Epic Albums

On this episode of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike discuss Joe Jackson's love letter to New York City, the 1982 release Night and Day. They review the songs Breaking Us In Two, Real Men, Target, A Slow Song, Cancer, Chinatown, Another World, and Stepping Out.

On episode 62 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg tackle a big one. They dive into the monumental three-record masterpiece by George Harrison, All Things Must Pass. They review the songs Isn't It A Pity, Run Of The Mill, If Not For You, Awaiting On You All, All Things Must Pass, The Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll), I'd Have You Any Time, My Sweet Lord, and What Is Life.

On episode 61 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike finally make their way to a classic from the Rolling Stones. They discuss the 1971 double album Exile on Main Street and review the songs Happy, Torn and Frayed, Loving Cup, All Down the Line, Rocks Off, I Just Want to See His Face, and Tumbling Dice.

The boys hit a milestone with the 60th episode of Epic Albums. To celebrate, Greg and Mike tackle another album from one of their favorite bands, the Who. They review the classic 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia and discover that Mike's deep dive into the Who catalog has converted him into a die-hard fan. They discuss the songs 5:15, I'm One, Love Reign O'er Me, The Real Me, The Dirty Jobs, and Cut My Hair.

On episode 59 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dive into one of the greatest one-album wonders of all time, The La's. They discuss the record's influence on pop and Britpop in the 1990s, as well as the troubled history of its creation. They review the tracks I Can't Sleep, Timeless Melody, Feelin', Way Out, Son of a Gun, and There She Goes.

On Episode 58 of Epic Albums, we're not doing another Beatles album. Mike and Greg actually tackle one of the great alternative rock albums of the 80s, Let it Be from the Replacements. The guys discuss the songs Seen Your Video, Favorite Thing, Sixteen Blue, Answering Machine, Androgynous, I Will Dare, and Unsatisfied.

On episode 57 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg go back to fond memories of childhood while listening to ABBA's Arrival. For a change, the guys selected different songs in their top three picks. They review the songs Tiger, That's Me, Knowing Me Knowing You, Why Did It Have To Be Me, When I Kissed the Teacher, My Love My Life, Dum Dum Diddle, Fernando, Money Money Money, and Dancing Queen.

In honor of the recent passing of the great Brian Wilson, we revisit the second episode of Epic Albums where we reviewed the classic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. Mike and Greg discuss the tracks Sloop John B, God Only Knows, That's Not Me, You Still Believe In Me, Here Today, Pet Sounds, and Caroline No.

On episode 56 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike listen to the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival album Cosmo's Factory. They review the songs Ramble Tamble, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Who'll Stop the Rain, Travelin' Band, Run Through the Jungle, Long As I Can See the Light, Ooby Dooby, and Up Around the Bend.

On episode 55 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike listen to an album that they explored together. After cultivating a love for the Smiths at the same time, the guys moved on to dig into Morrissey's catalog. They tackle one of his most acclaimed albums, Your Arsenal, and review the songs The National Front Disco, We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful, Certain People I Know, You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side, Tomorrow, We'll Let You Know, and You're the One for Me Fatty.

On episode 54 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to Cheap Trick's classic 1978 album Heaven Tonight. The record has been a favorite since childhood for both of our hosts. They review the songs How Are You, Takin' Me Back, On Top of the World, Stiff Competition, On the Radio, High Roller, and Surrender.

On episode 53 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike dive into Peter Gabriel's classic 1986 album, So. While they disagree on its overall ranking amongst all the records covered on the podcast, they find common ground in some of their favorite songs. They review the tracks Sledgehammer, Don't Give Up, Red Rain, Big Time, That Voice Again, and In Your Eyes.

On episode 52 of Epic Albums, the guys dig into the debut album from the Byrds, Mr. Tambourine Man. It's Mike's first time listening to a full album from the band, and he's all in. They review and discuss the songs I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better, You Won't Have to Cry, Spanish Harlem Incident, Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe, All I Really Want to Do, Mr. Tambourine Man, and The Bells of Rhymney.

On episode 51 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike tackle another one of the biggest selling records of all time. The listen to Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, and both agree it still stands as one of the best albums of the rock era. They review the songs Money, The Great Gig in the Sky, Breathe (In the Air), Eclipse, Brain Damage, Any Colour You Like, Time, and Us and Them.

