The inaugural Asylum Summit, which started in the quaint suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called Greensburg, and moved into the 'Burgh proper, happened this past weekend. It was here that Kousins Tim, Gary, Marvin, and Ray were in the same place/room at the same time, for the first time. With the four Kousins were their wives (in order as above), Stephanie, Christy, Jamie, and Kristi. Also, the Summit featured the first time meeting of any of the "family" with Jim from Irwin, and Kousin Tim meeting Jem from Alabama. The catalyst for this Summit was the Geoff Tate show in which he and his fantastic band performed Operation: Mindcrime (1988) in its entirety, supposedly, for the last time. On this show, the Kousins discuss the Summit, the show, the meet-ups, and when it's time enough for performers or fans. Calls from Jim from Irwin and Jem from Alabama, with a note from Bruno from South Africa. Have you seen the current Geoff Tate tour, or were you at the show? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
The Kousins (including Ray) will meet up for the first time in Pittsburgh this weekend. Kousin Tim and Kousin Gary get to hang out often, but Kousin Tim hasn't seen Kousin Marvin since they were both children. And Kousin Tim has never met Kousin Ray. The guise of the meeting is that all four are going to the Geoff Tate concert, where, supposedly, Geoff is going to do Operation: Mindcrime in its entirety. In addition to the Kousins, long-time listeners, Jem from Alabama, and Jim from Irwin will also be there. So, it will be an Asylum Summit. To honor this occasion, the Kousins did a listening party for Queensrÿche's 1991 Operation Livecrime. Calls from Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, and Bruno from Sweltering Hot South Africa. Have you seen or heard Operation Livecrime? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
September 26, 2025, is the 42nd anniversary of Mötley Crüe's sophomore album, Shout At The Devil. One Kousin calls it their favorite album. Which one? It was released in 1983, and that year marked a definite turning point for the music we love. Let's say it opened the door. Listen along as Kousins talk about the elements, songs, players, and more. Calls from Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Jem from Alabama. Nick left an email that Kousin Tim read on-air. How do you feel about Shout At The Devil? What are your favorite songs from it? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
The new segment, Spinquisition, was back with a whole new album to drop on the Kousins. The premise is this: the Kousins put out a call for their dedicated listener base to send in album recommendations. As was put to them(ish): "We will load a long list of albums into the randomizing wheel (we dubbed it 'Takamata') with the premise of the episodes being that we have to review an album, start to finish, listening party-style with no prep, no advance notice, and totally at random." And the listeners came through! The albums can be any genre as long as they fall in the "Rock" category. Metal, hard rock, grunge, classic rock, current rock, southern rock, new wave, whatever! They can be great, they can suck... all suggestions were welcomed! Takamata was spun and landed on the album Trouble (1978) by Whitesnake. That album was submitted by listener Eugene B Sims from the Wheeler's Dog Podcast and Camel City Radio. The Kousins spun it and gave an honest review of this album. Calls from Bruno from South Africa and Jem from Alabama. Have you heard Trouble from Whitesnake? If not, perhaps you should? If so, what did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
The reason this podcast started was that there were three KISS Kousins who needed something to do during the pandemic. Along came a fourth - honorary Kousin. We had a great run as a KISS podcast. But we moved away from KISS once they hung up the platform boots and batwings. And we acknowledge that our hard rock fandom would be nothing without KISS, and KISS would be nothing without the release of their 1975 live masterpiece, Alive!. Because it is a masterpiece doesn't make it immune to scrutiny, however. The Kousins each took turns talking about other songs from the first three studio albums that they each would like to have heard on this album, and, in some cases, rearranged parts of the setlist to reflect their choices. We hope you enjoy our takes. Additionally, Gary discusses taking his kids to see Vola. Calls from Bruno from South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Jem from Alabama, who delivers a bombshell line that keeps on giving throughout the podcast. Which songs from the first three studio KISS albums would you have rather heard on Alive!? And in what order? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
This weekend will be Kousin Marvin's birthday! And thus, all four Kousins added three songs each from the year 1976 to celebrate him in a 1976 Mixtape (well, mostly). All the Kousins seemed happy with this mixtape. You should listen and see what you think. Calls from Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Dave from Winston-Salem. What are your three favorite songs from 1976? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
This coming week, Kousin Gary starts his new residency on Camel City Radio. It will be about new music discovery and will be called Asylum - First Listen. It won't necessarily be new releases, although that's not ruled out. This will feature newly discovered music, not just from Kousin Gary, but also for listeners of this podcast and, hopefully, new listeners to both the radio show and this podcast. To preview the concept, at least relatively, the Kousins did an "Extended Now Listening," offering things "new" to them (and hopefully to you). Scattered through the tunes from each Kousin, Kousin Marvin gave his "Let Me Know." Calls from Bruno from Windy South Africa, Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, Nick from California, and Ze German. You can get the Camel City Radio app in the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Camel City Radio is available in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. There may be ways for you to listen outside of those areas. Google it! What's something new you discovered recently? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
