The Sort Of Cool Show - Podcast

In the last episode we went over some of the biggest album openers, in this one, we cover the best closing tracks. Who wraps up their album the best? Is it Matchbox Twenty with "Hang?" or, how about Bon Jovi with "Wild In The Streets?" Or, do you think Prince, "Purple Rain?" Some of the biggest hits in the world, were the last songs on their respective albums. Listen in as Steve and Jimi discuss some of their favorites. 

The opening track to an album, is one of the most important songs on the record. It sets the tone for what the next 30-40 mins of music will be. Some get it right, some get it wrong, but the time and effort put into this decision is paramount to any album, launch. We talk, Eagles, AC/DC, Guns-n-Roses, and many more. 

These two bands are very different, but over time, their fanbases have come together. If you're a fan of Def Leppard, you're probably a fan of Journey, and vice versa. Listen in as Steve and Jimi talk about these two major albums, what they mean to them personally, and how these records have impacted each of them over the years. Then, they break it down and determine which one comes out on top. 

In 1990, on the verge of the beginning of the "Grunge" era, Firehouse and Trixter, two late bloomers to the hair metal scene, release their debut records. One artist had a seasoned producer, the other had a seasoned musician, but a not so seasoned producer, produce their album. One made 4 albumin a major label, sold millions of records, and had 2 top 10 hits. The other sold less than a million albums, didn't see major success at radio, but still managed to have a modest career, and tour the world.  Listen as we compare two of our favorite early 90's debut rock records. 

Extreme and Mr. Big both hit the national rock scene in the late 80's. Their debut albums released only months apart. They both had virtuoso guitar players. Their sophomore albums were their most successful, and their biggest hits were acoustic ballads. Come hang out with us to hear more about these two successful 80s rock bands! 

In this episode, our final show of 2020, we hand out the most prestigious award in rock n roll. The Sort of Cool Award. We crown the Rock album of the year, Metal album, Hard Rock Album, Live Album, and more. We even hand out the award for The Best Album to Listen to on Mute! Some of the winners are, Guns-n-Roses, Bruce Springsteen, KISS, H.E.A.T., Stryper, and more. We'll be back on January 7, 2021, with an all new episode! We can't wait to hang with you then!  

In this episode, we honor the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's passing, and we put two albums that were follow ups to AD/DC and Def Leppard's most successful albums. We battle it out with AC/DC For Those About To Rock, vs Def Leppard Adrenalize. Each band were coming off their most successful albums, Def Leppard with Hysteria, and AC/DC with Back in Black. Who followed up the best? Who still had the goods to write another hit record? We talk about it here. Listen now!  

In this episode, we let Led Zeppelin's, "Stairway To Heaven," battle it out with Queen's, "Bohemian Rhapsody." Two classic rock songs, from two of the most influential and successful bands in rock n roll history. 

In 1991, two of the greatest hard rock records of the era were released. Metallica's self titled, fifth studio album, universally known as, "The Black Album," and Skid Row's sophomore album, "Slave To The Grind." With Metallica, they found themselves with a new producer, Bob Rock, and their sound was truly transformed from thrash into a more refined, hard rock sound, with a more commercial appeal. Skid Row, on the other hand, took their sound up a notch to a harder feel, with songs like Monkey Business, Mudkicker, and more. In this episode, we put these records up against each other, and determine which one reigns supreme. Is it unanimous? Is it a tie? Listen now, and see if you agree with our take. 

Two massive debut albums, that collectively sold over 35 million copies. Two lead singers that went on to have successful solo careers. Two bands that defined mid-90s rock. In this episode, we put Matchbox Twenty's debut up against Hootie & The Blowfish's debut. Which one wins? Listen now.