Episode 45: The White Stripes

This week we dissect the widely beloved White Stripes. While Alex has been a fan for years, this was Mike’s first deep dive on the band—and let’s just say he’s probably going to enrage some people with this episode. Despite how some might feel about this band, the White Stripes emerged during a time when pop culture was starving for hard rock, which alone solidifies their place among many of the greats. Chill out, Mike.

Closing track: “Jolene” from Hello Operator single (2000)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Elephant (2003) — Best Album
Icky Thump (2007) — Personal Favorite
The White Stripes (1999) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Elephant (2003) — Best Album
The White Stripes (1999) — Personal Favorite
Get Behind Me Satan (2005) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
The White Stripes (1999)
De Stijl (2000)
White Blood Cells (2001)
Elephant (2003)
Get Behind Me Satan (2005)
Icky Thump (2007)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 44: Pulp

This week we discuss Jarvis Cocker’s Pulp. If Austin Powers became a real life person and started playing in a Britpop band, that band would probably be Pulp. They started out as an unpredictable acid house/disco/new wave hybrid, then evolved into a high energy pop band throughout the 90s. There’s a lot of fighting between Alex and Mike on this one—way more than they were expecting. Whose side do you take?

Closing track: “Underwear” from Different Class (1995)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’ Picks:
This is Hardcore (1998) — Best Album
Freaks (1987) — Personal Favorite
His ‘n’ Hers (1994) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Different Class (1995) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
It (1983) — Worst Album
His ‘n’ Hers (1994) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
It (1983)
Freaks (1987)
Separations (1992)
His ‘n’ Hers (1994)
Different Class (1995)
This is Hardcore (1998)
We Love Life (2001)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 43: Neutral Milk Hotel

This week we discuss the beloved and divisive Neutral Milk Hotel. To say this band has a cult following is an insult to cults—people worship this band. Alex and Mike nearly come to blows considering how much they disagree with each other on this one. Good band, interesting band, overrated band? Possibly.

Closing track: “Naomi” from On Avery Island (1996)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
On Avery Island (1996) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Ferris Wheel on Fire EP (2011) — Worst Record
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998) — Best Album, Least Favorite
On Avery Island (1996) — Personal Favorite
Everything Is EP (1995) — Worst Record

Albums we discussed this episode…
Everything Is EP (1995)
On Avery Island (1996)
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998)
Ferris Wheel on Fire EP (2011)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 41: The Fluid

This week we talk about the most obscure band we’ve covered yet, The Fluid. This band was requested by listener Colt. Neither Alex nor Mike had ever heard of this band prior to this episode, so we’re all going in blind together. The Fluid started out as a straightforward punk band in the mid to late 80s, but then evolved into an energetic rock ‘n’ roll/grunge hybrid. Interesting band, even if not everyone’s cup of tea.

Closing track: “Nick of Time” from Clear Black Paper (1988)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Roadmouth (1989) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Freak Magnet EP (1989) — Worst Record
Punch N Judy (1986) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
Roadmouth (1989) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Purplemetalflakemusic (1992) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Punch N Judy (1986)
Clear Black Paper (1988)
Freak Magnet EP (1989)
Roadmouth (1989)
Glue EP (1990)
Purplemetalflakemusic (1992)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 40: Kraftwerk

This week we talk about one of the pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk. The recording of this episode was eerily close to the recent death of founding member Florian Schneider, which was a heartbreaking coincidence. However, it also makes now a perfect time to revisit one of the most iconic bands in the 20th century. These guys were incredible, innovative, and extremely odd. It’s wonderful.

