Spin It! The Record Ranking Podcast

James & Connor
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

The Record Ranking Podcast for people who would rather be listening to music. Each week James and Connor give their spin on a popular album. James has listened to each one dozens of times, but Connor's only heard them once. Come check out our unprofessional insights and learn a little more about the music you love from every genre, artist, and era! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Hot August Night - Neil Diamond | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 258 (Connor's Pick)

    6d ago

    Hot August Night - Neil Diamond | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 258 (Connor's Pick)

    Good times never seemed so good this week! We're taking it back to a Hot August Night in 1971, when Neil Diamond delivered an iconic performance at LA's Greek Theatre! The show produced a live double album packed with his early career's greatest hits, from the pining Red Red Wine to the powerful I Am... I Said (and of course, a prerequisite dose of Sweet Caroline). We'll learn how his pre-med career evolved from the Brill Building to the stage and find out what made him such a compelling arranger and performer. Can Connor's gamble rise above James' previous ranking of Stones? We'll dwell on previous Diamond experience, explore the jukebox musical centered around his life, and lament an expensive divorce or two. The Mixtaper (a Solitary Man) keeps Connor en garde with facts on swordplay, birdsmithing, and bad actors during Fact Or Spin! Then we focus in on a handful of the 29 tracks on this massive record, from Crunchy Granola Suite to Holly Holy Holly (... Holy) and beyond. Find out if this Easy Listening artist can live up to his genre, and see if this clean collection of live hits can bolster his standing in our official rankings! What do YOU think is going on with that cover photo? Is this album "live" enough for you? And can you even IMAGINE this guy winning fencing championships? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and on socials! Like and follow for more next week! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 4:37 About Neil Diamond 8:56 About Hot August Night 20:54 Fact Or Spin 24:18 Neil Diamond Is An Award-Winning Actor 30:03 He Became A Birdsmith 36:23 An Interlude 38:15 He's An Award-Winning Fencer 42:33 He Made An Interesting Cameo 48:14 Album Art 49:54 Prologue 51:01 Crunchy Granola Suite 53:25 Done Too Soon 54:42 Dialogue 56:03 Solitary Man 57:51 Cherry Cherry 1:01:57 Sweet Caroline 1:06:21 Porcupine Pie, You're So Sweet 1:08:14 Red Red Wine 1:09:19 Soggy Pretzels, Gitchy Goomy 1:11:59 And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind 1:12:21 I Think It's Going To Rain Today 1:12:42 Shilo 1:13:54 Modern Day Version Of Love 1:14:20 Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon 1:15:08 Walk On Water, Kentucky Woman, Stones, Musician Intros 1:16:13 Play Me 1:17:50 Canta Libre, Morningside 1:18:07 Song Sung Blue 1:19:54 Cracklin' Rosie 1:20:40 Holly Holy 1:22:12 I Am... I Said 1:25:03 Soolaimon / Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show 1:27:21 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 39m
  2. Human Clay - Creed | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 257

    Jun 12

    Human Clay - Creed | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 257

    Can Creed take us Higher? Find out as we talk about Human Clay, the 1999 album full of Scott Stapp's unique vocals, and post-grunge, (lovingly) butt rock style laced with introspective religious overtones. From grief to death to fatherhood, Creed doesn't shy away from big questions. We'll explore the band's number-fudging beginnings, meteoric rise, and sudden unravelling through record-setting feats, ubiquitous hits, and nostalgia-fueled comeback tours. They're proving that they'll truly Never Die! James & Connor are approaching our analysis With Arms Wide Open. We'll talk about our past Creed collections, reminisce on crappy art class pottery, and learn all about homophones, homonyms, and homographs as we're molded into Human Clay! There's a little Mixtaper Inside Us All with facts about stolen guitars, crossover weddings, and death-defying spy antics during Fact Or Spin! It's an episode full of glorious, unplanned bedlam... Are You Ready? What days of school did you miss? Are you a fan of Scott Stapp's enunciation? Where do you fall in the great With Arms Wide Open vs. Higher debate?? Let us know on socials and be sure to follow for more wherever you listen! Or, so Say I, at least! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 2:52 About Creed 9:58 About Human Clay 22:12 Awards & Accolades 22:42 Fact Or Spin 23:33 Tremonti's Stolen Guitar 29:29 The ACreed/DCreed Baseball Wedding Crashers 34:38 Scott Stapp Was Saved By A Rapper 38:52 They Signed Their First Contract... In BLOOD! 45:44 Album Art 47:09 Are You Ready? 49:04 What If 51:56 Beautiful 53:22 Say I 55:12 Wrong Way 57:32 Faceless Man 58:53 Never Die 1:00:27 With Arms Wide Open 1:03:42 Higher 1:07:08 Wash Away Those Years 1:11:25 Inside Us All 1:13:17 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 21m
  3. Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes - Jimmy Buffett | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 256

