Indoor Safari, released in 2024, is Nick Lowe’s first album in 11 years and proves that at 75, the man is still making fantastic music! With the aid of Nashville surf gods Los Straitjackets (who also support Lowe on tour as his backing band) the album is bit of a return to Lowe’s more rockin’ days. From start to finish, the album is an absolute blast!

Recommended on Episode 136: Nick Lowe - The Impossible Bird

Mark Bacino has been making fantastic tuneful power pop for 30 years. While his recorded output is infrequent, it is always worth a listen. His most recent album Top of the World is a bit of a departure from the straightforward power pop of his previous two albums. Top of the World is a wonderfully modern take on the Harry Nilsson school of pop and Bacino is able to perfectly evoke the humor, playfulness, and melancholy that Nilsson did so well.

Recommended on Episode 134: Joe Jackson - I'm the Man

An album of duets from Long Ryder Stephen McCarthy and Carla Olson. The two of them sound FANTASTIC together. The music rings and the vocal harmonies are perfect.

Recommended on Episode 130: The Long Ryders - Native Sons

Austin’s Ugly Beats make fantastic 60s era garage-fueled rock ‘n roll. Stars Align is their most recent offering and it does not disappoint. It fuses Byrds-like jangle, with elements folk and (of course) full throttled rock. Its an unmitigated blast from start to finish.

Recommended on Episode 128: The 13th Floor Elevators - The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor

While the Bellfuries roots are steeped in roots rock and rockabilly, their approach to that music is anything but conventional. Lead singer and songwriter Joey Simeone’s love of Beatlesque tunefulness, 60’s soul and RNB, and 1940’s and 1950’s pop shines though on Workingman’s Bellfuries. The songs are both unique and familiar. Simeone’s vocals are fantastic, and the tunes utterly timeless.

Recommended on Episode 125: Aztec Camera - High Land, Hard Rain

Adam Carroll is a remarkable singer/songwriter from Texas in the vein of Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Kris Kristofferson. On this 2019 release, Carroll continues to weave engaging tales with honesty and humor. Not to mention he’s a pretty fine finger picker, as well.

Recommended on Episode 124: Guy Clark - Old No. 1

The second LP by Austin’s premiere skinny tie power pop band Nite Sobs, Fade Out continues where there amazing debut left off. 14 unbelievably tuneful gems (the vast majority under 3 minutes) that will bring a smile to your lips and a bounce to your step. Be warned though, these songs are EXTREMELY catchy!

Recommended on Episode 122: Raspberries - Fresh

The Rest is History is the first “solo” album by Irish power popster extraordinaire, and mastermind behind the brilliant band Pugwash, Thomas Walsh. Full of fantastic melodies, catchy hooks, and impeccable songwriting, The Rest is History, is a feat for the ears. With guest appearances by Michael Penn and Joe Elliot, this album will have you up and bopping around he house and singing along before you know it!

Recommended on Episode 121: Beck - Morning Phase

Scooped is a compilation album including tracks from Pete Townshend's three albums Scoop, Another Scoop, and Scoop 3 which contains demos of various released and unreleased songs by The Who, and demos of entirely new material. The booklet contains Townshend's own commentary on the inspiration, ideas and instrumentation behind each song. Scooped is must have for anyone interested in Townshend’s songwriting journey.

Recommended on Episode 119: Pete Townshend - Empty Glass

Originally recorded as a one off EP for fans, Splitsville Presents: The Complete Pet Soul is of the true masterworks of post 1990 power pop. It’s is a wonderfully crafted love letter to the pure pop genius of Rubber Soul era Beatles and Pet Sounds era Beach Boys. A remarkable but of sugary confection for the ears.

Recommended on Episode 116: The Flamin’ Groovies - Shake Some Action

The Last Waltz is a film by Martin Scorsese that captures the Band performing at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on Thanksgiving, 1976. The concert is an all-start event, featuring performances by Van Morrison (who steals the show), Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, the Staple Singers, Muddy Waters, Neil Diamond, and Neil Young to name a few.

Recommended on Episode 115: Van Morrison - No Guru, No Method, No Teacher

Released in 1979, Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson” is nine tracks written by one of the best song-smiths country music has to offer, performed by one of the best song interpreters country music has to offer. It is is a match made in heaven.