Yesterday was Kousin Ray's birthday! And thus, all four Kousins added three songs each from the year 1970 to celebrate him in a 1970 Mix Tape. Kousin Ray seemed happy with his mix tape. You should listen and see what you think. A call from Bruno from South Africa. It seems the Spinquisition went well. What would you contribute from 1970 for Kousin Ray's birthday mix? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
All four Kousins were in the proverbial house this week. And, with that, there is a new theme intro and outro performed by the fantastic Stuart Hill. But that isn't all the "new" that the Kousins threw at you this week. A new segment, called Spinquisition, was launched and will occur approximately every 4-6 weeks. The premise is this: the Kousins put out a call for their dedicated listener base to send in album recommendations. As was put to them(ish): "We will load a long list of albums into the randomizing wheel (we dubbed it 'Takamata') with the premise of the episodes being that we have to review an album, start to finish, listening party-style with no prep, no advance notice, and totally at random." And the listeners came through! The albums can be any genre as long as they fall in the "Rock" category. Metal, hard rock, grunge, classic rock, current rock, southern rock, new wave, whatever! They can be great, they can suck... all suggestions were welcomed! Takamata was spun and landed on the album Witness (2021) by the Danish band Vola. That album was submitted by listener Henning, also known as Ze German. The Kousins spun it and gave an honest review of this album. There were calls from Nick Provenzano, Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim from Irwin Toronto, and Jem From Alabama. Do you have a submission for Takamata and the Spinquisition? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). You can leave an email at abner@asylumpodnetwork.com as well! We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
Kousins Marvin and Ray were both out, so that left Kousins Tim and Gary on their own. However, the shimmering light known as Christy came and sat in, and offered her perspective on this week's topic. Speaking of which, circumstances over the last month have kept the Kousins from talking about the 40th anniversary of Live-Aid. The discussion was on the event, who watched it (which was 95% of the televisions in the world except for Kousins you know and love), the aftermath, the performances, and much more. We thank Christy for being our maiden in the tower. There were calls from The Bringdowns, Bruno From South Africa, Communal Steve, and Jem From Alabama. What are your memories of Live-Aid? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
A few weeks ago, Kousin Tim committed to a deep dive into Dio-era Black Sabbath albums; at least the first two. That said, Kousin Tim discusses Heaven & Hell (1980) and Mob Rules (1981) with his thoughts - and, believe it or not, he has a lot to say - about his feelings and what he may like or dislike, not only about these albums, but he discusses Ozzy Sabbath and Dio solo stuff, too. This Friday is also the 44th anniversary of the launch of MTV. So, there was a discussion about the once-music-laden channel that now only stands for Miscellaneous Television. There were calls from Jim From Irwin, Jem From Alabama, and a message from Bruno From Extraordinarily Cold South Africa. What are your thoughts on Heaven & Hell and Mob Rules? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
This week, the music world is mourning the passing of John Osbourne, better known to his friends, you, and us as Ozzy. We say music world. Not just the metal world. Not just the hard rock world. Celebrities, musicians, artists, influencers, and everyday joes from ALL walks of life, genres, backgrounds, and origins are mourning our beloved Ozzy. We won't discuss it extensively here in the show notes, as we feel it was adequately conveyed by our listeners who called in, our own thoughts and memories, and more. Thanks to Eugene B Sims, Jem From Alabama, Jim From Irwin, Nick Provenzano, and Bruno for calling (or writing in). What is your most excellent Ozzy memory? Or, your favorite Ozzy song, either solo or with Black Sabbath? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
A few weeks ago, the Kousins did a retrospective of music (and other pop-culture things) from 1988, which focused on the hard rock genre. Then, three weeks ago, the grades came in for 1988. Well, a lot of feedback/backlash/tongue lashes later, it was decided some of the most iconic albums of that year had been left off. So, this week, is "Part Deux," grading 13 more albums that came out that year. The Kousins will be visiting other years. But before we all move on, it was time to grade the top hard rock albums of 1988 (in their opinion). The albums that were graded (from A+ to D-) were (in no particular order): Poison- Open Up and Say Ahh! Cinderella- Long Cold Winter Kix - Blow My Fuse Scorpions - Savage Amusement LA Guns - LA Guns Lita Ford - Lita Jane's Addiction - Nothing Shocking King's X - Out Of The Silent Planet King Diamond - Them Bulletboys - Bulletboys Vinnie Vincent Invasion - All Systems Go Living Color - Vivid Winger - Winger Calls from Jim From Irwin and Ze German Do you prefer this list to the last one? How does it stack up? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
