Bands, Beers & Buzzwords

Mitchell Altman, an outsider artist joins the program. You can't hear his very strange work anywhere, but John trusts him so you should too. He has several pages of notes. And those notes are all about Ween's second album The Pod. An album as brown as can be. Barbed wire covered in mud. The dirtiest sound in the world, but it's so good. If you think you don't like Ween, we suggest you stop that and start worshipping Ween now. Grab a brew and play along, gulp (responsibly), and chomp a pork roll egg & cheese whenever Mitchell says a buzzword!

Jake Marino AKA Count Harriet of the brand new Trust the Process Podcast joins the program to break down the album 5 by SAULT. One of eleven studio albums released since 2019 by the prolific British music collective, Jake and John discuss how 5 redefines the concept of lo-fi, disregards any notion that lyrics need to be comprehensible, and perfectly blends a plethora of different musical genres and eras to create a contemporary classic. Grab a drink and play along, nurse a negroni (responsibly) whenever Jake says a buzzword!

Jack Kellems of Shock Therapy, better known for his work delivering food for DoorDash, joins our boy John Pagliassotti for a brand new episode of the UK's favorite-ish music history podcast. They dive deep into The Commercial Album by The Residents released in 1980 by Ralph Records. Both the album and this episode are at times “out there”, bizarre, even spooky, but also intriguing and guaranteed to make you think. Grab a drink and play along, take a swig or two (responsibly) whenever Jack says a buzzword!

Picture a room with Gordon from Double Wonderful, the utmost authority on The Dan, and our host John Pagliassotti, who references The Dan in almost every episode of this show, FINALLY doing a long awaited breakdown of a full studio album from Steely Dan. Dive deep with us on their 1980 release through MCA Records, Gaucho and get lost in the sauce just like Fagen and Becker. If you're a member of any Steely Dan Facebook groups then this is the podcast for you. Grab a drink and play along, sip a beverage (responsibly) or partake in some fine Colombian (legally) whenever Gordon says a buzzword!

Jake Marino AKA Count Harriet joins the program for the first time, and Andrew Shults is back from the dead again alongside the most frighteningly talented podcast host in the multiverse John Pagliassotti for a very special spooooooky Halloween edition of Bands, Beers & Buzzwords! We discuss 6 of our favorite Halloween-themed songs and share some SCARY STORIES of our own. Don't be a C.R.E.E.P! Grab a magic potion and play along, take a drink of your concoction whenever someone says a buzzword!

Matt Pelletier of The Hypno Rings joins the program as the first face-to-face interview of the sorta-post-pandemic age of Bands, Beers & Buzzwords. He joins our host Johnny Pags in the newly designed top-secret Redefining Records research facility to discuss the weirdly accessible and accessibly weird King Crimson album, Discipline. Released in 1981 by E.G. Records and Warner Bros. Records, the fearless dictator Robert Fripp led an all-star cast of prog-rock greats and new wave trailblazers into creating music that masterfully transitioned the band from the 70s to the 80s. It's got freaky instruments, guitar solos that don't sound like guitars, lyrics that don't rhyme, a member who leaves the group to become a monk, and rules that are made to be broken! This one's a doozy in the best way possible. Grab a drink and play along, sip a beverage (responsibly) whenever Matt says a buzzword!

Bob Zany, comedian/lecturer and actor known for his appearances in The Gong Show, Joe Dirt, and Close but No Cigar, joins our very own John Pagliossotti on the podcast to discuss the underrated but classic Supertramp album, Breakfast in America. Released in 1979 by A&M records, this album is playful and fun to listen to, and definitely not an attempt to lampoon American culture! This episode is chock full of jokes, bits, and name-drops to both celebrities and John's parents alike. As Bob says, “if we're not laughing, we're crying,” so stop what you're doing and take a listen. Grab a drink and play along, or just rub some CBD oil on yourself whenever Bob says a buzzword!

Emily Arlen, the newest member of the Redefining Records Super Secret Task Force joins the show to discuss The Slow Rush by Tame Impala, released in 2020. A noticeably hungover John Pagliassotti is supported by special co-host Andrew Shults as the crew discusses the return of live music, how this record captures a multitude of moments especially the pandemic era, the evolution of Kevin Parker, emu sanctuaries, ostrich farms, and more! Emily thoughtfully guides us through the deeper meanings behind the lyrics of this disco, hip-hop, R&B-inspired album. It's about TIME (literally). Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Emily says a buzzword!

“Bigger. Bolder. More silly shit. More of the stuff you love and less of the stuff that you don't.” To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Redefining Records, our two podcast extraordinaires, John Pagliassotti and Andrew Shults did an Instagram Live session on June 1, 2021. That sesh included a listener Q&A and a merch giveaway! That live stream has now become this BONUS podcast episode. Some topics we covered: dream supergroup vs. nightmare supergroup, guilty listening pleasure, favorite love songs, types of guitar solos, random hypotheticals and so much more. We discuss the history and future of Redefining Records and our podcasts, how the process has changed our lives for the better, and how we'd like to progress going forward.

