In this Episode Nate and Kyle discuss the best music that the state of Oregon has to offer. So listen along as the hosts discuss all of the artists that have come out of this Pacific Northwest music scene. Portland is a music rich town and because of that some bands were left off because they were formed elsewhere or their main members were not from Oregon originally... Some coin flips were made. Playlist this week: Best of States: Oregon M. Ward- PortlandSongs: - Magic Trick,...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle discuss the, relatively, new record by the New Pornographers. The newest effort is called Continue as a Guest and as a record by a band that the hosts both enjoy there are some high hopes hinging on this album. Listen in to see if those high hopes are validated, or if it leaves us wanting the good old days. No playlist this week, but check out The New Pornographers Continue as a Guest Musicatarationalvolume.com @MARVpodcast on...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle take a stab at seeing if they can put together a decent playlist of songs that are all over 6 minutes, and good. Largely the list came out great with lots of compelling, complex, and enjoyable songs from artists you may or may not associate with lengthy singles. Listen as the hosts tell you about their process and what went into choosing the songs, then listen to the list on your favorite device/streaming service. This Week's...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle try to decide if one of those records people always talk about is as good as they say, or is it worth the hype? The hosts apply their unique album reviewing perspectives to the well-regarded yet annoyingly common rock alter presence, 2112 by Canadian rockers RUSH. Listen along as the hosts go through the album and share their thoughts about what's good, and what's not. No playlist this week, but check out 2112 from...

In this episode Nate and Kyle talk about the live music experience. What makes a good one, what makes a bad one, and why can't bands just put out a decent tour t-shirt anymore??? Hear about the host's best concert going experiences and some of the less good stuff too. Also stick around to hear some of the reasons why the hosts chose these songs to make the playlist. This week's playlist: It's Better Live! (Churchill’s Speech) Aces High – Iron Maiden (Live After Death)God of Thunder - Kiss...

In this episode Nate and Kyle discuss the new album by The Alarm, called Forwards. In a decidedly more hopeful and positive record than the subject of last week's episode, Jason Isbell's new one, the hosts find a breath of fresh air and upbeat rock tunes. So listen in as the hosts go track by track and tell you whether or not you should give it a listen... who are we kidding? You should definitely give it a listen. No playlist this week, check out Forwards by The...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle discuss the (relatively) new album by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, called Weathervanes. Listen in for a spirited discussion of a fascinating album made by one of the more interesting and though-provoking songwriters working today. Of course one of the hosts like this album more than the other, so after you check out the album come back and see who you agree with more this time around. No playlist this week, check out Weathervanes,...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle break out the Summer Songs playlist... These are songs about summer, not necessarily summer songs in the sense that they remind you of the summer. It's a hefty beast perfect for whatever shenanigans you might get up to this summer, certainly long enough to get you to the beach and back. This Week's Playlist: Summer Songs Beach Baby - First ClassStuck For The Summer - Two Hours TrafficWaiting on the Summer - VHS CollectionHeat of...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle give you the best playlist with songs about carnivals (i.e. state and county fairs, theme parks, or "whatsit-local" days celebrations). Enjoy an eclectic list of tunes hitting all the sketchy rides, fatty foods, and questionable decisions involved with participating in all the summer fun that poorly maintained contraptions and iffy vendors can provide. Oh, and happy Independence Day to our USA listeners, and to everyone else happy...

In this episode Nate and Kyle continue the dream of an alt-country summer... Kyle's dream really, but since Nate is a good friend here we are. The hosts go over Kyle's list of favorite alt-country records and they take a deep look at the top 10.  There is no playlist this week, instead check out the following records...  The Sky & the Ocean (1997) – the Volebeats (MI)Beware of Dog (2000) – the Hangdogs (NY)Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995) – the Jayhawks (MN)Too Far to Care (1997) – Old...

In this episode Nate and Kyle, well... mostly Kyle discusses all things alt country. These are the songs that Kyle feels best represent the alt country vibe. The songs and artists on this playlist are ones that don't fit into your precious genre boxes or your succinct synopses and certainly don't want your country radio airplay, or your increased exposure... or your fandom... or your... money... um... where was I? Listen as at least one of the hosts heaps mounds of love on these beloved songs...

