Rhythm on the Rocks

(To be read in a dramatic voice) No one would have believed... ... that a tale so vast- of death, alien destruction, heat rays, Phil Lynott, and the Moody Blues- could be told through orchestral prog rock, synths, and frying pans. Yet today, Frizz and Bob pop open Quest's End Paladin Whiskey & Ardbeg Uigedal Scotch to bring you PART ONE of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds- a British sci-fi marvel that, for decades, has been misunderstood and mostly unseen by the American eye. In this first chapter, we set the stage: The backstory. The architects of the sound. The players of this curious sonic war. The chances of you missing this are a million to one, they said. Yet, here you are. Next week... the invasion begins.

Join us as we dig into the enigmatic and unpredictable Radiohead. Bob cracks open Old Grandad 114 and Frizz spices it up with Mason's of Yorkshire's Pear and Pink Peppercorn Gin, as we learn the origin story of one of the most influential bands of the last 30 years- starting with their refusal of a record deal, to the guitar noise on "Creep" and finally to their legacy defining album, In Rainbows. We dive into the tracks that allowed the band to have a revolutionary pay what you want model that became a pot of gold, reminisce about uncommon concert experiences, and praise the insane mathematics of Radiohead.

Today we wrap up Jazz Appreciation Month with GlenDronach 12-year scotch and Yamazaki 12-year Japanese whisky, as we share a legend who was gone far too soon- Clifford Brown. Few may know his name, but Brown was perhaps the greatest jazz trumpet player of all time when he was killed in a car accident at the age of 25. Join us as we learn about his life, his lasting legacy, and the music we're lucky enough to enjoy. 

Frizz and Bob enjoy coffee cocktails and dig into one of the raddest, hippest, and hottest albums of all time, Peggy Lee's Black Coffee. Join us as we talk about Lee's inspiring life, her rise to fame, the power in her purr, her defiance of expectations, and her amazing ability to transform throughout her recording career. We also dive into the Great American Songbook and learn a little about what that collection really is. Go brew a pot and join us!

Today we walk hard in honor of Bob's birthday. Frizz pours some cognac and Bob pours Old Louisville's new Cognac-finished whiskey as we talk about one of the all-time greats, Dewey Cox. Learn how a poor, smell-blind boy from Alabama became a major influence on Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, all while seemingly inventing punk music, hosting a variety show, never paying for drugs, and creating the idea of "shmusic." It's time to open your mind, learn to play the theremin, and walk hard.

Frizz and Bob celebrate St. Patrick's Day by diving into the early career of the iconic Irish rock band, U2, and the album that changed their sound forever: The Unforgettable Fire. Join us as Frizz drinks Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey and Bob drinks Rare Hare Lucky Bastard 30 Year Old as we discuss how U2 went from a Dublin kitchen to a multi album deal on Island Records in just 4 short years. We see them grow from post-punk into arena rock titans before making the decision to completely reinvent their sound with producer Brian Eno. We also learn who just might be Bob's least favorite band ever.

Today, Frizz and Bob FINALLY dive into one of the best written and sold records of all time, Carole King's Tapestry. Frizz poured Knob Creek Bourbon and Bob enjoyed a single barrel of Yellowstone Bourbon as we learned about some gross idiot royals, how Carole's LA friends pushed her to be the star she became, and her never-ending legend as a writer- all while trying not to go tumblin' down, tumblin' down.

Frizz and Bob set sail into the wild world of country music as we take on The Chicks and their decades-long journey of reinvention, rebellion, and resilience. Frizz pours a smoky Longrow Peated Campbeltown Single Malt, while Bob sips on the classic Very Old Barton, and we break down the band that went from bluegrass darlings to the most controversial voices in country. We give the details on their latest album Gaslighter- from fiddle-driven twang to pop-country domination, from standing up to Sony to standing against a war, from hunky Texas men to internet sleuthing for the tea- we explore how The Chicks became legends, and why they refuse to back down.

Frizz and Bob conclude hip hop month with this episode on Kendrick Lamar's concept album Good kid, m.A.A.d city. Join us as Frizz sips on Jura 12 and Bob pours Mellow Corn as we tell the tale of Kendrick Lamar. We talk about the challenges of growing up in Compton, his love of creative writing, his complete destruction of Drake, and how he has become the face of hip hop today. 