Recommended on Episode : Kris Kristofferson - Kristofferson

Songs of Sahm is a musical love letter to the great Doug Sahm by a band that has true affection for the source material. The Bottle Rockets channel the spirit of the Sahm to create a collections of songs that is as damn near perfect as a tribute album can be and is an absolute blast from beginning to end to boot.

Recommended on Episode 112: Doug Sahm and Band - Doug Sahm

Joe Boyd was a founder of the legendary London Underground club UFO, and produced the first Pink Floyd single “Arnold Lane,” so he was on the ground during the whole Underground scene. Because of that, Boyd is able to provide unique insights into the music industry, the bands, and the people that made Swinging London actually swing, and does so whit intelligence and wit.

Recommended on Episode 111: Tomorrow - Tomorrow.

Released in 2007, Dirt Farmer is the first studio album Levon Helm released since 1982. Inspired by Helms’ legendary house concerts - the Midnight Rambles, held at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, Dirt Farmer is a lovely mix of traditional songs and covers, sung in by a voice that truly understands the materiel. The album was rewarded with the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album of the year.

Recommended on Episode 110: The Band - The Band.

On Pop of the World by Peachfuzz is a stellar collection of songs by asimply fantastic power pop band from Austin, TX, with hooks to spare.

Recommended on Episode 108: Cheap Trick - Heaven Tonight.

Cold Spring Harbor is Billy Joel’s solo debut. Originally mastered at one-half of a semitone higher that it should have been, the original LP did not get its proper dues. Thankfully its been remastered. Containing the fantastic “She’s Got a Way,” its a fine debut, that showcases Joel as a talented up and coming songwriter, player, and singer.

Recommended on Episode 107: Billy Joel - The Stranger.

On this, their debut, the husband and wife duo take the listener on a classic honky tonk and bluegrass journey, to include both originals and covers. Dean is Dean Schlabowske of the Waco Brothers, and. Jo is Jo Walston of the Meat Purveyors. The album features some read hot guest musicians as well, including Mark Rubin of the Bad Livers , fiddler Beth Chrisman of the Carper Family, Robbie Fulks, and steel guitarist Chris Stafford. The album is an absolute delight from start to finish.

Recommended on Episode 107: Blue Rodeo - Five Days in July.

Simply put, Day of the Doug may be one of the finest albums Son Volt has ever put out. A tribute to legendary Texas musician Doug Sahm, and one the that spans his career, it is an album of warmth and reverence and is an absolute blast to listen to.

Recommended on Episode 106: Lucinda WIlliams - Lucinda Williams.

The brain child of Almost There label founder Ty Chandler, Gleeson is a power pop band from Austin, Texas. Gleeson II is a double album, full of richly orchestral songs that hearken back to the pop masterpieces of days gone by.

Recommended on Episode 104: Wilco - Summerteeth

A new disc from alt-country stalwarts the Waco Brothers delivers the goods. Full of their trademark “Clash meets Cash” punk-infused country, but expanding that sound to include horns and garage rock, this is easily one of the. best albums the band has released.

Recommended on Episode 102: The Steve Miller Band - Brave New World

Between 1985 and 1995, Robin Hitchcock recorder the majority of his albums with his band he Egyptians. Eye is his only solo album released during that period and is a largely acoustic affair. Its fairly straightforward for a Robyn Hitchcock album, which is not to say it doesn’t have its moments of Hitchcock’s trademark pop music surrealism. Its is a laid back, but immensely enjoyable listen.

Recommended on Episode 101: Nick Drake - Pink Moon

An in depth look at every song the Beatles wrote. If you ate a hard core Beatles nerd, this is the book for you.

Recommended on Episode 100: The Beatles - Help!

The Turning Year by Roger Eno is our 3rd “We’re Not Worthy” recommendation where we pick an LP we want to share with you, but is WAY beyond our expertise to discuss in any meaningful way. Roger Eno (brother of the oft mentioned Brian Eno) is joined on some tracks by the German string ensemble Scoring Berlin. the LP is a blend of recent compositions and live tunes from Eno’s concert repertoire. The album offers a comprehensive presentation of the composer’s solo work.

