BIRD PROTOCOL

Welcome to 2025, my friends! How are we feeling? Ready for another exciting trip around the sun? The year is already off to a wild start. But, before we get into all that, it’s time for another installment of our yearly roundup - The Bird Report! Over the next few episodes, we’ll share some of our favourite stuff from 2024 and look back on what was a rollercoaster of a year for both of us. As with all our year-end reports, this is by no means a definitive or objective “best of” list. We’re just sharing what we love from the past twelve months. Thankfully, there were some amazing releases and we have lots to talk about.

We kick things off with a little banter about the holiday season, New Year’s Eve, the past year, and how crazy 2025 is shaping up to be but decide to hold our full thoughts for the Lazy Bird Report coming in a few weeks. Otis plans to do it international style and eat some hot chicken very soon while PALMREADER is freshly back from his time in PA and tired from the holidays.

From there, we spend most of this episode talking about our favourite music because a lot of good stuff came out last year. We both share our picks for 2024 (some of which overlap) and some of our honourable mentions. Included in this list are bands and artists like Fred Again.., Vince Staples, Knocked Loose, Counterparts, Drug Church, Doechii, Better Lovers, Mk.Gee, ScHoolboy Q, The Story So Far, Blink 182, Matt Champion, $uicideboy$, Four Year Strong, Alkaline Trio, Mannequin Pussy, Fontaines DC, Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, IDLES, Big Hit, and much, much more. Plus, remember that rap beef that took up most of the year? We look back on that, too.

We end the episode with a short discussion on what we’ve been playing (which truthfully hasn’t been that much this year) including previously released games that we’ve been catching up on like “Baldur’s Gate 3”, “Lies Of P”, and “Fallout 3”, new DLC’s and updates that we love like Build 42 of “Project Zomboid” and the updates/DLC for “Crusader Kings 3”, console ports like “Sea Of Thieves”, and some new games like “Animal Well” and “Helldivers 2” (both of which are super dope).

So, what are some of your favourites from 2024? What did we miss? Let us know! We’ll be back next week to talk about movies and TV! In the meantime, always remember to…

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Happy Holidays, everyone! We’re back with the last episode of 2024 and a new playlist for you to enjoy! That’s right, it’s time to welcome the holidays with a selection of unorthodox holiday songs curated by your favourite Bird Boys! From rap to pop punk to indie rock to hardcore to classic American rock… we’ve got a wide selection of holiday and holiday-adjacent songs for you to enjoy while you’re doing last minute Christmas shopping or kicking back with your friends and family (but don’t want to listen to the same old, same old). This is BIRD PROTOCOL’s Unorthodox Holiday Playlist! Tap in!

We start things off with a little catch-up and share some Christmas thoughts… surprisingly, neither of us are feeling like Christmas is a runaway freight train coming our way and both of us are feeling good about the holidays (albeit tired and/or fighting off colds). This year, we realize we’re getting old and it isn’t what it used to be. The number one thing we’d like for Christmas? Some quiet time with friends and family. We also discuss Christmas shopping, buying presents for people who don’t seem to want or need anything, Christmas with and without kids, and more. From there, we jump right in to our playlist of holiday and holiday-adjacent songs. We break down our picks and give some context to each track. This is an eclectic mix but I think that’s what makes it fun. From Gucci Mane to Bruce Springsteen to Phoebe Bridgers to Chance The Rapper to Blink 182 to From First To Last to The 1975 and a whole lot more. Some songs are definitely Christmas tunes, some are more about holiday feelings, and some are sneaky surprise holiday tracks that might blow your mind.

We close out the episode with a brief look back on the year and all the crazy things that have happened to us (and the world) in 2024. Plus, it’s been a good (albeit somewhat inconsistent) year of podding and we’re thankful for all the growth we’ve had as BIRD PROTOCOL. We also look forward to the future and share some of our upcoming plans. PALMREADER is releasing a new album as Anxiety Weekend next week so he shares some details about the process this time around and his excitement about his new music. Otis also has some lofty creative goals and projects in the works for 2025. It’s all very exciting. We won’t be back until the start of January for our Bird Report episodes so we take a moment to thank our listeners and wish you all a happy, safe, joyful, and relaxing Holiday Season. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Thanks for rocking with us in 2024.