Closing track: “The Man-Machine” from The Man Machine (1978)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
The Man-Machine (1978) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Kraftwerk 2 (1972) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Trans-Europe Express (1977) — Best Album
Computer World (1981) — Personal Favorite
Ralf und Florian (1973) — Worst Album
Tour de France Soundtracks (2003) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
Kraftwerk (1970)
Kraftwerk 2 (1972)
Ralf und Florian (1973)
Autobahn (1974)
Radio-Activity (1975)
Trans-Europe Express (1977)
The Man-Machine (1978)
Computer World (1981)
Techno Pop (Aka, Electric Cafe) (1986)
Tour de France Soundtracks (2003)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 39: Cream

This week we discuss the legendary Cream. These guys were intense. Not only are they widely regarded as the first supergroup ever (made up of Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker), they also set the standard for giant, arena rock bands. However, not everything of theirs holds up that well, meaning Alex and Mike are certainly going to get some death threats from this episode. At the very least, listen for all the insane Ginger Baker stories. They will not disappoint you.

Closing track: “Deserted Cities of the Heart” from Wheels of Fire (1968)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Wheels of Fire (1968) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Goodbye (1969) — Worst Album
Fresh Cream (1966) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
Wheels of Fire (1968) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Fresh Cream (1966) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Fresh Cream (1966)
Disraeli Gears (1967)
Wheels of Fire (1968)
Goodbye (1969)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 38: Isis

This week, we discuss the powerful Isis, and if you make one hacky reference to the terrorist group we’re shutting down the podcast. Isis changed what heavy music is throughout their lifespan and their influence is as strong today as ever. Incredible musicians and songwriters who didn’t release a bad album. I hope you like episodes where we don’t complain at all, because this is definitely one of those.

Closing track: “20 Minutes / 40 Years” from Wavering Radiant (2009)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Wavering Radiant (2009) — Best Album
Panopticon (2004) — Personal Favorite
In the Absence of Truth (2006) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Wavering Radiant (2009) — Best Album
Oceanic (2002) — Personal Favorite
Celestial (2000) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Celestial (2000)
Oceanic (2002)
Panopticon (2004)
In the Absence of Truth (2006)
Wavering Radiant (2009)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 37: Joy Division

On this episode we talk about the moody, dark, and beautiful Joy Division. This is the band you listen to when you’re tired of smiling. Having said that, they still wrote some truly spectacular songs throughout their brutally short career. Vocalist Ian Curtis committed suicide just before their first US tour in 1980 and the remaining members continued on as New Order. Great band, but for the love of God don’t listen to them when you’re sad.

Closing track: “She’s Lost Control” from Unknown Pleasures (1979)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Unknown Pleasures (1979) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Substance (1988) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Unknown Pleasures (1979) — Best Album
Closer (1980) — Personal Favorite
Substance (1988) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Closer (1980)
Substance (1988)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 36: Sublime

This week we are discussing the one and only Sublime. Say what you will about this band (and we definitely do), they’re the soundtrack of every teenager’s life in southern California. Sublime were truly a stoned and shirtless voice of a generation. Having said that, this is a full blown disclaimer: Sublime fans are not going to enjoy this episode. Alex and Mike are not fans.

Closing track: “Seed” from Sublime (1996)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Sublime (1996) — Best Album
Robbin’ the Hood (1994) — Personal Favorite
40oz. to Freedom (1992) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Sublime (1996) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Robbin’ the Hood (1994) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
40oz. to Freedom (1992)
Robbin’ the Hood (1994)
Sublime (1996)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 35: Nick Drake

This week we discuss the tragic and beautiful sounds of Nick Drake. During his lifetime, this guy made no money, sold no records, had no fans, yet still somehow managed to record 3 gorgeous albums through it all. Now, decades after his untimely death in 1974, his music is widely available and beloved. We tackle each album in extreme detail and generally blow the guy for over an hour.

Closing track: “Things Behind the Sun” from Pink Moon (1972)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Five Leaves Left (1969) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Bryter Layter (1970) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Pink Moon (1972) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Bryter Layter (1970) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Five Leaves Left (1969)
Bryter Layter (1970)
Pink Moon (1972)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music.

