Album Swap

Episode 7 features two great blues and rock artists. Gary Clark, Jr. hails from Austin, Texas and came up through the Texas Blues scene. His sophomore release, "The Story of Sonny Boy Slim" is a reflective album that has rock, blues, soul, funk and other influences in the songs. The tracks represent a unique perspective on African-American music past and present. The album was written, performed and produced by Clark in Austin and released in 2015.

Raging Slab was billed as "Metallica meets Lynyrd Skynyrd". Their 1993 album "Dynamite Monster Boogie Concert" is a heavy, sludgy album that combines metal with with southern rock. Their lead guitarist Elyse Steinman has incredible solos along with driving guitars throughout the album. The album also features John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and was produced by Brendan O'Brien who produced Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Neil Young to name a few. Rick Rubin also serves as executive producer.

In this episode of Album Swap podcast, Fred and Brian review Led Zeppelin's "Presence" and J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only".

Led Zeppelin's "Presence" was released in 1976, it was one of the lowest selling albums of the band's career. However it remains a favorite of the band and many fans while being overlooked by radio and casual fans.

J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only" was released in 2016 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. All 10 singles from the album ranked in the Top 40 as well. Hailed by critics as his best album to dates.

Episode 5 features Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings "I Learned the Hard Way" and fIREHOSE "Ragin' Full On" albums reviewed. Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings album is very vintage soul and funk while fIREHOSE is a punk band from the 80s that bordered on alternative with their sound.

This episode features David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories."

"Let's Dance" features Stevie Ray Vaughn on guitar, Omar Hakim on Drums and features a song written by Giorgio Moroder, "Cat People," one of two soundtrack songs on this album.  The album was produced by Nile Rodgers who also contributes on guitar on a few songs. It was nominated for Album of the Year Grammy but lost out to "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

"Random Access Memories" has a large group of contributors including Giorgio Moroder, Panda Bear, Julian Casablancas, Todd Edwards, DJ Falcon, Chilly Gonzales, Nile Rodgers, Paul Williams and Pharrell Williams. It won Grammy for Album of the Year in 2014 along with 4 other Grammys.

Album Swap episode 003 has review of Neil Young & Crazy Horse's "Ragged Glory" and Vulfpeck "Thrill of the Arts" albums. #funkystuff #experimental #godfatherofgrunge #grunge

Episode 002 of Album Swap has Sturgill Simpson's "A Sailor's Guide to Earth" and Cry of Love's "Brother" albums are swapped and discussed at AlbumSwap.net

In this episode of AlbumSwap.net podcast Brian and Fred review each other's picks:
Brian's Pick: ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) "A New World Record"
Fred's Pick: Widespread Panic "Street Dogs"
AlbumSwap.net is a podcast where you the listeners exchange records and then review and discuss.