A note from Otis: After recording, I realized the original Christmas mix of Player’s Ball was available on streaming platforms so we decided to include that version instead of the album version as discussed during the episode.

Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/bird-protocols-unorthodox-holiday-season-playlist/pl.u-kv9lbyLCWgep2k

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0hLPRRUhdnSQ1Sl7Ga4BZM?si=514dba8ce78948a6&pt=3fd170b1b4665369c243b84ba2b9534c

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Yo! Your favourite Bird Boys are back for the second part in our series on “The New Golden Age” of television! We’re picking up right where we left off with more selections of some of our favourite series from this period. We highly recommend you check out the first episode to give yourself some contextual clues and better understand what makes this “Peak TV” what it is. Or don’t! We’re not your dads! Before we get into that. though, Otis shares an incredibly eye-opening and wildly horny experience he had this weekend that blows PALMREADER’s mind. You learn something new every day.

After this, we get right into our discussion of some of the best shows of all time including “Breaking Bad”, “Game Of Thrones”, “Stranger Things”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Dexter”, “Band Of Brothers”, and more. We give a rundown for each of our choices and discuss what makes them “Prestige TV”, their massive cast of creators and performers, why they rule, and the cultural impact, legacy, and influence of these shows. We also talk about the many shows related and indebted to these excellent series and try to trace some of the tropes and themes of this era of TV across time. We also talk about the growing influence of fan culture and why becoming a “social craze” might not be everything it’s cracked up to be. Then we go through an exhaustive list of honourable mentions which - even with its massive size - barely covers the slew of great TV that was released over the past 20+ years. So, we’re sorry if we missed some of your favourites. We’re sure that we’ll be covering some of these shows more in-depth somewhere down the line and will have lots more to talk about then.

We end this episode with a conversation about the state of TV today and the future of TV. Have series like “Game Of Thrones” ruined it for others? Is this another “Avengers: Endgame” situation? Does “Prestige TV” still exist and in what capacity? How did the streaming wars and the over-saturation of content help end this era of TV? Is there a stainable duality between “Prestige TV” and what is called “Trough TV” of “Slop TV”? Is TV suffering from the same IP infection that film is? What’s next? Where do we go from here? Hmm. Much to think about.

We’ll be back next week with some sort of playlist for you to enjoy!

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What's good, homies!? We've been lacking in TV talk over the last few months so we've decided to go all-out as we begin to close out the year! This is the New Golden Age of TV episode! "Huh? What is that?", you might ask. Fear not, your favourite Bird Boys are here to break it all down for you, discuss some of our favourite shows from this era of television, and ask some serious questions about the current and future state of TV. Join us for some spirited conversation about HBO, AMC, Netflix, Amazon, Showtime, the death of cable, and the shows we love from the latest wave of peak television!

We start this episode by giving some context to the New Golden Age and explaining how it happened, what it is, and what made it so special. When did it start (roughly)? How long did it last (or is it still going)? What are the major characteristics and conventions of the period? What circumstances (cultural, technological, or otherwise) brought about this rise in "Prestige TV' quality? Is the New Golden Age over? What's next? In answering these, we raise further questions that we intend to unpack and discuss further in the next episode.

