Vinyl Verdict

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Frank Ocean's "Blonde". Released in 2016, it was his second studio album. The album was highly anticipated, having been delayed several times and came out to widespread critical acclaim. Some of the things critics raved about were the progressive sound and introspective lyrics in the songs, with a number of publications calling it one of the best albums of 2016. Pitchfork has called it the best album of the 2010s and Rolling Stone has ranked it at #79 on the list of the 500 Greatest Albums of Time. But how will the boys rank it? Will they call it "Pretty Sweet" or will they strap on their "Nikes" and beat a trail away from it? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam are joined by special guest Sven! Sven brought Lana Del Rey's "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd", her ninth studio album, released in 2023. A beautiful, full sounding album, the title recalls the actual tunnel under Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, California. Some of the genres the album takes influence from are Americana, folk, trap, soul, and alt-pop. But will the boys want to know more about the tunnel under Ocean Boulevard, or will they ask their grandfathers to stand on the shoulders of their fathers while they're deep-sea fishing? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Danny Brown's "Atrocity Exhibition". Released in 2016, it was his fourth studio album. Filled with haunting samples, sometimes grim themes and vocal style that critics described as ranging from 'agitated squawking' and 'dainty', the album has been described as "progressive rap". Critically lauded, including by Pitchfork - a publication that hates music - the album was named as one of the best of 2016. But will the boys hold it in the same esteem, or will it leave them "Lost" in a "Downward Spiral"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, Stone Temple Pilots' "Core". Released in 1992, it was their debut studio album. Initially ignored by critics, the album received heavy radio play and the singles were staples of MTV. The album went on to win a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance for the single Plush. But what will the boys think of the album? Will they find the album Dead and Bloated, or will they be left with No Memory of it? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Our Lady Peace's "Spiritual Machines". Released in 2000, it is their fourth studio album. A staple of Canadian rock radio since their first album released in 1994, this album also received heavy radio play. Much of the radio support for this album was carried by the singles "In Repair" and "Life". The album is loosely inspired by futurist Ray Kurzweil's book "The Age of Spiritual Machines" and features him on several spoken word tracks throughout the album. But does this vision for the future hold up 24 years after release? Will the boys yearn for "The Wonderful Future", or will they ask each other "Are You Sad?" Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam dive into the topic of albums that we loved when we were in college (or university). Jamie brings Weezer's "Weezer (aka The Blue Album)". Adam brings Thank You Scientist's "Stranger Heads Prevail". Finally, Bell brings Tyler, the Creator's "Wolf". Once again, the choices could not be more different! Will the boys be saying "Say it ain't so!" or will these three picks "Need More Input"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's first pick for season 3, Carly Rae Jepsen's "E•MO•TION". Released in 2015, the album received warm critical reviews and spawned three hit singles. One such single, "Run Away With Me", was named one of the best songs of 2015 by publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Vulture. The album itself was named to several end-of-decade best of lists by a number of publications, with many critics labelling it the best pop album of the 2010s. What will the boys E•MO•TIONs be on this episode? Will there be Boy Problems or will they say I Really Like You? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's first pick for season 3, Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen". Released in 1970, it was the accompanying album to the film of the same name, chronicling his brisk tour of the U.S. Hailing from Sheffield, England, Joe Cocker had just two years prior made a name for himself with his cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" and his subsequent appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. After being surprised by his record label with a tour, Joe assembled a band of friends in less than a week. The band consisted of 22 people - three drummers, a horn section, a choir, two guitarists, a bass play, a piano player and two percussionists. Will the boys be Feelin' Alright, or will they Drown In Their Own Tears? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and for the first time as host -- Adam listen to Bell's first pick for season 3! Bell brings to the podcast local Vancouver band Peach Pit's debut album "Being so Normal". Prior to this album, the band members had day jobs such as being a carpenter and Amazon delivery driver, but the success of this album meant they could pursue music full time. In support of the album, the band went on a world tour and appeared at multiple festivals such as Osheaga and SXSW. How could the album be described? The band calls it 'chewed bubblegum pop', but it's a mix of indie pop, rock and surf sounds. Will the boys want to go to Tommy's Party, or will they Drop the Guillotine on this album? Come along and find out!

Vinyl Verdict will be back weekly starting Saturday September 7th! Thanks for listening, and come along with us for Season 3.