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 34: The Beastie Boys

On this episode we talk about the Beastie Boys. The Beasties started out as a snotty hardcore punk band in the early 80s before morphing into the party-crazy rappers featured endlessly on KROQ to this day. However, despite the radio choosing only to play the same 4 hits ad nauseam, they were great until the tragic death of founding member Adam Yauch, aka MCA in 2012. If you haven’t heard anything besides the hits, it’s time to give their albums a listen.

Closing track: “Gratitude” from Check Your Head (1992)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Paul’s Boutique (1989) — Best Album
Check Your Head (1992) — Personal Favorite
Some Old Bullshit (1994) — Worst Album
License to Ill (1986) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
Paul’s Boutique (1989) — Best Album
Check Your Head (1992) — Personal Favorite
Some Old Bullshit (1994) — Worst Album
Hello Nasty (1998) — Least Favorite

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 33: The Birthday Party

This week we are talking about the violent, psychotic, and absolutely astounding Birthday Party. Many of you are familiar with Nick Cave, who has a lengthy and fantastic musical (and film and writing) career. You also might not be familiar that he was once the wildest frontman for one of the most ravenous bands in rock history. The Birthday Party, from Melbourne, Australia (later relocated to London) have an unusual footprint in alternative music and it. Is. Crazy.

Closing track: “Big Jesus Trash Can” from Junkyard (1982)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Prayers on Fire (1981) — Best Album
Junkyard (1982) — Personal Favorite
Door, Door (1979) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks::
Prayers on Fire (1981) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Mutiny/The Bad Seed (1989) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Door, Door (1979)
Hee Haw (1989) (Compilation; originally released 1979-1980)
Prayers on Fire (1981)
Junkyard (1982)
Mutiny/The Bad Seed (1989) (Compilation; originally released 1983)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 32: Dead Kennedys

This week’s episode was suggested by listener Emely. However, if she hadn’t suggested it, we would’ve done it anyway because Dead Kennedys are one of the greatest punk bands, hardcore bands, rock bands—one of the greatest BANDS ever. We had a blast talking about all of their albums. Not a single bad record. Listen to anything by them, honestly. They’re completely batshit. Brilliant songwriters, too.

Closing track: “This Could Be Anywhere” from Frankenchrist (1985)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Bedtime for Democracy (1986) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) — Best Album
Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982) — Personal Favorite
In God We Trust, Inc. EP (1981) — Worst Record

Albums we discussed this episode…
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980)
In God We Trust, Inc. EP (1981)
Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982)
Frankenchrist (1985)
Bedtime for Democracy (1986)
Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death (1987)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 31: Notorious B.I.G.

This week we discuss one of the most beloved rappers of all time, the great Biggie Smalls. Although he only recorded 2 full length records in his lifetime, we dissect each of them in extreme detail. If you haven’t heard Biggie and you’re even remotely a fan of hip hop, you should be ashamed. The man’s lyrics are absolutely bananas.

Closing track: “Dead Wrong” from Born Again (1999)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Albums we discussed this episode…
Ready to Die (1994)
Life After Death (1997)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music

Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher

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Episode 30: Slayer

To celebrate our 30th episode, we invited our buddy Matt Berlinsky (@meistermatt) from the Stone & Steel Radio Show (stoneandsteelradioshow.com) to join us as we honor the almighty Slayer. Slayer were the first of thrash’s Big 4 to break up, so we knew it was our duty to discuss their entire discography in extreme detail. We all know Slayer is a great band, but we don’t pull any punches here—Slayer found a sound that worked and didn’t veer from it at all throughout their 3 decade lifespan. If you enjoy Slayer, this is not a bad thing. If you don’t enjoy Slayer, we probably already don’t like you.

