Podcast by Alex Moore
Breakfast in America is the 6th studio album from English rock band Supertramp. This record marks the biggest success for the group but also a peak that wouldn't and couldn't be duplicated. Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies were the songwriting team that defined Supertramp, yet, as people and in musical taste, they couldn't be more different. This almost-concept album about American culture in the 70's is a fun ride for the whole family.
"Roxy & Elsewhere" is a double live album by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Not only is this album fun and captivating throughout, it is also, without a doubt, one of the strangest concert albums of all time. That is to be expected from Frank Zappa however, as he is one of the most outspoken social critics in rock music as well as one of the most naturally strange fellows to ever live. The music goes from jazz to psychedelic rock to semi-improve to perverted tangos seamlessly; with subject ranging from leather-bound birds to giant poodles terrorizing villages to collegiate pushers. Enjoy.
"To Pimp A Butterfly" is the third studio album from American rapper Kendrick Lamar. While technically a rap/hip-hop album, the lyrics on this album feel much more like poetry, and most of the music is either free-form jazz, funk, or some combination of those two, as well as modern hip-hop productions. It also discusses some of the most important social issues facing American, and particularly Black America, today. Not only does this album try to steer rap in a new, more artistic and conscious direction; I believe this is one of the best concept albums of all time. In this episode I try to break down the conceptual narrative that Kendrick leaves and navigate the issues he talks about. Please enjoy the first ever Hip-Hop album from the AyeCast Podcast.
"Planet Waves" is the 14th studio album from the great Bob Dylan, and the only true studio album he recorded with The Band. The careers of Dylan and The Band are forever connected; one one side, Dylan pushed the Band into stardom and into becoming the musicians we remember today. On the other, The Band pushed Dylan into the electric era, and turned him from a folk singer to a full on rock-star. The Band's energy with Bob's tunes makes this album one of his best.
"In Concert" is the first and only original live concert album from the band Derek & The Dominos. While the band only lasted a year, their impact on blues-rock, and hard-rock are immeasurable; and, for many people the band marks a high point in Eric Clapton's career. Clapton, along with Bobby Whitlock (keys, vocals), Carl Radle (bass), and Jim Gordon (drums) deliver a double-LP that fully immerse the listener in the concert experience from those two nights in New York City, October 1970. For me, this record represents one of the peaks in the evolution of blues music, which in its best form is always consumed live.
"The Stranger" is the fifth studio album from American singer, songwriter, and recording artist Billy Joel. Released in 1977, this album is one of the best of the late 70's and help propel Joel into super-stardom. This record, for me, is the best at the end of a hot day, with a bottle of wine, a pot of sauce simmering on the stove, and the air cooling as the day turns to night. Enjoy this episode in full stereo sound (with a couple hiccups here or there).
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is the third studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC. While it is one of their earliest albums, and has through the years become an AC/DC-classic album, its US release was delayed until 1981 (a year after Bon Scott's death). AC/DC is one of my favorite bands of all time, and this was a great record to get back into the swing of things. Welcome back to the AyeCast.
"With A Little Help From My Friends" is the debut studio album from Joe Cocker and stands as an excellent introduction to one of the greatest vocalists in Rock N Roll history. Through his career there were many ups and downs; however, it was pretty clear from the beginning that when he was able to preform, his audiences experienced something very very special. Enjoy.
"Boston" is the debut studio, gotdamn hit, album from American rock band Boston. While Boston (the band) is somewhat easy to forget (I mean they do kind of just blend with the rest of classic rock radio) this album, on its own, without the noise of any other band, shows just how genius these guys were. Their first album is stuffed to the gills with hits; possibly a whole career worth of hits. So sit down, close your eyes, and take this journey with me.
"Boomer's Story" is the third studio album by unsung American hero, and man with the coolest name ever, Ry Cooder. Through the years Cooder has deeply explored American roots music and latin roots music. He has released over a dozen solo records, several film scores, and produced countless more for artists like The Buena Vista Social Club. His latest album "Prodigal Son" is coming out this May and you can catch him touring this summer.
"Naturally" is the debut studio album from American music icon J.J. Cale. While it isn't his first recording, it is the first time he entered a studio setting out to record an LP. This episode is full of perfectly simple songs and is an excellent introduction to one of the most important, and least celebrated, American musicians.