It's episode 50 of Epic Albums! Mike and Greg go big and invite their good friend Jason Brown to co-host and review one of the biggest albums of all time: Michael Jackson's Thriller. The guys discuss the songs Thriller, PYT (Pretty Young Thing), Billie Jean, Baby Be Mine, The Girl Is Mine, Beat It, Wanna Be Startin' Something, and Human Nature. They also look back at the last 50 episodes and highlight their top picks from the podcast from each decade from the 60s to the 90s.

On episode 49 of Epic Albums, the guys listen to Eye in the Sky from the Alan Parsons Project. Mike surprises Greg with his newfound love of the band and how high the album ranks amongst his favorites. They review the songs Step by Step, Silence and I, Children of the Moon, You're Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned, Mammagamma, Sirius, Psychobabble, Gemini, Eye in the Sky, and Old and Wise.

On this episode of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike dive into the classic 1974 Joni Mitchell album, Court and Spark. Their top three lists were very similar for this record, and they were both excited to learn that they picked the same favorite song. Tracks reviewed include Free Man in Paris, Help Me, Same Situation, Car on a Hill, Raised on Robbery, and People's Parties.

On episode 47 of Epic Albums, hosts Greg Potter and Mike Gemma welcome special guest Jason Brown to the studio to discuss one of the greats from the 1970s: Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. They review the songs Love's In Need of Love Today, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Isn't She Lovely, Contusion, As, Summer Soft, Joy Inside My Tears, I Wish, Saturn, and Sir Duke.

On episode 46 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg tackle Madonna's Like a Prayer. This blockbuster record wasn't even her biggest seller, but is often viewed as the true artistic statement of her early career. They dive into the songs Cherish, Till Death Do Us Part, Oh Father, Promise to Try, Spanish Eyes, Love Song, Dear Jessie, Express Yourself, Keep it Together, and Like a Prayer.

On episode 45 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg go back to the 1960s for one of the era's classic records, Stand! by Sly and the Family Stone. The guys discuss all eight tracks on the LP, including You Can Make It If You Try, Somebody's Watching You, I Want to Take You Higher, Sing a Simple Song, Everyday People, Sex Machine, Don't Call Me N***r, Whitey, and Stand!

On this episode of Epic Albums, the guys review one of Greg's all timers, the 1979 debut record from the Knack, Get the Knack. Musically, this one is right up their alleys, and they discuss the songs Good Girls Don't, Heartbeat, Let Me Out, My Sharona, That's What the Little Girls Do, Frustrated, Your Number or Your Name, and Oh Tara.

On episode 43 of Epic Albums, the guys listen to one of Mike's favorite albums of the 1980s: Heartbeat City from the Cars. Both Greg and Mike have fond childhood memories of this record and they dive into the "Mutt" Lange production head first. Songs reviewed include Heartbeat City, Drive, Magic, Looking for Love, Hello Again, and You Might Think.

On episode 42 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dig into the classic 1979 album from the Clash, London Calling. The guys struggle to select a top three from such a sprawling, diverse record and land on reviewing a larger selection of songs. Tracks discussed include Lost in the Supermarket, Koka Kola, Death or Glory, Clampdown, Rudie Can't Fail, The Card Cheat, Lovers Rock, The Right Profile, Spanish Bombs, London Calling, and Train in Vain.

On episode 41 of Epic Albums, Greg and Mike discuss their mutual admiration for Steely Dan and review the album Katy Lied. They critique the songs Everyone's Gone to the Movies, Bad Sneakers, Doctor Wu, Any World (That I'm Welcome To), Your Gold Teeth II, Chain Lightning, Black Friday, and Rose Darling.

On episode 40 of Epic Albums, the boys listen to one of Greg's favorite albums of all time that cracks his top ten: Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend. He reflects back on hearing the album for the first time in the 90s, while Mike talks about his recent discovery of Sweet's catalog. They review the songs Divine Intervention, Nothing Lasts, Don't Go, Evangeline, Winona, You Don't Love Me, I Wanted to Tell You, Looking at the Sun, Girlfriend, and I've Been Waiting.

