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On a very special 200th episode of Autographs, Matt welcomes their good friends and cohosts from the oft-mentioned on indefinite hiatus podcast, Crash Chords, Stephen Nagel and Jon Sanders! Together they reminisce about the origins of both pods, what they've been up to, their go-to bands during the pandemic, and how they stay busy. They all also talk about new projects, plans for the future, and the possibility of getting the band back together for more music pod goodness. Next Episode: Dave Wiskus
Join me, Professor RPG, as I sit down with friends, colleagues, and special guests, as we reminisce and discuss Role-Playing games that left their mark on us. Expect to see all sorts, Western-style, Japanese, even tabletop! Stay awhile and listen, and let us TRIGGER those memories of TALES long since completed. Relive that FANTASY you hold dear and come along with us, adventurer, on this QUEST into the past. Welcome, to the RPG University. In this episode, I welcome back Matt aka Stormageddon from Reignite Podcast, Screen Snark, Creative Quarantine, Crash Chords, and the Fun and Games podcast to the university to talk about best doggos, skeleton brothers, and more in Undertale! Want to check out even more memories people have of this great game? Check out our talks with other fans with the links below! https://www.reddit.com/r/Undertale/comments/l4d645/just_kidding_p_what_are_your_fondest_moments_or/ This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Join me, Professor RPG, as I sit down with friends, colleagues, and special guests, as we reminisce and discuss Role-Playing games that left their mark on us. Expect to see all sorts, Western-style, Japanese, even tabletop!Stay awhile and listen, and let us TRIGGER those memories of TALES long since completed. Relive that FANTASY you hold dear and come along with us, adventurer, on this QUEST into the past. Welcome, to the RPG University.This episode, I'm joined by Matt aka Stormageddon from Reignite Podcast, Screen Snark, Creative Quarantine, Crash Chords, and the Fun and Games podcast to venture through time and triggering changes in the timeline, as we talk about the SNES masterpiece, Chrono Trigger.Want to check out even more memories people have of this great game? Check out our talks with other fans with the links below!! https://www.reddit.com/r/SquareEnix/comments/g5rjv5/whatareyourfondestmemoriesofchronotrigger/ https://www.reddit.com/r/JRPG/comments/g5rjeg/whatareyourfondestmemoriesofchronotrigger/ https://www.reddit.com/r/chronotrigger/comments/g5rj71/whatareyourfondestmemoriesofchrono_trigger/
In this episode, Matt welcomes back nerd, comedian, game enthusiast, and musician Insane Ian! The two catch up on Ian’s life since his last Crash Chords appearance 3 years ago. Their conversation ranges from Ian’s appearance with Beefy (“I Don’t Get It”) on Vince Vandal’s latest record, FNFII: Advanced Friends & Fandoms, to his project with fellow comedy musician TV’s Kyle called Scooter Picnic and their latest song “This Groove (Is Too Dope For Us).” They also talk about Ian’s upcoming solo work, his YouTube series “1st Ian-pressions,” as well as how recent life events have affected his focus and his music. Continue reading
Viktor Devonne talks w/ DJ Stormageddon, who handles music at multiple burlesque venues and shows, incl. his co-production Magical Girl Burlesque in New York City. He is also a notable podcast host and producer... topics: "aficionado of good burlesque shows," Brooklyn, New Jersey pride, traveling in Europe, the Thursday Night Performer, Kiss and Kefka, the Peachy-Faced Motherfucker, the Nerdlesque Festival at Coney Island, dj'ing nerdy shows, Shirley Manson and Garbage, Mark McGrath, coming out as bi on Livejournal, Max Power, Doctor Who, the Silver Tusk awards, playing radio show, mix cds, burlesque plays, keeping people revved for the show, the radio at 11pm, finding music thru burlesque, obsessive Last.fm disorder, bus stop soundtracks, import singles, the Cracked podcast, in-the-moment podcasting, NPR, being a fan, The Dick Cavett Show, good at heckling, the same five songs, Stormageddon's music picks, Queen, Song 2, Spiegel im Spiegel, earnest songs, club djs, distinctive voices, Madonna's lower register, more Garbage, Angelfish, Y Kant Tori Read, Nirvana, snarky pretentious music