Frizz and Bob continue to celebrate Black History Month with Erykah Badu's quintessential Baduizm. With a pour of Glen Moray Phoenix Rising and a 1792 Full Proof, we talk about one of the most introspective and transformative albums in recent decades. We get into some of the whackiest religions, the late, great Roy Hargrove, Mickey's malt liquor, reincarnation, and the spiritual movement that is Baduizm. 

Frizz and Bob crack open some double oaked bourbons and sit with Nas's classic debut record, Illmatic. Join us for a pour of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon and Cincinnati Distilling Double Oaked and learn about The Fast and the Furious, pickin' boogers, and an album that redefined what East Coast Hip Hop could be. 

Frizz and Bob honor our Lady and savior, Dolly Parton, with a swig of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye and Nelson's Green Brier because a Tennessee lady deserves a Tennessee whiskey! Join us as we dig up some of the weirdest named towns of Tennessee, share fun stories behind a few of the 3,000 songs Dolly's written over 6 decades, and find out just what makes her our favorite Country Queen! Long live Dolly!

Frizz and Bob jump into AC/DC's mega hit and the second most sold album of all time, Back in Black. Frizz pours Tomatin, and Bob pours Starlight Bourbon as we metaphorically drive down the highway to hell to learn about the career of one of the greatest, no-frills, rock and roll bands of all time. Join just a couple of scientists learning all about power currents, lonely British suburban wives, and rockin and rollin. (have a drink)

Frizz and Bob venture into beloved stout territory with Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout and a classic Irish Guinness for an Irish queen, Enya. Cheers with us as we listen to her biggest legacy album, A Day Without Rain, and decipher what made Enya an enigma in popular music. We reveal how she healed a nation during a time of mourning, uncover her literary and mythological lyrics written in over 6 languages, understand how her marketability skyrocketed against the odds, and we listen, in real time, to Bob becoming an Enya fan. Get your Pure Moods CD ready for your bath. Happy birthday, Bear!

CHEERS ONE, CHEERS ALL! For the SECOND annual ROTR Award Show, Frizz and Bob pop the cork on the SECOND cheapest bottle of bubbly found in their neighborhood stores. What song brought the best vibes? Which album surprised us the most? What do we think was the best album of the year? Who was the biggest piece of crap? Come and find out the winners of these prestigious awards as we recap the year that was 2024. Burmp burb a DURRRRM!

Frizz and Bob are joined by Adam Edwards from Bob Dylan's whiskey brand, Heaven's Door. Join us through a tasting of their incredible line of whiskies while we share our favorite Bob Dylan songs and stories, talk about the art behind the musician, and uncover the true brilliance behind this brand.

It's time to get weird! Join us as Frizz sips Abasolo Mexican Corn Whiskey and Bob enjoys MB Roland Single Barrel Bourbon and we dive into a Weird Al classic - In 3-D. We learn about how the accordion had the power to change rock music, hear some fun nicknames, talk about parody permissions, and learn the true power of hand farts. 

NEW MUSIC ALERT! Lord Bael -the doomy, sludgy, and goshdarned delightful frontman of Shi- is back for the SIXTH time on Rhythm on the Rocks. Today we are talking all about Shi's brand new album, Pure Disgust. Frizz pours Rittenhouse Rye, while Bob and Bael pour JTS Brown (and an IRN BRU FOR THE FIRST TIME) and dish out all the disgusting details of your soon to be new favorite heavy record.

Frizz cracks open a Glennfiddich 15-Year Old Solera and Bob pours Old Louisville's 7-Year toasted single barrel. Together they tell the story of another artist who passed away too soon at the age of 27, the iconic Jimi Hendrix. We learn how a one-string ukulele got into the hands of the ultimate vibe man and left-handedly changed guitar playing and music forever. We paint the picture of how this musical Icarus went from a complete unknown, to international legend, to a memory of purple haze in only a matter of 4 years, highlight the most underrated parts of him, and also find out how many things are actually older than Frankie Valli.

