Album Nerds – Episode 305: Bands Across America – Canada

Featured Albums:

• Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)
• Bryan Adams – Reckless (1984)

Episode Highlights

The summer road trip heads north to Canada! We celebrate Canadian music with two landmark albums: Leonard Cohen’s introspective folk debut and Bryan Adams’ chart-topping rock anthem machine. Tune in for in-depth discussion, standout tracks, production tales, and how each record weaves into the tapestry of Canadian culture.

Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen

Cohen’s 1967 debut is a masterclass in poetic songwriting and sparse, haunting folk. His background as a Montreal-born novelist shapes every lyric, blending themes of love, spirituality, and alienation.

Bryan Adams – Reckless

Released in 1984, Adams’s biggest record was a cornerstone of ‘80s FM rock, packed with energy, hooks, and radio-ready polish.

What We’re Diggin’

• Bask – The Turning (2025): Heavy Americana blending psychedelic, stoner, and Appalachian influences, telling cosmic and country-tinged stories.
• Mastodon – Blood Mountain (2006): Progressive sludge-metal concept album full of wild, intricate songcraft.
• Panic Priest – Once Wild (2025): Chicago darkwave with atmospheric synths, baritone vocals, and a dance-driven edge.
• Don Beck – Dark to Light (2025): Colorado indie songwriter delivers faith-rooted, gospel-tinged tracks recorded at home.

Shout-Out: Check out music pods like Can I Pod With Madness? for more 80s/90s metal deep-dives.

Share your favorite Canadian album or musical memory on our socials @albumnerds or email [email protected]. Full episode archives at albumnerds.com. Please subscribe, rate, and review to support the show.

Album Nerds – Episode 304: Bands Across America – Georgia

Featured Albums:

• The B-52s – Cosmic Thing (1989)
• Mastodon – Crack the Skye (2009)

Episode Highlights: Our summer road trip rolls into Georgia—the “Peach State”—where Southern roots, funk, campy art-pop, and cosmic metal collide.

• Dance through Athens with The B-52s’ neon-colored Cosmic Thing—their joyful, funky comeback that turned grief into glitter, resilience, and universal celebration.
• Travel from Atlanta to the astral plane with Mastodon’s Crack the Skye—a prog-metal masterpiece mixing sludge, mythology, Rasputin, and raw grief into one of the 2000s’ most ambitious albums.
• We dig into standout tracks, the production magic of Nile Rodgers, Don Was, and Brendan O’Brien, and how both bands shaped Georgia’s diverse musical legacy—from art-pop quirk to modern metal greatness.
• Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery—which sends us headed north, across the border, to Canada!

What We’re Diggin’:

• Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day (2025): Neo-traditional country with cinematic Americana storytelling.
• Men at Work – Business as Usual (1981): Aussie new-wave/reggae-pop with quirky hooks and unforgettable sax & flute riffs.
• Coley Kennedy – Neptune Blue (2025): Michigan songwriter’s heartfelt, post-punk-tinged indie rock.
• Pile – Sunshine and Balance Beams (2025): Experimental, genre-bending indie that blurs the line between folk-punk and post-rock.

Shout-Out: This week we recommend checking out the Astrovert Podcast—hosted by Mike and Jake—covering underground and progressive rock/metal, plus stories from their band’s journey. A great listen if you like your music talk raw and heavy.

Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Georgia album or musical memory? Share it with us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky @albumnerds—or email us anytime at [email protected].

Next Stop: 🍁 Canada!

Album Nerds – Episode 303: Bands Across America – Pennsylvania

Featured Albums:

• The Roots – Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995)
• Live – Throwing Copper (1994)

Episode Highlights:

• Our summer road trip stops in Pennsylvania—the “Keystone State”—where creativity and music history meet in places like Philadelphia and York.
• Dive into The Roots' genre-bending jazz-rap, fueled by live instruments and Philly soul.
• Relive Live’s high-drama, spiritually charged alt-rock, with anthems rooted in small-town struggles and hope.
• We chat standout tracks, killer production details, and how both records helped shape ‘90s music and Pennsylvania’s legacy.
• Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery to reveal the next state: Georgia!

What We’re Diggin’:

• Hayes Carll – We’re Only Human (2025): Honest, introspective Americana.
• Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – I Love Rock ’n Roll (1981): Timeless punk-rock attitude.
• Luke Haines & Peter Buck – Going Down to the River to Blow My Mind (2025): Surreal indie pop.
• B-Movie – Hidden Treasures (2025): Early ’80s new wave, finally heard.

Shout-Out: Check out the Polyphonic Press podcast for deep-dive album reviews that’ll broaden your tastes!

Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Pennsylvania album or musical memory? Find us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds—or email [email protected].