memes, Nickelback, Martha My Dear, Taylor Swift, *NSYNC, music as therapy ... shoutouts: The Way Station, Sarah Tops, Dick Move, Iris Explosion, Kita St. Cyr, Nasty Canasta, Dolly Shot, Holly Ween, Esmerelda May, Dangrrr Doll, Lefty Lucy, Bastard Keith, Wassabasco, Lewd Alfred Douglas, D20 Burlesque, Sydni Devereaux, Schaffer the Darklord, Sarah Storm, Fancy Feast, Zoe Ziegfeld, Magical Girl Burlesque, Lucky Charming, Fem Appeal, Nyx Nocturne... check out Stormageddon's podcasts CC: Autographs and Crash Chords and Fun and Games - https://twitter.com/dj_stormageddon ... recorded February 10, 2018 ... intro/outro music: "On a 45" This Way to the Egress (thiswaytotheegress.com) ... download it at https://www.amazon.com/This-Delicious-Cabaret-Explicit-Egress/dp/B005D1GROO - used with permission interludes: "District Four" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
And we're back! It's time to play catch-up as we post some episodes from lost weeks and proceed to count down to our 250th episode, our 5th anniversary spectacular! Expect an episode of the Crash Chords each day 'til Saturday 7/22 --- that's five episodes for five years. Today's episode gets a bit on the 'trippy' side as we explore All Them Witches' 2015 release, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker, a work of neo-psychedelic proportions with a blues heart. You know the drill: let's break it down, build it up, tear it down again, and have some fun. Continue reading
Today, Matt welcomes Rachel Schenk, a musician, comedian, and actress hailing from Astoria, Queens. Rachel is no stranger to the world of Crash Chords; she appeared in ep. #95 (with bandmate Mark Robert Turner) as a member of the comedy music duo Afterbirth Monkey, and also in ep. #166 as herself. With Matt, Rachel chats about her newest day job working for The Ride NYC, her chance discovery that she can freestyle rap, and also about her growth as an artist. They also chat about her newest concept album with Afterbirth Monkey called Making a Beeline to Wasted and also about her solo album in the making. And so, with some reflections on her acting, her role in The Restaurant (a film written by Eric T. Ford) and her experience in improv, here's presenting Matt Storm and Rachel Schenk. Continue reading
Happy New Year from Crash Chords! Due in part to the holidays, but mostly to flu season, we took a short break and now it's time to play catch up! It's the race to Ep. #225 as we kick off the year with FIVE consecutive days of the Crash Chords Podcast. Today we commence with the first in the lineup by following through with our December guest's own listener pick. Many thanks to Mike Rugnetta for spurring us to tackle the third signed album by Childish Gambino---that is, the stage name and alias for actor and comedian Donald Glover---euphorically titled "Awaken, My Love!" Come join us for an analysis of the album and also for a discussion on music suggestions that always seem to come with warnings and caveats. Continue reading
Here's a proposition: a three-hour long Mike Rugnetta extravaganza! In the wake of his appearance on 'Crash Chords: Autographs', in CCA Ep. #43, we're pleased to re-introduce the one, the only, Mike Rugnetta for the full Crash Chords experience. Famed for hosting the PBS Idea Channel, a popular internet series that examines "the connections between pop culture, technology, and art", Mike sits in for a 30 min. follow-up interview, during which we prod into some new features on the Idea Channel, Mike's long-held interest in critical theory, the re-launch of his Reasonably Sound podcast, and fittingly, his own compositions. Finally, @ 0:29:20, we commence with the big tamale: quality time spent in a succulent critical analysis of Mike's album of choice, Without My Enemy What Would I Do by Made in Heights. With Mike fully in his element (and the rest of us seated & caffeinated), all that's missing is a dutiful audience! To join in, just chew on the album a bit, strap in, ponder, and play. Continue reading
