Vinyl Verdict Vinyl Verdict

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, The Offspring's "Smash". Released in April 1994, the album has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Riding a wave of success for punk groups such as Green Day and Rancid in the mid-90s, the album was a huge breakout hit for the band. Four singles from the album charted, and the album has sold 11 million copies since its release. It holds the record for most sales for an album released on an independent record label. But will it go to #1 in the boys hearts? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Kings of Convenience's "Peace or Love". Their fourth album, it was released 12 years after their previous album. Many of the songs on this album had been performed live in the previous decade and some of them had even been recorded in a studio, but the duo was not convinced the versions were good enough. The album was released to positive reviews, with a number of reviewers noting that it was a welcome return by the duo. But what will the boys think of the album? Will it be their best reviewed album to date, or does it need more time in the oven? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of records they have bought, but never played. First up is Jamie's pick, Nirvana's "In Utero", released in 1993. It was the last Nirvana album released in Kurt Cobain's lifetime and had two of their most successful singles on it. Second up is Plouffe's pick, Live's "Throwing Copper", released in 1994. This album was a huge success for the band, having four big singles and was one of the most popular albums of 1994. Finally, Bell's pick is The Horrors' "V", released in 2017. This album was released to rave reviews, and is one of their best reviewed albums. But how will the boys rate these unopened treasures? Should they have stayed sealed forever? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, The Bicycle Thief's "You Come and Go Like a Pop Song". Released in 1999, it is the only album from the duo of Bob Forrest and Josh Klinghoffer, who are joined on this album by a myriad of other musicians. One of these musicians is John Frusciante, who in 1999, had returned to the Red Hot Chili Peppers as their guitarist, and who Josh Klinghoffer in turn replaced in 2009. The album comprises 13 tracks on both its 1999 original release and 2001 re-release, but with some omissions and additions, as well as a track re-ordering. Will the boys come and go from this album, or will the bicycle thief instead steal their hearts? Come along and find out!

On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, REO Speedwagon's "Hi Infidelity". Released in 1980, it was their breakout album, with two hits in the top five, both of which were played on the first day of broadcast for MTV. Since release, the album has sold over 11 million copies and hits such as Take it on the Run and Keep on Lovin' You have become staples of classic rock radio. But will the boys find this album a staple of this podcast? Come along and find out!

On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, the boys are joined by Arthur Rafael, the social media manager at Linus Media Group. Arthur brought Yeat's "Lyfe", an album in the rage genre of hip-hop. Along the way, Arthur explains Yeat's origins, his path to success and how he represents part of the future of the genre. Are we in a new era of hip-hop? Will the boys resonate with this album? Come along and find out!