    Jun 5

    Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes - Jimmy Buffett | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 256

    Jimmy Buffett is making Landfall on the podcast this week! We're wasting away again with Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes, a career-defining album that features the ultimate beach drinking song, Margaritaville! We'll talk about Buffett's coastal upbringing and how he got his start in Nashville (as an author!) before a trip to Key West changed his life. Changes is the culmination of half a lifetime at sea, with a guitar (and a margarita) in hand. James & Connor will talk about the Mt. Rushmore of tropical anthems, learn about Buffett's billion-dollar business empire, and talk about our own Parrothead status. The Mixtaper puts us to the test with reptile attacks, matinees (ya know, sea cows), and a grounded airplane. We'll talk Coral Reefer Band, country classification, and discover whose dang fault that lost shaker of salt really was! Don't wonder-- from Biloxi to Jamaica, find out why we ever go home this week! What's your favorite Buffett song? Favorite Buffett restaurant? Favorite Buffett retirement community?? It's Friday Somewhere, so make sure to follow wherever you're listening so you don't miss our next episode! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 2:44 About Jimmy Buffett 11:18 About Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes 20:38 Awards & Accolades 21:54 Fact Or Spin 22:25 He Was Attacked At Margaritaville 27:23 He Was A Fan Of A Good Matinee 31:39 A Bird Named His Birds 37:33 He Lost His Seat To A Hat 46:28 Album Art 47:25 Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes 49:17 Wonder Why We Ever Go Home 50:37 Banana Republics 52:37 Tampico Trauma 53:54 Lovely Cruise 56:03 Margaritaville 58:55 In The Shelter 1:00:02 Miss You So Badly 1:01:17 Biloxi 1:03:22 Landfall 1:05:16 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m
  4. Pacific Daydream - Weezer | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 255

    May 29

    Pacific Daydream - Weezer | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 255

    Yeah, it Feels Like Summer! We're back for another Happy Hour with Weezer! After their debut Blue Album left Connor with a puzzle he just didn't want to put together, we're trying again with their sun-soaked, beachy experiment, Pacific Daydream! It's a clear departure from their signature style, complete with complicated spreadsheet-crafted compositions, but crankin' them Beach Boys might be enough to redeem a low score! James & Connor revisit all the special moments from Episode 26 (pigeon racing included) before diving back into the Weezer-verse with a deeper look at the band's history and the decisions that led up to one of their most controversial records. We'll check in on their tours, SZNZ, and speculate about what they're up to next. The Mixtaper is bringing four Karlificated facts about coloring books, vegeterrorism, and more straight from Weezerpedia.. Will this be his QB Blitz? Find out if James' nostalgia pick can Get Right and swing Connor's expectations this week. Is any friend of Diane's a friend of yours? Do you like the coastal vibes, or was the classic Weezer sound more your speed? Be honest, would you ever go pigeon racing? We have it on good authority that there are clubs across the nation. Like and follow for more! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 0:25 Last Time: The Blue Album 6:21 About Weezer 11:35 About Pacific Daydream 19:38 Awards & Accolades 20:33 Fact Or Spin 21:57 They Have A Coloring Book 28:22 Today Is A Special Anniversary 32:04 Rivers Cuomo Is A VegeTerrorist 35:04 They Have Their Own Encyclopedia 40:30 A Surprise Fifth Fact: The Mixtaper Has Gone Pigeon Racing 44:13 Album Art 45:29 Mexican Fender 51:03 Beach Boys 53:24 Feels Like Summer 55:36 Happy Hour 57:49 Weekend Woman 59:31 QB Blitz 1:03:26 Sweet Mary 1:04:52 Get Right 1:05:54 La Mancha Screwjob 1:07:57 Any Friend Of Diane's 1:09:29 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
  5. Sunrise City - Sub-Radio | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 254

