B-Side Banter

Taylor Swift’s Flop Era? Tyler’s Controversy & Hip-Hop’s Mixed Bag Year

🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥 I’m joined once again by What’s The Buzz, and this episode is PACKED with hip-hop and pop chaos. We’re breaking down 2025’s most polarizing albums — from Freddie Gibbs’ “Alfredo II” and Tyler, The Creator’s “Don’t Tap The Glass,” to Lil Wayne’s forgotten rock experiment and Playboi Carti’s bloated flop. We also debate whether 2025 has been a career-defining year or a creative collapse for some of music’s biggest names. Did Travis Scott sabotage his own rollout to spite Pusha T? Why did Taylor Swift’s new album fall flat? And is Drake’s “Iceman” going to save his legacy? Plus, we share our favorite albums and artist Mount Rushmores — from Gorillaz and Outkast to Jay-Z’s 4:44 and Lil Wayne’s legacy. If you love hip-hop debates, album breakdowns, and brutally honest takes, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and let us know in the comments: What’s been the best (and worst) album of 2025 so far? 👀

The Timeless Power of R&B & Soul Records

Some collectors chase hype — others chase history. In this episode of Pressed, I’m joined by Smitty from Smitty Soul Shack — a lifelong R&B, jazz, and soul collector — to talk about why classic records still move us in ways modern music can’t. We dig into: * How his grandfather’s jazz collection sparked a lifelong passion 🎷 * Why soul and R&B hit differently (hint: it’s the church roots) * The magic of bargain-bin finds and crate-digging stories * How vinyl collecting has changed — the good and the bad * The story behind a mysterious Stevie Wonder note that might involve soul legend Melba Moore 👀 * Tips for new collectors, and why the secret to enjoying vinyl is simply playing the record 👉 What’s a classic record that still gives you chills every time you play it? Drop it in the comments — and don’t forget to check out Smitty’s podcast, Music is the Glue.

Global Beatles, Japanese Jazz Punk, & Forgotten Legends

🌍 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🌍 This week I’m joined by Jakk from A1234, one of the internet’s sharpest voices on global music discovery. We dive deep into the world’s hidden music gems—everything from the “Polish Beatles” to the wild underground scene of Japanese jazz punk. Jakk shares must-listen albums from every continent, stories of overlooked legends like Johnny Alf (the real pioneer of bossa nova) and Miriam Makeba (fighting apartheid with music), and even why Carol of the Bells was originally a Ukrainian protest song. We also explore what’s next in world music—could Italo Disco or Chinese rap shows be the next K-pop? If you love music history, global discovery, and finding artists before they blow up, this is the episode for you. 🔥 Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and tell us in the comments: Which country’s music scene do you want to explore next?

Do Crosley Cruisers Really Ruin Records? Crosley Responds

Few brands in vinyl spark as much debate as Crosley. In this episode of Pressed, I sit down with Caitlin and Barrett from Crosley Record Players to talk about the brand’s history, clear the air on whether Crosley Cruisers really ruin your records, and dive into how inclusivity and accessibility are shaping the future of vinyl. We also cover: • The surprising 100+ year history of Crosley, from radios to cars to record players • Whether the Cruiser is truly dangerous for your vinyl — or if it’s just a myth • Why the Cruiser matters as an affordable entry point for new collectors • Crosley’s national high school Cruiser contest and how it’s inspiring the next generation of music lovers • An exclusive look at their brand-new Cruiser CD player 👉 What was your first record player? Was it a Crosley? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to know your story.

Stranger Things Star to Music Icon: Djo’s Rise, Crux Deluxe, & Steve Harrington’s Fate

🔥 Djo’s moment is here. 🔥 In this episode of B-Side Banter, I sit down with Kelly from Djo Daily to unpack the meteoric rise of Joe Keery’s music career. We trace his journey from Post Animal to Stranger Things fame, the viral breakout of “End of Beginning,” and why The Crux Deluxe might be the perfect album of the summer. We debate whether Djo should be considered a musician first, actor second, break down the unique nostalgia of his sound, and even dive into why he’s never released a single music video. Plus, we speculate on Stranger Things’ final season — will Steve Harrington survive? If you love dad rock, fandom deep dives, and discovering the future of indie rock, this one’s for you. Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and let us know in the comments: Where do you rank Djo’s albums? 👀