Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the top albums of 1994. They start by talking about the heat in Craig's house and then dive into the topic of the best albums from that year. They mention the significance of 1994 as a great year for rock music, particularly alternative rock. They discuss albums from bands like Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Oasis, Blues Traveler, and Toadies. They share their personal favorites and the impact these albums had...

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their recent experiences at baseball games and dive into the world of Pearl Jam, including their unique concert videos and setlist structure. They also pay tribute to the late Steve Albini, a renowned musician, audio engineer, and music critic who had a significant impact on the industry. The hosts share their favorite albums produced by Albini and reflect on his principled stance on music production and the music industry as a whole. Lastly,...

In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss various topics related to music, including the Pearl Jam tour, the closure of Sam Ash, 90s bands they appreciate now, concerts they missed out on, favorite deep cuts from popular 90s albums, and favorite one-hit wonders from the 90s. In this conversation, Andrew and Craig discuss various topics related to 90s music. They talk about their favorite one-hit wonders, lesser-known 90s bands, iconic moments in 90s music history, and trends they miss from...

Summary In this episode, Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey discuss the greatest American rock bands of all time. They start by talking about Taylor Swift and her impact as a pop phenomenon. They then dive into the question of whether a song like Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' could happen today, given the changes in the music industry and how people consume music. They then move on to the main topic of the episode, ranking the top American rock bands. They discuss bands like Rage Against...

In this conversation, Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey discuss Pearl Jam, 'Dark Matter,' a week later, as well as the latest release from Cloud Nothings, Final Summer. They reflect on their initial reactions to 'Dark Matter' and how their enthusiasm for the album has grown. They also discuss the album reviews, including a mixed review from Pitchfork. The conversation then shifts to Cloud Nothings and their history as a band. They discuss the evolution of their sound and the impact of their...

In this episode, Andrew and Craig dive into Pearl Jam's latest release, "Dark Matter," offering track-by-track insights. They kick off with a look at the band's collaboration with Andrew Watt, noting how it ignited a creative resurgence and influenced the album’s production, especially the nuanced use of compression. They start by examining the album's fresh direction and its deviation from Pearl Jam's traditional sound. Special attention is given to tracks 'Scared of Fear' and 'React...

Dive into the rich history of MTV Unplugged with Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey in this deep-dive episode. From the series' beginnings with icons like Eric Clapton to the emotionally charged performance by Alice in Chains, explore how Unplugged shaped musical legacies and offered fans an intimate glimpse into the souls of their favorite artists. Featuring discussions on Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and a special look at the influence of the series on the music world. Join us for a nostalgic...

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their favorite albums from the first quarter of 2024. They cover a range of genres, including punk, hardcore, and black gaze. The albums discussed include Pissed Jeans' 'Half Divorced,' Glitterer's 'Rationale,' Cosmic Joke's self-titled album, and Infant Island's 'Obsidian Wreath.' Each album is praised for its unique sound and songwriting, with particular attention given to the craftsmanship and cohesion of the records. Overall, the hosts...

Summary The conversation revolves around the recently proposed law called the Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2024. The hosts discuss their support for the law and their belief that streaming services should charge more to compensate artists fairly. They explore the details of the proposed law, including the creation of a fund funded by streaming companies and the potential impact on subscription fees. The conversation also touches on the role of record labels and the challenges faced by...

Summary In this conversation, Craig and Andrew discuss several sophomore albums that made a significant impact in the music industry. They start by talking about Pearl Jam's album 'Versus' and how it propelled the band to new heights. They then discuss Limp Bizkit's 'Significant Other' and how it solidified their place in the music scene. The conversation moves on to Rage Against the Machine's 'Evil Empire' and how it showcased the band's musical prowess. They also touch on Nine Inch Nails'...

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the phenomenon of sophomore records in the music industry. They explore different paths that bands can take with their second album, including those that had a phenomenal debut but couldn't follow it up, and those that had a dud as their sophomore record. They mention examples such as Hootie and the Blowfish, Third Eye Blind, the Toadies, and Weezer's Pinkerton. They also discuss successful sophomore records, including Nirvana's Nevermind....

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the album 'Superunknown' by Soundgarden. They provide background information on the album's release and its context within the grunge music scene. The recording and production process, as well as the impact and success of the album, are explored. The unique guitar tunings and intricate songwriting are highlighted, along with the powerful vocals of Chris Cornell. The legacy of the hit song 'Black Hole Sun' is discussed, and the role of...

Summary In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss their top five favorite bands that have held the 'belt' of being their favorite at different times. Andrew's number 5 band is Queens of the Stone Age, while Craig's number 5 band is Mineral. Andrew's number 4 band is Dead Confederate, and Craig's number 4 band is Acid Bath. Andrew's number 3 band is Titus Andronicus. In this part of the conversation, Craig and Andrew discuss their top five favorite bands of all time. They cover bands like...

Become a subscriber at AlbumofRecord.com SummaryThis episode of the Album of Record podcast focuses on the price of concert tickets and ticket lotteries, using Pearl Jam's national tour as a case study. The conversation explores the history of Pearl Jam's fan club and the evolution of ticketing systems over the years. The hosts discuss the challenges of the current fan lottery system and the frustrations it can cause for fans. They also examine the rising ticket prices in the live music...

Summary In this inaugural episode of the Album of Record Podcast, hosts Craig Lyndall and Andrew Schnitkey discuss their musical backgrounds and preferences. They talk about their musical vintage, with Craig growing up on Motown and R&B and Andrew discovering rock and punk in his teenage years. They also discuss their differing views on live music and how they discover new music, with Spotify playing a significant role. The hosts also share their experiences with vinyl and the nostalgia...

Two years and 78 posts later, the journey of "The Album of Record" takes its next big leap—from written word to the airwaves. I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast, a venture that's been brewing since day one. This isn't about solo rants or monologues; it's an honest dialogue between two pals, Andrew Schnitkey and me, exploring the music landscape of our times with a nod to the golden era of the 90s. Our podcast is for anyone who feels stuck in the music of decades past, those...