Closing track: “Angel of Death” from Reign in Blood (1986)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Reign in Blood (1986) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Undisputed Attitude (1996) — Worst Album
God Hates Us All (2001) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
Reign in Blood (1986) — Best Album
Seasons in the Abyss (1990) — Personal Favorite
Undisputed Attitude (1996) — Worst Album

Matt’s Picks:
Reign in Blood (1986) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Divine Intervention (1994) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Show No Mercy (1983)
Haunting the Chapel EP (1984)
Hell Awaits (1985)
Reign in Blood (1986)
South of Heaven (1988)
Seasons in the Abyss (1990)
Divine Intervention (1994)
Undisputed Attitude (1996)
Diabolus in Musica (1998)
God Hates Us All (2001)
Christ Illusion (2006)
World Painted Blood (2009)
Repentless (2015)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura, Alex @motherpuncher, and Matt @meistermatt

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Episode 29: Hüsker Dü

This week we discuss Hüsker Dü from Minneapolis, MN. Yet another band who influenced countless other, more successful bands. Hüsker Dü’s evolution is profound—they started as lightning-speed hardcore punk, ventured into noisy psychedelia, then finally settled on poppy indie rock. They’re good, go listen.

Closing track: “Chartered Trips” from Zen Arcade (1984)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Zen Arcade (1984) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Warehouse: Songs and Stories (1987) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Zen Arcade (1984) — Best Album
Candle Apple Grey (1986) — Personal Favorite
Warehouse: Songs and Stories (1987) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Land Speed Record (1982)
Everything Falls Apart (1983)
Metal Circus EP (1983)
Zen Arcade (1984)
New Day Rising (1985)
Flip Your Wig (1985)
Candy Apple Grey (1986)
Warehouse: Songs and Stories (1987)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura and Alex @motherpuncher

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Episode 28: Celtic Frost

This week we’re tackling Switzerland’s very own Celtic Frost. To say this band is abrasive is a viking-sized understatement. However, their contribution to the creation of extreme metal is undeniable, regardless of whether or not you might actually enjoy their music. Important band in heavy metal’s history. But be warned, some of their stuff gets extremely weird. Cool, heavy, and weird.

Closing track: “A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh” from Monotheist (2006)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
Monotheist (2006) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Cold Lake (1988) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Into the Pandemonium (1987) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Cold Lake (1988) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Morbid Tales (1984)
To Mega Therion (1985)
Into the Pandemonium (1987)
Cold Lake (1988)
Vanity/Nemesis (1990)
Monotheist (2006)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura and Alex @motherpuncher

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Episode 27: The Replacements

This week we discuss The Replacements from Minneapolis, MN. Like countless other highly influential rock bands, these guys had a bit of a drug and alcohol problem. However, they still released some wonderful records before crumbling into a mess of drugs and sadness. This is one of the rare instances where Alex and Mike see eye to eye during the whole episode. Sort of.

Closing track: “Answering Machine” from Let It Be (1984)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike and Alex’s Picks:
Let It Be (1984) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Don’t Tell a Soul (1989) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash (1981)
Stink EP (1982)
Hootenanny (1983)
Let It Be (1984)
Tim (1985)
Pleased to Meet Me (1987)
Don’t Tell a Soul (1989)
All Shook Down (1990)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura and Alex @motherpuncher

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Episode 26: Charles Bradley

On this episode, Mike and Alex talk about the most beautiful black rose, Charles Bradley. This former James Brown impersonator went through it all before achieving success in his early 60s. After 3 brilliant albums, Bradley tragically died of cancer in 2017, but a 4th album was released posthumously. The man was absolutely spectacular and we’ll never get another one like him. We’re all a victim of loving you, Bradley. Unless you haven’t heard him. In which case listen now for the love of God.

Closing track: “Lovin’ You, Baby” from No Time for Dreaming (2011)

Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc

Mike’s Picks:
No Time for Dreaming (2011) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Black Velvet (2018) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Changes (2016) — Best Album
No Time for Dreaming (2011) — Personal Favorite
Black Velvet (2018) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
No Time for Dreaming (2011)
Victim of Love (2013)
Changes (2016)
Black Velvet (2018)

Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura and Alex @motherpuncher

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