Take a risk on FISK! Overdue for some band bonding, today's "evening with" presents the NYC-based punk garage band called FISK, consisting of guitarist/vocalist Freddie Heinemann, drummer Brandon Jacobs, and the latest addition, CiCi Young (a punk rock bassist from China who makes a late appearance in today's episode --- so stick around for her abridged, yet fascinating life story). On topics such as "making it" in the music business, the pitfalls of perfectionism, vexing venues, and the trials & rewards of playing in NYC, we're glad to feature FISK in the limelight of their new EP Stun to Kill, and, as always, to feature their music: two studio tracks and a live & local performance at the Crash Chords studio. Continue reading
This week, Crash Chords takes a gander at Message to Bears, the one-man project of multi-instrumentalist Jerome Alexander, and his latest album Carved From Tides. Though replete with talented session musicians, this one-man show tugs at our heart-strings and challenges us with a few head-scratches before spurring a scintillating topic on lyrical expression at [1:28:50]. Continue reading
This week, Crash Chords undertook a slightly heavier project. We've rejoined the wondrous world of soundtracks---our first in over three years. This time, it's to discuss the sparse yet pointed soundtrack to the video game 'Life is Strange' by DONTNOD Entertainment. Chronicling the story of an 18 year-old girl named Max who discovers her ability to control time while attending the Blackwell Academy, 'Life is Strange' is a story about friendship, right & wrong, and most of all, about consequences. Today we'll be strolling through the game, dissecting its myriad of outcomes, and finally attempting to "get a feel for it" from the songs that were chosen to adorn some of the game's key scenes. So either pick up, rent, or watch the game (via this 5-episode no-commentary Let's Play of 'Life is Strange' by Xenonz Kenway), and help us wrestle with the implications of Max's time-shattering actions together. We highly suggest it, as, you see... THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS! Continue reading
As a band, Radiohead has been known for a great many things... Well, as of today, let them be known as a certified Crash Chords feature! So go forth, and spread the word! And if you, perchance, harbor some opinions on this band, then you might enjoy our objective take on the band's much-anticipated album, A Moon Shaped Pool. Join us for another roundtable "excavation" as we peel back the layers of this multi-faceted work. Afterwards, stick around for some thoughts on the role that imagery plays in music, i.e., pitting the "pure feelers" against the more optically sensitive listeners. Continue reading
Today, Matt welcomes back another "crossover guest" -- that is to say, a guest who made an appearance on our other series, the Crash Chords Podcast, in Episode #77. That guest would be the rapper, writer, director, producer, and video editor hailing from New York City, known as Hops. Given the opportunity for a second interview, Hops updates Crash Chords on his latest exploits. Having stepped away from rap temporarily to work on a dance record, Hops discusses his current job doing video editing for Fortune.com as well as a short film he's directed called Take Me With You. Seeing as there's plenty afoot for the talented producer, the two also discuss the current state of the film industry and media's effects on modern-day society. Continue reading
Today Matt welcomes Brooklyn burlesque producer & performer Anja Keister. The producer of D20 Burlesque, Anja is the first Crash Chords "crossover guest" in that she has now appeared on both the Crash Chords Podcast and on Autographs. You can hear us tackle her album pick, Beat the Champ by The Mountain Goats in CCP Ep. #161. Today is a special episode of Autographs because Anja is coming on to promote her upcoming show: D20 Burlesque Tribute to Podcasts. Matt (a.k.a. DJ Stormageddon) will be a special guest DJ for this event. Hear Anja discuss the inspiration for the show and the kinds of podcasts Anja listens to. Also hear about the performers, about some of Matt's favorite acts (and how they came to be), and about Matt & Anja's work in the 2016 Nerdlesque Festival. The host of performers for the D20 event will include Anja Keister, Iris Explosion, Seedy Edie, Triple Jay, Fancy Feast, Mx Macabre, Ravenessa, Legs Malone, and a special duet by Mary Cyn and Johnny Caligula with go-go by Taylor Sweet -- and, of course, your host DJ Stormageddon manning the sound board! Continue reading