On episode 39 of Epic Albums, the boys review an album that landed in Mike's top ten: The Joshua Tree from U2. In another exciting turn of events, Greg and Mike had the exact same top three from this album. They review the songs I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Where the Streets Have No Name, Red Hill Mining Town, In God's Country, Running to Stand Still, Trip Through Your Wires, and With or Without You.

On episode 38 of Epic Albums, the guys review This Year's Model by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Greg has been a long-time fan since high school, but Costello is a recent discovery for Mike. The pair dive into the songs Little Triggers, Hand in Hand, Radio Radio, No Action, Pump It Up, You Belong to Me, This Year's Girl, The Beat, and Lip Service.

On this episode, the guys listen to Greg's favorite all-time album, Revolver by the Beatles. They dive into their favorite tracks and discuss the record's elements of psychedelia, world music, and rock that influenced popular music for years to come. Tracks reviewed include Tomorrow Never Knows, For No One, I Want to Tell You, Got to Get You Into My Life, And Your Bird Can Sing, She Said She Said, Here There and Everywhere, Paperback Writer, Rain, and Eleanor Rigby.

On episode 36 of Epic Albums, the guys listen to Mike's favorite album of all time: Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA. Greg shares fond memories of hearing the singles on the radio in his childhood. They talk about the songs No Surrender, I'm On Fire, Bobby Jean, Cover Me, Glory Days, Born in the USA, and Dancing in the Dark.

On episode 35 of Epic Albums, the boys tackle an album from one of Greg's all-time favorite artists, Todd Rundgren. Not only has Mike been converted, but the guys recorded the episode just hours before going to see Todd live in concert. They review tracks from Something/Anything?, including Hello It's Me, Torch Song, I Saw the Light, One More Day, Sweeter Memories, The Night the Carousel Burned Down, Couldn't I Just Tell You, and It Takes Two to Tango.

On episode 34 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to one of classic rock's seminal albums: Boston's debut from 1976. Despite a lot of heavy airplay and exposure, the guys find a lot to love on this record. They review the songs Rock and Roll Band, Smokin', Hitch a Ride, Peace of Mind, Something About You, Foreplay / Long Time, and More than a Feeling.

On episode 33 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dive into one of the great UK bands of the late 1970s. They're both huge fans of The Jam, and landed on a review of the album Sound Affects. Songs include Pretty Green, Dream Time, That's Entertainment, Start!, Set the House Ablaze, Boy About Town, But I'm Different Now, and Man In The Corner Shop.

On episode 32 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg tackle one of the greatest Britpop records of all time: (What's the Story) Morning Glory from Oasis. While their top 3 track picks are slightly different, they are both huge fans of this album. Songs reviewed include Cast No Shadow, Some Might Say, Hey Now!, Wonderwall, Hello, Roll With It, and Don't Look Back In Anger.

On episode 31 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg tackle an artist that was a long time coming: Elton John. They listen to his classic 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and discuss its merits, and whether or not it should have been a single record. Songs reviewed include Harmony, Grey Seal, Candle in the Wind, Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

On this episode of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg welcome special guest Joe Finlaw to the studio. They listen to Empty Glass, the solo album from Who guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Pete Townshend. All three are big fans not only of Pete's work, but also producer Chris Thomas. Songs reviewed include Keep on Working, I Am An Animal, Let My Love Open the Door, Jools and Jim, And I Moved, A Little Is Enough, and Rough Boys.

On episode 29 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg invite back one of their favorite guests, who also happens to be a huge Police fan, Jason Brown. They review Ghost in the Machine and discuss the songs Darkness, Secret Journey, Invisible Sun, One World (Not Three), Omegaman, Spirits in the Material World, and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.

In episode 28 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg revisit one of their favorite artists. But this time it's not a solo album, it's one from his band: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Damn the Torpedoes. The guys review and discuss the songs Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid), Even the Losers, Century City, What Are You Doin' In My Life, Refugee, Here Comes My Girl, and Don't Do Me Like That.

On this episode of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dive into an album that seems to polarize: the classic Smiths album The Queen Is Dead. Fortunately the hosts are both on board and they discuss the history of the record, as well as their favorite songs. Tracks reviewed include Bigmouth Strikes Again, There a Light That Never Goes Out,

I Know It's Over, Frankly Mr. Shankly, The Queen is Dead, Cemetry Gates, and The Boy with the Thorn in His Side.