    May 22

    Sunrise City - Sub-Radio | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 254

    We've been having more dreams lately.. Welcome to Sunrise City, the feel-good sophomore record from "soft" indie guys Sub-Radio! This band of middle-school friends went viral as they got down bad for Stacy's Dad, and by broadcasting on Reddit during the pandemic they were able to generate a significant fanbase. Sunrise City is a saccharine nostalgia trip from teenage nights on the beach to Summer's End. Can their hooky record full of nuggets of gold carry them to a strong ranking? James & Connor reminisce on hard times and strong men before giving this audience-recommended album a listen. The Mixtaper has a Better View and a few facts about tricky fae (who can play a mean recorder), the short-lived Reddit Public Access Network, and Monkey. Monkey? Monkey. We'll talk about the nuances of Pink Lemonade and Tiger's Blood and find out if WE'RE IN LOVE (!!) with this album... and whether Sub-Radio is Onto Us.  What's your favorite snow cone flavor? Are you in a good time or a hard time? Think you could take down Sub-Radio in a game of Mario Kart?? Let us know in the comments and on socials, and tune in next week for a Year Of Redemption feature that will knock your sweater off. Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 3:17 About Sub-Radio 9:53 About Sunrise City 12:25 Awards & Accolades 12:34 Fact Or Spin 13:56 They May Have Encountered A Trickster Fae 18:00 They Were The First Musicians On The RPAN 23:00 They Channel The Spirit Of The Monkey 26:08 John Fengya Has Never Lost A Game Of Mario Kart 30:03 Album Art 31:00 Sunrise City 32:17 Pink Lemonade 34:32 I'M IN LOVE!! 37:08 Onto Me 39:08 Sleep On The Beach 44:26 Dimension 46:17 Don't Cry 47:59 Burden 49:28 Spin 50:59 Better View 52:04 Nothing's Broken 54:12 Pretty Boy 55:22 22 57:00 Friends (Summer's End) 58:28 heavenheavenheaven 1:00:06 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m
  6. Exodus - Bob Marley & The Wailers | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 253

    May 15

    Exodus - Bob Marley & The Wailers | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 253

    This week we've got So Much Things To Say as we review and rank Exodus, the gripping reggae album by Jamaica's own Bob Marley! After pushing rocksteady boundaries with his childhood friends Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, Bob's career made a strong pivot to pop and rock crossover music, riding the reggae wave to superstardom! A failed assassination attempt sent Marley overseas, where he crafted his ninth studio album, charged with Rastafarian theology and themes of love and freedom. We'll learn the effect it had on his legend, and how the Marley mythos has evolved over time. James & Connor recount our previous Bob Marley experiences (both torturous and fishy). The Mixtaper has an aviary of little birds this week with facts about the House Of Dread FC, palm reading, and an unusual prison break during Fact Or Spin. Then we'll get to Jamming about the album, from the restrained intensity of The Heathen to the chill optimism of Three Little Birds! So kick back, relax, and don't worry about a thing... There's a Natural Mystic blowing through this episode! Are you a bigger fan of the intense half or the chill half of Exodus' sound? What's your favorite bird? Was your first Bob Marley experience as drastic as James'? Let us know on socials, and tune in next week to smile with the rising sun yet again! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 6:16 About Bob Marley 16:27 About Exodus 23:42 Awards & Accolades 25:56 Fact Or Spin 26:52 The Secretary Bird: Bob's Soccer Obsession 30:33 The Raven: He Was A Palm Reader 33:09 The Jailbird: Bob Marley Was Part Of A Prison Break 37:08 The Baby Chick: He Kidnapped The Easter Bunny 45:18 Album Art 46:56 Natural Mystic 48:38 So Much Things To Say 50:12 Guiltiness 52:13 The Heathen 53:15 Exodus 55:53 Jamming 58:27 Waiting In Vain 59:57 Turn Your Lights Down Low 1:01:12 Three Little Birds 1:03:43 One Love/People Get Ready 1:05:27 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
  7. Band On The Run - Wings | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 252

    May 8

    Band On The Run - Wings | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 252

