2 Twins & An Album

Nubs leads the discussion and review of U2's 1997 album ‘Pop' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Pop or Not Pop?  The boys assess this piece which, regardless of your thoughts, bridged the industry from the 90s to the 2000s.  Then we all got scared of Y2K and such.  We all started thinking it would be our Last Night on Earth.  Okay that one was too easy.  Tune in as we dig into this mega release from this mega band, and whether or not the “reverse bookends” nature of it pleases the fellas.  Let's go.

Toph leads the discussion and review of Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 album ‘The Raw & The Cooked' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Stop the presses...we did two episodes in 8 days!  Which makes us proud as pie.  Tune in to hear the boys discuss the sweet sultry (I guess) voice of Roland Gift, provide the story of how this "spin off" band came about, and play the strangest game in the history of 2T&A.  Will this episode be raw? Will it be cooked? Will it be a Gift?  Will it be a good thing?  Will we drive you crazy? Will you be satisfied?  Or will you take what you can get?  Regardless -- don't look back, and give episode 92 a listen.  It's ok.  It's alright.

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Backstreet Boys' 1999 album ‘Millennium' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Well it's been a bit – and what better way to say we've missed you, we love you, we can't be without you, and we yearn for your touch and your kisses and your affection and the sky may fall but as long as its you and us together in the end it will be all worthwhile after all...than with episode 91.  Hey, I think we just wrote a song.  Join as we discuss the genre of the bands made up of boys – and how this album helped calm the fears of a Y2K catastrophe, and instead began the new century with good vibes.  Because we wanted it that way.  Get in!!

Episode 15 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a quartet from Georgia who liked to put on their harborcoats and play some sort-of rock and roll.  Mandolin sold separately.  

Episode 14 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a Charlottesville, Virginia's favorite South African son, David J. Matthews and his reggae band.  Don't burn the day away, listen to Toph's Top Five instead.  It'll make you smile.

Episode 13 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a trio from Buffalo (go Chiefs) -- who once saved the day for a young, bored Nubs and Toph as an opening act before anyone knew who they were.  True story.  Enjoy.

Episode 12 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a French-Canadian lady that could kinda sing.  She had some tres bien songs.  Tune in...maintenant!!

Episode 11 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a band that at one point played their instruments, and now that seems fairly optional.  So before I spend all my change on you...give this a listen.  Will make you smile.

Toph leads the discussion and review of Boston's 1994 album ‘Walk On' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys return with -- much like last episode -- a release outside of a band's commercial peak, but with the distinctive sound and songwriting that made it sneaky commercially successful.  Join us as we plow through Boston's fourth album -- as well as other topics including band feuds, a movie recco from Toph, making America great again, Emily Latella, and other worthwhile/worthless nuggets from your two favorite twin bozos.  We Need Your Love…So Surrender to Us…and let's Walk On together through Episode 90.  I know that We Can Make It.   This one's for Steve-O. Stephen Thompson Young May 29, 1982 - November 3, 2024 We'll miss you, big man.

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Journey's 1977 album ‘Next' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Lovin...Touchin...Squeezin...and Podcastin.  The boys return with one you more likely than not never heard -- where the question will be asked, would you want to hear this again?.  It's Journey: the early days on today's episode, as the gents explore this pre-Steve Perry excursion, the final album before the band's commercial explosion.  Join as we discuss living out of a suitcase, million dollar voices, our out-of-nowhere-good MLB teams, our some-what-expected-good NFL teams, Vegas recovery, Lionel Richie fan clubs -- and, provide our Journey top 5.  So give a listen...then let's touch...and go our separate ways.