After this, we dive into four of our favourite series from this period. We start with the show that, to many, marks the beginning of the New Golden Age and exemplifies most of the qualities that define it - "The Sopranos". Otis and other, more acclaimed critics and thinkers, suggest that it's the greatest TV show ever made. It just might be. It's a critically lauded dark and morally ambiguous anti-hero-driven series filled with humour, adult themes, realism, and violence. "The Sopranos" sets the template for everything that comes next. It had to be on the list. From there, we move to another series that shows how the "Prestige TV" formula and HBO effect trickled down into cable shows - "Mad Men". PALMREADER was wowed by the show's themes, writing, and performances (especially the charming and charismatic performances from Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Moss). Otis also praises the production value and excellent set design. Then, we move to a show that quietly influenced this period and many of our favourite creators - David Lynch's auteurist and experimental series "Twin Peaks". We both discuss how Lynch's willingness to take charge of the show creatively began the trend of cinematic auteurism bleeding onto the small screen. Finally, we talk about a show we both love - the gritty, witty, and violent "Deadwood". This might be one of the best Western TV shows ever made and is one of those "it's a little ahead of its time" TV shows that was critically beloved but somehow ended way too early. All of these shows exemplify the core tenets of the New Golden Age and completely rip. You should watch them, if you haven't.

Then, we call the episode and promise to return next week with six more shows and a whole lot more discussion. We're sure you'll be able to guess some of them but we hope to maybe put you on to something new. What are some of your favourites from this era? Let us know and, as always, remember to...

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There once was a fragile dream that was BIRD PROTOCOL and, much like the wayward son of a fallen Roman hero, we’re here to fulfill our destiny and bring the podcast back to the people. It is time for another Lazy Bird episode on some of the stuff we’ve been watching and listening to over the past few weeks. We’re also here to share our thoughts on Sir Ridley Scott's most recent release, “Gladiator II”. 

We kick things off with a discussion of some of the man-made horrors and atrocities Otis has been reading about and marvel at the evil of the world. Wow. Depressing. Then, it’s time to talk about another empire about to come apart at the seams that has allowed evil and corruption to run unchecked (not the United States, btw). Sir Ridley Scott has taken us back to Rome to continue a story that started with his universally beloved film “Gladiator” nearly 25 years ago. Was it as good as the first? No but that’s ok. Was it entertaining? Oh, hell yeah. You bet your ass it is. “Gladiator II” is an exciting and fun legacy sequel from an octogenarian filmmaker who is obviously still cooking with heat and delivers exactly what we hoped it would. What's not to love here? The film boasts some awesome action sequences and excellent performances from a stacked cast including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and more. It’s full of Roman freaks, political plots, gladiators, animals and people going beast mode, and a monkey gets elected to the role of Emperor’s consul. Join us as we give some thoughts on the film, the critical response, the performances, and share some nitpicks of our own. Hail, Dundus!

We then move to another recent release, Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” album, and share our reactions to the surprise drop. Both of us think it’s good since what is considered average for Kendrick is much higher than it is for many other artists… but is it great? We aren’t sure. Coming from an artist who has been so outstandingly and consistently excellent for so long, we wonder if this album could be a bit of a misstep. We both attempt to put some context to the album within K. Dot’s discography, his current moment in hip hop, and share what we enjoyed and what we thought fell short. Will this album grow on us? Only time will tell.

Lastly, Otis has some bones to pick with “Deadpool & Wolverine” and laments the state of superhero movies (shocking, I know). This time, though, it comes from a place of respect and admiration for the high points of the genre. Otis explains why he feels like Deadpool completely disregards what makes those movies good. PALMREADER has seen it twice and has some similar, though less vitriolic, thoughts. Can you really build a good film and legacy on dick jokes, swearing, and spoon-fed nostalgia? Hmm. Points were made. During our discussion, we compare and contrast the film with other recent tentpole projects that we absolutely loved like “The Penguin”, “Dune Part 2”, and other films in the Marvel canon.

That’s all for today! See you next week!

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What’s good, homies?! We haven’t had a chance to really talk about video games in a while, so it’s time to dust off your old consoles and take a trip down memory lane with your favourite Bird Boys! This week, we decided to talk about five “retro” games that we each love. Now, everyone’s definition of retro is a little different, but for the purposes of this podcast, we’re saying some games from the seventh (early PS3/Xbox 260) all the way to the first generation. Join us as we list and discuss some of our favourites and hit that sweet, sweet nostalgia button in our brains.