Today, Crash Chords is pleased to welcome guest Kati Delaney (visual artist, voice-over artist, and former Way Station bartender extraordinaire)! She joins us to discuss her voice-over work, the development of her drawing style, and--segueing into the album of the week--her many MISadventures experiencing music as a bartender. Finally we come to her album of choice: the 2016 reissue of Everybody Wants by the glam rock insurgents from the U.K., The Struts. Help us break down the album, and let us know your thoughts below! Continue reading
At last, we've arrived at the 2015 Year in Review! Join us in our annual barrage of categories, prizes, and tears (of all varieties) as we "shock" each other with our personal picks from the year's analyses. If you're having trouble following along, try out the CCP Archive, starting with episode #126... or just wing it. There's always next year. In fact, hop on board with us next week (on our normal schedule) to be our 2016 companion! (Next year's "Year in Review" will make much more sense, we promise.) And as always, a Happy New Year from Crash Chords! Continue reading
Need something to muse on? Muse on us! (...Musing on Muse.) That's right; since we're returning to a band we haven't touched since Ep. #16, we'll of course be counting on some growth from both fronts for our analysis of Muse's latest album, Drones. Finally, be sure to check out 1:27:48 for a special topic hosted by Jon & Steve---sans Matt due to travel plans---on the early stages of a Crash Chords "debate" series poised to begin in 2016. Suggestions? Reservations? Contentions? That's the idea! Let's hear 'em all in the comments section! Continue reading
Crash Chords covers 'Vinyl Day' at Barnes & Noble... LIVE! In honor of the retail giant's exclusive marketing event, merchandise manager Joe Mastropiero invited Crash Chords's own Matt Storm & Steve Nagel to conduct a 'live audience' podcast through CC: Autographs. Held on July 25th, 2015 (in the music section of Barnes & Noble's Staten Island outlet), Matt & Steve confronted Joe on all things vinyl related, media related, marketing related, and Joe related! Listen in for some hard-hitting questions on the status of the beloved music format, followed by an up-close (and public) interview with the music-loving proprietor. Finally, we wrap up by taking some amazing questions from our delightfully curious audience. Many thanks to all who came! Now let the spinning begin! Continue reading
Today we welcome Jose Urquiza, lead singer of 3 Years Hollow. With Matt, Jose discusses the band's 2014 LP The Cracks, which was spotted by Matt in a Crash Chords article last year. With a singing talent that dates back to childhood, Jose burgeoned forth with the heavy rock scene, which later shaped his style and sound. Hear Matt and Jose discuss their mutual love for the heavy rock acts of the late 90s and early 2000s. Also hear about Jose's touring life, the band's next record, and finally an upcoming tour with SOil and Powerman 5000 (whose lead singers were featured in earlier Autographs interviews). Continue reading
This week we welcome special guest, Graham Elwood: comedian, documentarian, and podcast host. An influencial figure in the work of Crash Chords, Graham's presence in the podcasting community is just as revered as his standup career, particularly as host of the Comedy Film Nerds podcast (co-hosted by Chris Mancini). He is also one of the creators of the podcast festival in L.A. called L.A. Podfest. Having released a documentary on his time performing for the troops in Afghanistan (called Laffghanistan), he is extending his interest in documentaries to a project called "Ear Buds", a documentary about podcasting. Matt and Graham chat about his latest album, Palm Strike Dance Party (featuring a self-titled song written with former guest Mike Phirman), and about the many branches of the podcasting industry collectively changing the face of entertainment. Continue reading
First appearing on Crash Chords in a 2010 interview, following the release of The Very Last Songs I Will Ever Record (Part 1), Matt welcomes back one of the most creative comedy musicians to emerge from the west coast, Mike Phirman. With his humble self-released ditties, Phirman's capacity for brilliant satire also extends to a penchant for over-blowing benign subjects, such as breakfast, streetmeat, and children's games. Whatever subject is at his whim, he consistently extracts a hilarious and addicting adventure. This time around, Matt and Phirman discuss the process behind writing a great comedy-music song, Phirman's many influences, how certain tracks came together, and finally the peculiar position he is placed in as a full-time family man -- thus caught between writing funny kids songs and writing funny songs for adults. Continue reading