Recommended on Episode 99: Sigur Rós - Takk

Released in 2004, this underappreciated power pop gem from Eugene Edwards (guitarist for Dwight Yokam no less) harkens back to a that wonderful time when power pop and new wave took its cues from 1960’s rock n roll and roots music of the same era. Sounding at times like an early Elvis Costello LP, My Favorite Revolution filled to the brim with infectious melodies and isntantly accessible tunes. For what its worth, it’s one of Tony’s favorite albums of the last 20 years.

Recommended on Episode 98: Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend

Melissa Carper was a founding member of of the Carper Family, an amazing Austin traditional country/bluegrass trio consisting of Melissa Carper [upright bass], Beth Chrisman [fiddle], and Jenn Miori [guitar]
Ramblin’ Soul is her second solo LP and it’s a great, great honky tonk LP that will get your dancing shoes a tappin’.

Recommended on Episode 97: Steve Forbert - The American in Me.

This album is taken from recordings and live performances by Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, who Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal first discovered as teenagers. Its the first time the two have recorded together since their days with the Rising Sons in the mid 1960s. The result is folksy, intimate, and fun. Its like eavesdropping on the conversation of two old friends.

Reccomened on Episode 95: Ry Cooder - Paradise and Lunch

The Nobility are a fantastic power pop/baroque pop band from Nashville. Taking their cue from the Kinks and the Beatles through the Paul McCartney lens, The Mezzanine is full of catchy melodies, featuring strings, horns,and beautifully lush harmonies. The album even contains a rocker or two.

Recommended on Episode 94: Television - Marquee Moon.

Hybris is the first studio album by Swedish progressive rock group Änglagård.
Änglagård takes its cue from the more symphonic bands of the 1970’s (such as Genesis, Gentle Giant, and King Crimson). Released in late 1992, it became one of the most influential albums of 1990’s Neoprog

Recommended on Episode 93: Marillion- Clutching at Straws

In 2007, Jeff Beck performed a series of concerts at the renowned Ronnie Scott's club in London. This DVD features performances recorded across the different nights and presents what Jeff Beck considers the best version of each track, and includes versions of many of his classics.

Recommended on Episode 92: Jeff Beck - Truth

The soundtrack to the movie Local Hero is our 3rd “Were Not Worthy” recommendation. Three years removed from Dire Straits' third album, Making Movies, Mark Knopfler elected to make his first soundtrack.

Recommended on Episode 91: B.W. Stevenson - B.W. Stevenson.

Voice of Chunk by the Lounge Lizards is our 2nd “We’re Not Worthy” recommendation where we pick an LP we want to share with you, but is WAY beyond our expertise to discuss in any meaningful way.

Recommended on Episode 89: The Psychedelic Furs - Talk, Talk, Talk

Formed in New York City in 1996, the Mooney Suzuki channels the best of the MC5, the Kinks, and the Who. Electric Sweat is their second LP and its full of raw energy and New York swagger.

Recommended on Episode 88: The Jam - All Mods Con

This is a labor of love. “Deep Dive” doesn’t even scratch the surface. Here is a page with everything you want to know about J.J Cale, and much, much more.

Recommended on Episode 87: J.J.Cale - Naturally.

A Silent Way by Miles Davis is the first of our “We’re Not Worthy” recommendations where we pick an LP we want to share with you, but is WAY beyond our expertise to discuss in any meaningful way. A Silent Way is considered the beginning of Davis’ "electric" period, and regarded by many as his first fusion recording.

Recommended on Episode 86: Jeff Buckley - Grace

This documentary takes the viewer through Linda Ronstadt early years of singing Mexican canciones with her family; her folk days with the Stone Poneys; and her reign as the “rock queen” of the ‘70s and early ’80s.

Recommended on Episode 85: Linda Ronstadt - Heart Like A Wheel

A power pop gem from Brad Marino, the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and lead singer/co founder of the New Hampshire band the Connection. This is equal parts 60’s era melodic jangle pop and post-Ramones crunch.

