Is Ten a perfect 10? This week, we’re digging into the album that turned Seattle into the center of the musical universe. From Eddie Vedder’s iconic growl to the soaring guitar 🎸 work that defined a generation, we’re exploring the iconic album that transformed internal anguish into stadium-sized euphoria.

Then, we pivot to the modern day with the 2025 album "Bleeds," *Wednesday’s* high-decibel rallying cry for the overlooked, a cathartic howl from the back porches of the American South. It turns small-town grit into sonic euphoria and vulnerability into sheer feedback-drenched power, blending wall-of-sound distortion with a raw, country-tinged pulse. Here, every note feels like both a reckoning and a celebration — Karly Hartzman leading the charge to find beauty in the rust, and salvation in the scream. 🏚️💥📉

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week,  your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

*Support* the Two Fat Guys and an Album podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/bandman35.

*Full Episode List and Album Ranking* https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SEryl6jnLRXhHsTwvlhN239mmw2gg8VL/view?usp=drive_link

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music

*The Maestro's Current Album Ranking*

*"The Show's" Current Top Ten*

The 2026 Rock Hall ballot meets the Maestro Meter! We’re putting this year’s nominees to the ultimate test to see who truly belongs in the Hall. Snubs, surprises, and a whole lot of opinion—Two Fat Guys style. Who gets the Maestro’s seal of approval? Find out now! 🤘

So welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week, your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Support the Two Fat Guys and an Album podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/bandman35.

-------------------------------------

🕒 Time stamps so you can jump right in:

0:00 Welcome!

2:45 Introducing The Maestro Meter™. Advanced Rock Hall worthiness analytics based on Chart & Commercial Success, Career Longevity, Impact on Rock History, Musical Influence & Canon and Critical Acclaim.

5:40 The Maestro Meter™ rates current Hall of Famers The Beatles, Bad Company, and The Who.

12:30 The Black Crowes

16:38 Jeff Buckley

19:34 Mariah Carey

21:42 Phil Collins https://youtu.be/Tca6QQx6RZ8

24:34 Melissa Etheridge

28:10 Lauryn Hill 31:00

The Wu-Tang Clan

32:42 Billy Idol 35:53

INXS 39:02

Iron Maiden https://youtu.be/b9HcFGZ2z3M

42:13 Joy Division/New Order

45:00 New Edition

45:50 Oasis

47:29 P!NK https://youtu.be/4kdC05yeBsE?si=A4b0DB9aKnYciCIO

51:01 Sade

51:50 Shakira

54:01 Luther Vandross

55:40 The Maestro's vote and The Show's predictions

58:31 The Maestro's predictions

59:00 The People's Vote

59:45 The Snubs. How does *The Maestro Meter™* rate Phish, Alice and Chains, Styx, Boston, Motörhead, Jethro Tull https://youtu.be/7ReQvH_5LtQ?si=Q2oOWpFhfMACmD2z, King Crimson https://youtu.be/L5ieARK0SPA?si=TN13Xj_k6wHo2xNu, The Strokes.

1:07:53 Thank you and Goodbye👋

Full Episode List and Album Ranking https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SEryl6jnLRXhHsTwvlhN239mmw2gg8VL/view?usp=drive_link

-------------------------------------

💌 Thanks to our sponsors & contributors! 📧 [email protected] 🏠 Diane – www.yourhomegroupchi.com 🧠 Deeper Connections Counseling – www.dcctherapy.com 📸 LR Media – [email protected] 🎬 MKE Video – [email protected]

⚡️ Ziggy Played Guitar (and We’re Talking About It!) ⚡️Put on your platform boots and glitter—the Fat Guys are going to space! This week, we’re diving into the ultimate glam album: David Bowie’s 1972 masterpiece, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

🍸 Welcome to the Moon’s Most Exclusive Lounge 🍸 After leaving the glitter of Ziggy Stardust behind, the Fat Guys are heading further into the stars—to a luxury retirement hotel on the moon. This week, we’re also checking into the Arctic Monkeys' masterpiece of space-age lounge pop, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week,  your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

*Support* the Two Fat Guys and an Album podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/bandman35.

