Trimming The Musical Fat

Is Sign O’ The Times Prince’s greatest album? And which of its singles deserve a place at the very top of the Purple One’s remarkable catalogue?

In this episode of Trimming The Musical Fat, we turn our attention to Prince’s ambitious, genre-defying 1987 masterpiece, Sign O’ The Times. I take a deep dive into the album itself, explore the stories and background behind its creation, and critique and rank the singles released from it. From funk and soul to pop, rock and socially conscious songwriting, there’s plenty to get our teeth into as we decide which tracks are essential listening and which might be ripe for a little trimming!

I also share personal memories of seeing Prince perform some of these songs live, reflecting on what it was like to experience this incredible material in a concert setting.

So, join me as we celebrate one of Prince’s most fascinating and adventurous periods, revisit the singles, and decide where they rank in his extraordinary musical legacy.

How would you rank the singles from Sign O’ The Times? And does the album live up to its legendary reputation?

🎧 Tune in to Trimming The Musical Fat and let’s get trimming!

It’s time to party like it’s 1999! 🎹💜

In this episode of Trimming The Musical Fat, we continue our Prince side-series, working our way through his incredible run of singles released between 1978 and 1989. This time, we’re diving into 1999, the landmark 1982 album that helped propel Prince from cult favourite to international superstar.

We’re putting four of the album’s standout tracks under the microscope: the apocalyptic dance-floor anthem 1999, the irresistible synth-pop classic Little Red Corvette, the frantic funk of Delirious, and the provocative, gloriously eccentric Let’s Pretend We’re Married.

But how do these tracks hold up today? Which deserve their place among Prince’s finest singles, and are any guilty of being a little too funky for their own good? We’ll critique the music, explore the singles’ strengths and weaknesses, and decide which tracks truly deserve to make the cut.

As we continue our mission to celebrate Prince’s greatest singles from his early career, there’s only one question left to ask…

Are these tracks musical gold, or is it time to trim some of the fat?

Put on your purple finery, turn up the volume, and join us as we take another slice out of the musical genius that was Prince! 💜🎶

George Harrison’s 1987 comeback album Cloud Nine gets the Trimming The Musical Fat treatment!

After years away from the spotlight, George returned with an album that combined his distinctive songwriting with a fresh, polished late-80s sound — helped along by producer Jeff Lynne and a stellar cast of musicians.

But is Cloud Nine a genuine classic from start to finish… or is there some musical fat that needs trimming? ✂️

In this episode, Stephen and Paul Nicholson go track by track through the album, debating the big questions:

🎵 Which songs deserve to make the cut?✂️ Which tracks need trimming — or should be cut completely?💿 Is Got My Mind Set on You a classic or an unlikely guilty pleasure?🎸 Is When We Was Fab one of George’s great solo songs?📻 How important was Jeff Lynne to the album’s sound?🏆 Which track is the hidden gem?🔥 And ultimately… what would our Cloud Nine Supercut look like?

We’ll critique, debate, disagree and trim the album down to the very best of George Harrison’s 1987 comeback.

Cloud Nine or Cloud Nein? You decide!

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This time on Trimming The Musical Fat, Stephen is joined by returning guest and former TTMF co-host Paul Nicholson, alongside journalist, writer, critic and author Eoghan Lyng, for a deep dive into Paul McCartney’s 1986 album Press to Play.

The mission? To create the definitive TTMF Supercut of Press to Play — trimming away the excess, selecting the strongest tracks and putting together a leaner, meaner version of the album that comes in at under 50 minutes.

Stephen, Paul and Eoghan critique every track, debate the highs and lows, and decide what makes the cut — and what gets the musical scissors!

Eoghan brings a unique perspective to the discussion, having interviewed several of the key creative figures involved in the making of Press to Play. He shares stories and insights from those interviews, giving us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the album came together.

There’s also a chance to discover more about Eoghan’s own musical tastes as we put him on the spot with a quiz about his favourite Beatles, Wings and Paul McCartney solo tracks.

And, of course, we put both versions to the ultimate TTMF test:

🎧 The original Press to Play — rated out of 5✂️ The TTMF Supercut — rated out of 5

Plus, we briefly turn our attention to McCartney’s latest album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, released in May 2026.

So grab your scissors, put the kettle on and Press to Play… Then Press Stop!

Can Stephen, Paul and Eoghan turn one of McCartney’s most divisive albums into a leaner TTMF Supercut?

There’s only one way to find out…

✂️ TRIMMING THE MUSICAL FAT — THE PODCAST THAT CUTS THE EXCESS.

