Polyphonic Press: Classic Album Reviews Jeremy Boyd & Jon VanDyk

"Kings of the Wild Frontier" is the iconic second album by Adam and the Ants, released in 1980. Fusing punk rock with glam and new wave influences, the album is characterized by its tribal drum beats, catchy guitar riffs, and Adam Ant's distinctive vocal delivery and flamboyant persona. The record features hit singles like "Dog Eat Dog" and "Antmusic," showcasing the band's rebellious spirit and unique sound that helped define the new wave era. With its energetic and theatrical approach, "Kings of the Wild Frontier" remains a celebrated and influential album in the history of alternative music.
Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
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DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience. 

"Bongo Rock" is a groundbreaking album by The Incredible Bongo Band, released in 1973. It is revered as a pioneering work in the development of funk and hip-hop music, featuring iconic tracks such as "Apache" and "Bongo Rock." The album's fusion of Latin percussion, funky rhythms, and powerful brass sections created a unique sound that has had a lasting impact on music genres like breakbeat and hip-hop, with "Apache" in particular becoming one of the most sampled songs in music history. "Bongo Rock" remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its innovative production and influential contributions to the evolution of modern music.

Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
Apple Music
Links:Official website
Contact
Support us on Patreon

DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience. 

"Bummed" by Happy Mondays is a seminal album in the Madchester scene, released in 1988. Infusing elements of funk, psychedelia, and dance music, the album is a sonic journey through the hedonistic world of Manchester's club scene. Shaun Ryder's distinctive vocals, combined with swirling guitars and funky basslines, create a hypnotic atmosphere that captures the energy and spirit of the era. Tracks like "Wrote for Luck" and "Lazyitis" showcase the band's unique blend of alternative rock and dance rhythms, while "Mad Cyril" and "Performance" delve into more experimental territory. "Bummed" is a testament to Happy Mondays' influence on the burgeoning rave culture of the late '80s and remains a classic example of Manchester's musical legacy.
Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
Apple Music
Links:Official website
Contact
Support us on Patreon

DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience. 

"CrazySexyCool" is the second studio album by the American girl group TLC, released in 1994. It's a landmark in contemporary R&B and hip hop music, blending infectious hooks, bold lyrics, and innovative production. The album showcases TLC's signature blend of catchy pop hooks with socially conscious lyrics, addressing topics like love, empowerment, and self-respect. With iconic tracks like "Waterfalls," "Creep," and "Red Light Special," the album solidified TLC's status as one of the most influential and successful girl groups of all time, earning critical acclaim and commercial success, and leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry.

Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
Apple Music
Check out Taking It Down
Links:Official website
Contact
Support us on Patreon

DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience. 

"Transformer" is the iconic second studio album by American musician Lou Reed, released in 1972. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, the album is a cornerstone of glam rock and showcases Reed's gritty lyricism and distinctive vocal delivery. Known for its blend of glam, rock, and pop influences, "Transformer" features hits like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day," exploring themes of urban life, sexuality, and taboo with a mix of wit, vulnerability, and social commentary. Its innovative sound, coupled with Reed's poetic storytelling, solidified the album's status as a timeless classic and cemented Lou Reed's reputation as a groundbreaking artist in the rock genre.
Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
Apple Music
Check out Taking It Down
Links:Official website
Contact
Support us on Patreon

DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience. 

"Can't Buy a Thrill" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Steely Dan, released in 1972. This seminal work seamlessly blends elements of rock, jazz, and pop, showcasing the band's distinctive sound and sophisticated songwriting. With its catchy hooks, intricate arrangements, and cryptic lyrics exploring themes of disillusionment and societal malaise, the album delivers a timeless musical experience. From the iconic hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In the Years" to the lesser-known gems like "Midnight Cruiser" and "Fire in the Hole," "Can't Buy a Thrill" remains a classic representation of Steely Dan's artistry and innovation, captivating listeners with its fusion of genres and intricate musical craftsmanship.

Listen to the album: ⁠Spotify
Apple Music
Check out Taking It Down
Links:Official website
Contact
Support us on Patreon

DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.