The JAM Yearbook

On this episode Matt and Jim go back to 1997. They are joined by a very special guest, Matt's brother Mark as they reminisce about big changes and challenges in life. Grunge was closing it's door as rock became more radio friendly while ska found a mainstream audience. Jim began to shed his previous pretentious self and learned how to Mmmm Bop with the Spice Girls. He also set foot in the country he would eventually call home 25 years ago. Mark found his soulmate in Ben Folds and Matt got married to his in real life. Join them as they discuss the good times, the tough times, and how music served as a beacon of life and hope through it all.

2009 has arrived! As we burn through some of the 2000s, some obvious elements of pop music are starting to stand out. Warning everyone: Matt's not having any of it. Jim and Matt try not to sound like the grumpy old men from The Muppets and are refreshed by the return of hilarious satire and comic music. Some massive legends pass away and reality voice competition shows produce stars that are starting to dominate the scene. Jump in and catch up with Matt and Jim as they finish the show with some songs that shine through like real diamonds in the rough.

This week Matt and Jim find themselves in the middle of the 2000s. 2005 was a year of charity concerts, massive reunions of classic bands, and some trivial pop music. Kanye stuns Mike Myers and sells big. Matt digs deep into old country while Jim finds the UK has the 'craziest' Christmas Number One. Emo-indie roots are planted and 50 Cent has a lollipop for you. Join in as they dissect a year in music that lacks real identity.

It's the end of the millennium! Y2K is here. Computers are going to crash and the world is ending. Peaceful Woodstock turns to anarchy. MTV tells the kids each day what songs should top the charts. Nu metal rises to the top of the charts while the 'Disney kids' come of age. Does Dr. Dre save the day? Join Matt and Jim as they navigate a year of chaos. It wasn't all bad, but is this the kind of party that Prince had in mind?

Welcome back! After a couple of weeks off to catch their breath and crack a few beers together in person, Matt and Jim return. It's 1981 and full of nostalgia for them both. They never stopped believing even after the radio star had been killed by video. Want a Commodores sing-a-long? It's here! 1981 is the champion year for air drumming, no dove is safe around Ozzy, and K-Tel takes them to another 'dimension.' Join the hand claps and jump back in!

Lucky 13! Welcome to Version 1974. Matt and Jim were just babbling toddlers in 1974, but the music from this year still found it's way into their lives. Singer-songwriters, rock, and funk rule the year. Some songs were full of sentiment and others would join their future party playlists. Jim finds an interest in early Rush while Matt reveals his alter ego. Somehow the A@#hole hats don't need wearing in 1974! Join in as they reveal 5 great songs at the end!

This episode is all about the music. There was so much going on in 1991, Matt and Jim ran the clock down on Part 1. They return in this episode with the songs they chose to go on their epic playlist (also titled The JAM Yearbook) and reveal the audience poll. In a first, both get to choose 10 songs a piece along with the audience and 30 songs are added. The scary thing is that so much great music was released, there are still some huge songs and artists missing! Come as you are as Matt says goodbye to hair metal and Jim gets stuck in the lyrics of lost love. Yes, it's gets as epic and as cheesy as it sounds.

Welcome to Version 1991! This is definitely an iconic year in music, but it didn't seem to start that way. The GRAMMYS were beyond questionable. Matt was still rocking to the hair metal and Jim was jumping around in his parachute pants and hanging with a funky bunch. Then August struck and everything changed. 44 days of magical music releases and it wasn't all grunge. In fact, the entire year was peppered with sounds that would shape the landscape for the next decade. It all starts here. Buckle in because this was primetime for for both Matt and Jim.