Episode 55: Fugazi

This week we’re discussing Fugazi, the band Mike openly calls “his Beatles.” One summary isn’t enough to explain the profound impact this band has had on independent music, but we will say that Fugazi was formed in Washington DC by former Minor Threat frontman Ian Mackaye and Joe Lally. The two quickly recruited drummer Brendan Canty and second guitarist/vocalist Guy Picciotto. Very few bands in the world have the raw chemistry that Fugazi did and the bond between each member shined through every one of their albums. We like them a lot and this is one of our most gushy episodes by far. Listen to this one before any other episode. And if you’ve already heard other episodes, pretend you haven’t.

Closing track: “Shut the Door” from Repeater (1990)

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

Mike’s Picks:
The Argument (2001) — Best Album
Repeater (1990) — Personal Favorite
Instrument soundtrack (1999) — Worst Album
13 Songs (1989) — Least Favorite

Alex’s Picks:
The Argument (2001) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Steady Diet of Nothing (1991) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
13 Songs (1989)
3 Songs EP (1989)
Repeater (1990)
Steady Diet of Nothing (1991)
In on the Kill Taker (1993)
Red Medicine (1995)
End Hits (1998)
Instrument soundtrack (1999)
The Argument (2001)

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

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Episode 54: Butthole Surfers

This week we’re discussing the wild and unpredictable Butthole Surfers. Formed by Paul Leary and Gibby Haynes, these guys defined what insanity was. In addition to mind-boggling shows, the Butthole Surfers had a remarkable talent for tape manipulation and studio experimentation, resulting in some of the creepiest, most hilarious, and endlessly entertaining records. They managed to find mainstream success in the 90s, however by that point their records had become fairly docile. Even still, they remain one of the most influential and psychotic bands to ever roll around onstage completely nude.

Closing track: “22 Going on 23” from Locust Abortion Technician (1987)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Locust Abortion Technician (1987) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Weird Revolution (2001) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Hairway to Steven (1988) — Best Album
Psychic… Powerless… Another Man’s Sac (1984) — Personal Favorite
Weird Revolution (2001) — Worst Album
piouhgd (1991) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
Butthole Surfers EP (aka Brown Reason to Live, aka Pee Pee the Sailor) (1983)
Psychic… Powerless… Another Man’s Sac (1984)
Rembrandt Pussyhorse (1986)
Locust Abortion Technician (1987)
Hairway to Steven (1988)
piouhgd (1991)
Independent Worm Saloon (1993)
Electriclarryland (1996)
Weird Revolution (2001)

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

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Episode 53: White Zombie

This week we’re tackling the one and only White Zombie. While Rob Zombie is more known these days for being Mr. Spooky, he and founding member Sean Yseult helped pioneer noise rock in the mid 80s. Casual listeners might be surprised to learn that White Zombie was an entirely different (and batshit crazy) band before ending up in every movie soundtrack in the 90s with hits like “More Human Than Human.” This is a fun one and a fascinating band.

Closing track: “Blood, Milk and Sky” from Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Psycho-Head Blowout (1987) — Best Record, Personal Favorite
Supersexy Swingin’ Sounds (1996) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Supersexy Swingin’ Sounds (1996) — Worst Album
Soul Crusher (1987) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
Gods on Voodoo Moon EP (1985)
Pig Slaughter single (1986)
Psycho-Head Blowout (1987)
Soul Crusher (1987)
Make Them Die Slowly (1989)
La Sexorcisto - Devil Music Vol. 1 (1992)
Astro-Creep: 2000 (1995)
Supersexy Swingin’ Sounds (1996)

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

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Episode 52: The Smiths

This week, Mike and Alex are back in studio together after countless awful Skype episodes, and what better band to discuss than the insanely popular Smiths? This band needs no introduction, but we did our best to dissect their relatively short discography and talk about as much juicy Morrissey gossip as we could. Why the hell is he so popular in East LA? We try to get to the bottom of it. Also, The Smiths is a very good band, although one we probably don’t love nearly as much as every other person in the world.

Closing track: “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” from Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Meat is Murder (1985) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Meat is Murder (1985) — Best Album
The Smiths (1984) — Personal Favorite
Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) — Worst Album
The Queen is Dead (1986) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
The Smiths (1984)
Hatful of Hollow (1984)
Meat is Murder (1985)
The Queen is Dead (1986)
Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

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

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Episode 51: Suicide

This week we talk about the immensely influential electronic duo, Suicide. Comprised of Martin Rev and Alan Vega, Suicide helped pioneer electronic, industrial, noise, and experimental music, as well as helping to coin the term “punk” in music. These guys influenced pretty much every band ever since the early 80s. Musically, they are absolutely not for everyone (especially considering crowds responded with violence at many of their early shows). However, their importance is as relevant as ever. Crazy band with a rich and inspiring history.