Frizz and Bob dive into the spooky season with the delightfully awful Ghostbusters soundtrack, because bustin' makes us feel good. To get through this collection of 80s trash, Bob is drinking Castle and Key's brand new 7 year cask strength wheated bourbon and Frizz pops Henry McKenna's Bottled in Bond bourbon. Join us as we reminisce about the brilliance of this 80s must-see movie, talk about Elmer Bernstein's battle between classical and commercial, the timeless genius of Rick Moranis, and the confusing awfulness of Air Supply. Happy Halloween!

Frizz cracks open a new bottle of Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair, and Bob pours a personal favorite Community Batch Private Selection from Makers Mark while enjoying the self titled debut album by the Black Pumas. Join us for a rip roarin' nostalgic time as we gab about animal band names, the long and winding road of two musicians meeting by chance, and break down how all the familiar inspirations lead to one of the best new albums in recent music. Also... take a drink everytime you hear the word "organic." 

Bob and Frizz finally get into a Billy Joel state of mind with two brand new bottles: Angel's Envy's Triple Oak and Filey Bay Yorkshire Single Malt. We dig into Joel's best-selling album, The Stranger and learn all about what makes him the ultimate Piano Man, unearth the beauty and curse of Billy Joel's love songs, bask in the brilliance of growing old, and really need to speak with Xzibit about pimpin' our rides. 

Bob and Frizz are finally reunited across seas! We celebrate with some Brown-Forman by covering another long-awaited reunion by resurfacing one of the most British albums of the last 30 years, Oasis's (What's the Story) Morning Glory. We get into all the hidden gems on the UK charts over the decades, celebrate Nigel Dick's return, spill the tea on the news-worthy Battle of Britpop, and rant about the turd-ish Gallagher brothers that made such a monumental album of the 90s.

It's a boys night all over again! Once again, Bob is joined by Lord Bael and Rev. Riff from To El and Back, and we talk about the wonderfully whacky world of professional wrestling entrance music. We take turns diving into our favorite themes from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Tune in to see what theme wins your championship belt.    SCHEDULE NOTE: The next episode is scheduled to be released on 9/18, and our normal schedule will resume in October. Thanks for hanging with us! 

This week, while Frizz is moving, Bob is joined by Star Viper's John Huxley, and we dig into a prog rock masterpiece, Dream Theater's Metropolis Pt2: Scenes from a Memory. And, to accompany this amazing record, we are enjoying Pennslyvania's Liberty Pole Peated Bourbon. Join us as we talk about the whacky plot of the album, the history of Dream Theater, and how this was truly a make or break moment for the band. Additionally, Bob and Hux dive into the personal reasons why Dream Theater is an important and meaningful band. 

While Frizz is sailing 'cross the ocean, Bob is joined by the crew of To El and Back for a boys night out. We craft religious themed cocktails and jump in to our favorite Christian music. Learn about the rise of Contemporary Christian Music, New Orleans Second Lines, and see if the hosts of "the skeptic's bible podcast" can tell if a few album titles were created by ChatGPT or CCM artists.    NOTE: Part 2 will be released on the To El and Back feed on August 11, 2024. Be sure to check it out and follow!

It's Frizz's Birthday AND last American episode, so we are celebrating in style with hits from the Tony Hawk Pro Skater Series soundtrack. To wash down these tasty tunes, Frizz is enjoying Glenfarclas 15 and Bob is enjoying Stave and Bean Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee. Join us as we talk about Pizza Hut, 90s demo disks, kick flips, police trucks, more Pizza Hut, the X Games, skate culture, and the lasting impact of one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time.    ALSO, as a bonus to Rhythm on the Rocks listeners, enjoy a discount on your Stave and Bean Coffee order with the code BEANS15

Frizz and Bob turn 100 today! We celebrate 100 EPISODES by drinking mystery pours and dig into one of the best celebration albums of all time, and our first greatest hits record, ABBA Gold. Join us on another expedition to the land of pop perfection, Sweden, and learn how Eurovision changed pop music for the world, get into the very complicated stories behind some of the most fun dance songs of all time, and learn a lot more about Swedish fish.

Frizz and Bob wrap up Pride Month by covering 8 of our favorite Pride anthems with a story to tell. Join us with another Old Fo from Whiskey Row as we venture on a musical journey from the 1920s to today, digging into everything from blues and jazz, to Broadway and metal, pop and glam, and ultimately PRIDE!

