Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Ep. 50 - Led Zeppelin: "Houses of the Holy"

It's our 50th episode and 5-year anniversary! Join us as we give our honest, unmerciful review of Led Zeppelin's adventurous 1973 album "Houses of the Holy". Chock full of classics, and some genre hops, does the record hold up? Tune in and find out!

Ep. 49 - Fiona Apple: "When the Pawn..."

Pete and Brian dive into Fiona Apple's unflinching, incisive, and emotionally charged second album, 1999's "When the Pawn...".  Apple's acrobatic vocalizations, clever lyrics and piano skills are on display, backed by a percussive, expressive band. For the young singer, this album was a response to the criticism from her stunning debut, "Tidal", full of fury and also self-reflection and unique takes on relationship dynamics.  How does it hold up 26 years later? Tune in to find out!

Ep. 48 - Weezer: "Weezer" (The Blue Album)

Join Pete and Brian as we discuss 1994's debut eponymous album by alternative rock band Weezer, commonly known as the Blue Album. Arriving on the scene with a powerfully produced record that spawned hits "Undone (the Sweater Song)", "Buddy Holly", and "Say It Ain't So", Rivers Cuomo and his bandmates defied expectations almost from day 1.  Embracing their geekiness while blasting power chords and tight harmonies, Weezer's debut was a critical and commercial success... but how does it hold up over 30 years later? Tune in as we uncover the album's secrets and give our honest, unmerciful review!

Ep. 47 - Boards of Canada: "Tomorrow's Harvest"

Pete and Brian share a listening experience that none should take lightly: Boards of Canada's fourth and last(?) studio album, "Tomorrow's Harvest" (2013).  The mysterious Scottish duo is renowned as vanguards of "intelligent dance music", but craft soundscapes and sonic experiments that cross genres.  "Tomorrow's Harvest" is a concept record in many ways, and we'll explore some of the lore and the emotions it conjures.  Be warned - it's not easy listening, but the challenges Boards of Canada throw can lead to revelations!

Ep. 46 - Spoon: "Gimme Fiction"

Join Pete and Brian as they unravel the many sonic layers of Spoon's revered 2005 indie-rock album, "Gimme Fiction". We'll dig deep into the lyrics, themes, and music of this well-produced, oft-experimental record.  Do the experiments work?  Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful appraisal!