The list of best albums ever we have discussed gets one more in this episode of Music At A Rational Volume. Nate and Kyle discuss Todd Snider's Songs For The Daily Planet. They talk about all the ins and outs of what makes this one of the best albums ever made. The hosts don't agree with everything so listen along as they explain the highs and lows of this tremendous piece of art. No playlist this week, but try Todd Snider's Songs For The Daily Planet Musicatarationalvolume.com @MARVpodcast...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle try to get to to the heart of what power pop is and then make a playlist. The truth is it depends on who you talk to and what definition you believe. So being the opinionated and independent minded people they are, the hosts just make their own for a kick-ass playlist just for you. This week's playlist: It's Power Pop To Me  Talk to Ya Later - TubesOvernight Sensation - RaspberriesLocal Girls - Graham ParkerJames - BanglesCalling...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle do another new album review. The new record from Dave Hause called Drive It Like It's Stolen is the latest effort from the Philadelphia native. You might be surprised to hear that the hosts don't necessarily agree on this one, but listen as they go back and forth about this noticeably short 10 song album.  Is it a tightly packed bite sized power snack, or is it a good thing you don't have to wait so long for one song to another? You...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle discuss the new album by country artist Kip Moore, called Damn Love. This one is definitely more up Nate's street than Kyle, but the hosts talk about it mostly rationally and find  some interesting things to say about the record and about country music generally. So strap in and listen along as the hosts discuss one of Nate's favorite artists and a source of some of Kyle's musical frustrations. No playlist this week, but check out...

In this episode Nate and Kyle hop in the time machine to make a playlist to get into the mysterious land of the New Wave musical phenomenon. Is it a genre, a time frame, both? Who knows, but the hosts of this podcast will do their best to offer thoughts and opinions and ultimately a playlist to prove what they think are worthy inclusions and shoulda been bigger hit songs from the era. This week's playlist: New Wave Primer  No More Words - BerlinIt’s Not Me Talking - Flock of SeagullsA Man...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume, Nate and Kyle dive into murky genre waters with a playlist years in the making. There have been female vocal leads and there has been electronic pop music, and there has also been dance elements, but the recent crop of artists putting these things together have carved out some space of their own. Nate has been collecting them and Kyle has been dipping a toe or two into the pool of these artists and the result is a lengthy playlist full of upbeat...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle share with you a random sampling of tunes they've been enjoying recently. It is by all accounts, a mixed bag, but there's a variety of old stuff, new stuff, and stuff in-between. Listen as the hosts discuss the whys with lots of tangents and whining from Kyle's puppy dog, Astro. Enjoy everybody! This week's Random Playlist Novels About Vampires – Candi Carpenter (digital single only)Big Big Love – Belinda Carlisle (from new EP,...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle welcome you all to the beginning of series 5 of the show and its a review of one of the best albums ever made by humans on the planet Earth. This time around it is the classic by New Jersey's own Gaslight Anthem and their album Handwritten. The hosts talk about its greatness and its highlights, even diving into front man Brian Fallon's songwriting themes and processes. Hopefully you will love this one as much as Nate and Kyle do, but...

In this not-an-episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate briefly discusses the impromptu break in production of the podcast for at least another few weeks. If you'd rather not listen to the audio, you may consider this text good enough, you have been announced to and the purpose is served. Thanks for being a listener of the podcast, we are glad you join us for these crazy shows, you are appreciated. This Week's Playlist: Sophie Blair - Air I Breathe Musicatarationalvolume.com @MARVpodcast...

In this episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle make a playlist that is sorry for your loss... and hopefully helps when you need it. That is all to say it is a playlist of songs to get us through the passing of a loved one. Mostly hopeful and celebratory, the hosts have attempted to create something moving and hopeful. Listen in as they try and explain themselves, without bumming everyone out. It mostly works. This week's playlist: Songs For A Funeral Last Day on Earth - Tai...

In this playlist episode of Music at a Rational Volume Nate and Kyle talk about their favorite new songs in 2022. New music? You might be asking yourself... no, not necessarily. The songs on this playlist are much like used cars, they strictly speaking new... but they're new again to someone else. The hosts talk about what struck them, sometimes more eloquently than others, but always with an excitement over a discovered piece of music that resonated deep down... This week's playlist: 2022...

Back after a little mental health break over the holidays, this latest episode finds Nate and Kyle discussing their favorite albums of 2022. A down year mostly, but there were a few stand out records released this past year. To no one's surprise, the two disagree quite a bit on some of them, but also to no one's surprise it doesn't matter... like what you like and let others do the same. This week's playlist: Albums: 2022 Favorites! Jukebox the Ghost - Cheers! (May 27, 2022) Million Dollar...

In this episode Nate and Kyle send you into Christmas into the dying embers of the holiday season with some of the weirdest, strangest, and most unusual Christmas themed songs they could find... and that, is saying something. Listen along as the hosts try and justify their choices and help you understand why this playlist was put together. Then, you can sit down and enjoy a lengthy playlist full of new, and not always enjoyable, musical surprises. This week's playlist: Christmas Outta Left...

In this episode Nate and Kyle put together another bangin' Christmas playlist, this time full of our favorite bands and their recent holiday efforts. Listen in as the hosts chat about the reasons why and some commentary on what makes these songs a great addition to your holiday listening menu. Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone! A Very (Music At a Rational Volume-y) Christmas Playlist Because It’s Christmas – People on VacationMagic in the Air – Office RomanceI Gotta Work on Christmas Day –...