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Sad Dad Radio Hour

61 Episodes
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The guys return with a listener-requested episode diving into Eminem's breakthrough 1999 album The Slim Shady LP. They discuss just how potently offensive this record still is decades later, the magic of Dr. Dre's production, the best MCs of all time, sticking nine-inch nails through eyelids and more.
The guys are back with a very special Halloween episode breaking down the Devil's Reject himself, Mr. Rob Zombie. Discussed are his early days with White Zombie, his knack for synthesizing new trends in alternative music into his own creations, and whether or not the fellas should invest in a laser tag facility.
The guys continue their exercise in list making and engage in some horse trading to try to get this unwieldy thing under control. Discussed are entry-level electronic music for indie rock fans, how much credit to give legendary artists making just-okay work, and why everyone can agree on Flockaveli.
The guys return with an episode on a classic entry in the Sad Dad Canon, Bon Iver's 2007 record For Emma, Forever Ago. They delve into the myth and minutiae of the album's creation, its forward-thinking production, and its wide-ranging impact on indie and the rest of pop music. This one's a doozy.
The guys continue hashing out their list of the best records of their lifetimes, slowly realizing that the project is becoming more complicated than they initially anticipated. They explore who was the odd vote out for certain classic albums, make the case for some single-vote records, and, perhaps most importantly, debate whether Lil Wayne mixtapes are better than his studio albums.
The guys are back with an episode on 1996's Pinkerton by Weezer. Though it's now a legendary album that's influenced many generations of emo and indie artists, it was a commercial bomb on its inital release and remains a thorny, fascinating, sometimes off-putting glimpse into the psyche of frontman Rivers Cuomo. The guys get into what makes Weezer last, how this record would fare being released today, and, most importantly, is Weezer actually any good?
Back by unpopular demand, and in typical dad fashion, the guys apologize for not being there for your birthday party. They also discuss the future for the show and what's been on their mind. Spoiler... it's Pinkerton.
The guys are back after a short hiatus with a new project: compiling everyone's favorite albums released in their lifetimes. In this first part they discuss the finer points of making lists, the state of albums in 2021, and why Joe Pesci and Danny Devito never worked together. Enjoy!
The guys are once again traveling back to 1993 and this time around tackling the Counting Crows' classic debut "August and Everything After." Helping transition alt-rock out of grunge and into a crunchier new form, the band became a radio staple and low-key pop culture icons. Covering everything from Adam Duritz's dreadlocks to the band's appearance on the Shrek 2 soundtrack, the guys try to get to the bottom of what makes this unlikely group so compelling all these years later.
The guys are back discussing 1993's 'Super Star Carwash' which finds the Goo Goo Dolls in transition from their noisier punk roots to the alt-rock radio titans they would become, and they ask the important questions like "are they actually mom rock?" and "is this album actually bad?"
The guys look at an overview of classic rocker Bob Seger's career, and ask the important questions like whether he's the premier rock and roll poet of nostalgia and regret, if he belongs in the same class as his heartland rocker peers like Springsteen and Petty, and perhaps most importantly, what is the conversion rate between Miller High Lifes and Silver bullets?
For their 50th episode, the dads are back with their first album review in a while to tackle Bright Eyes' 2007 country-rock classic "Cassadaga." An album packaged with a secret decoder on the outside, and containing 12 lush, fully-produced songs on the inside, Cassadaga sees Connor Oberst on Sad-Dad-trope trajectory from alternative prodigy weirdo to folk-country, and the hosts have some thoughts...
The guys are back with a freeform episode talking about what they've been listening to during the pandemic, some of the big music "narratives" of the last few months, the best stoner albums of all time, and why we keep giving Weezer chances they don't deserve.
Recorded last summer, but finally seeing the light of day, this episode finds the guys trying to unpack the long, cosmic legacy of the pseudo-genre "Space Rap." Tackling classics from "Planet Rock" to "Intergalactic" to "Baby Pluto," they trace the evolution of sci-fi themes in hip-hop, and ask the big questions like "It's just about drugs right?" Enjoy!
The guys make their triumphant return with an episode that fell between the cracks on Third Eye Blind's incomparable 1997 self-titled debut. An album that is arguably better track-for-track than any record Led Zeppelin ever released, it dominated rock radio in the years before the millennium ended and defined perfect pop-rock for a generation of listeners. Brimming with sex, drugs, and undeniable hooks, it's an all-time classic that maybe shouldn't be thought about too hard, but they go for it anyway. Crack open a Miller Lite and enjoy!
In the latest episode, the dads tackle Todd Snider's East Nashville Skyline, his 4th Oh Boy Records release. It's a collection of bold, sometimes unsettling, often funny songs about death, suicide, going to jail & growing old. Told in only the way Todd Snider can, with wry wit, unabashed honesty & a unique perspective. They're the kind of songs that make you laugh while hitting you in the gut. Produced by Todd Snider & long time friend & band member Will Kimbrough, Todd touches on alcohol, pills, as well as "Iron" Mike Tyson's entourage. So, sit back, relax, and crack a cold one as they talk shop.
In the latest episode, the Dads pay tribute to the late, great John Prine. Specially they examine Prine's eponymous debut album with Atlantic Records in 1971. The legendary songwriter started off his prolific career on dare, and didn’t slow down until his recent death from the COVID. I mean shit, this dude beat cancer and still kept chugging along. Despite never reaching the mainstream success of his peers, Prine inspired a myriad of musician, from Conor Oberst to Jason Isbell. The man was able to deliver heartfelt, humorous, and eye opening social commentary without condescension or superiority. Above all, Prine just seemed like a really good dude, and he will surely be missed.
In the latest episode, the dads talk about Cloud Nothings' 2012 album—- Attack on Memory. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the band started in 2009 in Dylan Baldi’s parents’ basement as one of several “fake” MySpace bands. However, over the years, the act slowly gained a following after being invited to open for Woods and Real Estate. Not long after, the Dylan was signed to Carpark Records as a one man band. The record we look at today was their third release, but the first Cloud Nothings album to feature frontman Dylan Baldi’s live band as full time members. It was also recorded with producer/engineer Steve Albini at Electrical Audio, so that’s pretty rad. These changes resulted in a heavier and darker sounding album than the previous power pop tracks that the band was known for. The dads also get off topic and talk about Creed and the Corona Virus.
In the latest episodes, the guys look at Minnesotan indie-rock band, Cloud Cult. Lead by Craig Minowa, founder of Earthology Records, the band originated in 1995 as a solo project before evolving into the group we now know today. Specifically, we will be looking at their 2005 release, Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus. It’s a 25 track album that is as eccentric as its name will lead you to believe, as the band grapples with mortality and loss of a childlike innocence. Take care of yourselves and wash your damn hands.
In the latest episode, the dads talk about Deja Entendu by the Long Island emo legends—Brand New. Now, before we go any further, let’s be clear, Jesse Lacey is not a good dude. In fact, in the words of one of his victims, “JESSE LACEY IS A PIECE OF SHIT.” Full stop. However, with that being said, Deja Entendu was released back in 2003 when the dads were just boys, so this record (for better or worse) was on heavy rotation during their formative years. Thus, in typically sad dad fashion, they attempt to figure out what makes this album apart of the genre as a whole. So sit back, relax, and wash your damn hands as they discuss Deja Entendu.