Ricardo Morin, formerly of RabbitFoot, breaks ground on Bands, Beers & Buzzwords with our very first discussion on The Beatles. He and our host John talk about Magical Mystery Tour, released in 1967 through Parlophone and Capitol Records. Dubbed as one of the most underrated Beatles albums, sandwiched in between two titans (Sgt. Pepper's and The White Album,) it's full of classic tracks and hidden gems alike. Whether you're a casual or die-hard Beatles fan, listen and enjoy a breakdown of John and Paul's different writing styles, and debate a few popular conspiracy theories with us. Grab a drink and play along, snort some beer (responsibly) whenever Ricardo says a buzzword!

Sean Perry of The Shakes, whose new single “Six Feet Below” just dropped, comes on the program to breakdown Disintegration by The Cure. Robert Smith's masterpiece was released in 1989 by Fiction Records and represents a true, stereotypical but not schlocky, 80s record. The listening experience is akin to taking a walk through a John Hughes film with its euphoric melodies, lush sonic landscapes, and colorful instrumentation paired with somewhat depressing and downtrodden lyrics. Our host, John, dives into all the details of this alternative pop album with Sean while digressing into chats about The Shakes' music, the attention economy, Spotify, guitar builds, and philosophical conundrums. Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Sean says a buzzword!

Thom: The Trash Palace Sultan of the Winner Gets Nothing Podcast joins our host John Pagliassotti on Bands, Beers & Buzzwords, a podcast that is anti-Satan but pro-troll. The album under discussion on this one is Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam, released in 2007 on Domino Records. Familiar but foreign, modern and psychedelic, the sounds on this record will take you back to a time of childlike imagination. It's a cohesive work of art with ebbs and flows, valleys and peaks, and it begs to be listened to from start to finish. Thom draws connections to The Beach Boys and The Beatles, John brings up Pink Floyd and Radiohead AGAIN. Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Thom says a buzzword!

Luke Knapp, guitarist, and singer-songwriter of Big Softy, joins our host Mr. John Pagliassotti of Delta Dagger on the program to discuss De Stijl, the second album from legendary rock revivalist The White Stripes. There's no fat on this album, it harkens back to a simpler time of old Detroit blues and punk-inspired garage rock. There are tasty lo-fi guitar riffs and distorted harmonica parts that are sick af, plus occasional mellow organic vibes and simplistic songwriting at its best. Luke and John break down the history of Jack White and his many musical ventures, his relationship with Meg, the band's influences, and the artists that they in turn influenced. Plus plenty of beer consumption and shooting the shit about music, TV, movies, and other random pop culture. Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Luke says a buzzword!

Joey Ochoa of Cerebrus joins the show for a serious deeeeep dive on Def Leppard's Pyromania. Released in 1983 by Vertigo and Mercury Records, this album represents the start of a stratospheric rise for Def Leppard and set the tone for the 80s heavy metal rock craze to come. Joey, who has a really fucked up pinky finger but still shreds on guitar, offers his expertise to help you discover or get reacquainted with the absolute bruisers, the lads from Sheffield who worked in factories with actual heavy metal before becoming a heavy metal band. Listen as host John Pagliassotti and our esteemed guest discuss the history of the band, break down and rank the tracks, talk about the production and so much more. We're talking chance meetings, thunder gods, a producer with the Midas touch, blistering guitar solos, riff masters, and several shoutouts to our future sponsors Gibson and Jack Daniels. Want to know what a pedal riff is? Perhaps an augmented bridge? Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Joey says a buzzword! Only on 95.5 KLOS.

16-year drumming virtuoso Aaron Stechauner of Interloper, who has also played and toured with bands like The Faceless, Born of Osiris, and Rings of Saturn, joins the show to discuss Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Released in 2006 by Island Records, this massively influential album represents “a modern take on a classic dish.” In all seriousness, it's an incredible display of unique style, serious singing chops, dirty/funky grooves, and good vibes. Aaron and John break down several songs on the album, talk about Amy's ability to throw listeners for a loop, discuss how she balances power and vulnerability, and agree to disregard the notion of guilty pleasures when it comes to music. Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Aaron says a buzzword!

Fellow musician, co-conspirator, and podcaster Jacob Acosta AKA Midnight Burrito joins our host John Pagliossotti of Delta Dagger on the program to talk about Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Released through Warner Bros. Records in 1991 and produced by Rick Rubin, the fifth studio album from RHCP is a landmark for the band and our guest. It features some of their biggest hits like “Under the Bridge,” “Give it Away,” and more. It's a crazy-ass album, but it can also be a fun vibe. You should listen to it with a critical ear in terms of the hyper-masculine lyrics but appreciate the unmatched production value, rhythm tightness, and funky magic. John and Jacob dive pretty deep into the history and cultural clout surrounding the band and its members as well. Grab a drink and play along, drink (responsibly) whenever Jacob says a buzzword!