Toph leads the discussion and review of The Four Seasons' 1975 album ‘Who Loves You' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   HEOOOOOOOO!!!  The boys from the Mitten State talk about the boys from Jersey -- as we jog through this short, yet efficient, jaunt of an album.  And when not doing so, the boys are joined by a New Jersey native herself (that one of the hosts happens to share a house with) to test skills, knowledge, and expertise of The Garden State.  That's right – it's Nubs vs. Mrs. Toph, a Jersey Trivia showdown.  (brought to you by Miller Lite).  And in between the shenanigans, we actually talk about a rather fascinating front man, album and group that found themselves at the “later” part of their careers.  In 1975.  So put on your Devils face paint and let's do this.

Episode 10 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the rather adult contemporary...aka David Foster...era (1978-present) of Chicago.  After listening to their entire catalogue (yes, their entire catalogue), part two reveals Toph's top 5 songs from this time period.

Episode 10 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the 'Terry Kath era' (1969-1977) of Chicago.  After listening to their entire catalogue (yes, their entire catalogue), part one reveals Toph's top 5 songs from this time period.

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Jellyfish's 1993 album ‘Spilt Milk' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Join us on this whimsical, multi-genre adventure.  One that was a critical A+, and a commercial not-so-much during a time where the scene just may not have been ready for something so.  Well.  Throwback.  Rediscover, or discover for the first time, a group that both gents enjoy getting others hooked on.  It's always sunny on 2 Twins & An Album…and we hope Episode 87 is no exception.  Be there.

Episode 9 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses a power trio that at some point HAD to have recorded something you like.  And if not, well, that's your problematique.

Toph leads the discussion and review of Duran Duran's 1983 album ‘Seven and the Ragged Tiger' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   It's been five months.  But we're gonna see if we still got it.  May our voices be sturdy…may our technology be reliable…may our feet be swift…may our bats be mighty…may our balls, be plentiful.  We are again stuck in the early 80's – so join us as we dive into this junior year classic (or was it?) from this original/unoriginal five-piece at its peak.  Welcome back!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of The Police's 1983 album ‘Synchronicity' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Guess who's back.  Back again.  Guess who's back.  Tell a friend.  Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back, Nubs is back, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back. But today, it's not about Eminem -- it's about the tantric one, and his two friends. Who weren't actually friends at all.  Yes, we're talking about the PohPoh...the fuzz...5-0...John Law.  Otherwise known as, The Police.  Join us in our valiant return as we briefly air grievances, play a game, then dive into this acclaimed-yet-fairly-lopsided finale from this interesting trio.  Enjoy!

Episode 8 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on one of the greatest stories in music history -- covering the absurd, the justified, the ancient, and the burning of a lot of fricking money.  The KLF may have left the music industry, but they haven't left this episode.  All bound for Mu Mu Land, let's go..!!

Episode 7 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a wonderful group/artist.  Just try not to get too pissed off.  Enjoy!

Episode 6 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on some midwest rock 'n roll...and a band that has somehow, some way, prevailed the test of time -- The Smashing Pumpkins.  Enjoy!

Episode 5 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on a rather squarely bunch of guys that never made a fantastic album -- but sure came up with some fantastic tracks: the one and only, Queen.  Enjoy!

Episode 4 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the supergroup...the side project...the duo...the business...the multimedia operation...the band within a company that also houses a UFO research institute...the unique musical operation that is, Angels & Airwaves.  Enjoy!

Episode 3 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the great Madonna.  Which, much like episode #1, features an artist who hails from the midwest...has a real name that sounds like a stage name...and most notably, is kind of a perv.  Enjoy!

Episode 2 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the great Steely Dan.  A session musician group named after a rather interesting device.  Enjoy!

Episode 1 of Toph's Top Five, the 2T&A spinoff sweeping the nation, focuses on the artist formerly known as…O(+>…the Purple One…His Royal Badness…the High Priest of Pop…the great Prince Rogers Nelson.

Welcome to Toph's Top Five!  The 2T&A spinoff that is sure to sweep the nation.  Tune in for a quick word from Toph on the new series, and what it will be all about.

