Vinyl Verdict

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, Gary Numan's "The Pleasure Principle". Released in 1979, it was his first solo album following two albums with the group Tubeway Army. The album covers a number of genres that were in popularity at the time, including synthpop, new wave, electropop and electronica. Taking its title from a surrealist painting of the same name, the album has a largely sci-fi theme to it. What will the boys think of the album? Will they find it too 'Complex' or will it strike up a 'Conversation'? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Beck's "Guero". Released in 2005, it was his ninth studio album. Propelled forward by the single E-Pro, the album was his best selling and highest charting, worldwide. Critically, the album was well received, with most reviewers noting it was a return to form for Beck. But what will the boys think? Will they say 'Hell Yes' to the album or will they run for the 'Emergency Exit'? Come along and find out!

Merry Christmas from Vinyl Verdict! This year the boys decided to try something new - gifting each other albums for Christmas. Adam gifts Jamie D'Angelo and the Vanguard's "Black Messiah", the long awaited followup to "Voodoo". Jamie gifts Bell Pink Floyd's iconic album "Dark Side of the Moon". Finally, Bell gifts Adam L'Orange's "The City Under the City". As always, the picks could not be more different! Come along and hear our takes on this year's Christmas episode!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam’s picks from Bell and Jamie’s collections. From Bell’s collection, Adam picked Dump’s “Superpowerless”. A collection of home recordings from James McNew, the bassist of Yo La Tengo, “Superpowerless” is a look at the creative output of a very talented guy. From Jamie’s collection, Adam picked The Police’s “Synchronicity”, their fifth and final album. The album had a number of hit singles, and sold incredibly well. As always, the choices could not be more different! Will this be a rare episode where both picks are bangers? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Charli XCX's "Brat". Released in 2024, it was her sixth studio album. Entering the Billboard 200 at #3, it represented her highest debut on the chart. Critically lauded upon release, the album went on to be nominated for 9 Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. But what will the boys think? Will the album be full of "Club Classics", or will it just "Talk Talk"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, The Cars self titled debut album. Released in 1978, it was an immediate radio hit, later going 6x Platinum. Described variously as New Wave, Power Pop and Synth-Rock, the album incorporates elements of all three genres. Rolling Stone has most recently named this the #353/500 Greatest Albums of all Time. But will the boys say "Bye Bye Love" to it after repeat listenings, or will the "Good Times Roll"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Mac DeMarco's "This Old Dog". Released in 2017, it was his third studio album. Some of the themes of the album are Mac's relationship with his father, aging, and relationships. On the album, Mac plays every instrument himself, while also handling production. Reviews for the album were overwhelmingly positive, with most critics praising the musicianship, tone and writing. But what will the boys think? Will they complain about "One More Love Song"? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell and Jamie pick two albums from Adam's collection! Bell picks Death Grips' "The Money Store", released in 2012. Jamie picks Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality", released in 1971. As always, the picks could not be more different, with one being a highly experimental rap album and the other being one of the first albums in the stoner metal genre. Which album will the boys like more? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, The Rural Alberta Advantage's "Hometowns". Their debut album, it was released in 2008. The album exemplifies the indie rock sound of the time while exploring themes of the the lead singer's upbringing in - you guessed it - rural Alberta. The album was originally released independently in early 2008 and following the band being featured by eMusic as artist of the month in November, they were signed to Saddle Creek Records. Critical reviews of the album were positive, with Pitchfork giving the album an 8. But will the boys be as generous about the album, or would they rather "Sleep All Day"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, The Dave Brubeck Quartet's "Time Out". Released in 1959, it was the thirteenth album released by the Quartet, and was their most successful album. After taking a trip with the US State Department on a trip of Eurasia, Dave Brubeck discovered the street music of Turkey and their use of time signatures that would be unusual in jazz. "Time Out" features 7 songs with odd time signatures, including Take Five, the best selling jazz single of all time. But what will the boys think of the album? Come along and find out! And also listen to Adam get increasingly frustrated with Bell and Jamie.