Vinyl Verdict

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe discuss the season that was and celebrate our 100th episode! As Season 2 of the podcast draws to a close, we look back at the hits, misses and debate whether we were too harsh or too fair on the albums. Where do Plouffe and Jamie's picks fall on the Bell Curve? What are the plans for Season 3 for Vinyl Verdict? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of albums by artists we've already covered in previous episodes. Jamie brings Supertramp's "Breakfast in America", their 1979 album. Bell brings George Clanton's "Ooh Rap I Ya", his 2023 album. Plouffe brings MF Doom's "MM..FOOD", his 2004 album. The albums once again could not be more different -- but will the boys have the same reactions this time around? Is Bell secretly a huge Supertramp fan? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Plouffe and Jamie sit down to talk about EPs in their collections. Bell brings Ginger Root's "City Slicker", Plouffe brings Yellow Days' "Harmless Melodies" and Jamie brings Devo's "Dev-o Live". In a recurring theme for our topics, the choices could not be more different! Come along as the boys discuss things such as tomato sauce and Energy Domes!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Cake's "Comfort Eagle". Their fourth album, it was released in 2001. Upon its release, critics noted that the sound was reminiscent of their previous albums and that the riffs were often very infectious. The album charted well, ending up at #13 on the Billboard 200. It has sold over one million copies in the U.S. But will it sell copies to the boys? Will they be building a religion, building it bigger? Will they call you "Dude!"? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Buddy Guy's "This is Buddy Guy". Released in 1968, it was his first live album, released shortly after his first studio album. The album is a time capsule of an early part of his solo career, following years of being a musician in fellow blues musician Muddy Waters touring band, and playing as a session guitarist at Chess Records. Since its release, Buddy Guy has put out a staggering 32 studio albums and 14 more live albums, continue to tour to this day at age 89. Will the boys latch on to Buddy, or will they say 'I ain't your Guy, friend'? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Lucy Rose's "This Ain't the Way You Go Out". Released on April 19, 2024, it had the misfortune of coming out on the same day as Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department". Critics praised the jazzy, upbeat sound of the album, and noted the lyrics were vibrant and full of life. But will the boys find the album to be beautiful and raw, or will they find it overcooked and bland? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, the boys are joined by Sarah Farrell, our most vocal - and most local fan. Sarah brought us Beyonce's newest album, "Cowboy Carter". Released at the end of March 2024, the album immediately entered the chart with 23 of its tracks in the Hot 100. The album subsequently went to #1 in over 30 countries. Her first foray into the Country genre, the album was both welcomed and spurned by people in the Country community. But will this album lasso the boys hearts, or will it be just another horse in the race? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Fatboy Slim's "Palookaville". Released in 2004, it is the last studio album from Fatboy Slim, a.k.a Norman Cook. Continuing his style of loops and beats, the album was released to mixed reviews, with many reviewers calling it a low-point in his career. Several reviewers also noted that the album could've used another pass to remove unnecessary songs. But what will the boys think? Will this album only appeal to long haired freaky people? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, The Offspring's "Smash". Released in April 1994, the album has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Riding a wave of success for punk groups such as Green Day and Rancid in the mid-90s, the album was a huge breakout hit for the band. Four singles from the album charted, and the album has sold 11 million copies since its release. It holds the record for most sales for an album released on an independent record label. But will it go to #1 in the boys hearts? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Kings of Convenience's "Peace or Love". Their fourth album, it was released 12 years after their previous album. Many of the songs on this album had been performed live in the previous decade and some of them had even been recorded in a studio, but the duo was not convinced the versions were good enough. The album was released to positive reviews, with a number of reviewers noting that it was a welcome return by the duo. But what will the boys think of the album? Will it be their best reviewed album to date, or does it need more time in the oven? Come along and find out!