Toph leads the discussion and review of Talk Talk's 1984 album ‘It's My Life' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   We are back this fine 2T&A Friday to discuss a group, a (tortured) artist and a sound that was perhaps well ahead of its time, but met the moment nicely at an interesting time for commercial music.  Be there as we revisit the Billboard Top 100 from this compelling year in pop music, which includes a soulful ballad sing-a-long…Nubs showing his knowledge of the pop charts and even some country stuff…and Toph recalls dialing up radio stations trying to solve the mystery of a song from this album, then proceeding to download on Napster rather than going to class like he should have been doing.  So don't be a Dum Dum…and when we ask you to join us, simply say: Yah Mo Be There!

Toph leads the discussion and review of Supertramp's 1979 album 'Breakfast in America' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys welcome an infamous friend of the show, and 2T&A superfan (or is he? we shall find out) -- in fellow podcaster, music appreciator and pizza trainer extraordinaire: the great Sam Fauser.  The boys dive into this commercial classic, a golf movie and Nubs' round and round which could have also been submitted by a teenage girl.  Was it a Wurlitzer or a Rhodes?  Is music the doctor??  Should certain bands just not try to do ballads???  Tune in and find out.

The boys have awoken from their long winter's nap...and lend some thoughts to their top album releases of 2022, reveal their respective 2022 Album of the Year, and discuss youth hockey, Lieutenant Weinberg, other podcasts, Nubs' loose definition of "Festival Rock" and the sheer artistic integrity of Taylor Swift.  Good to be back!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Live's 1994 album 'Throwing Copper' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Reunited…and we hope it feels good.  The boys are back in town – back in the town of York, Pennsylvania that is – to dissect an album that everyone just seemed to have, and everyone just seemed to love.  Also, Toph grieves for a football coaching legend…Nubs grieves for musicianship and distinct drummers…and we figure out how truly poetic the singer/lyricist of this band really was or wasn't.  Meet us at the Dam at Otter Creek, wherever the hell that is, and let's have a White Discussion, whatever the hell that is.  Let's go!

Toph leads the discussion and review of USA for Africa's 1985 recording ‘We Are the World' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   For the first time, the brothers-brothers dive into an A-Side.  After discussing some pigskin, including both fantasy football and the emergence of Toph's alma matter, the boys dissect this classic project and the pop culture phenomenon which ensued.  Which performers drank beer during the sessions?  Which artists drove themselves to the studio?  Who wore the commemorative sweatshirt?  Why did Waylon Jennings walk out?  Who found a way to get their entire backing band into the room?  And, who – besides the lead producer and conducter – was really in charge?  Hold our beer and find out, as we make a brighter day.  Because after all, it's for the children.  There's a choice you're making…and it's to tune in!  LFG!

The fellas go through L.A. Weekly's list of "20 Worst Bands of All Time" -- providing their thoughts, and even unleashing their anger at a few selections.  The also discuss Field Hockey, being in the middle of a sod fight at a concert, the multi-part songs of the Isley Brothers, and  the multi-awfulness of apparent experimental pop.  Enjoy!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album 'Tusk – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Part 2 of 2 where the boys finish the job on Tusk, and continue to debate who is the better female voice of this rather talented outfit, and who would be better to lay around a campfire with.  Join us as we spend the first part of the episode completely off-topic talking about Elvis, the weirdness of the Beach Boys, and the infamous Malace at the Palace…then somehow regroup to discuss not only sides 3 and 4, but the overall splendidness of the now endangered species known as the double album.  Be there!

