A loud-mouth retired rock critic and a cranky expat rock obsessive discuss, analyze and just plain old argue about rock ‘n‘ roll: the old stuff, the new stuff and why it all still matters.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
In which The Curmudgeons honor one of hip-hop's most tragic figures. Big L was a hip-hop savant from Harlem whose flows were endlessly inventive, whose lyrics walked a fine line between pathos and shock value and whose professionalism allowed him to dominate any beat and any style. His star was on the rise in early 1999 before disaster struck and Big L was murdered. We'll closely examine his brief career and its astounding output in detail.
Enjoy the music of Big L by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eUSIvLwmppo3yYSNNrv9l?si=7f804cfaee6d43fc
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In which The Curmudgeons passionately laud, lavish and defend one of the true gentle giants of popular music--and certainly its most underappreciated. Curtis Mayfield was an absolute pioneer of soul, R&B and funk. Mayfield produced an astonishing body of work, first as the bandleader for soul trio The Impressions in the 1960s, and then as a prolific solo artist in the 1970s. He tempered the anger and rage of Black America with the temperance and observant tenderness of a preacher, and he filtered that emotional tension through rich arrangements laden with strings, horns, fuzzy bass and more than dollop of da funk. We revisit the best of his music, covering select singles from his Impressions days and then dissecting his first eight solo albums.
Enjoy the music of the great Curtis Mayfield by accessing our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XF7kiE4LNWZesC2GQEhWm?si=43fa7e1ba07f441d
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 04:46) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Curtis Mayfield
(05:27 - 17:12) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Nadia Reid and Horsegirl
(18:11 - 01:09:11) - We discuss Curtis Mayfield's origins as a musician and then run through 10 great Impressions songs and his first eight studio albums, including the unbelievable Superfly
(01:10:36 - 01:24:00) - We discuss the latter half of Mayfield's career and espouse on his big picture legacy
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In which The Curmudgeons honor one of the most important years in all of rock 'n' roll history. Through the greatest albums and songs of 1979, we hear the sound of one decade fading and another decade splashing into full color and light. Post-punk, for instance, reached its most glorious heights, with bands like Public Image Ltd. and Gang of Four offering up a danceable yet jagged concoction. There was also the grandest statement put forth by The Clash, whose London Calling from late in the year was one of the most important rock records ever released. Neil Young, Michael Jackson, Tom Petty and Pink Floyd also had an amazing 1979. We discuss all of those artists and more during this episode.
Enjoy the music of 1979 by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7d2Whdu6upljApGZpVB8JP?si=53b5973e8eea4376
Here's a ahndy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 03:36) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1979
(03:51 - 13:40) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Decius and Bonnie "Prince" Billy
(14:39 - 01:05:20) - We discuss the peak period for punk rock and post-punk, highlighting The Clash, Public Image Ltd. and many others.
(01:06:52 - 1:59:04) - WE give love to Neil Young, Tom Petty, Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd. We also rip through a lightning round in which we cover other great albums by David Bowie, Talking Heads, Fleetwood Mac and others.
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In which The Curmudgeons examine the last great era for hip-hop, namely the years between 1999 and 2008. After the catastrophe that was the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, hip-hop could have imploded and or lost its footing--or even its respect as a genre. Instead, the movement throughout the 1990s, in which the hardcore went mainstream, carried over in the new century. In fact, hip-hop as a popular music genre exploded, becoming more successful than ever. In the process, genuine pop superstars like Eminem, DMX, Jay-Z, OutKast and Kanye West rose to glory. We discuss those artists and much more on this episode.
Listen to all the great music of this last stand for hip-hop by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/79etpkKGK52DHWnj0xsPU8?si=725307acab964915
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode:
(00:52 - 04:24) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of real hip-hop's last stand
(05:27 - 16:45) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Benjamin Booker and Squid
(17:45 - 01:32:31) - We discuss Eminem, DMX, Jay-Z, Kanye West, OutKast and more
(01:34:05 - 02:30:06) - We blaze through a lightning round of 54 top hip-hop singles from this era
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
In which the Curmudgeons know it's going to be a long, long time before the heavens produce a young man as preternaturally gifted as a songwriter and performer as Elton John proved to be back in the early 1970s. John's output during the early part of that fabled decade was routinely incredible, possessed with both a swagger and a tenderness that shone through in gorgeous melodies and the often profound lyrics of collaborator Bernie Taupin. We revisit a period when virtually no one else in all of rock n' roll could approach the mastery of Elton John. We analyze his studio albums from this period and discuss his legacy at length.
Enjoy the music of Elton John by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5kheG5S8heMsbCJGxoejtj?si=12b56c620c464c94
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 03:01) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Elton John
(04:29 - 18:08) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Lambini Girls and The Weather Station
(19:07 - 55:18) - We cover the origin story of Elton John and discuss his albums Elton John, Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across the Water, Honky Chateau and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
(56:53 - 01:28:48) = WE discuss Elton John's albums Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road, Caribou, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy and Rock of the Westies. We also offer thoughts on John's "big picture" legacy within popular music.