Next Stop: Georgia

Bands Across America: Texas

St. Vincent – St. Vincent (2014) & Ryan Bingham – Fear and Saturday Night (2015)

Our summer road trip rumbles into Texas—the Lone Star State, where musical legends roam just as freely as longhorn cattle. From the genre-blurring art-pop genius of Dallas native Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) to the dust-worn Americana storytelling of Ryan Bingham, our two stops this week show just how wide the Texas soundscape can stretch. We get funky, fearless, and a little bit heartbroken as we explore the albums that put these artists on the global map while keeping one boot planted firmly in Texas soil.

What’s Inside:

• St. Vincent’s self-titled album — bold, surreal, and genre‑defying: avant‑garde pop hooks wrapped in guitar wizardry and sly cultural critique
• Ryan Bingham’s Fear and Saturday Night — an intimate, roots‑driven journey through loss, resilience, and hard‑earned hope
• Our takes on standout tracks, production approaches, and how these records’ legacies continue to evolve
• Deep questions, click‑bait headlines, and a spin of the Wheel of Musical Discovery to see where the road takes us next

Diggin’:

• Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn (2025): Chicago post‑punk youth movement at its wiry, dance‑punk best
• Dio – Holy Diver (1983): Heavy metal classic of cosmic redemption and immortal riffs
• The Armed – The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed (2025): Detroit’s anonymous hardcore collective adds melody without losing fire
• Tom Odell – A Wonderful Life (2025): Piano-led indie pop with cathartic swells of hope and despair

Podcast Shout-Out: Check out Music Notes with Jess — your weekly guide to what’s trending in music, with insider insight and infectious enthusiasm.

Join the Conversation! What’s your favorite Texas album? What are you spinning lately? Drop us a line on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for riding with us—next stop: Pennsylvania!

Bands Across America: Florida

Miami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (1985) & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (1979)

Our summer album road trip rolls into Florida—the land of sunshine, Latin pop crossovers, and resilient American rock. This week, we spin through two defining Florida albums and highlight what else we’ve been “diggin’.”

What’s Inside

Miami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (August 1985)

Produced by Emilio Estefan Jr., this is the record that propelled Miami Sound Machine—and Gloria Estefan—onto the American pop stage. The album’s romantic, hypnotic energy comes through both in the high-energy club cuts and the gentle emotional ballads.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (October 1979)

Gainesville’s own Tom Petty anchors the Heartbreakers’ classic lineup in this heartland rock classic, co-produced with Jimmy Iovine.

Diggin’

• Cody Jinks – In My Blood (2025): Honest, soulful outlaw country.
• Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Oz: Classic album, prized for high sonic clarity Jet pressing.
• Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl (2025): Resilience after heartbreak.
• Billy Joel – And So It Goes (2025): HBO documentary.
• The Worst Podcast on Mars: Another great music podcast.

Thanks for cruising down the Florida highway with us! What do you think about these Florida albums? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @albumnerds.

Thanks for joining us on Bands Across America! Next stop: Texas

Bands Across America: Northern California

Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970) & Journey – Frontiers (1983)

Our journey lands in Northern California—home of counterculture trailblazers, iconic inventions, and musical legends. We spotlight two classic albums from Bay Area giants and dig into what makes the region an endless well for music lovers and explorers alike.

What’s Inside

- Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970):

Palo Alto’s Grateful Dead hit a milestone with their fourth studio record—an earthy blend of roots, folk, and country rock, produced by Bob Matthews, Betty Cantor, and the band. We explore how the Dead’s acoustic turn, everyday storytelling, and songs like “Black Peter” cemented their place in California music folklore. Lyrical highlights emphasize belonging and transcendence, from Uncle John as a spiritual guide to meditations on life and death.

- Journey – Frontiers (1983):

Born from the Bay Area’s vibrant scene, Journey evolved from jazz-fusion beginnings to arena rock titans. Their 1983 album, Frontiers—driven by soaring Steve Perry vocals and Jonathan Cain’s songwriting—pushed into cinematic, synth-heavy rock and delivered some of the era’s most enduring pop anthems. It rocketed to #2 on Billboard, sporting unforgettable hits and an iconic music video.

- Deep Question

Other treasures from Northern California

-Diggin’

- Bush – I Beat Loneliness (2025): London’s alt-rock veterans return with their 10th album, diving into emotional isolation and healing over powerful riffs and raw confessionals. Standouts: “Scars,” “The Land of Milk and Honey,” “We’re All the Same on the Inside,” and lead single “60 Ways to Forget People.”

- Tears For Fears – Songs from the Big Chair (1985, Vinyl): The British duo’s classic, released February 25, 1985, expands their synthpop sound into grand pop-rock storytelling. Includes anthems “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Head Over Heels.”

- Limberlost – Beautiful Scars (2025): Seattle’s female-fronted rockers blend classic rock, soul, blues, and alternative on their third studio album, spotlighting dual vocalists Brittany Lauren and Sammie Gorham, and the track “Alien.”

