It Rocks or It Sucks

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A podcast where two friends review the albums of their teenhood.

Becca High and Karl Kuehn


    • Sep 28, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 14m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from It Rocks or It Sucks

    Episode 42: Gorillaz – Demon Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 73:25


    We've reached the end of season 2!!!! And we're going out with a bang discussing the sophomore LP from Gorillaz, Demon Days! Other topics include doing THAT, Becca's heartburn, and actually the Oregon trail?  Thank you for listening! Please encourage someone you know to dig through our backlog! This has been incredibly fun and we truly cannot wait to start recording season 3

    Episode 41: Coldplay – Parachutes (w/ Chris Farren)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2021 78:41


    This week we're discussing the debut album from Coldplay, Parachutes! And we're doing so with Chris Farren who you may know from his iconic work as a solo musician, or with Antarctigo Vespucci, or even the band Fake Problems. Other topics include Taylor Swift, the infamous "monkey video," and just Coldplay in general.

    Episode 40: Mates of State – Bring It Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 62:50


    This week we're discussing the 2006 LP from Mates of State, Bring It Back! Other topics include seltzer, Becca's DIY projects, and her new obsession with grout. Becca also battles a tiny fruit fly, and we do a BUNCH of screaming. Great album. Unbelievable ep!

    Episode 39: Metric – Live It Out (w/ James Rettig)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 75:44


    This week we're making podcast history with our first ever IN PERSON guest! And it's none other than James Rettig (Stereogum) and we're discussing Metric's 2005 LP, Live It Out. Other topics include Grey's Anatomy, turning a song on its head at the last minute, and the way critics couldn't stop talking about Broken Social Scene when reviewing this album!?  James has a twitter that he only sort of maybe wants you to know about: https://twitter.com/jamsrettig

    Episode 38: The Kills – Midnight Boom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 64:54


    This week we're diving into The Kills' 2008 LP, Midnight Boom! Other topics include gossip girl, when the song is sparse but full, but also when the song is good but gets more annoying every time you listen lol. If you haven't revisited this album recently, or never listened at all.... please do!

    Episode 37: Of Montreal – The Sunlandic Twins (w/ Joey Joesph of Pomegranates)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 83:11


    WE'RE BACK! This week we're diving into The Sunlandic Twins by Of Montreal, and we're doing so with Joey Joesph formerly of the band Pomegranates (who we reviewed in our last ep!!!!)! Other topics include skateboarding, The Beach Boys, and Sonic the Hedgehog vibes. Joey is a prolific solo musician now and his new record Nite Vibes comes out August 27th btw!!!

    Episode 36: Pomegranates – Everything Is Alive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 49:32


    This week we're diving into the debut album from the band Pomegranates, Everything Is Alive! Other topics include when the drums sound GOOD, when the lyrics are NOT online, and how to record video on zoom. We basically just vibed out to this record while recording this ep and for that? We're sorry lol.

    Episode 35: The Shins – Oh, Inverted World (w/ Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 71:53


    This week we're joined by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties and the three of us are diving into the debut album from The Shins, 'Oh, Inverted World'! This is our first attempt at recording an ep "from the road" (aka not in our normal homes) and there are definitely some flaws! But the convo is enlightening, and Sarah is so endlessly full of wisdom when it comes to all things music and audio. We'll have to have her back for a redemption round lol.

    Episode 34: Islands – Return To The Sea

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 53:39


    This week we're diving into the debut album from the band Islands, Return to the Sea! Other topics include what this podcast is even about (???), my lost cat Squeak, and Zoboomafoo! A polarizing ep overall lol

    Episode 33: Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (w/ Terrence Richard of Junior Astronomers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 65:31


    This week we're diving into the most critically acclaimed album of 2009, Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective! And we're doing so with iconic guest Terrence Richard (aka Alan Charmer) of the band Junior Astronomers! Other topics include The Beach Boys, the difference between vocalizing and singing, and Terrence's quest to become "white famous."  

    Episode 32: Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 64:06


    This week we're diving into the album that birthed THE hit single "French Navy"!!! My Maudlin Career by the band Camera Obscura! Other topics include Becca dropping her la croix the second we started recording, whether this album is considered "vaudeville" or not, and also the hyphenated title of Scottish-indie. 

    Episode 31: Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains (w/ Ian Cohen)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 58:01


    This week we're joined by THEE friend of the pod... Ian Cohen! And we're discussing the debut album from Cymbals Eat Guitars, Why There Are Mountains. Other topics include Ian's humble beginnings working behind the scenes in the comedy world (???), when a band enters the scene fully formed, and of course IMAGERY!!!!