Well, it's happened. Crash Chords covers the topic of... DEPRESSION. But first, we look at the pain, the comedy, and the minor nuisances of the subject through the lens of today's album, Haven't Got the Blues (Yet) by stage veteran Loudon Wainwright III. This album is brought to you by our returning guest, Painless Parker. Practically a veteran in his own right, Painless helps us through the episode with some of his own aptly-focused tunes. So stick around for that and our post-album take on today's much-maligned, and oft-avoided subject. Continue reading
Today we rejoice in the first guest appearance of our new writer, Tony Catalano! Answering up our earlier, less-refined analysis of Flying Lotus's Until the Quiet Comes (back in CCP Ep. #19), Tony thrusts us into the artist's latest project, You're Dead! — this time with the combined force of the entire Crash Chords think tank. But first, we kick-start the episode with Matt's detailed account of his journey to see the play Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and presented by the Public Theater. This clever Hip-Hop narrative of Alexander Hamilton's life—and ultimate feud with Aaron Burr—runs until May 3rd. Finally, after the album, we talk to Tony about Tony, covering his background in jazz, his life as a copywriter, his ambitions for the website, and of course, the eternal theme of objectivity. Continue reading
It’s EPIC PIEcast! Party with Nelson Lugo, Schaffer the Darklord, and Charles Stunning as they dust off every corner of pop culture for discussion, debate, and deconstruction with all the snark and witty banter that they can muster. The Snarkcasters are at again! The only resolution is that there are no resolutions! EPIC PIEcast's terrific trio discuss all things facial hair and go deep in to the world of beards. Schaffer talks about Twin Peaks, Chuck gives no fucks, and the both of them shut down Nelson's Dragon Age love. All of that is just the warm up to our very special guest Matt “Stormageddon” Storm the creator behind the music blog and podcast Crash Chords. Does Nelson’s beard grown down or out? How badly does Schaffer want to live Nelson’s life? Can Chuck restrain her murderous rage? All or none of these questions will be answered... or not! Come for the snark stay for the snakes. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://nerdyshow.com/2015/01/epic-piecast-29-matt-storm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Happy Holidays from Crash Chords! Our gift to you: pure nonsense. Our third annual montage takes us on a journey to absolutely nowhere by analyzing our toughest work yet: ourselves. On sugar, caffeine, or lack of sleep, we're hardly in top-form for these meddling, meandering, and maddening outtakes. Endure! Continue reading
This week on Autographs, we bring you the one-on-one between Matt and the Dallas-based Country Rock artist, Erik Neff. Not long ago in Crash Chords history, Neff's debut LP, At the End of the Day (released Nov. 10th), was featured in a written (and raving) record review titled "Subtle Revitalization" by writer and CCP co-host, Steve Nagel. To prod behind the art, Matt interviews Neff on how his sound has molded over the years, on his touring ambitions, and on the mutual benefits of having a music and modeling career. Also listen in for Neff's take on covers, and finally on—you probably didn't guess it—football! Continue reading
Happy Thanksgiving from Crash Chords! (If today's album & analysis should find its way into your extra-long weekend, we'll be giving plenty of thanks indeed.) Ripe for the picking, we look at an album that debuted at #1 in the U.K. this September, the plaintive This Is All Yours by the English band Alt-J (or "∆"). Then, following the album, we briefly discuss the impact of varying an album's style as opposed to its mood. Continue reading