"Van Halen" is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Van Halen. At the time, it blew the collective minds of American teenagers with a thrashing rhythm section, David Lee Roth's dynamic charisma, and Eddie Van Halen's virtuosity on the electric guitar. This album is remembered as a key stepping stone in hard rock/heavy metal story and is considered one of the greatest debit albums of all time. Get ready to rock.
"Class Clown" is the 4th album released by one of the greatest comedians, wordsmiths, and social critics of all time: George Carlin. It is his first true "hip" record and would go on to define his comedy style for decades to come. So sit back, relax, and prepare your mind for an hour of laughter.
I ran out of time this week and didn't do any actual work for the podcast, so I just got really wine drunk and played one of the greatest records of all time. I say that every episode but this time its for real. So do what I did, light some candles, some incense, a joint...prep your bottle of red wine, pour a glass...then sit back and drink with me as we listen to "Led Zeppelin II".
Hey guys, in this brand new episode, I play Phil Collins, truly one of the most iconic artists of the late 20th century, Somehow though, he has accumulated a vast array of haters...but let me tell you right now, those people don't know shit about anything. Because, people, and I know, Phil's 2nd solo album "Hello, I Must Be Going" takes you on a musical journey, through ups and down...peaks and valleys. And, more than anything else, it showcases a sound that's inspired musicians through decades, and still today . Please enjoy.
In the 22nd installment of the AyeCast Podcast, I take the listeners on the worst vacation you could ever imagine. I sit you down on a beautiful beach, and play the soothing, spiritual sounds of Bob Marley and the Wailers "Live!". Then, just as you feel good and comfortable I toss two very uncomfortable talking points. The first, a worldwide favorite...I talk about God. Then I dive in on some political thoughts in the wake of the shooting in Florida last week. I try to turn it around in the end, and I think it ended up being a solid episode. Enjoy!
I take it way back in this weeks episode, and as you listen to me say a lot about nothing, please enjoy the great, late, Willie Dixon. Dixon, who is truly one of the most important songwriters in American history, inspired entire generations of musicians to play the blues, or at least a version of the blues. The album is called "I Am The Blues" and that is not an exaggeration by any means, since Willie is part of just a handful of musicians (like literally 4 or 5) most important to American roots music, Sit back, ease your mind, and enjoy.
In this episode, I'm just trying to get through winter. When the weather gets nasty and I am stuck inside for a long time, I start to go crazy. This leads to listening to some crazy music, and this week that means you get to hear Emerson, Lake, and Palmer's 5th studio album: "Brain Salad Surgery". The prog-gods throw down some thunder with booming drums, walls of speakers, and towers of synthesizers; so sit back, crank it up, and (since there's no enjoying the weather) expand your mind.
In the 19th episode get ready to have your whole world shaken up. I play the 1984 masterpiece "Purple Rain" by Prince. Lately, I have been in a little bit of a slump in my everyday life, and I'm hoping the purple one can push me into a new, more positive direction. If there is any record up to that task it is this one. So sit back and get ready for the musical experience of a lifetime. If you get the urge to dance, don't resist, just let The Revolution take hold.
The 18th episode of the AyeCast is a truly unique listening experience, one lost to most people, and certainly mainstream consciousness, since 1968. Today, we listen to the "Super Session" featuring Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, and Steve Stills. So, break out that fancy bottle of wine, maybe get some snacks and roll a joint, because this one is so good you need to be sitting. Enjoy this isolated moment in rock n roll history brought to you by the Barbering Talents of Devin Paquette, if you need a cut or shave, find him at the Yondersea Barbershop in Bellingham, WA. This episode is also brought to you by the wonderful family that staffs The Filling Station, the finest burger restaurant in NW Washington. Come on in 7 days a week for lunch or dinner and enjoy some of the best food and friendliest staff on the planet.
In the 17th episode of the AyeCast Podcast, I play "L.A. Woman" by the Doors. Why? Well, because I just got back from Las Vegas and this is my desert album. I ramble about two different fantasies, one about you (whoever you are) driving thru the desert to get to LA (plus the aftermath)...the other about my next trip to Las Vegas. This episode is brought to you by the Barbering Talents of Devin Paquette, who works at the Yondersea Barbershop at 2711 Meridian St. Bellingham, WA. You look like shit, go get lined-up by my boy.