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
In which the Curmudgeons revisit the underrated yet crucially important year of 1978. Punk rock had gone mainstream in the two years prior to '78, and true to the restlessness that defined the genre, the music was ready to morph into post-punk and New Wave. We marvel at the movement this pivotal year brought in this episode. We cover albums by Elvis Costello, Public Image Ltd., Patti Smith, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads, Devo, The Cars and more.
Enjoy all of this great music from 1978 by accessing our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68qv5ZpAVo8qA2BIT7Goil?si=3a0d75607d8c4958
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 04:20) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1978
(06:34 - 20:35) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Priests and Blood Incantation
(21:34 - 01:09:50) - We cover the dawn of post-punk and New Wave, covering artists such as Public Image Limited, Talking Heads and The Cars
(01:11:05 - 02:07:16) - WE discuss a number of other albums from 1978, from artists including Devo, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen, Neil Young and Rush
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudgeons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
In which each of Yours Truly Curmudgeons offers our list of the ten best albums we consumed over the past 12 months. This was a surprisingly strong, deep year for new music releases...something exemplified by the fact that our lists share five entries in common. Here's a sneak peek: The top album on both of our lists is one of the greatest and most beloved superstars of all time. Shocking, but true: A pop goddess delivered a masterpiece. Find out who we're talking about and enjoy the rest of our discussion of Le Grande 2024.
Listen to select songs from each of the albums on our list (minus Cindy Lee, who avoids streaming services) by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3s0TyiIYye1KYbMiTg82MM?si=f607b3cd3bdb483a
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Co-produced and co-hosted by The Curmudegons - Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
In which The Curmudgeons shout before all the human race like we'll never lose. Yup, we're discussing the mighty, mighty Queen on this episode, focusing on the band's undeniable greatness from their beginnings all the way through 1980, when they peaked commercially with "Another One Bites the Dust" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." The band managed to be unapologetically campy and occasionally naughty while more than occasionally rocking harder than just about any other band on the planet. We give Queen the hero treatment they deserve here.
Check out all the wonderful Queen music from this era by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76mb0E3aiyLiFm9LdbN7nl?si=d82b5b2260e143d7
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 03:56) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Queen
(04:40 - 17:21) The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Bright Eyes and Michael Kiwanuka
(18:06 - 01:04:02) - We discuss the origin story of Queen and show love for the band's first eight studio albums
(01:04:51 - 1:24:53) - We summarize Queen's run through the 1980s and offer thoughts on the band's ultimate legacy
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
In which the Curmudgeons continue to revisit the fertile fields of the late 1970s and land on 1977, one of the most explosive years in rock history. It's when the Sex Pistols dropped their album Never Mind the Bollocks, here's the Sex Pistols and set off a punk revolution. It's also when Fleetwood Mac, Kraftwerk and Bob Marley dropped genre-defining masterpieces. And that still only runs to the surface of what 1977 produced. From David Bowie and Iggy Pop to Pink Floyd and Rush to Al Green, it was a hell of a year. Let us celebrate it in grand style.
Revisit the great music of 1977 by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6e0NiIBN4USKAMmuaUlTvS?si=bcd72729a7424d1f
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 04:23) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1977
(04:38 - 14:35) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Personal Trainer and English Teacher
(15:20 - 01:17:10) - We run down everything to know about punk in 1977--The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones and more
(01:18:21 - 01:48:12) - We cover albums from Kraftwerk, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Bob Marley
(01:49:11 - 02:21:11) - We engage in lightning-round coverage of 10 additional albums from 1977, including releases from Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, Al Green and Joni Mitchell
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
In which the Curmudgeons dive into the little bit of the third installment of Neil Young's Archives that we can. The full 17-CD, five-Blu Ray Archives Vol. III is available for roughly $450, but only for 5,000 lucky customers willing to spend a small fortune. The rest of us get an album Young refers to as "Takes," which contains a 16-song sampling from The Neil Young Archives Vol. III. We describe the individual albums contained within this mammoth boxed set, and Christopher O'Connor, our resident Neil Young-ologist, offers a review of the songs plus additional nuggets from the fuller Archives set he's been able to glean.
Check out all 16 songs from The Neil Young Archives Vol. III Takes album plus bonus songs by accessing our special Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/26TNUP8zBW26IllEVHDaI4?si=a0f1932278564b2b
Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.
(00:52 - 03:45) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Neil Young's archives
(04:09 - 15:17) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Hinds and Amyl & The Sniffers
(16:02 - 57:57) - We discuss the first nine songs from Neil Young's Archives Vol. III Takes album, including never-before-heard renditions of "Hey Babe" and "Drive Back" and a version of "Hey Hey My My (Into the Blac) featuring Devo. Yes, Devo...
(59:05 - 01:32:05) - We discuss the final eight songs of the Takes album, which include a delectably New Wave version of the country ballad "Razor Love."
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons