen are all represented, plus noted punching bags Terry Bevington, Jim Boylen, Vinny del Negro, and Mike Quade. ALSO: Don Zimmer. Tune in for the anniversary celebration!

Beave and Len celebrate their record week of listenership with a wild party at LiqrBox, featuring Meryl Streep's constant needs of high fives from Len. They talk the week that was in the NBA, lament the Bulls and Cavs' slow starts to the second half of the season, and compare Ja Morant to Derrick Rose. They talk about Loyola and Illinois' chances for success in the NCAA Tournament. And finally, they talk "Don't Look Up", and Beave reviews a Mingus album while Len falls asleep. TUNE IN!

Noted Chicago actors Jill Oliver and Matt Engle join Jagbags to take on the world's most daunting task: Convincing Len that the works of J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) are masterpieces. We take Len into Middle Earth, through the forests of Mirkwood, the Misty Mountains, into harrowing encounters with Smaug and the Eye of Sauron. Join our guests as we discuss the movies and also the books in great detail. Our guests discuss how they first got into the Tolkien catalog, and which movie they like best. Finally, Beave works with Matt to develop a prototype "Jagbags" adult diaper, and we talk through the genius of Brother Theodore. TUNE IN!!

Beave and Len reflect on their massively successful Oscar watch party, and their A-List guests. In particular, they discuss the movies "Coda" and "The Tragedy of Macbeth". They talk about the NBA all-Star Game, and Beave AVOIDS talking about the Cavs and LeBron. They talk college hoops and various local teams' postseason chances. And they talk two albums off Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums List. Is Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" better than "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society"? These are the issues we fearlessly tackle! Tune in NOW.

Special guest Nicolas Cage joins Beave and Len to talk through his latest sequel "Pig 2: The Quickening" before getting tossed out of the studio so as to better focus on the upcoming 94th Academy Awards. Len and Beave go through all the major categories, and talk through what to look for, and who may walk away with the coveted statue. Tune in for OSCARS EXPERTISE!

In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave talk through the results of the Super Bowl. Beave tries to avoid gloating about LeBron while celebrating the Cavs. Len recommends Thin Lizzy's "Black Rose: A Rock Legend", while smashing furniture. Beave reviews albums by J Dilla and the Ramones, and Len catches wind of a rival mashed potato and water restaurant backed by Mr. Philip Michael Thomas! DRAMA!! Tune in at once.

Len & Beave explore the life and career of 75-year-old Sylvester Stallone, the only actor in the history of U.S. cinema to have starred in a box office number one film across six consecutive decades. What movies are his best? What "Rocky" movie was his best? Why is his face and speech slightly slurred? Is "Victory" a good film? Will he make any more Rambo or Rocky movies? These questions, and much more, will be answered with the usual EXPERTISE that you've come to expect from the good people at Jagbags. Tune in NOW!

Len and Beave vote for their own candidates for Rock Hall enshrinement. Fueled by gallons of coffee, Beave lays out the case for Judas Priest with INTENSITY. Andy Avalos sends multiple faxes trying to secure the emcee job for Len's opening of Mashwaters. Stacey King doubts Matthew Stafford's big game credentials while Beave and Len roll their eyes. Beave is on a Cavs mega-high! Len provides the Courtney Vandersloot Update. And DICKEY SIMPKINS IS THE GREATEST HOOPS ANALYST SINCE HUBIE BROWN. Tune in for an incredible recap!

LA-based singer/songwriter Sherrie Adams joins Len and Beave to discuss the songs and albums of Indiana music legend John Mellencamp. Which songs are his best? His most underrated? What is the best Mellencamp album of all time? Where does he rank alongside contemporaries such as Bob Seger, Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen, especially when it comes to songwriting? We've got questions, and Sherrie's got answers. Tune in NOW!

In the latest recap episode that is sure to break listenership records, Len recounts the SORDID and SHOCKING tale of his latest meeting with his agent and celebrity author Sean Penn. Mashed potatoes are prominently involved. We go over the Chiefs' surprising defeat, talk Beave's motivation of the Dallas Mavericks' rise up the Western Conference, and the genius of Larry Hagman in the 70s movie "The Eagle Has Landed". TUNE IN!