To start things off, Otis recounts some fun facts about Winston Churchill before we talk about the joys of reading and staying away from the nightmare machine that is social media and the news right now. Then it’s time to get to the games! Some titles you’ll hear us rant and rave about in this episode include “The Sims 2”, “Banjo-Kazooie”, “Alien Vs. Predator 2”, “Pokémon” (Generations 1-3), “Red Dead Redemption”, “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty”, “Dino Crisis 2”, “The Simpsons Hit and Run”, and a bunch more. Plus, we discuss the lost experience of playing multiplayer games in the same room, early online multiplayer gaming lobbies, LAN parties, game genres that should make a comeback, and more.

We close things out with a short conversation about the new Counterparts EP “Heaven Let Them Die,” which is a welcome reinvention for the band. Plus, it’s heavy as sin. We love it. Like this episode? You’re in luck! Our lists are so long that we’ll definitely have a few follow-up episodes coming your way in the future. Did you play any of the games we mentioned in this episode? What are some older games you love? Let us know in a comment! Have a great week and always remember to…

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Well... Halloween is over, the frights have subdued, and it’s time for another Spooky Season recap episode. Join us this week as we cover some of the things we’ve been watching, listening to, and (not really) playing this past month. It’s another Spooky Bird episode for your head tops!

To kick things off, we share a summary of our Halloweens and PALMREADER discusses the excellent new documentary series “The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal” on Amazon. Following this, we share our thoughts on a fantastic new satirical gonzo horror film from Coralie Fargeat called “The Substance” that we both absolutely loved. Plus, PALMREADER rewatched Robert Egger’s “The Lighthouse” which has some interesting parallels to “The Substance” and continues to age very well. Later, Otis talks about William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” which is an all time horror masterpiece and urges PALMREADER to watch the third film as it is, in his opinion, a quiet banger. PALMREADER was a little let down by “As Above, So Below” after screening it for some friends but Otis gives some pushback. Luckily, we both still have big love for our trauma king Ari Aster and discuss rewatching “Midsommar”. This leads to a conversation about the joys and upsides of watching horror films with people instead of alone. Plus, Otis was right… “Alien: Romulus” is good. PALMREADER has seen it a few times now and updates his stance on the film. Also, has anyone else seen “Brotherhood Of The Wolf”? That movie is insane!

We also talk about some new music including the new Tyler, The Creator album “CHROMAKOPIA”, BigXThaPlug’s “Take Care” and the new school out of Texas, Feddie Gibbs’ “You Only Die 1nce”, and the fantastic new Better Lovers album “Highly Irresponsible”. Later in the episode, PALMREADER puts the people on to some knowledge he’s acquired about Playstation’s Remote Play app on Mac, talks about some changes to the podcast release schedule, and Otis shares that the indie horror film he worked on, “Regicide”, is now available for free on YouTube (and is doing quite well). Click the link below to watch it yourself!

That’s all from us this week! We’ll see you next weekend!

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Watch "Regicide" here: https://youtu.be/26EVgQas93s?si=gad4pUQRTaDRxiFF

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What’s good, homies?! It’s time for another Spooky Season watch-along episode! This week, we sat down and watched one of our favourite movies together - the Japanese psychedelic experimental horror comedy film “House” from director Nobuhiko Obayashi! This is a totally singular film that needs to be seen to at least once… especially if you love movies! It is the highest calibre of weird and some of the most fun we’ve had watching a movie together, ever.

“House” (1977) is a stylish, strange, funny, freaky, and oddly sexual romp through a possessed house where seven schoolgirls on summer vacation face off against an evil aunt who writes in the third person, inanimate objects that become suddenly animated, a demonic cat that shoots eye lasers, a flood of blood, a hungry piano, dancing skeletons, a floating severed head, and a whole lot more. RIP to the floor lizard. Shout out to Kung Fu.