Recommened on Episode 84: Marshall Crenshaw- Marshall Crenshaw

A little slice of 60’s psychedelia by way of Austin, Texas and the Coffee Sergeants. Minaret was the band’s second album and it is chock full of head-trippy hooks. It was released in 1991 as a cassette only release. Thankfully it is available digitally on the band’s Bandcamp page. Be sure to check it out.

Recommended on Episode 83: Jefferson Airplane -Surrealistic Pillow

A fantastic documentary about Love and Arthur Lee.

Recommended on Episode 82: Love - Forever Changes

This is a 2005 documentary about the legendary singer-songwriter, that includes performances by many of the musicians he influenced.

Recommended on Episode 81: Leonard Cohen - I’m Your Man

This is a fantastic collection of western swing and honky tonk songs performed with an attitude by South Austin legends, the Cornell Hurd Band.

Recommened on Episode 80: Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen - Lost in the Ozone

This is an Elton John-centric podcast that really takes a deep dive into all things Elton John. This particular epsiode focuses on all of the cover versions fo the songs on Tumbleweed Connection. It is an extremely fascinating and enjoyable listen.

Recommended on Episode 79: Elton John - Tumbleweed Connection

California surf-inspired pop from Austin, Texas. Lush and extremely catchy.

Recommended on Episode 75:Talking Heads- Remain in Light

Steeped in 60s jangle, this LP is power pop played through a Buddy Holly lens with a Beatles filter. Bright, cheerful, and most of all fun, just try and listen to this without a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. I dare you!

Recommended on Episode 74: Crowded House - Woodface

In 1975, when this album was recorded the band Quiet Sun wasn’t actually a going concern anymore. Founded by guitarist Phil Manzanera, the band broke up when Manzanera joined Roxy Music. In 1975, he went into the studio to record his first solo LP and took the opportunity to get Quiet Sun back together to record and release a critically acclaimed album of their old material.

Recommended on Episode 73: Roxy Music - Avalon

If you like your rock-n-roll full of energy and soul then the Woggles should be right up your alley. Fronted by Little Steven’s Underground Garage DJ - “the Mighty Manfred,” listening to the Woggles is like a music history lesson. You get early rock-n-roll, R&B, ’60s garage rock, British Invasion, and ’60s soul played with so much intensity that you’d think their lives depended on you hearing the musical gospel they're preaching. And you know what? It just might.

Recommended on Episode 71: Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul - Men Without Women

This is the definitive biography of Tom Petty, written by fellow musician Warren Zanes (the Del Fuegos). A must for any fan of Tom Petty.

Sunny, piano-driven power pop, with plenty of wonderfully bright vocal harmonies, not to mention hooks galore.

Recommended on Episode 69: Harry Nilsson - Aerial Ballet

The second LP from the premiere in Austin, Texas garage rock outfit, Take a Stand with the Ugly Beats features unbelievable sixties-infused rock that takes its inspiration from everyone from the Easy Beats to the Byrda and the Beatles. This album (and band) is an absolute blast to listen to. If you like your rock to jangle, this is a must!

Recommended on Episode 68: Fleetwood Mac - Bare Trees.

Crunchy guitars and hooks galore abound on this Chicago band’s debut. Rookie is a rock n roll band in the purest sense. If you dig late 70’s rock like Cheap Trick, you sure to dig Rookie.

Recommended on Episode 66:Led Zeppelin - Houses of the Holy

Italian band Radio Days has twice been named "Best band in the world" on Little Steven's Underground Garage. They make high-energy power-pop that is full of guitar jangle and bright harmonies and Rave On! is a fine collection that showcases what they have to offer.

Recommended on Episode 65: Fountains of Wayne - Welcome Interstate Managers

Recorded live in 1972, Amazing Grace finds Aretha returning to her gospel roots to record the best-selling gospel album of all time.

Recommended on Episode 64: Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man the Way That I Loved You

A documentary about the "Muscle Shoals sound" and The Swampers, the house band at FAME Studios.

Recommended on Episode 64: Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man the Way That I Loved You

A raucous collection of fantastic alt-country tunes from Dean Schabowske (sole American member of the Waco Brothers) and a great band consisting of former members of the Meat Purveyors (including his wife Jo Wlaston, who sings lead on several tracks) and the ReIvers.

Reommended on Episode 63: Jerry Jeff Walker - Ridin’ High.