- Greet Death – Die In Love (2025): Flint, Michigan slowcore/shoegaze trio’s third album finds a more balanced emotional perspective, centered on themes of love, loss, and living fully.

Discover more great album picks, deep cuts, and passionate music discussion every week on the Six Picks Music Club!

What do you think about these Northern California classics or our Six Picks selections? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @albumnerds.

Thanks for joining us on Bands Across America! Next stop: North Carolina.

Bands Across America: Southern California

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu (1970) & Stone Temple Pilots – Core (1992)

Our summer musical road trip cruises into Southern California—a region defined by sunshine, reinvention, and boundless creativity. This episode shines a light on two era-defining albums from bands that helped shape the sound of SoCal, from the dream-like harmonies of the ‘70s to the gritty alt-rock thunder of the ‘90s.

What’s Inside:

- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu:

We dive into the iconic album that solidified CSNY’s status as folk-rock legends. From the peaceful optimism of “Teach Your Children” to the haunted beauty of “Helpless,” discover how this supergroup captured California’s dualities of hope and heartache.

- Stone Temple Pilots – Core:

Plug into the San Diego quartet’s hard-hitting debut and the grunge-influenced sound that made them 1990s radio staples. We unravel the hooks, the heavy riffs, and the hidden depth that made tracks like “Plush” and “Creep” stand the test of time.

- Our Takes:

We dig into the standout tracks, production quirks, and lasting replay value of both albums—plus, which one best embodies the SoCal musical spirit.

- Deep Questions:

We discuss other cultural treasures from Southern California.

Diggin’:

- Brent Cobb & the Fixin’s – Ain’t Rocked in a While (2025):

Southern grooves and gritty storytelling perfect for a summer drive.

- Creed – My Own Prison (1997):

The post-grunge debut that launched a stadium-filling career, packed with anthems.

- David Byrne – Who Is the Sky? (2025):

The iconoclast returns with an inventive new set mixing art-rock curiosity with modern textures.

- Presto Ballet – Dreamentia (2025):

Retro-fueled prog rock celebrating melody, musicianship, and big ideas.

Podcast Shout-Out:

• Pick a Disc

Every album has a story. On Pick a Disc, guests bring their favorite album to dissect why it matters and how it changed their world—always insightful, surprising, and fun.

Join the Conversation!

What album defines Southern California for you? Which records ride shotgun on your summer playlist? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds or email [email protected].

Thanks for listening—see you further up the coast next week!

Bands Across America: North Carolina

Ben Folds Five – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (1999) & James Taylor – JT (1977)

Our summer musical road trip rolls into North Carolina, a state rich in musical heritage and home to artists who have shaped the sound of jazz, folk, hip-hop, and alt-rock. This week, we spotlight two albums from North Carolina natives who brought their unique voices to the world stage: Ben Folds Five and James Taylor. We dive into their creative ambition, emotional resonance, and the ways their music reflects the diversity of the Tar Heel State.

What’s Inside:

- Ben Folds Five’s Ambitious Song Cycle:

Explore the intricate, theatrical world of The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner, a piano-driven alt-pop album that blends chamber pop, jazz, and biting wit. We break down the album’s narrative arc, standout tracks, and how Ben Folds Five stretched the boundaries of 90s indie rock.

- James Taylor’s Soft Rock Mastery:

Take a drive through JT, the platinum-selling album that cemented Taylor’s legacy as the king of 70s soft rock. From the joyful “Your Smiling Face” to the soulful “Handy Man,” we discuss how Taylor’s Chapel Hill roots and California influences combine for a timeless, laid-back classic.

- Our Takes:

We break down each album’s vibe, killer tracks, production quirks, and replay value—plus, which one best captures North Carolina’s musical spirit.

- Deep Questions:

Don gets philosophical about North Carolina’s cultural legacy

Diggin’:

- Ian Noe – Between The Country (2019):

Kentucky-born singer-songwriter delivers a haunting, Appalachian folk masterpiece full of vivid storytelling and empathy.

- Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes – Live at the Greek (25th Anniversary Reissue, 2025):

A newly expanded, remastered set capturing the explosive collaboration between Page and the Crowes—now with more tracks and Crowes originals.

- Royel Otis – Hickey (2025):

Sydney indie-pop duo returns with jangly guitars and dreamy melodies exploring the chaos of youth and romance.

- Nation of Language – Dance Called Memory (2025):

Brooklyn synthpop trio’s introspective fourth album blends post-punk, minimal wave, and a human touch inspired by Brian Eno.

Podcast Shout-Out:

Getting Down & Wordy

Dive into the origins and musical connections of words and phrases with Hannah and Russell. From “beef” to “TGIF,” this podcast explores the language of music with wit and curiosity. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.