*Full Episode List and Album Ranking* https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SEryl6jnLRXhHsTwvlhN239mmw2gg8VL/view?usp=drive_link

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music

*The Maestro's Current Album Ranking*

*"The Show's" Current Top Ten*

_Disintegration_ is the definitive Gothic Rock masterpiece 🏰, a sprawling, atmospheric new wave epic that cemented *The Cure's* legacy. Drenched in lush melancholy 🖤 and existential dread, the album is built on soaring synth pads, echoing guitars, and colossal, deliberate production. Tracks like "Lovesong," "Pictures of You," and the title track create an immersive, almost cinematic experience of profound emotional dissolution, making it the essential statement of beautiful, patient sadness 🥀. _Butcher's Coin_ by *TRAITRS* is both retro and utterly immediate, a relentless surge of contemporary Darkwave 🦇and Post-Punk Revival ⛓️, carving a stark, uncompromising space in the modern Gothic Noir scene. It’s an album of sharp edges and profound sorrow, demanding a listen from start to finish. So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week, your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music *2026* https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2026/pl.u-WabZP9Asrld2v *2025* https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2025/pl.u-oZylavgsZlRJ0 ------------------------------------- 📼 Episode Breakdown 0:00 Welcome and Nuggets 🐔 Metonymy. Pete Townsend "only two Classic Rock bands." 9:20 Goth. New Wave. Coldwave. Darkwave. 25:13 *Side One:* _Disintegration_ by *The Cure.* Happy Birthday Fat Guys 🎂. 38:08 The songs. 48:35 Landmark?🗺️ Perfect💯 52:40 *Side Two: What's Going On:* Rush and Anika Nilles. The Violent Femmes. Bad Company. Everclear. Local H. *The Mountain Goats* _Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan_. *Goose* _Chain Your Dragon_. *Robert Plant* _Saving Grace_. *Howl Owl Howl* _My Cologne_. *Bela Fleck and the Flecktones* and the *Alash Ensemble.* _Wicked for Good_. *The Sharp Pins.* 1:10:38 *Side Three: Beyond Classic Rock:* *TRAITRS* _Butcher's Coin_. 1:22:37 *Side Four:* Ranking and Thank You 🙌 Next show ep.32: _Excitable Boy_ by *Warren Zevon.* ------------------------------------- 💌 Thanks to our sponsors & contributors! 📧 [email protected] 🏠 Diane – www.yourhomegroupchi.com 🧠 Deeper Connections Counseling – www.dcctherapy.com 📸 LR Media – [email protected] 🎬 MKE Video – [email protected] ------------------------------------- *Two Fat Guys and an Album* is also available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts! ------------------------------------- *The Maestro's Current Album Ranking* Check out our full episodes on the following albums! 1. Sgt. Pepper (1967) – The Beatles 2. Moondance (1970) – Van Morrison 3. Led Zeppelin IV (1971) – Led Zeppelin 4. The Doors (1967) – The Doors 5. Wish You Were Here (1973) – Pink Floyd 6. Aqualung (1971) - Jethro Tull 7. Graceland (1986) - Paul Simon 8. Who’s Next (1971) - The Who 9. Paranoid (1970) - Black Sabbath 10. Violent Femmes (1983) - Violent Femmes 11. Nothing’s Shocking (1988) - Janes’ Addiction 12. London Calling (1979) – The Clash 13. Blonde on Blonde (1966)- Bob Dylan 14. American Beauty (1970)- Grateful Dead 15. Let It Bleed (1969) - Rolling Stones 16. The Sunset Tree (2005)- The Mountain Goats 17. Moving Pictures (1981) – Rush 18. A Trick of the Tail (1976) - Genesis 19. Bat Out of Hell (1977) – Meat Loaf 20. Brothers in Arms (1985) – Dire Straits 21. Automatic for the People (1992) - R.E.M 22. The Chirping Crickets (1958) - The Crickets 23. Discipline (1981) – King Crimson 24. OK Computer (1997) - Radiohead 25. Joshua Tree (1987) U2 26. Disintegration (1989) - The Cure 27. What’s the Story (1995) - Oasis 27. Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) – Sting 28. Breakfast in America (1979) - Supertramp 29. Synchronicity (1983) - The Police 30. Number of the Beast (1982) - Iron Maiden *"The Show's" Current Top Ten* 1. OK Computer (1997) - Radiohead 2. London Calling (1979) – The Clash 3. Blonde on Blonde (1966)- Bob Dylan 4. Graceland (1986) - Paul Simon 5. Aqualung (1971) - Jethro Tull 6. Bat Out of Hell (1977) – Meat Loaf 7. Who’s Next (1971) - The Who 8. Wish You Were Here (1973) – Pink Floyd 9. The Doors (1967) – The Doors 10. Synchronicity (1983) – The Police ------------------------------------- #️⃣ Tags: #ClassicAlbums #MusicPodcast #TheCure #TRAITRS #TwoFatGuys #2FatGuys #MusicReview #AlbumReview #NewMusic #Indie #MusicCulture #AlbumAnalysis #MusicDiscussion