After 30 plus years, Americana and roots-rock pioneers, the Rave-Ups, have returned a simply fantastic collection of new tunes on Tomorrow.

Recommended on Episode 62: Graham Parker - Squeezing Out Sparks

Studebakersfeild is the second solo effort from Charlie Chesterman, the leader of Boston’s high-energy, jangly guitar-oriented roots band Scruffy the Cat. This album finds Mr. Chesterman in a honky tonk state of mind, by way of the Byrds. Chesterman’s voice, full of longing and joy when appropriate, and cracking at just the right time, lends itself well to this great collection of songs that are replete with steel guitar, fiddles, and wonderful jangly Rickenbacker guitar.

Recommended on Episode 60: Neil Young - Harvest Moon

Watching the Kid Come Back is a solo release by master power pop tune-smith, and leader of the fantastic proper pop band from Austin, Texas: Cotton Mather. This album finds Harrison in a contemplative mood which results in a much more personal-sounding album.

Recommended on Episode 58: U2 - The Unforgettable Fire

A tribute to Tom Waits by the godfather of blue-eyed soul, Southside Johnny. Accompanied by the LaBomba Big Band, Southside recasts these tunes in a new light by using Southside's strengths as a singer and performer to highlight the nuances of Waits songwriting. It even features a duet with Waits himself on “Walk Away”

Recommended on Episode 57: Tom Waits - Closing Time

A fantastic 2020 documentary that takes dives deep into the life of Shane MacGowan, the lead singer and songwriter of the Pogues.

Recommended on Episode 56: The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace With God

This six-part Amazon Prime documentary looks at the Grateful Dead, who were one of the most unlikely success stories in rock and roll.

Recommended on Episode 55: The Grateful Dead - American Beauty

Ha Ha Tonka is a band that often defies categorization. On Death of a Decade, the band has a slight change of direction and leaves its Americana gothic musical tales behind and creates an album more pastoral in nature thanks in part to the focus on the mandolin) but also full and rich sounding, and above all else, compelling.

Recommended on Episode 54: Big Country - The Crossing

Two Tons of Steel create music that is always an absolute blast, and Gone is no different. Full of great honky tonk and rockabilly-tinged numbers, Two Tons (as they are otherwise affectionate known) deliver the good on this 2016 disc.

Recommended on Episode 53: Waylon Jennings - Honky Tonk Heroes

This is the 2013 “reunion” LP of sorts from Canadian folk-pop masters, the Grapes of Warth. Full of the lush harmonies the band was known for, High Road also continues the harder-edged pop-rock sound the band was beginning to explore before their untimely break-up.

Recommended on Episode 52: The Jayhawks - Tomorrow the Green Grass

This documentary chronicles the recording of Bat Out of Hell, and how Jim Steinman and Meatloaf, along with producer Todd Rundgren, created one of the best-selling LPs of all time.

Recommended on Episode 51: Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell

The third album by composer Jim Halfpenny.

Recommended on Episode 50: John Cale- Paris 1919

Discussed on two separate episodes of This Is Vinyl Tap, Roy Harper is a British musician and songwriter who is unfortunately little known in the US, but whose influence has touched a whole slew of classic British rock musicians from Pink Floyd to Led Zepplin. Bullinamingvase, his 9th studio LP, expands on his acoustic-based folk (the LP includes an album-side suite of reflecting on the state of England) to create a unique hybrid of folk, blues, and progressive rock. It also happens to feature contributions by Paul McCartney, Alvin Lee, and Ronnie Lane.

Recommended on Episode 49: Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here

This film documents a remarkable group of songwriters who were bucking the traditional country music tropes to write music of a much more introspective and personal nature. Featuring Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, Steve Earle, and many others, it includes an absolutely spellbinding performance of Van Zandt’s “Waiting Around To Die.”

Recommended on Episode 48: Townes Van Zandt - At My Windo

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, the Monkees released their best LP in decades. Produced by Fountains of Wayne’s own Adam Schlesinger, Good Times! is comprised of songs written specifically for the band some of the best pop songsmiths around, including Andy Partridge from XTC.

Recommended on Episode 47: XTC - Skylarking

An absolute gem of classic power pop from the last surviving member of the classic Badfinger lineup.