Today we find out what happens when Indi Power Pop goes electronic! However you choose to categorize them, the four-piece rock band OK Go is clearly dabbling into new areas with their latest album, Hungry Ghosts. Early in Crash Chords history, Matt had the priviledge of conducting an interview with OK Go's drummer, Dan Konopka, while also reviewing their previous release, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. For their new album however, we administer the unadulterated CCP treatment, so hop on board and share your own opinions! Following that, we shift to a more lighthearted topic: quite simply, the nature of "rocking out!" Can this primal urge ever mingle freely with the stoic world of critical analysis? Continue reading
For our third fan request, courtesy of Jose (Nokjaw), we are pleased to analyze the album Ohio by [DARYL]. A throwback of about a decade, Ohio takes us back to the impassioned roots of Indi-punk. With its garage-born atmosphere, we explore the album's theme, style, and structure. Just another day on Crash Chords! Following that, we discuss the use of common sound effects and textural practices. Why do some things grow stale, while others stay timeless? And who gets away with it? Continue reading
Let the chatter begin! The Living Statue Galatea has agreed to break her stone encasement of silence for the likes of Crash Chords, and of course, for her album of choice: Singles by Future Islands. The album title is a pun that combines the accessible music format with those bereft of that special someone. Join our analysis for the details and come be a part of Galatea's motionless journey through NYC's street performing scene. Follow her blog at The Statue Speaks! Continue reading
Welcome to the first edition of Crash Chords: Autographs, hosted by Matt Storm. This brand new series takes the "analysis" portion of our primary podcast (CCP) and aims it squarely at the guests, i.e. an "artist's analysis". No, this isn't therapy, it's a loose and informal interview format that releases guests from the constraints of self-promotion or a dedicated album, and opens the door to... anything their heart desires. This week, we begin with a double feature. Join Matt and Mawk (Mark Young) of Hed PE for the first half, and then Matt and Spider One of Powerman 5000 for the final lap. Both artists are on tour together this August, and both have released brand new albums. So be sure to check out Evolution and Builders of the Future, and of course, the latest content from Crash Chords. Continue reading
You all know Suzanne Pike from The Barbaric Yawps... well now you'll know her as a bona fide CCP guest! Yes, we're honored to have the famed Indi icon on the podcast, not only for an interview, but also to provide us with this week's album review. Spurring another genre-first for Crash Chords, she has us examine the 2007 album Rival Factions by the Christian hardcore rock band, Project 86. After unpacking this issue-straddling album, we of course question Suzanne about her rise to fame. And, if you stick around, there's a chance you'll receive a treat performance — a good chance. Continue reading
We're kicking off the year with a common thread by tackling the most influential Pop/Rock songwriter ever to bridge the Atlantic: Sir Paul McCartney. Join us in this review of his new album, New. And don't go away! You've probably heard the phrase, "They don't make 'em like that anymore!" We'll be discussing just what fascinates people about music from bygone times. Is it just that pesky nostalgia at work, or something more fundamental? These and more unquenchable queries in a brand new year of Crash Chords! Continue reading
I’m afraid we’re one “6” short of making this episode truly frightening, but nonetheless, a Happy Halloween from Crash Chords! At long last, we return to deliver our review of AM by Arctic Monkeys. Then comes the really scary part: a long-winded reflection on why we have to be so darn long-winded all the time. Should critical analysis be an exercise in brevity or longevity? We’ll do the spitballing; you decide! Continue reading
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Crash Chords! To celebrate, we deliver to you this very special non-episode to commemorate our many off-air shenanigans… (and to dispose of some excess clippage). Enjoy! Continue reading
This week we talk about Green Day’s upcoming tour, Led Zeppelin’s social media surprise, what we’ve been listening to lately, we review Matchbox Twenty’s latest, North, and we discuss the beginnings of a new feature on Crash Chords called Trigger Tracks. Continue reading