Listen… a guy gets vaporized due to someone’s personal preference for bananas over watermelon. Yeah. This movie is completely bonkers.

So join us as we watch the film and comment on all the insane things we see on the screen. You can get the film on the Criterion channel or rent it on Apple, Amazon, etc. I’m going to keep this short so as not to spoil any more of the movie. I cannot say it clearly enough: YOU NEED TO SEE THIS FILM. Don’t wait. It’s peak cinema, baby. You won’t regret it.

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The days are getting shorter, the vibe is getting spookier, and we feel like it’s the perfect time of year to unleash some demonic riffs and soul shattering breakdowns upon the masses. What do you think? That’s right, we’re back with another curated playlist of absolute bangers for y’all and our next spooky season offering… this is BIRD PROTOCOL’s Heavy As Hell playlist episode! Hit the gym, put on your favourite video game, or turn up the volume and mosh alone in your bedroom to a selection of heavy tracks that should make you feel like being attacked by a horde of gorillas possessed by an ancient demon somewhere in the dark dimension. It’s fast, it’s loud, it’s angry, and it’s awesome.

Join us this week as we break down our song/artist choices, discuss heavy music in general, and awkwardly try to recreate our favourite riffs and mosh calls with our inside voices. We reminisce about and discuss the bands we’ve included in the playlist such as Knocked Loose, Converge, Bodysnatcher, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Kublai Khan TX, Code Orange, END, Architects, Spite, Every Time I Die, The Acacia Strain, Job For A Cowboy, and many more. We even touch on some who aren’t even on the playlist but still absolutely rip. Plus, we close things out with a brief discussion about the importance of metal and metalcore in Ontario in the aughts/early 2010s and the labels that really made a mark in the scene.

Want to listen to the playlist? Click your preferred link below to bang ya head and break ya neck (metaphorically) and then pop on this episode to learn more about the bands (or do it the other way around, I’m not your dad). Like the playlist? Let us know! Think we missed something? Let us know! We might wind up doing a follow up playlist because our long lists were very, very long. This was super fun for us and we hope you enjoy the riffs as much as we did curating this playlist.

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2zwzoNdofIm9GxQG7PctwX?si=c792b7619cb34dea&pt=5b69d98be6fdd03b4c0deba7d2454631

Listen on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/bird-protocols-heavy-as-hell-halloween/pl.u-gxblkRGCMq346L

We’ll be back next weekend! Always remember to…

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Instagram: @palmreadr @otismorrisdude

We’re kicking off our official Spooky Season selections with a movie that we both agree is one of them ones. A modern classic. A stylish and terrifying movie that revived the zombie genre, has aged incredibly well, and influenced horror film and zombie media in so many ways. Ah, yes, it’s finally time to talk about Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s “28 Days Later” starring Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, and Christopher Eccleston. This movie is a banger in all respects. From the production choices to the performances to the cinematography to the writing… this is a bonafide heater. If you’re sleeping on it… it is time to wake up!

In this episode, we break down what makes this movie so damn good, share some interesting details about the making of the movie, unpack the film’s legacy and influence, discuss the rage virus and what makes it unlike anything else in the zombie filmography, praise the use of digital cameras and the aesthetic of the film, and look at some of our favourite scenes and sequences. We also discuss the themes, performances, and ideas that make this movie so unique. Some are obvious while others thoughtfully woven into the fabric of the film. It’s complex yet simple. A political allegory. A truly frightening horror film. A humanist drama. All in equal parts. There are  so many things that this movie subverted or did differently that had a profound impact on cinema and we dive deep into all of it. There are so many things to like about this movie! Seriously! If you haven’t watched it, what are you waiting for?!

Later in the episode, we lament some of the bad takes surrounding this movie on Letterboxd, briefly discuss the sequel, and look forward with cautious optimism about the future of the franchise. We close out the pod by taking some time to talk about some of the new music that we’ve been digging and share some recommendations.

We’ll be back next weekend with another Spooky Season episode for y’all.

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