So, the final show for Ozzy and Black Sabbath was this past weekend. Kousin Gary streamed the whole show, carrying his laptop with him everywhere he went. He provided a comprehensive recap of the event, including the artists, surprises, and the spectacle. The Kousins talked about issues that the online world spouted off about, and the pluses and minuses. There's even a small comparison between the Black Sabbath Farewell and the KISS Farewell. After that, the Kousins presented their Collective Top 10 (okay, 13) Sabbath songs, which were picked from the whole career of Black Sabbath. Calls from Jim From Irwin and Jem From Alabama, as well as a message from Bruno From Sunny (we hope) South Africa. What would your Top 10 Sabbath songs be from any era? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
A few weeks ago, we were supposed to have Stuart Hill on to talk about Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns (in which he's the guitar player), but due to technical issues, that didn't happen. We rescheduled with both Stuart AND Matt himself. Well, Stuart had another engagement he had to tend to, so Matt came solo. The Kousins and Matt did a listening party of the newest album from the group, called Learn From Letting Go. And, a first for the podcast, Matt actually played two of the songs live for us on the podcast. We hate that Stuart couldn't make it, but we had a great time. Calls from Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim From Irwin, and Jem From Alabama. Have you heard the new Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns album? If not, why and what are you waiting for? If so, what did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
First, our producer apologizes for the lack of an episode last week. There it is; we're done with it. No more mentions. A few weeks ago, the Kousins did a retrospective of music (and other pop-culture things) from 1988, which focused on the hard rock genre (which can be found here). The Kousins will be visiting other years. But before we all move on, it was time to grade the top hard rock albums of 1988 (in their opinion). The albums that were graded (from A+ to F) were (in no particular order): Bon Jovi - New Jersey Guns N' Roses - G N' R Lies Metallica - ...And Justice for All Van Halen - OU812 Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Ozzy Osbourne - No Rest for the Wicked Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime Danzig - Danzig Megadeth - So Far, So Good... So What! Judas Priest - Ram It Down David Lee Roth - Skyscraper Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II Slayer - South of Heaven Calls from Jim From Irwin, Jem From Alabama, Nick Provenzano, and Bruno From Sunny South Africa. What would your grades be from the hard rock albums of 1988? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
It's KISS Throwback time! The assignment was to pick your top five tracks #5 on the 20 KISS studio albums. To be clear, the #5s to choose from were: Let Me Know, Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll, Rock Bottom, Flaming Youth, Baby Driver, Tomorrow & Tonight, Charisma, What Makes The World Go Round, Only You (using the original 1981 track listing from Music From 'The Elder'), Danger, Gimme More, Lonely Is the Hunter, I'm Alive, Hell or High Water, Read My Body, God Gave Rock & Roll To You II, I Will Be There, We Are One, Stand, Shout Mercy. Kousin Gary was out, but he still participated in this discussion. Calls from Jim From Irwin, Dave From Winston-Salem, Bruno From Wintery South Africa. What is your top #5s from the list above (and the bottom #5s if you're so inclined)? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
Continuing our 1988 theme, the year saw a months-long tour come to the USA and use the name Monsters of Rock. The show consisted of performances by openers Kingdom Come, Metallica, and Dokken, as well as headliners Scorpions and Van Halen. What the Kousins did was find four songs from each act, put them in the order that they were played, and create a listening party. Along the way, Kousin Ray told stories about the show that came to Pittsburgh (Three Rivers Stadium) that he attended. He was battered, bruised, drunk, hungover, happy, sad, and more. All the Kousins gave some commentary on their thoughts, even Kousin Marvin who was all of 12-ish when it happened. Calls from Jim From Irwin (or in this case, Beaver Falls, PA) and Bruno From South Africa. Did you go to any of the tour stops? Did you want to? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
Dateline - The Asylum. The Year... 1988. 1988 was still a good year for music. It was great not only in the hard rock but also in all music. We think it was pretty righteous. Some landmark albums came out that year, including Kousin Ray's all-time fave, which happens to be Kousin Tim's #2. Some of those represent the biggest or perhaps most widely known in some artists' careers. In addition to all the great music, not just hard rock but pop, alternative, and post-punk, the Kousins take on a snippet in time and talk about what 1988 meant to them. Not only is music on the menu for the Kousins, but they also talk about movies, television, sports, and even video games. No "Now Listenings" because there was a lot of music to go through. Calls from Bruno From Unwinterilylylyly South Africa, Jem From Alabama, and Jim From Irwin. What were you doing in 1988? And what were you doing? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.
Kousin Ray was takin' care o'bidness this week, so the Original Three Kousins decided to do a little XNL and LMK. Each Kousin did four songs, and it was a pretty good mix of tunes. Calls from Bruno From Sunny South Africa, Jem From Alabama, Jim From Irwin, and Nick Provenzano. What have you been listening to? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can't ask for those "enjoy" things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn't like that. Pfft... This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.