Toph leads the discussion and review of Fleetwood Mac's 1979 album 'Tusk – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Part 1 of 2 where the boys plow through sides one + two of this late 70's double album ride, and discuss the highs, the dramas and the other shenanigans that made this band special.  Be there as Toph declares what he feels to be the best B-Side ever made…Nubs destroys Don Henley…and the boys hold the great, age old debate of Team Nicks vs. Team McVie.  Don't go your own way, go ours and join us!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Handsome's 1997 self-titled debut album – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys welcome an acclaimed Aussie guitarist to the pod -- one that not only helped found one of the more influential abrasive metal acts of the 90's, but also formed this supergroup that produced one album...and boy is it a special one.  We discuss, from across a couple of ponds, this hidden gem record with guitarist Peter Mengede -- as well as the fairly complex nature of the late 90's rock music industry.  Join us, and perhaps pick up a new listen along the way!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for Top Gun, released in 1986 – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Feel like playing with the boys?  Then grab a volleyball, put on some jeans, grease yourself up and let's go. Tune in to hear our recollections of a franchise (including a new sequel) that has found its longevity, and the soundtrack that helped it do so.  And, while the boys may not agree on all things, they concur that shadowy, sillouetted tongue kissing is not only bad advice – but was quite traumatizing at a young age.  Jester's dead, but we're alive and well…so get your butts above the hard deck and tune in!

A couple of our beautiful listeners asked to hear the full version of Toph's cover of Enya's "On My Way Home" -- which we played a short clip of during Episode 75 discussing the 'Shepherd Moons' album... This was recorded back in 2004 in the corner of a New York City apartment, using Logic Express and a real guitar routed through the effects portal.  So don't expect too much technical brilliance --  but here it is..!     Original Song: "On My Way Home" by Enya From the 1996 album 'In Memory of Trees' Written by Enya & Roma Ryan Reprise Records/EMI Records Ltd

Toph leads the discussion and review of Enya's 1991 album ‘Shepherd Moons' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Is it proggy?  Is it new age?  Is it proggy-new-age??  Nah, it's just Enya.  We explore this unique, original artist, who was always able to save the drama for her mama and let her beautiful music do the talking.  Tune in as Nubs finds clever ways to weave his girlfriend Kate B. into the conversation…Toph performs live with his new drum toy, and also drops a clip of a cover song from the past…and the boys do their best to stay awake and alert, without getting all sleepy and nuzzled and snuggly and stuff.  Don't sail away, sail away, sail away -- join us instead..!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Queensrÿche's 1990 album 'Empire' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys explore the concept of precision metal, at a rather interesting time for commercial music, and wonder if this band was truly too good for their own good.  Tune in to hear Toph wonder if we got justice for juicy...Nubs once again makes it all about the drummer...and, the gents discuss whether or not an album cover with delicious looking food actually improved the audible quality of the album itself.  Anybody listening?  We sure hope so!

Toph leads the discussion and review of Insane Clown Posse's 1997 album ‘The Great Milenko' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   What is a Juggalo?  We may have the answer!  Tune in as Nubs pontificates on ICP being a prog outfit…Toph makes a bold promise around the attendance of a particular event in the future…and the boys plow through this long and distinguished late 90's classic, riddled with humor and depth to the delight of all who are down with the clown.  Enjoy!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Aerosmith's 1993 album 'Get a Grip' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys explore the themes of change...and the theme of hired help...as they walk this way through the band's 11th album in seemingly as many lives.  Is it a band?  Is it a business?  Was Alicia Silverstone the ultimate 90's hottie? Join as we, including a special appearance and introduction from a former president, attempt to answer these questions -- as well as a deep dive into the true differences between Cryin', Crazy and Amazing.  Once we can locate them.  Enjoy!