Beave & Len deconstruct the Peter Jackson masterpiece "The Beatles: Get Back" and give you their favorite moments from this 8-hour magnum opus. Listen as Beave and Len THROW DOWN over toast and tea! Hear Beave defend George Harrison TO THE DEATH, while Len sniffs! Chuckle at Paul's semi-threats to bring Eric Clapton and Jimmie Nicol into the band! Marvel at Len's denigration of George's Hare Krishna friend in the corner! Applaud as Beave and Len extol Ringo Starr......AND Yoko!! Tune in now!!

Len and Beave invent the new musical genre of jazzgrass, make sinister plans for Grayson Allen, and talk about their impending Supreme Court appearance to argue Billy Wagner for the Hall of Fame. And best of all, they go through the most exciting playoff weekend in the history of the NFL. Hear Len taunt Max Christie! Scratch your head at Beave's invention of "Rover" as the newest football position! Marvel at Beave's entry into the "400-351" section of Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums! TUNE IN IMMEDIATELY!

Don't screw around. Download this episode RIGHT NOW. Then prepare to flip tables and take a 2X4 to every window in sight -- because we're talking the music of the legendary rock outfit Thin Lizzy. We take you through all the albums, and also construct a 45-minute playlist of the band's top jams. (OKen's playlist was called "Ultimate Tin Lizzy") We take you through ALL the "go to IKEA, buy all the furniture, take a break to assemble it all, and then smash them" jams. Riffs we should ALL wake up to! How did Thin Lizzy not have #1 hits in every country for 26 weeks?!?? TUNE IN AND YOUR LIFE WILL GET BETTER INSTANTLY!!

In the latest recap episode, Beave introduces Len to the completely insufferable Jackson Mahomes, and both bemoan the possibility of either Brady or Rodgers in the Super Bowl. We outline the NBA Eastern Conference picture, discuss the Cavs-Bulls marquee matchup at the United Center, and Beave tries not to gloat over LeBron's struggles. Beave recommends the STAR-STUDDED "The Liberation of L.B. Jones", and Len recommends David Gray's "Skellig". Tune in!!

Beave and Len take you through the best movies and TV shows of 2021, and also cover off on the best sports moment of the year. Len picks his best books of 2021, and finally the guys discuss future job prospects for Matt Nagy. TUNE IN IMMEDIATELY!

In the latest recap episode of Jagbags, Len and Beave rank Caruso, Ball, and Vucevic for the Bulls, discuss the Cavs' pickup of Rajon Rondo, and debate whether Northwestern has what it takes to make the postseason. Len sticks up for various magazines, and Beave reviews a jazz album, to Len's consternation. They discuss which album is better, Blondie's self-titled debut, or the Go-Gos' "Beauty & The Beat". Finally, the guys take on the first round of the NFL Playoffs, and provide their predictions. It's a SMORGASBORD of entertainment! Put us in your ear.

Two middle-aged white men talk about their favorite albums of 2021, and Beave is proud of having only one jazz album in the Top 10. SPOILER ALERT: No Imagine Dragons. Beave has THREE Australian albums in his Top Ten, and has accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to come down under for a continental tour. Len and Beave also talk the "Jagbags shakes", concerning the fears of potential guests at the prospect of coming on the podcast and sitting in our giant collective shadow. We also discuss the spinoff episode "Catbags", where we talk about our cats. RATINGS BLOCKBUSTER!!

In the latest recap episode, Len and Beave talk the Bulls' white hot streak, ponder why Mike Glennon continues to get NFL starts (HINT: he makes delicious chili), recommend wonderful Hot Cocoa Hershey Kisses, review a Ghostface Killah album, and raise glasses of Mr. Pibb and Crystal Light to the celebrities that left us in 2021. Godspeed, Eddie Mekka. Put a little Jagbags in your ear!

In our exciting BOOK GIVEAWAY episode, we are offering all Jagbags listeners the chance to win an autographed copy of the seminal horror book "Chasing The Boogeyman", by Richard Chizmar. At the end of the podcast, we will give you a catchphrase. Simply repeat this catchphrase on any of our social media channels, and you could win this outstanding book! Furthermore, we will go through the greatest TV dramas of all time, pick our top ten, and also discuss the best eras for television dramas. Is right now the best time to watch a television drama, or did the 70s rule the roost? Tune in, and tell a friend!