Vinyl Verdict

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of records they have bought, but never played. First up is Jamie's pick, Nirvana's "In Utero", released in 1993. It was the last Nirvana album released in Kurt Cobain's lifetime and had two of their most successful singles on it. Second up is Plouffe's pick, Live's "Throwing Copper", released in 1994. This album was a huge success for the band, having four big singles and was one of the most popular albums of 1994. Finally, Bell's pick is The Horrors' "V", released in 2017. This album was released to rave reviews, and is one of their best reviewed albums. But how will the boys rate these unopened treasures? Should they have stayed sealed forever? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, The Bicycle Thief's "You Come and Go Like a Pop Song". Released in 1999, it is the only album from the duo of Bob Forrest and Josh Klinghoffer, who are joined on this album by a myriad of other musicians. One of these musicians is John Frusciante, who in 1999, had returned to the Red Hot Chili Peppers as their guitarist, and who Josh Klinghoffer in turn replaced in 2009. The album comprises 13 tracks on both its 1999 original release and 2001 re-release, but with some omissions and additions, as well as a track re-ordering. Will the boys come and go from this album, or will the bicycle thief instead steal their hearts? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, REO Speedwagon's "Hi Infidelity". Released in 1980, it was their breakout album, with two hits in the top five, both of which were played on the first day of broadcast for MTV. Since release, the album has sold over 11 million copies and hits such as Take it on the Run and Keep on Lovin' You have become staples of classic rock radio. But will the boys find this album a staple of this podcast? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, the boys are joined by Arthur Rafael, the social media manager at Linus Media Group. Arthur brought Yeat's "Lyfe", an album in the rage genre of hip-hop. Along the way, Arthur explains Yeat's origins, his path to success and how he represents part of the future of the genre. Are we in a new era of hip-hop? Will the boys resonate with this album? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream". Released in 2008, it is the first album from the Australian duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. The album was supported by five singles, which charted well in their native Australia and numerous other countries. The album is a mix of synthpop, electropop, dance rock, and a dizzying array of other genres. But will the boys be walking on a dream with this pick, or will they be left half mast, standing on the shore? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, 3 Inches of Blood's "Advance and Vanquish". Their second album, it was released in 2004 and featured cover art by Edward Repka, who had previously drawn covers for metal bands such as Megadeth. This album marks the second time we have covered a local artist, as 3 Inches of Blood originates from Victoria, BC. An album that pays homage to classic metal sounds and tropes, Advance and Vanquish covers subjects including pirates, vikings and cyborgs. Will the boys find this album to be what is best in life, or will we hear their lamentations? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Tame Impala's "Currents". The group's third studio album, it was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim, including a 9.3 from Pitchfork. On the 2022 refresh of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of all time, it was placed at #382. Normally just made up of one guy - Kevin Parker, Tame Impala grows to 6 people on tour. Will the boys love the layered sound of the album? Will this be a rare quorum on the podcast? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Disclosure's "Alchemy". Released in 2023, it is their fourth studio album. Disclosure is a duo of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, who come from a family of musicians, with their mother, father and uncle having previously had musical careers with varying success. Reviews for the album were largely positive, with most reviewers noting the fun tone of the record, with some of them noting it may be seen as somewhat of a reboot for the group. Is this an album where the boys reach a rare quorum? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of their favourite album covers. Special reminder that this is a video episode on Spotify, so if you were interested in seeing the covers themselves, try that! Bell's pick is Electric Guest's "Kin", Plouffe's pick is Chocolat's "Recontrer Looloo" and Jamie's pick is The Moody Blues' "In Search of the Lost Chord". In a recurring theme, the records could not be more different! Come along and find out about these picks and the ones that didn't make the cut, but are still interesting!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Royal Blood's self titled debut album. Released in 2014, it comes on the heels of the duo's EP, which came out just months before the album. Royal Blood, like previously covered Death From Above 1979, is a band consisting of only a bassist and drummer, but that's where most of the similarities end. The album was a commercial success, although critics were somewhat mixed on it. Is the album derivative? What other bands does Royal Blood remind the boys of? How much mileage can you get out of just drums and bass? Come along and find out!