    Episode 30: Shout Out Louds – Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 60:20


    This week we're diving into the debut album from Swedish indie rockstars THE Shout Out Louds, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff! Other topics include... giving a new apartment a "trial run", sparkles and flies, and honestly? Becca really proves that nobody is paying as close attention to "the mix" as she is!!!!!

    Episode 29: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It's Blitz! (w/ James Cassar)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 77:18


    This week we're we're joined by none other than James Cassar, and we're discussing the third LP from New York City's very own THE Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz! Other topics include hacking iPods, paralyzer by finger eleven, and an era when cover art was MOST important! 

    Episode 28: M.I.A.– Kala

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 78:36


    This week things go a little off the rails, BUT we mostly talk about M.I.A.'s sophomore album Kala. Other topics include the hottest new piece of playground equipment, swine flu, instant messenger, and Legendary on HBO Max. The vibe is off, but nevertheless she podcasted.

    Episode 27: Desaparecidos – Read Music/Speak Spanish (w/ Tim Crisp of Better Yet)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 87:05


    This week we're diving into the debut LP from indie rock super group Desaparecidos, Read Music/Speak Spanish with iconic guest Tim Crisp! Tim hosts a number of podcasts including one of my absolute faves, Better Yet! Other topics include capitalism obviously, soda, and Mariah Carey? A wild time.

    Episode 26: Rilo Kiley – The Execution of All Things

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 100:23


    This week we're revisiting a modern classic! The Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley! Other topics include kermit the frog, depression, and actually the national anthem? Unbelievable, I know. Does it hold up? Listen and find out!

    Episode 25: Best Coast – Crazy For You (w/ Jeanette Wall)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 96:43


    This week we're joined by none other than Jeanette Wall to discuss the debut album from Best Coast... Crazy for You! Other topics include Urban Outfitters, Arrah and The Ferns, and of course a little bit of Drag Race talk. The opinions are strong here so of course.... it's a must listen!

    Episode 24: Peter Bjorn and John – Writer's Block

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 82:06


    This week we're diving into Peter Bjorn and John's 2006 album Writer's Block! This record is....... well, you simply MUST listen to the ep! Other topics include loud birds, pools, and uncrustables. 

    Episode 23: MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (w/ Sommer Rodriguez)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 71:48


    WE'RE BACK! This week we're joined by Sommer Rodriguez and we're tackling the 2007 debut album from MGMT, Oracular Spectacular. Other topics include La Croix, PLUR, and what time the sun sets in Idaho?... truly an ep not to be missed!

    Episode 22 – The End of Season 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 8:25


    The pod is taking a break! The pod is going on SPRING BREAK!!!! Thanks for listening! See y'all in April

    Episode 21 – Belong

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 66:52


    First of all, how tall do we sound? Secondly.... this week we're discussing the album Belong by the band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart! Other topics include ripping this band tf off (!!!!!!!), gila monsters, and we CONTINUE to threaten to start a Patreon. Is there any interest in that? 

    Episode 20 – Blink-182 (w/ Eric Smeal of Clearbody)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 90:09


    This week we're joined by Eric Smeal of Clearbody (and Acrobat Unstable records) to dissect Blink-182's self-titled album! Is it self-titled? Is it untitled? Will we remain on topic? Who is actually to say! Also bring back MTV's 'Album Launch!'

    Episode 19 – Album

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 74:52


    This week we're discussing the seminal album.... Album by Girls! Other topics include riding a bike with no hands, the power of nostalgia, and a little bit of Rupaul's Drag Race talk. ALSO Christopher Owens, Paul Giamatti, and Cardi B all have open invitations to come on the pod!

    Episode 18 –The Garden State Soundtrack (w/ Mallory Hawk)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 76:13


    This week we're joined by Mallory Hawk (of Double Double Whammy, How Says, and Slight Of) to discuss the iconic Garden State soundtrack! Other topics include hollywood's obsession with James Mercer, Zach Braff's obsession with TV actors, and the power of a well timed Simon & Garfunkel song. 

    Episode 17 – Good Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 67:23


    This week we're tackling the 2002 debut LP from Pretty Girls Make Graves, Good Health! Other topics include SPORTS, and being young and buying individual songs on itunes to save money. If you've never listened to this album PLEASE DO! Also if anyone from PGMG is listening we love you and would love to have you on the pod! LOL

    Episode 16 – Intimacy (w/ Dave Tomaine of Cave People)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 85:35


    This week we're joined by Dave Tomaine of Cave People and the three of us are fearlessly revisiting the 2008 third LP Intimacy by Bloc Party! A polarizing release that is ultimately very... GAY! Other topics include death, religious imagery, and why the critics were WRONG* about this one!!!(I think Becca probably agrees with the critics actually)

    Episode 15 – Portamento

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 76:12


    1 week late, but this week we're tackling the 2011 sophomore LP from The Drums, Portamento! Other topics include recording all your demos acapella, toxic relationships, and the power of a good pointed and..... kinda b*tchy song! Amazing band and an album that truly ****s!