Recommended on Episode 46: Badfinger - Wish You Were Here

A boisterous blast of Tex-Mex infused alternative country fun from DFW.

Recommended on Episode 45: Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells a Story

The eleventh studio album from Chrissie Hynde and company, and the first in four years, proves the band has lost nary a step by making an album that stands as one of the best LPs of 2020.

Recommended on Episode 44: The Pretenders - The Pretenders

A podcast that takes a deep dive into the world and music of Jethro Tull. Talk Tull To Me discusses every Tull Track from every Tull album in order of their appearance. If you dig Tull, this podcast is for you!

Recommended on Episode 43: Jethro Tull - Aqualung

The fantastic third LP from Sweden’s premier 60s inspired garage rockers, and the band Little Steven van Zandt once called his favorite band.

Recommended on Episode 42: Dave Mason - Together Alone.

A self-described “love letter” to Los Angeles, this covers album, form Los Lobos pays homage to the bands and artists that influenced them, including the Beach Boys, the Blasters, and Jackson Browne.

Recommended on Episode 41: Los Lobos - Kiko.

This is simply one of the best music memoirs ever written. Elvis Costello tel the story of his life in the music biz with eloquence, humility, and humor. This book will charm the socks off of you.

Recommended on Episode 40: Elvis Costello - This Year’s Model

We have talked about Daniel Lanois a lot on This Is Vinyl Tap. He is a producer and songwriter whose unmistakable sound permeates anything he’s involved with Acadie is his debut album.

Recommended on Episode 39: Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball

Founding members of college radio jangle-pop darlings the dBs, Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey are resp[onsble for some of the best music to come out of the 1980s. This follow-up to their critically acclaimed LP Mavericks finds them revisiting the dBs catalog from an acoustic perspective.

Recommended on Episode 36: Big Star - Number 1 Record

Released in 1974, this underappreciated debut album by Robert Palmer is heavy on the New Orleans funk and features Lowell George of Little Feat.

Recommended on Episode 35: Little Feat - Dixie Chicken

Criminally underrated in the US, this Canadian band has produced some of the most sincere and earnest Americana music by any band in the last 30 plus years. This 2016 offering from Blue Rodeo is proof that these guys are as vital as ever to the heart and soul of roots-infused music.

Recommended on Episode 34: Bruce Springsteen - The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle

Embracing the POWER in power pop, Backwards Compatible by Chris Church is loud, crunchy and full of luscious harmonies and hooks galore.

Recommended on Episode 32: The Electric Light Orchestra – Eldorado

These mid-70s power-pop pioneers didn't get the acclaim they deserved at the time but did influence a whole slew of new wave bands, including Blondie. The band also launched the careers of power pop master Paul COllins and future Plimsoul leader Peter Case.

Recommended on Episode 30: Blondie - Parallel Lines

Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made.

Recommended on Episode 29: Van Morrison - Veedon Fleece

Happy is Robbie Fulk’s joyous tribute to the music Michael Jackson. Some songs are true to the originals, some songs are reimaginations, but they all embody the talent, charm, and wit that is Robbie Fulks.

Recommended on Episode 28: Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Dan Vapid is a veteran of several punk bands, including the Riverdales, the Queers, and Screeching Weasel. His work with the Cheats shows off his more power pop oriented side.

Recommended on Episode 26: Album War - Punk Rock Edition.

A podcast that looks at the mono, stereo, and international/single mixes of classic albums, and compares and contrasts all the key differences to create the ultimate in-a-nutshell guide.

Recommended on Episode 25: The Kinks - The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society

Called the “definitive” biography of Paul by Rolling Stone. Written by acclaimed music biographer Robert Hilburn. Hilburm knows what he’s doing, having written a bestselling biography Johnny Cash: The Life, and who has reported extensively on the legends of popular music, including Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Michael Jackson, and Bruce Springsteen.

Recommended on Episode 24: Paul Simon - Graceland

On his most recent release, the former frontman of the cowpunk pioneers Jason & the Scorchers lays down another raucous collection that examines Ringerbers’s relationship with a changing Nashville and its role in country music.