Frizz and Bob continue Pride Month celebrations with Tracy Chapman's revolutionary self-titled debut album and Old Fo's 1920. Join us as we learn about the humble and remarkable story of Tracy Chapman, how the future head of Six Flags helped her along the way, what Stevie Wonder and Nelson Mandela had to do with the skyrocket of her career, and dig through the songs of what we've dubbed a perfect album. We talk love, war, history, feminist anthems, country music, and... more blimps.

Frizz and Bob pop open a bottle of Old Forester 1910 and kick off Pride Month with the remarkable story you've probably never heard, about transgender jazz pianist Billy Tipton. Join us as we dig into a story of true heart and courage as we appreciate the tremendous untold journey of a pioneer. 

It really is MAY, because Frizz and Bob continue the boy band saga with none other than harmonizing, teen-hearthrobs, NSYNC. We get nautical with Johnnie Walker Swing and check in on Blimp King Lou "Double B" Pearlman, Frizz short circuits over NASA, remember the days of 90s Toyota Corollas, and learn that all things eventually lead back to "The Thong Song."

Frizz and Bob dive into a bottle of Monkey Shoulder and take you on the full journey of one of the most successful boy bands of all time, The Backstreet Boys. Join us as Frizz's dreams come true while we talk about wrasslin', blimps, the formula for a successful boy band, classic 90s chair choreography, and Backstreet's Back, ALRIGHT!

Frizz and Bob finally jump into the wonderful world of prog rock with two Canadian treasures: Rush and Pendleton Whisky. We dig into their hit album, Moving Pictures, and reveal how a bathroom break in Cleveland gave them their big break, how John Lennon may have impacted the album, the opinions of Chester Cheetah, and prepare to be RUSHIFIED.

Frizz and Bob conclude Jazz Appreciation Month by groovin' with a bottle of Australia's Starward whisky and digging into to the funkiest Jazz legend, Herbie Hancock, and his monumental album Head Hunters. Join us as we complain about getting older, unveil mistaken identities throughout history, Dance to the Music with Sly and the Family Stone, and slappa da keyboard.

Frizz and Bob continue Jazz Appreciation Month by digging into the first full-length record from Ella Fitzgerald AND Louis Armstrong, along with a bottle of New Orleans' finest, Sazerac Rye. Jazz it out with us as we chat about the impact of Ella and Louis individually and together, the great Norman Granz, the origins of some of jazz's most classic songs, Dukes of Hazard, and (finally) Doritos. 

Frizz and Bob celebrate Bob's birthday by taking out a bottle of 7 year old Bakers and going back to early 1900s New Orleans to tell the untold story of Buddy Bolden. Together we'll learn the triumphant and tragic story of the man who invented jazz, his remarkable rise from cornet player to "King," and how his legacy lives on despite his heartbreaking demise. There will be cheers, tears, treats for your ears, and... some funky butts.

Frizz and Bob celebrate St. Patricks Day with two Irish legends: Jameson Black Barrel and Thin Lizzy. We break into their electrifying album, Jailbreak, and learn all about actual jailbreaks, the magic of twin leads, ride or die helicopter wives, peanut butter doors, and how Louisville, Kentucky saved the band.

Frizz and Bob pop the top of some Green Spot Irish whiskey and cheers the remarkable Willow Stephens as we dance and cry our way through her new hit album, Future Classic. We chat all about the practice of not waiting to be invited and setting your own table, the importance in finding your power color, and share all of Willow's best tips to get you out of your funk and into your groove!

Frizz and Bob bask in a bottle of 12-year-old Glen Fohdry scotch and share the origins of the Trip Hop genre by highlighting pioneers, Portishead, and their monumental 90s breakthrough album, Dummy. We dive into their trailblazing way of creating, sampling, and recording their one of a kind sound, remain curious about all the Bond stories that could have been, unleash the hidden songs that lie within these sample-heavy tracks, and ponder the mysteries of a little place called Penistone. 