Toph leads the discussion and review of Meat Loaf's 1993 album 'Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Back with a somewhat normal episode, we revisit this alpha voice and alpha personality who was one of the more unlikely rags-to-rockstar stories of all time...and dominated the charts at an unlikely time, with this sequel to a nostalgic classic.  Join as we successfully talk about comeback albums, musical marriages and try Nubs' hand at a game -- while unsuccessfully figuring out what "that" actually was.  This episode is not a lemon, so don't even think about getting your money back.  Enjoy!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Uriah Heep's 1972 album 'Demons and Wizards' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys welcome a rock legend, the great Mick Box, to the show!  In addition to reviewing this influential classic, they discuss Mick's life as a road warrior...how he keeps his strikingly good looks...how his Jaguar got stolen by a member of his own band...and, how he manages to be the most 'fun-on-stage' rock star perhaps of all time.  This is a beauty, coming to you from the midwest, left coast and across the Atlantic pond...join us!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Kansas' 1976 album 'Leftoverture' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   The boys welcome friend of the show, and expert consumer of the prog band from Topeka, Mr. Bill Keith.  They talk radio...nerd out on progressive rock...and then pick apart this mid-70's gem of a record often regarded as a prog-rock classic.  Why the violin?  What did free beer have to do with this album?  Who is the old ass man on the cover?  And, what in the world is an Opus Insert?  Who cares...let's boogie.  Join!

Toph leads the discussion and review of Phish's 1996 album 'Billy Breathes' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   We are back, doing what we do, for better or for worse…as the fellas dissect this jam band studio triumph -- and ask the age old question: can bands of this genre produce memorable studio albums?  Be there as we discuss the importance/non-importance of screen savers...the importance/non-importance of doing a Pelaton cool down ride...and, the sounds, sights and smells of a Grateful Dead show.  Feel good about Hood, and join us!!

The boys are back in town...and lend some thoughts to their top album releases of 2021, reveal their respective 2021 Album of the Year, and apologize for their terrible sports predictions.  Enjoy!

A quick update from the boys that covers sports, most notably "The Game" this weekend...as well as an announcement on the future of the show going forward.  (Don't worry we aren't retiring).  (Although maybe some of you wish we'd retire).  (But we aren't retiring).  (And by the way, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours).  Tune in!

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Pearl Jam's 1994 album 'Vitalogy' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Welp, the moment has arrived to discuss this band heavily polarized by your humble hosts, the brosephs themselves…Will Nubs fan-boy and not give an honest review?...Will Toph take his irritation with this band too far and offer an unfair critique of his own??...Will either of us do a prank call pretending to be Master P??? Tune in, to see if we have perhaps become Better Men.  (Unlikely, but worth a shot.) 

Toph leads the discussion and review of Spinal Tap's 1984 album 'This Is Spinal Tap' (AKA 'Smell The Glove') – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   This episode goes to a number between 10 and 12.  Be there as we 'Focus on Film' and give our two thumbs up to this musician favorite, and one of the best comedies of all time -- while also analyzing the soundtrack...which, while tongue and cheek, was anything but just a gag.  So join us, as we Tap into Episode 65..! And...get well soon Archie, we love you!! :-)

Toph leads the discussion and review of Inxs' 1987 album 'Kick' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   Well, g'day mate…let's put another shrimp on the barby...and discuss this late 80's treat, which after a few tries finally broke this band through hard into the U.S. from the land down under.  Be there as Toph discusses people too old to be in high school movies…Nubs nearly faints while discussing the dreaminess of Michael Hutchence...and the boys do a Top 5 for a band we were so lucky to have seen, and a front man we lost way too soon.  VIP…let's kick it.

Nubs leads the discussion and review of Alice In Chains' 1992 album 'Dirt' – including, as always, albums + songs on our radar and much more!   It's Friday...wake Them Bones up.  Dam That alarm clock, and hope it's not Raining.  We know sometimes it feels like you're Down in a Hole in that comfortable bed, but it's not like you're Sick or anything, so get up.  I'm sure your hair looks like a Rooster, but put some product Junk on your Head and style it up.  After you comb out the Dirt of course.  It may feel like God Smacked you in the face, and I know how much you Hate to Feel hungry -- but that's what breakfast is for silly!  So sit in your Chair without being too Angry...pour a piping hot cup of coffee...maybe a few farm fresh eggs, and tune in to hear your favorite bozos talk about this early 90's gem...Would you?