Mr. Robert Sanlis of Spurts and Anywhere Music Lessons joins the show and gets deep on David Bazan's first full-length solo album Curse Your Branches released through Barsuk Records in 2009. It's damn personal, really vulnerable, and represents a huge shifting point in his career. If you grew up in a religious household, you may connect with this record and the conversations in this episode. A lot of the songs are bitter but beautifully crafted. Bazan is a highly talented lyricist and has a knack for expressing things from different perspectives. He basically buries his soul for 10 songs on this one. John and Robert also talk shit on Gibson as a brand for like 15 minutes, get on board. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Robert says a buzzword!

Sophia Forino, the first (and definitely not last) female guest on Bands, Beers, & Buzzwords joins our host, John Pagliassotti on the show to discuss Sour Soul, the collaborative album from Canadian jazz futurists BADBADNOTGOOD and Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah. The album was released in 2015 through Lex Records with features from artists like Danny Brown, the late MF Doom, and more. It's a mix of old and new, vintage and modern with notes of 70s soul, psychedelic, surf rock, jazz, and 90s hip-hop. This one's got orgasmic transitions, best track title tracks, and lots of delicious reverbbb. Hear John give some mixing tips for dummies and Sophia talk about the connection between rap music and superhero fandom plus other cultural phenomena. Shoutout to unofficial sponsors Mikkeller Brewing San Diego, Little Beast Brewing in Portland, and Corona Hard Seltzer. Grab a brew or seltzer and play along, drink whenever Sophia says a buzzword!

Jack McCain, who just released his second EP called The Second, joins his old pal, our host John Pagliassotti on the show to discuss Catfish and the Bottlemen's 2019 album The Balance released through Island Records and Capitol Records. This album and band represent a more traditional alternative rock, with straightforward pounding beats and hooks that are catchy but not annoying. Hear about the time Jack got onstage (and then quickly offstage) with Van McCann, lead singer, and guitarist for Catfish and the Bottlemen. Jack and John also reminisce the story of one cool fucking picture and a run-in with the cops, talk shop on guitars, and get fairly drunk discussing this great album. Jack sets a new bar for BBB guests by taking tequila shots for each buzzword. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Jack says a buzzword!

Lord Bunny AKA Cris Sharma joins the show to discuss Milo Goes to College, the first full-length album by punk rock band Descendents released in 1982 through New Alliance Records. Our host, John Pagliassotti succeeds in baiting the former RabbitFoot member into saying all 20 buzzwords, the first guest to do so. Get a music news update that will probably piss you off, the perfect attitude to have during this pod. Fuck Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. We love you Night Shift Brewing in Boston and Purple Mattresses. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Cris says a buzzword! Be prepared to take 20 drinks.

Will Jerome Hettel of Constructs joins his former bandmate, and our host John Pagliassotti on the show to discuss The Joy of Motion by Animals as Leaders, the progressive metal band's third studio album released by Sumerian Records. Will, also known for his work as the live drummer for slenderbodies, and as the drummer for bands like House of Wolves and The Real Savage Henry gives us a lesson on polyrhythms, jazz fusion, and djent while swigging several servings of wine. Want to hear some classic drummer jokes? Or perhaps understand the musical meme that is “the lick”? This is the pod for you, friend. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Will says a buzzword!

Jordan Barclay of Venison Veteran comes on the show, gets way too drunk, then comes on the show again (sober) to re-record the episode you're about to hear! Jordan and our host John (who was also too drunk the first time) get caffeinated and talk about the “greatest album ever made in existence,” Future's 2014 album Honest through A1 Recordings and Freebandz, and Epic Records. A very forward-thinking but also kinda throwbacky collection of ignorant shit with dirty beats. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Jordan says a buzzword! Then get too drunk, forget everything you heard and listen again tomorrow with coffee.

Parker Wierling of the On That Note podcast joins the show to talk about Radiohead's seventh studio album, In Rainbows, independently self-released in 2007 as a pay-what-you-want download (and it made more money than all their previous releases combined!). Universally acclaimed by critics and fans alike, this album is enthusiastically dubbed as John and Parker's favorite Radiohead record. If you love to geek out over the quintessential quintet from Oxfordshire, this is the pod for you my friend. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Parker says a buzzword!

Aidan Dansey of The Judd Zingle Project joins the show to talk about Modest Mouse's substantial record, The Lonesome Crowded West released in 1997 by Up Records. Referred to by many as one of the best albums of the 90s, John and The Judd (two global studies majors) discuss the intricacies of the album's delightfully dystopian vibes while crushing a few brews. Will every guest mention LCD Soundsystem? Two for two so far. Grab a drink and do the cockroach, drink whenever Aidan says a buzzword!

Pilot episode! Andrew Shults of Redefining Records joins the show to talk about New Order's acclaimed second album Power, Corruption & Lies released in 1983 by Factory Records. John and Andrew test out the new format and try new segment ideas while enjoying a few brews and hard seltzers too. 10/10 would get intimate to this pod. Grab a drink and play along, drink whenever Andrew says a buzzword!