Closing track: “Mr. Ray” from Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev (1980)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev (1980) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
A Way of Life (1988) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev (1980) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Why Be Blue? (1992) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Suicide (1977)
Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev (1980) [Listed as The Second Album on streaming]
A Way of Life (1988)
Why Be Blue? (1992)
American Supreme (2002)

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

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Episode 50: Thin Lizzy

This week we dissect arguably one of the most important Irish bands in history. While most of you know Thin Lizzy because of the hits, they have more amazing songs than we could count—hence the two hour episode. Phil Lynott’s unmistakable voice and songwriting hold up fantastically after all these years and we had an awesome time diving into each album. There’s no better band we could’ve chosen to celebrate our 50th episode. Holy balls, we’ve done 50 episodes of this insane podcast. Wild. Thanks to everyone who’s supported, we’re not stopping just yet.

Closing track: “Roisin Dubh (Black Rose): A Rock Legend” from Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Bad Reputation (1977) — Best Album
Thin Lizzy (1971) — Personal Favorite
Nightlife (1974) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Thunder and Lightning (1983) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Renegade (1981) — Worst Album
Fighting (1975) — Least Favorite

Albums we discussed this episode…
Thin Lizzy (1971)
Shades of a Blue Orphanage (1972)
Vagabonds of the Western World (1973)
Nightlife (1974)
Fighting (1975)
Jailbreak (1976)
Johnny the Fox (1976)
Bad Reputation (1977)
Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979)
Chinatown (1980)
Renegade (1981)
Thunder and Lightning (1983)

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

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Episode 49: Minor Threat

This week we discuss Washington DC’s Minor Threat. Led by Fugazi founding member Ian Mackaye, Minor Threat is one of the most influential (and quite frankly, best) hardcore punk bands around and we had an awesome time dissecting their short discography. Mike nerds out hard on this one and we recommend that anyone interested in the American hardcore punk scene give this episode a shot. It’s a sweaty good time.

Closing track: “I Don’t Wanna Hear It” from Minor Threat EP (1981)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Minor Threat EP (1981) — Best Record, Personal Favorite
Salad Days EP (1985) — Worst Record

Alex’s Picks:
Out of Step (1983) — Best Album
In My Eyes (1981) — Personal Favorite
Salad Days (1985) — Worst Record

Albums we discussed this episode…
Minor Threat EP (1981)
In My Eyes (1981)
Out of Step (1983)
Salad Days EP (1985)

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

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Episode 48: Elliott Smith

This week we’re talking about the wonderful, troubled, and extremely high Elliott Smith. This was suggested to us by Lars from Sweden, so thanks for that. Also, surprising no one at all, Mike and Alex disagree entirely about Elliott Smith’s music. We will say, however, that if you enjoy beautifully intricate folk music, as well as Beatles knockoffs, Elliott Smith is right up your alley.

Closing track: “Last Call” from Roman Candle (1994)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Either/Or (1997) — Best Album
Roman Candle (1994) — Personal Favorite
New Moon (2007) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
Figure 8 (2000) — Best Album
Roman Candle (1994) — Personal Favorite
XO (1998) — Least Favorite
New Moon (2007) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Roman Candle (1994)
Elliott Smith (1995)
Either/Or (1997)
XO (1998)
Figure 8 (2000)
From a Basement on the Hill (2004)
New Moon (2007)

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

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Episode 47: Big Black

This week we discuss legendary recording engineer Steve Albini’s first band, Big Black. If you aren’t familiar with Steve Albini, let’s just say the man is as real as it comes with independent music and has recorded damn near everyone for about 20 bucks per album. Big Black paved the way for noise rock, industrial, and grunge with their ear-piercing, buzz saw guitars, drum machines, and highly controversial lyrical themes. These guys were truly special and hold up well after all these years. However, they might destroy your speakers if you play them too loud, so be careful.

Closing track: “Passing Complexion” from Atomizer (1986)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Songs About Fucking (1987) — Best Album
Racer X EP (1984) — Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record

Alex’s Picks:
Atomizer (1986) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record

Albums we discussed this episode…
Lungs EP (1982)
Bulldozer EP (1983)
Racer X EP (1984)
Atomizer (1986)
Headache EP (1987)
Songs About Fucking (1987)

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

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Episode 46: Strapping Young Lad

This week we discuss Devin Townsend's Strapping Young Lad. Of all the metal bands we've covered, Strapping Young Lad might just be the craziest and most technically impressive of the bunch. Although they have one of the most misleading band names ever, they are also one of the most interesting, chaotic, and unpredictable bands to ever play a blastbeat. Townsend isn't only a completely original guitarist and songwriter, but is also one of the most versatile vocalists in all of metal. Listen to this band now. Also Gene Hoglan was their drummer. Okay, NOW listen to them.

Closing track: “Shitstorm” from Alien (2005)

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

Mike’s Picks:
Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing (1995) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Alien (2005) — Worst Album

Alex’s Picks:
City (1997) — Best Album
The New Black (2006) — Personal Favorite
Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing (1995) — Worst Album

Albums we discussed this episode…
Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing (1995)
City (1997)
SYL (2003)
Alien (2005)
The New Black (2006)

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

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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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