    Episode 14 – Vampire Weekend (w/ Katie Chow)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 93:33


    This week we're joined by music writer and photographer Katie Chow to discuss the 2008 self-titled debut album by Vampire Weekend! Other topics include fish, Jake Gyllenhaal doing a handstand, and Anna Konkle!

    Episode 13 – Guns Babes Lemonade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 68:23


    This week we're tackling the 2007 debut LP from Australian electronica musician Muscles, Guns Babes Lemonade! A true party rocker's album. Other topics include american apparel hoodies, bands making pins as merch, and there's a lot of talk about ice cream... in which Becca's food handling practices come into question lol

    Episode 12 – Elevator (w/ Lamont Brown of Rnie)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 84:24


    This week we're joined by our juiciest guest so far... Lamont Brown of Rnie! And we're talking about Elevator by Hot Hot Heat! Other topics include escaping emo, getting electrocuted, and even the WB frog himself actually if you can believe it. 

    Episode 11– 10 Things That Rocked in 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 75:22


    Last ep of the pod for the year! No specific album to talk about this week, just recounting 10 things we liked or enjoyed in 2020 despite the overall vibe of "suck." Waxing nostalgic about friends, and also family, and OF COURSE some literal ...music! *cheers* 

    Episode 10 – The Suburbs (w/ Lillie West of Lala Lala)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 91:42


    An absolutely unbelievable amount of giggling this week as we're joined by Lillie West of Lala Lala to discuss the Grammy award winning Album Of The Year 2010... The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. Other topics include the missing "THE" from the band's name, what it feels like to hear a literal perfect song, and Lala Lala's 2018 release The Lamb. Also Lillie delivers what's now the first iconic rant in the history of the pod. Not an ep to be missed! 

    Episode 9 – Pink Friday

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 96:46


    Celebrating 10 years of the iconic Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj by reviewing the.... iconic Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj! Other topics include cranberry Sprite, Winter Spiced cranberry Sprite, and how one time Becca's mom forgot her at the airport lol! 

    Episode 8 – The Con (w/ Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 103:10


    This week we're joined by the incomparable Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom! And we're diving into an album that is.... just so..... we're diving into The Con by Tegan & Sara! This one runs a little long but there's a lot to talk about listeners! Wow.

    Episode 7 – Give Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 88:43


    This week we tackle the indie rock monolith that is Give Up by The Postal Service. Other topics include nuts, new york city, and our absolute favorite topic... Shelley from Hemlock Grove! Also final verdict this week is one not to be missed—dare I say it's maybe even history making!? 

    Episode 6 – King of the Beach (w/ Felix Walworth of Told Slant)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020 81:33


    This week we're joined by our history making second guest ever... Felix Walworth of Told Slant! Felix is also cementing themselves in IROIS history as having never listened to this week's album in question before agreeing to come on the pod. That album we're talking about? The 2010 album King of the Beach by Wavves! The opinions? Pointed. The dichotomy? Precipice. 

    Episode 5 – Be Your Own Pet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 81:08


    This week we're establishing what will now be referred to as "journalism eps" of the pod. Just your hosts gabbing about the deep dish in between having iconic guests on. Be your own PET was a band that made a huge impact on us as teens..... but does their self-titled debut full length still hold up? Listen and find out! Also, take a shot every time Karl says "fun" but actually please don't do that. 

    Episode 4 – A Lesson in Crime (w/ Ana Davis)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 60:54


    History making ep this week as Becca and Karl are joined by their first ever GUEST of the pod Ana Davis! The album in question? A Lesson in Crime by Tokyo Police Club. Does it rock or does it suck? Listen and find out!

    Episode 3 – Commit This to Memory

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 75:20


    This week we're welcoming cooler temps with a quintessential fall/winter album... Commit This to Memory by Motion City Soundtrack! Other topics include Myrtle Beach, our biggest fears, and the degrees of separation between us and this band lol. Also THE DRUMS ON THIS RECORD!?

    Episode 2 – Bottoms of Barrels

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 69:12


    On this episode Becca and Karl discuss birds, daddy long legs, and the 2006 album Bottoms of Barrels by Tilly and the Wall! 

    Episode 1 – Grand

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 63:06


    On the inaugural ep of the podcast Becca and Karl revisit Grand (2009) by Matt and Kim, and determine that the album does indeed ****! Listen to find out.

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