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In this episode, Stephen is joined by best friend and fellow Soundgarden fan Bryan Borthwick for a deep dive into the band’s 1996 album Down on the Upside — a record both of them bought on release week, and both found… well… a bit disappointing after the towering brilliance of Superunknown.

Stephen and Bryan rewind the clock to the early 90s, sharing memories of seeing Soundgarden live in 1992 when they supported Guns N’ Roses at Gateshead Stadium — a show that cemented their admiration for the band and set expectations sky‑high for their Badmotorfinger follow-up.

Across the episode, they critique Down on the Upside with the benefit of hindsight, exploring what works, what drags, and why the album felt so different from its predecessor. Along the way, they share song information, band tensions, chart facts, and behind‑the‑scenes details from the era.

And of course, they take on the main challenge: trimming the album down to under 50 minutes — carving out a tighter, more powerful version of Soundgarden’s most sprawling release.

If you’re a fan of the band, the era, or the art of album‑reimagining, this is a must‑listen.

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Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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Bluesky - @ttmfpodcast.bsky.social

It’s been a while! 

Life gets in the way. Travel, work & launching a new podcast (Sheer Pod Attack: A Queen Song-By-Song Podcast), have made me ‘time poor’ these last few months. 

But we’re back, with another episode of our Prince side-series, this time focussing on the singles from Prince’s most famous, biggest selling album - PURPLE RAIN. 

Home to its iconic title track, When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, and I Would Die 4U. What do I think of them and the album as a while? Listen to find out. 

And I’m delighted to have a guest contributor: Eric Paul Johnson, co-host of the excellent Face The Music: An Electric Light Orchestra Song-By-Song Podcast). Eric shares his thoughts on I Would Did 4U & Take Me With You. 

Are you a fan of the Purple Rain album? What’s your favourite track from it?

Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Stephen a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com

Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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The Beatles’ White Album is a sprawling masterpiece — 30 tracks of brilliance, indulgence, experimentation, and occasional chaos. But what if it had been a single LP?

In this episode, we take on the ultimate trimming challenge: cutting the White Album down to a tight, cohesive 14-track record. Join us as we debate what stays, what goes, and what defines the essence of this iconic release. Expect passionate arguments, surprising omissions, and a few controversial cuts.

We also explore:

• The album’s fractured recording sessions and solo-driven nature

• George Martin’s original vision for a leaner tracklist

• Fan-favourite deep cuts vs. undeniable classics

Whether you think “Revolution 9” is genius or madness, this is your chance to hear The White Album reimagined — trimmed, tightened, and totally TTMF.

Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Stephen a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com

Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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Bluesky - @ttmfpodcast.bsky.social

Episode Description

Hop aboard the MDNA express as we uncover one of Madonna’s most overlooked gems — “I’m a Sinner.” In this episode of Trimming The Musical Fat: Hidden Prime Cuts, we dive deep into the psychedelic swirl of spiritual rebellion, gospel grooves, and retro synths that make this track a standout moment on her 2012 album. Is it a cheeky sequel to “Like a Prayer”? A sonic pilgrimage through pop, funk, and faith? Or just Madonna having fun with saints and sinners on a train to nowhere?

We explore the song’s lyrical layers, sonic textures, and its place in the Queen of Pop’s vast discography. Plus: why it deserved single treatment, how it channels 60s psychedelia, and what makes it a prime cut worth rediscovering.

Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Stephen a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com

Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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Bluesky - @ttmfpodcast.bsky.social

Join host Stephen Nicholson and his special guest Marv Quibell, as they explore Prince's fourth studio album, Controversy, which marked a pivotal moment in his career with innovative sounds, social commentary, and bold artistic choices.

From the introverted genius behind the scenes to the cultural icon, we unpack what makes this record a fascinating transition in his discography.

​- The background and historical context of Controversy​

- Detailed analysis of the four singles: "Controversy," "Sexuality," "Let's Work," and "Do Me Baby"​

- The evolution of Prince's musical style, technology, and lyrical themes​

- The role of the Revolution and band dynamics in his creative process​

- The album’s critical reception and legacy

Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Stephen a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com

Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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Join host Stephen Nicholson as he dives into one of the most quietly iconic albums of the late ’90s—Dido’s debut album, No Angel. Released in 1999, this folktronica-infused gem blended ethereal vocals with trip-hop textures, launching Dido into global stardom.

Learn about Dido & No Angel as Stephen picks his favourite 3 tracks from the album.

Whether you’re rediscovering No Angel or hearing it for the first time, this episode offers a heartfelt tribute to one of the 90s’ most enduring albums.

Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Stephen a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com

Podcast website - trimmingthemusicalfat.com /

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Bluesky - @ttmfpodcast.bsky.social