_Led Zeppelin IV_ is *Led Zeppelin’s* untitled 1971 masterpiece that blends hard rock, blues, and folk into eight iconic tracks, including “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “When the Levee Breaks.” Often called the definitive heavy rock album, it pairs mystical lyrics and acoustic moments with thunderous riffs and drums, showcasing the band at the peak of its power.

_Anthem of the Peaceful Army_ is *Greta Van Fleet’s* 2018 debut album, a retro-inspired rock record that mixes big vocals, bluesy riffs, and 1970s-style production across songs like “When the Curtain Falls,” “You’re the One,” and “Age of Man.” It plays like a modern classic-rock concept album, touching on themes of nature, spirituality, and environmental and social consciousness while showcasing the band’s youthful energy and throwback sound.

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week,  your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2025/pl.u-oZylavgsZlRJ0

*"The Show's" Current Top Ten*

🚨 Forget ‘best of’ lists — Synchronicity is The Police weaponizing pop: paranoid reggae rhythms, existential poetry, and Wrapped Around Your Fingers’ spellbinding mystique. An era-defining masterclass that still towers today. 

⚡️ Left of Cool isn’t jazz, bluegrass, or fusion — it’s Béla Fleck detonating genre walls: banjo pyrotechnics soaring over the finest Victor Wooten synth-funk grooves, Future Man’s drumitar sorcery, and Jeff Coffin's melodies that hijack your soul.

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week,  your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2025/pl.u-oZylavgsZlRJ0

*"The Show's" Current Top Ten*

Get into the spooky groove with our Halloween Music special! We dig into iconic haunted hits — "Monster Mash," "Tubular Bells," “Thriller,” “Werewolves of London,” and “This Is Halloween.” From moonlit howls to dance-floor chills, we’re unearthing the stories behind the songs that make October scream. 👻

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week, your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2025/pl.u-oZylavgsZlRJ0

0:00 Welcome!

1:05 Actual welcome- ignore that first part. Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Donny and Marie Osmond. Ronnie Woo-Woo. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

8:35 _The Monster Mash_ by *Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers.*

17:32 _Tubular Bells_ by *Mike Oldfield.*

26:00 _Werewolves of London_ by *Warren Zevon.*

34:30 _Thriller_ by *Michael Jackson.*

41:40 _This is Halloween_ by *Danny Elfman.*

-------------------------------------

💌 Thanks to our sponsors & contributors!

📧 [email protected]

🏠 Diane – www.yourhomegroupchi.com

🧠 Deeper Connections Counseling – www.dcctherapy.com

📸 LR Media – [email protected]

🎬 SmidgeFilms – [email protected]

This week we explore *Genesis'* stunning first post-Peter Gabriel album, _Trick of the Tail._ Then in our *What's Going On* segment we share some new music releases we're interested in. But wait…there’s more! On Side Three we turn our attention to the brilliant _Misplaced Childhood_ by *Marillion.*

So welcome to *Two Fat Guys and an Album* …the only fat guys podcast that matters! 🎧🎸 A lively, in-depth music podcast dedicated to album lovers, vinyl collectors, and curious listeners everywhere. Each week, your host Mike "The Show" Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus passionately dive into legendary classics, hidden gems, and brand-new releases, sharing entertaining reviews, sharp analysis, and hilarious banter across every genre—from rock and alternative to indie, folk, prog, metal, and beyond. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out the *Two Fat Guys and an Album Playlist* on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/two-fat-guys-and-an-album-2025/pl.u-oZylavgsZlRJ0