On episode 26 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dig into another 80s monster: Phil Collins' No Jacket Required. They discuss the making of the record and pick their favorite songs. Tracks include I Don't Wanna Know, Inside Out, Sussudio, Only You Know and I Know, One More Night, Don't Lose My Number, and Take Me Home.

On episode 25 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg tackle one of the powerhouse albums of hard rock: Led Zeppelin's fourth. Whether you call it Zeppelin 4, Runes, or Untitled, it's such an undeniable classic that some people are legitimately tired of hearing about it. The guys cover that topic and review the songs When the Levee Breaks, Four Sticks, Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll, Black Dog, Battle of Evermore and Going to California.

On episode 24 of Epic Albums, the guys review one of Greg's top 25 albums of all time: Big Star's Radio City. Despite his recent discovery of the album, Mike is already a huge fan. They listen to and review Daisy Glaze, Back of a Car, I'm In Love With a Girl, Life is White, What's Going Ahn, Way Out West, You Get What You Deserve, and September Gurls.

On Episode 23, the guys dig into one of Mike's favorite albums of all time: Paul Simon's Graceland. In addition to running through their favorite songs and honorable mentions, they discuss the history and controversy surrounding this acclaimed album. Songs reviewed include All Around the World (Or the Myth of Fingerprints), You Can Call Me Al, Gumboots, Crazy Love, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Under African Skies, and Boy in the Bubble.

On episode 22 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg review another one of the five albums to hit #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1984: Prince's Purple Rain. With so many hits and classic deep cuts, the guys had a tough time picking a top three for this episode. Their lists turned out to be a bit different and they listened to Take Me With You, Baby I'm a Star, I Would Die 4 U, Let's Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, Computer Blue, and Purple Rain.

In episode 21 of Epic Albums, the guys review one of Greg's favorite ever albums from his childhood: Paul McCartney's Tug of War. Mike and Greg even give some love to the album's huge hit single, which seems to inspire a significant amount of disdain amongst many music fans. They listen to Wanderlust, The Pound is Sinking, Tug of War, Ebony and Ivory, Here Today, Ballroom Dancing, Get It, and Take It Away.

In episode 20 of Epic Albums Mike and Greg pay tribute to rock and roll royalty. They listen to Queen's A Night at the Opera and find they spend as much time talking about Brian May as they do Freddie Mercury. And they couldn't ignore Roger and John, either, as they played their favorite tracks including I'm In Love With My Car, '39, Sweet Lady, Love of my Life, You're My Best Friend, Seaside Rendezvous, Good Company and Bohemian Rhapsody.

In episode 19 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to a hidden gem from the 1960s that over the years has finally received the recognition it deserves. The guys analyze the Zombies' Odessey and Oracle and discuss their favorite tracks including Maybe After He's Gone, Friends of Mine, I Want Her She Wants Me, A Rose for Emily, This Will Be Our Year, Brief Candles, Beechwood Park, Care of Cell 44, and Hung Up On A Dream.

In episode 18 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg welcome a special guest, their friend Jason Brown to the studio. They explore the pleasures of Daryl Hall and John Oates' classic 1981 album Private Eyes. The guys discuss the songs Mano a Mano, Head Above Water, Some Men, Unguarded Minute, Private Eyes, Friday Let Me Down, Tell Me What You Want, and Did It In A Minute.

In episode 16 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to an 80s classic: Sports from Huey Lewis and the News. They discuss the tracks I Want A New Drug, Bad Is Bad, Heart and Soul, Walking on a Thin Line, Heart of Rock and Roll, and If This Is It.

In episode 15 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg dive into one of the greatest debut albums ever made: Marshall Crenshaw's self-titled first record. They review the tracks Brand New Lover, Someday Someway, Not For Me, Mary Anne, There She Goes Again, Girls, Cynical Girl, and I'll Do Anything.

In episode 14 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to an undeniable classic: Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. They go deep on the tracks Dreams, Never Going Back Again, Don't Stop, Second Hand News, The Chain, You Make Loving Fun, Gold Dust Woman, and Go Your Own Way.