    Stuck inside those four walls? We're making our escape with Band On The Run, the 1973 record by Wings! After a tough Beatles breakup, a burnt out Paul McCartney was struggling to stay relevant in the music world. He started Wings alongside his wife Linda and guitarist Denny Laine, and after a few tough outings, Band On The Run proved to be their major breakthrough! Despite a tumultuous recording process in Lagos, Nigeria, hits like JET (!), Let Me Roll It, and Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five have become catalog staples.  We're catching up on our personal Beatles history and learning about the foundation of Wings! We trace the band's Lagos trip through cholera outbreaks, broken equipment, and knifepoint robberies, but learn why Paul needed this record so badly. The Mixtaper relies on James' fear of "jelly babying" himself with another round of McCartney facts! We'll break down jailbreak ambience, investigate a holiday hostage, and drink a drink with Lily The Pink in Fact Or Spin. We might have No Words... but what's the use in worrying? How's your Scooby Doo impression? What would your last words be? Do you forget when Picasso was alive? Which of the sections of Band On The Run stands above the rest? Let us know your Wings takes in the comments and on socials! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 3:27 About Wings 12:48 About Band On The Run 25:58 Awards & Accolades 26:50 Fact Or Spin 28:09 Paul Insisted On A Jailbreak Ambience Check 31:07 Paul Kidnapped The Easter Bunny 35:22 Paul Guest Starred In A Comedy Production 40:13 Paul Is Related To The Inventor Of The Woman's Tonic 49:23 Album Art 52:42 Band On The Run 57:03 Jet 1:00:31 Bluebird 1:02:15 Mrs. Vandebilt 1:06:38 Let Me Roll It 1:08:29 Mamunia 1:09:52 No Words 1:11:04 Picasso's Last Words 1:14:24 Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five 1:17:29 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 24m
  8. Emotion - Carly Rae Jepsen | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 251

    May 1

    Emotion - Carly Rae Jepsen | Album Review & Ranking: Episode 251

    We're Making The Most Of The Night as we review and rank Emotion, the 80s-infused pop record from Canadian songwriter and actress Carly Rae Jepsen! After we just met her (and that was crazy) back in 2011, Carly was struggling to shed the bubblegum pop reputation she gained with Call Me Maybe. After retreating from the spotlight, acting on Broadway, and writing a scrapped folk record, Emotion was her attempt to make something different. It proved to be a critical success and paved the way for the next era of her career with big singles like Run Away With Me and I Really (Really Really Really Really Really) Like You... but is this album Our Type? Let's Get Lost in her Canadian Idol roots! James & Connor talk about previous opinions of her work (can't judge her for that), celebrate CRJ's 40th and 44/100ths birthday, and give these songs a powerful listen. The Mixtaper is giving us Boy Problems in Fact Or Spin, where we'll learn about her growing collection of weaponry, a secret Maybe List, and a deceptive signature from "the boss man." Between the pop anthems and powerful ballads, find out if this record can stir up our E•MO•TIONS and redeem our premature opinions of her music. Did you wish CRJ a Happy Birthday? Do you have Boy Problems too? Would you ever try to trick the Boss Man? Let us know how you felt about Call Me Maybe in the comments or on socials, and tune in next time for another high-flying episode! Keep Spinning at www.SpinItPod.com! Thanks for listening! 0:00 Intro 3:29 About Carly Rae Jepsen 9:15 Call Me Maybe 12:42 About Emotion 26:04 Awards & Accolades 26:50 Fact Or Spin 28:19 The Fandom Armed Her 34:44 Carly Rae Jepsen Armed The Fandom 40:35 She Has A "Maybe List" 45:11 She Takes Her Contracts To The Boss Man 51:12 Album Art 52:14 Run Away With Me 56:10 Emotion 58:10 I Really Like You 1:00:58 Gimmie Love 1:01:44 All That 1:03:02 Boy Problems 1:05:01 Making The Most Of The Night 1:06:02 Your Type 1:07:27 Let's Get Lost 1:08:35 LA Hallucinations 1:09:40 Warm Blood 1:10:53 When I Needed You 1:12:00 Final Spin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Record Ranking Podcast for people who would rather be listening to music. Each week James and Connor give their spin on a popular album. James has listened to each one dozens of times, but Connor's only heard them once. Come check out our unprofessional insights and learn a little more about the music you love from every genre, artist, and era! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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