-------------------------------------

📼 Episode Breakdown

🕒 Time stamps so you can jump right in:

0:00 Welcome and Nuggets 🐔 *Iron Maiden* _Number of the Beast_ and _Somewhere More Familiar_ by *Sister Hazel.* Who owns Eddie? Did Elmo kill Grover? How do you define a "one hit wonder?" *The Beatles* _Anthology 4._

18:07 When does a band stop being a band?

31:15 *Side One:* _Genesis_ *Trick of the Tail.* Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks. 1981 concert recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD3LnhlZ7_g&t=4877s. Phil Collins v. Peter Gabriel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6ZhiEj3G3A.

49:28 The songs. Hipgnosis. 

1:13:48 Landmark?🗺️ Perfect💯

1:20:32 *Side Two: What's Going On:* _Tell Me a Tale_ by *Michael Kiwanuka.* _Bowery_ *Zac Bryan* with *Kings of Leon.* _Dry Stick_ *Buddy Guy* with *Joe Bonamassa.* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC02wGj5gPw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjGowAPNlvc

1:42:12 *Side Three: Beyond Classic Rock:* _Misplaced Childhood_ by *Marillion.* Fish and the band. Major and minor keys.

2:02:38 *Side Four:* Ranking and Thank You 🙌

-------------------------------------

💌 Thanks to our sponsors & contributors!

📧 [email protected]

🏠 Diane – www.yourhomegroupchi.com

🧠 Deeper Connections Counseling – www.dcctherapy.com

📸 LR Media – [email protected]

🎬 SmidgeFilms – [email protected]

-------------------------------------

*Two Fat Guys and an Album* is also available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts!

-------------------------------------

*The Maestro's Current Album Ranking*

Check out our full episodes of each the following albums!

1. Sgt. Pepper (1967) – The Beatles

2. Moondance (1970) – Van Morrison

3. The Doors (1967) – The Doors

4. Wish You Were Here (1973) Pink Floyd

5. Aqualung (1971) - Jethro Tull

6. Graceland (1986) - Paul Simon

7. Who’s Next (1971) - The Who

8. Paranoid (1970) - Black Sabbath

9. Violent Femmes (1983) - Violent Femmes

10. Nothing’s Shocking (1988) - Janes’ Addiction

11. London Calling (1979) – The Clash

12. Blonde on Blonde (1966)- Bob Dylan

13. American Beauty (1970)- Grateful Dead

14. Let It Bleed (1969) - Rolling Stones

15. The Sunset Tree (2005)- The Mountain Goats

16. Moving Pictures (1981) – Rush

17. A Trick of the Tail (1976) - Genesis

18. Bat Out of Hell (1977) – Meat Loaf

19. Brothers in Arms (1985) – Dire Straits

20. Automatic for the People (1992) - R.E.M

21. The Chirping Crickets (1958) - The Crickets

22. Discipline (1981) – King Crimson

23. OK Computer (1997) - Radiohead

24. Joshua Tree (1987) U2

25. What’s the Story (1995) Oasis

26. Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) – Sting

27. Breakfast in America (1979) - Supertramp

28. Number of the Beast (1982) - Iron Maiden

*"The Show's" Current Top Ten*

1. London Calling (1979) – The Clash

2. Blonde on Blonde (1966)- Bob Dylan

3. Aqualung (1971) - Jethro Tull

4. Bat Out of Hell (1977) – Meat Loaf

5. The Doors (1967) – The Doors

6. Moving Pictures (1981) – Rush

7. Breakfast in America (1979) - Supertramp

8. Moondance (1970) – Van Morrison

9. Brothers in Arms (1985) – Dire Straits

10. Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) – Sting

-------------------------------------

#️⃣ Tags:

#ClassicAlbums #MusicPodcast #TwoFatGuys #2FatGuys #MusicReview #AlbumReview #NewMusic #Indie #MusicCulture #AlbumAnalysis #MusicDiscussion #Progrock #Genesis #Marillion