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In episode 13 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg picked an album that might confuse some listeners. But certainly not the people who know them best. Rick Springfield's Working Class Dog fits their musical tastes to a tee, and stands as one of their favorite guilty pleasure records of all time. Mike and Greg discuss the tracks Daddy's Pearl, Carry Me Away, Love Is Alrite Tonight, I've Done Everything for You, Everybody's Girl, The Light of Love, and Jesse's Girl.

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In episode 12 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to the King of Rock and Roll. They dive into Elvis Presley's 1969 classic From Elvis in Memphis. They discuss album tracks including Any Day Now, Only The Strong Survive, Wearin' That Loved On Look, Power of My Love, I'll Hold You In My Heart, In The Ghetto, and Long Black Limousine. They also touch upon the non-album singles from the era Kentucky Rain and Suspicious Minds.

In episode 11 of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to Simon and Garfunkel's classic 1970 release Bridge over Troubled Water. They review the record, explore the tense relationship between Art and Paul, and discuss the tracks The Boxer, Baby Driver, Cecilia, Keep the Customer Satisfied, The Only Living Boy in New York, So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright, Bye Bye Love, Song for the Asking, and the title track.

In episode ten of Epic Albums, Mike, Greg, Alex, and Gavin listen to Def Leppard's Hysteria. Not everyone feels that this is Def Leppard's best album, but all agree it's packed with hits. Songs reviewed include Armageddon It, Animal, Hysteria, Rocket, Love Bites, and Pour Some Sugar on Me.

In episode nine of Epic Albums, Mike, Greg, Alex and Gavin listen to Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde. Everyone in the studio agrees this album deserves epic status, and they share their top songs. Songs reviewed include One of Us Must Know, Obviously 5 Believers, I Want You, Pledging My Time, Stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, Visions of Johanna, and Just Like a Woman.

In episode eight of Epic Albums, Mike, Greg, and Alex Savkov listen to Billy Joel's The Stranger. As they review the album, there is some disagreement amongst the hosts about the best tracks. But all can agree it's a classic. Songs reviewed include She's Always a Woman, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Moving Out, Just the Way You Are, Vienna, The Stranger, and Only the Good Die Young.

In episode seven of Epic Albums, Mike, Greg, and Alex Savkov listen to the Journey album Escape. Not all of the hosts agreed that this was an album deserving of epic status, but everyone agreed on the best tracks, as well as some of their least favorites. Songs reviewed include Stone in Love, Who's Crying Now, Open Arms, Still They Ride, Keep on Runnin', Mother, Father, and Don't Stop Believin'.

In episode six of Epic Albums, Mike, Greg, and Alex Savkov listen to the classic Beatles album Abbey Road. Upon review, our younger hosts have a new found appreciation for the Fab Four and share their favorite songs from the record. Everyone differs on the best tracks, but all agree on its status as an Epic Album. Songs reviewed include Oh Darling, You Never Give Me Your Money, Come Together, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End, Something, Polythene Pam, She Came In Through the Bathroom Window, and Here Comes the Sun.

In episode five of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg welcome guests Alex Savkov and Gavin Smith to the studio to listen to the Who's classic album, Who's Next. They review the album and everybody picks their top three tracks, which results some differences in opinions! Tracks include Getting in Tune, Going Mobile, Bargain, Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'Riley, and Behind Blue Eyes.

In episode four of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to Tom Petty's 1989 release, Full Moon Fever. They review the album and chat about their favorite tracks, as well as some they can live without. Songs include Feel A Whole Lot Better, Love is a Long Road, I Won't Back Down, Depending on You, The Apartment Song, Free Fallin', and A Face in the Crowd.

In episode three of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to Van Halen's 1984. As they review the record, they go into detail about favorite tracks including Hot for Teacher, Drop Dead Legs, Panama, Top Jimmy, I'll Wait, Girl Gone Bad, and Jump.

In episode two of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to the Beach Boys' 1966 classic record Pet Sounds. They review the record, do a deep dive of Brian Wilson's genius, and discuss the tracks Sloop John B, God Only Knows, That's Not Me, You Still Believe In Me, Here Today, Pet Sounds, and Caroline No.

In episode one of Epic Albums, Mike and Greg listen to Bruce Springsteen's 1975 classic record Born to Run. Highlights include an in depth review of the album and discussion of the tracks Jungleland, Thunder Road, Born to Run, She's the One, and Backstreets.