Frizz and Bob crack open a bottle of Old Forester and welcome back our fuzz rock friends, Year of October. We get to catch up with them on their phenomenal new album, Keep on Fighting, and get a behind the-scenes look at their newest venture, Watch It Burn Records. You too can find out what the youths are listening to, become a historian on the month of October, imagine the dreamy world of Scooby Doo, and find the perfect soundtrack to an evening adventure with Pedro Pascal.

Frizz and Bob fall in love with High West's Campfire Whiskey and body roll right into a classic record for all you lovers out there, Marvin Gaye's, Let's Get it On. Celebrate Valentine's Day with us as we bask in the brilliance of Marvin's voice, unleash the scandalous relationships behind these songs, discover a religious path to a sexual renaissance, and even uncover some of the best, worst, and... sexiest national anthem performances of all time.

Frizz and Bob pop a legacy bottle of Uncle Nearest that tells an incredible story you've probably never heard, while TLC has us getting Crazy, Sexy, AND Cool. We dish out all the details on how the biggest girl group had to fight for their next paycheck, loudly spoke out for women in the 90s, and we skip none of the interludes while praising their bold message of safe sex, AIDS awareness, and fighting stigmas in so many communities. 

Frizz and Bob pour 12-year-old Kurayoshi Japanese Whisky and dive into Phil Collins' 80s masterpiece, No Jacket Required. We learn how Phil goes from a young actor to an unstoppable prog drummer, to one of the best-selling solo artists ever. We answer your burning questions: Did Phil Collins curse a royal marriage? What happened while hanging out with Robert Plant? What does Sussudio REALLY mean? Why did Bone Thugs N-Harmony call him? Join us as we spill all about Phil.

Frizz and Bob crack open Johnnie Walker Green Label and dig into Bruno Mars' 24K Magic to kick off 2024 - see what we did there? Get on up as we get funky with Finesse, bring back the classic memories of 90s R&B, keep it hot like Halle Berry, and learn some wild facts that are a century old.

For our final episode of the year, Frizz and Bob pop the prosecco and present their first-ever Cheers of Year Award Show! Join us as we highlight some of our best and most scandalous moments. What spirits did we drink the most? What were our top albums of the year? What albums are we skipping? Who was the biggest ick and who was our MVP of 2023? Get your resolutions ready becasue we're on our way to 2024 with so much more! Cheers!

Frizz and Bob dip into their infinity bottles and share eight of their top songs off monumental albums that had an anniversary this year but sadly didn't get covered. We don't know where the time went, but join us as we expose our worst British pronunciations and talk about some of the best ways to eat holiday leftovers, Dr. Who, physical sex, the unusual beauty of poo poo, and the most alluring black coffee we've ever had.

Frizz and Bob flex their mocktail-making skills with Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon and catch up on the current pop phenomenon, Olivia Rodrigo. We spill the tea on her new top album of this year, GUTS, learn how the star of the worst-named show in history became the emerging voice of a generation, remember the brilliance of Street Fighter the Movie the Game, hash out old memories of the great 90s Nickelodeon game shows, something about Taylor Swift of course, and once again learn that everything in this world somehow has to do with our queen, Dolly Parton.

Frizz and Bob crack open the classic, 12-Year Glenfiddich single malt scotch and spin the monumental Talking Heads album, Speaking in Tongues, on its 40th anniversary. We highlight the love between a man and a lamp, invent new languages, chat butthole opinions, and revel in the mad genius of David Byrne and Tom Jones.

Frizz and Bob celebrate Halloween with seasonal beers and dish out all the mystical secrets about some of our favorite spooky songs to include on your next costume party playlist. We're going to find out all the answers to your burning questions. What were the most popular costumes of the last century? What is Goo Goo Muck? Why do you feel like someone is always watching you? What kind of ghosts are looming around town? Spooky scary. Boys becoming men! Men becoming wolves! ADDED BONUS - This episode also has the DEBUT of the newest single from Howling Giant, "Siren Song!"

Frizz and Bob break out one of our favorite drinks, Hibiki Harmony, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unforgettable Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. We dig into the post-Barrett era, the direct influence of jazz and Miles Davis, why Paul McCartney didn't make the cut, the true meaning behind the important ambiance you might have missed on the album, and the answer behind the famous question, "What is the Dark Side of the Moon?"