Recommended on Episode 22: REM - Reckoning

Chris Hillman has deep roots in the worlds of rock and roll and country music. He was a founding member of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, as well as country music heavyweights, the Desert Rose Band. He was essentially talked out of “retirement” by Tom Petty to record this collection of tunes (Petty also produced it). It is a collection of great country/folk-infused tunes, including collaborations with his former Byrds bandmates Roger McGuinn and David Crosby. It also contains a remarkably beautiful rendition of Tom Petty’s wildflowers.

Recommended on Episode 20: The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Skinny tie power pop from Austin, TX. If you’re a fan of hooks and jangle, not to mention clever wordplay, this is the LP for you!

Recommended on Episode 19: The Cars - The Cars

The final album by neo-prog pioneer and former frontman of Marillion, Fish.

Recommended on Episode 18: Rush - Permanent Waves

Unfortunately, Tom Stevens, bassist, singer, and songwriter for the alt-country pioneers the Long Ryders passed away in January of 2020. While the Long Ryders were on their 30 plus year hiatus, Tom Stevens continued to write and record albums. Home is everything you’d expect from a Long Ryder. It pulls from the rich landscape of 20th century American music to create a very personal yet accessible record that it’s smart, melodic, and a joy to listen to.

Recommended on Episode 17: Willie Nelson - Redheaded Stranger

The Mopes are sort of an all-star band of punk-pop stalwarts consisting of Dan Vapid and John Jughead (Screeching Weasel), B-Face (The Queers), and Dan Lumley (Squirtgun). Accident Waiting to Happen is full of energetic hooks and unbelievably catchy tunes.

Recommended on Episode 16: The Clash - London Calling

Another under-appreciated power-pop songwriter, Parthenon Huxley (or P Hux as his “band” is called) delivers another fine slab of tightly constructed Beatlesque hooks.

Recommended on Episode 14: Boston - Boston

Alternative country pioneers Son Volt deliver another album of poignant and earnest acoustic songs that reflect deeply on the state of the current political environment in the US.

Recommended on Episode 12: Album War - Uncle Tupelo Edition

One half of the creative duo behind 1990’s power-pop masters Jellyfish, Land of Pure Imagination is Roger Manning, Jr.’s first true solo LP and exactly what you’d expect from an album named after a song sung by Willy Wonka – a sugary delight chock full of wonderful harmonies, glories power-pop melodies, and quirky wordplay.

Recommended on Episode 10: Odessey and Oracle by the Zombies

Pugwash is an Irish power-pop band. A grossly underrated one at that! In reality, the band is Thomas Walsh with a changing cast of characters Silverlake is a collaboration with Walsh and 90s power pop heavyweight, Jason Falker (Jellyfish, the Grays). The result is an album of bright, colorful tunes full of jangle and layered harmonies.

Recommended on Episode 9: The Police – Outlandos D’Amour

Standard-bearers of the Gram meets Byrds musical legacy, and hugely influential to the 90’s alt-county scene, the Long Ryders released Psychedelic Country Soul thirty-two years after their last album and produced an LP that more than meets the high standard set by their previous offerings, seemingly without missing a beat,

Recommended on Episode 6: Dire Straits - Making Movies

The tenth (and sadly final) studio album from one of the most consistently entertaining bands around.

Recommended on Episode 5: Jackson Browne - For Everyman

A documentary exploring the life of guitarist Mick Ronson and his collaboration with David Bowie and the resulting impact Ronson had on rock and roll in general.

Recommended on Episode 4: Album War - David Bowie Edition

Joshua Hedley will transport you back to the honky-tonk golden age. This LP pays homage to the country music of the 1960’s, and manages to make it sound fresh without being direivitive. If you like to cry in your beer, this album is for you.

Recommended on Episode 3: Derek and the Dominion - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

While not actually related, blood harmonies abound on the second LP by this Minniaapolis based duo. If you are a fan of Everly Brothers, this is a MUST!

Recommended on Episode 2: Memorial Episode - Billy Joe Shaver

This Houston-born-and-raised, Los Angeles-based musician endured life-altering hardships to make a powerful and earnest debut created by his own unique take on country music.

Recommended on Episode 1: Memorial Episode - Jerry Jeff Walker