Join the Conversation!

What’s your favorite North Carolina album? What are you spinning lately? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for listening—see you on the road! Next stop: Southern California

Bands Across America: Indiana

Michael Jackson – Bad (1987) & Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987)

Our summer musical road trip hits Indiana, the Hoosier State, home to pop royalty and hard rock legends. This week, we spotlight two iconic albums from Indiana natives who changed the sound and shape of popular music: Michael Jackson and Guns N’ Roses. We dive into the creative ambition, cultural impact, and lasting legacy of these genre-defining records.

What’s Inside

- Michael Jackson’s Pop Mastery:

Explore the sharp-edged, hit-packed Bad, the follow-up to Thriller, featuring iconic singles, slick production, and MJ’s relentless drive for reinvention. We break down the album’s attitude, standout tracks, and the ways it both builds on and diverges from Jackson’s earlier work.

- Guns N’ Roses’ Hard Rock Revolution:

Take a ride through the chaos and chemistry of Appetite for Destruction, the best-selling debut album in U.S. history. From the explosive “Welcome to the Jungle” to the anthemic “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” we dissect how two Lafayette outsiders helped redefine rock for a new generation.

- Our Takes:

We break down each album’s vibe, killer tracks, production quirks, and replay value—plus, which one best captures Indiana’s musical spirit.

- Deep Questions:

Don gets philosophical about Indiana’s cultural legacy and the meaning behind these albums.

- Reflections:

Why these records are essential listening for any road trip through the Midwest and beyond.

Diggin’

- The Monkees – The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees (1968):

A fragmented but ambitious pop-psych classic, showcasing the band’s creative range as they moved beyond their TV image.

- Badflower – No Place Like Home (2025):

LA rockers deliver a raw, emotionally charged album tackling grief, identity, and mental health, highlighted by the moving ballad “Paws.”

- Sarah McLachlan – Better Broken (2025):

The Canadian singer-songwriter returns with her most personal album in years, blending piano-driven ballads with subtle electronic textures.

- Al Jardine – Islands in the Sun (2025):

A sunny, harmony-rich collection from the Beach Boys legend, featuring guest spots from Neil Young and Flea.

Podcast Shout-Out

Don’t miss Can I Pod With Madness?—a nostalgic journey through classic issues of Kerrang! and the wild world of ’80s and ’90s metal. Expect fun conversations about Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, KISS, and more, plus plenty of pop culture tangents. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.

Join the Conversation!

What’s your favorite Indiana album? What are you spinning lately? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for listening—see you on the road! Next stop: North Carolina

Bands Across America: Arkansas

Johnny Cash – With His Hot and Blue Guitar (1957) & Al Green – Call Me (1973)

Our summer road trip rolls through Arkansas, the Natural State, where the roots of American music run deep. This week, we spotlight two legendary artists whose Arkansas origins helped shape the sound of country and soul: Johnny Cash and Al Green. We dig into Cash’s stark, game-changing debut and Green’s lush, emotionally rich soul masterpiece—two albums that capture the spirit and complexity of Arkansas music.

What’s Inside:

- Johnny Cash’s Raw Beginnings: Explore the minimalist, haunting sound of With His Hot and Blue Guitar, the Sun Records debut that introduced the world to the “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm and set the stage for outlaw country.

- Al Green’s Soulful Perfection: Dive into Call Me, a concise, elegant soul record that blends romance, heartbreak, and spiritual yearning, all delivered with Green’s iconic falsetto and Willie Mitchell’s golden production touch.

- Our Takes: We break down each album’s vibe, killer tracks, production quirks, and lasting influence—plus, which one best embodies Arkansas’s musical legacy.

- Deep Questions: Don probes deeply into Arkansas culture.

- Reflections: Why these albums are essential listening for any road trip through the Ozarks and beyond.

Diggin’:

- Oliver Anthony – “Scornful Woman” (2025): A raw, post-divorce anthem from the viral country-folk singer. Honest, bitter, and deeply personal—therapy set to twang.

- Sly and the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971): Funk and soul take a dark, introspective turn. Murky grooves, political unrest, and the weary brilliance of “Family Affair.”

- SMiLE: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Brian Wilson by David Leaf (2025): The definitive book on the Beach Boys’ lost masterpiece, told by those who lived it.

- Nitzer Ebb – That Total Age (1987): English EBM pioneers lay down industrial beats and aggression. “Murderous” is a dancefloor classic.

Podcast Shout-Out:

Don’t miss the Astrovert Podcast—Jake and Mike from the band Astroverts dive into band journeys, rock news, and music from underground and underheard artists worldwide. Find Astrovert wherever you get your podcasts.

Join the Conversation!

What’s your favorite Arkansas album? What are you spinning lately? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for listening—see you on the road! Next stop: Indiana, the Hoosier State.