On episode 16 of the AyeCast podcast, I go in on some Creedence Clearwater Revival. Specifically, I play their final record of 1969 "Willy and the Poor Boys". I also talk about how I have re-accepted CCR back into my life, how they are iconic for being actual Americans, and how John Fogerty is an asshole. Also: I am looking for small businesses to partner with in order to grow my audience: so, if you own, run, manage, or work at a bar/restaurant/small business/shop I am willing to advertise for you!!
For the last episode of 2017 I play the awesome LIVE, 1972, TRIPLE-ALBUM: "Leon Live" by the excellent and under-appreciated Leon Russell. I break down the life-story of Leon and his long, storied career and I also run down all the things (good and bad) that happened to me throughout the year.
Help me celebrate my birthday with The Rolling Stones, after all it was Keith's birthday too. This week on the podcast I play the 1969 album "let It Bleed", which is, without a doubt, one of the Stones best records. My sore throat this week was brought to you by a Seattle Seahawk loss, and as always you are hearing this record through Kustom Amplification.
In this weeks episode, while you listen to Jimmy Buffett's classic LP "Living and Dying in 3/4 Time" through rich-sounding Kustom Amplification, I sip on smooth Melvin IPA's while laying out a scene of sunsets, sailboats, island hopping, and a warmer life. I hope this heats up your cold winter day.
In this episode I play the great Bob Seger record "Stranger in Town" and I muse about Los Angeles, movies, summertime, and the struggle. I'm happy to announce this record is being played through Kustom Amplification and I enjoyed a couple cold Melvin IPA's while listening to this Midwest rockstar go Hollywood.
In episode 11 I play for you "Meet The Beatles", their US debut release from Capitol Records. This is the record America used to familiarize themselves, at the time, with the Fab Four; and, serves as a crucial starting point for telling the Beatles' story.
Episode 010 is a Thanksgiving special featuring the great 1967 album "Alice's Restaurant" by Alro Guthrie. Listening to the title track from this record at noon on Thanksgiving has been a tradition in my family for years, I hope you join us. (There is an 8 minute [exactly 8 minute] intro, so to truly follow the tradition, start the podcast at 11:52 AM, Thanksgiving Day)
In episode 9 you guys get the album "Business Casual" by Chromeo. This group bends genres and cranks out a dance sound that combines disco, funk, and hip-hop. And, this is also the most recent album to ever be featured on the AyeCast Podcast (2010). As always this record is being played through Kustom Amplification. If you like what you're hearing remember to share.
In episode 008 I celebrate a major milestone and play for you all the great record "461 Ocean Boulevard" by Eric Clapton. The episode was my favorite so far and I had a ton of fun recording it, listening through Kustom Amplification, and drinking Rainier Beer.
In episode 7 we slow it down and bring you the 1976 smooth jazz album "Breezin'" by the phenomenal guitarist George Benson. I light candles and drink Hennessy, fine cognac, to set the mood and bring you fine commentary as you listen to smooth vibrations through Kustom Amplification.
In episode 006 we listen to the 1965 album that electrified the world, "Highway 61 Revisited" by Bob Dylan. I had a lot of fun and put a lot of work into this episode so i hope you enjoy (brought to you by Rainier Beer and Kustom Amplification).
Ep. 005 is a Halloween Special featuring the 1975 live record "Alive" by Kiss; with thoughts and insight from your host, Alex Moore. This episode is being played through Kustom Amplification, and ramblings are brought to you by Rainier Beer.
This weeks episode features Pink Floyd's "Animals" with thoughts and insight from your host, Alex Moore. This episode is being played through Kustom Amplification and the commentary is brought to you by Rainier Beer.
In the third episode we listen to one of my favorite records of all time, the 1973 release from the one and only Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Pronounced". I hope you all enjoy this record, played through Kustom amplification and ramblings sponsored by Melvin IPA.
Ep. 002 features Carole King's 1971 masterpiece "Tapestry" with thoughts and insight from your host, Alex Moore. This episode was played through a Kustom bass rig, and the alcohol consumed was Hennessy fine cognac.
Ep. 001 Features Aerosmith's 1975 album "Toys in the Attic". Tune in for insight and fun facts from your host, Alex Moore. This episode is being played through a Kustom bass-rig, and the alcohol consumed was Rainier beer.