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
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
In which the Curmudgeons wake up in the city that never sleeps once more and offer a countdown of what we think is the definitive list of the greatest 40 rock 'n' roll songs about the Big Apple. We touch on the city's love-hate dichotomies and make the argument that these songs paint the city as an experience more than as a residence. And Arturo recounts all the places he bought weed from once upon a time.
Check out a great book we mention in the episode, Anthony DeCurtis's "Lou Reed: A Life."
Here's a handy navigation guide for the episode.
(0:52 - 3:30) - Arturo sets the parameters for the discussion
(5:52 - 17:58) - The Parallel Universe: Reviews on new music by Goat and Osees
(18:58 - 59:37) - New York songs 40-21
(01:01:01 - 01:47:28) - New York songs 20-1
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://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
In which The Curmudgeons give the origins of hip-hop a serious treatment and contemplate the magical melding of time, place and resources that makes its early history so compelling. The pioneers of the genre stared down the destruction and impoverishment of the South Bronx with the swagger of kings, organically spinning celebration, and positivity, out of their circumstances. They also channeled the competitiveness of the streets into hip-hop's four "elements" -- DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti -- ensuring there was as much sport as there was funk. Hip-hop became the ultimate DIY creation as a result.
Check out a book we reference during this episode, Jeff Chang's wonderful "Can;t Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation":
Here's a handy navigation for the episode.
(0:54 - 6:20) - Arturo sets the parameters for our discussion
(7:40 - 20:18) - The Parallel Universe, in which we review new music from PJ Harvey and Yard Act
(21:17 - 1:04:59) - Chris, with Arturo's considerable input, discusses four aspects of the hip-hop origin story that make it so unique; plus, we discuss hip-hop "elements" in detail
(1:06:24 - 1:45:48) - We discuss the influence four hip-hop pioneers -- Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz -- and marvel at the story of "Rapper's Delight," hip-hop's first hit single.
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Monday Aug 07, 2023
Monday Aug 07, 2023
In which The Curmudgeons launch their latest "golden age" series, this time on the one that arguably matters the most: the second one. Between 1964 and 1972, everything changed, and then changed again. The whole cultural powderkeg exploded into something thrilling, something indescribable and something that ensured podcasts like ours will always exist. It's when rock 'n' roll became "rock music" to both the people and the powerful. And it all started in 1964, when Beatlemania and Bob Dylan's slow turn away from folk propelled the magic.
We encourage you to purchase two terrific books we talk about during this episode.
"Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke," by Peter Guralnick:
"Dreaming the Beatles," by Rob Sheffield:
Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.
(0:54 - 3:42) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our 1964 exploration
(6:54 - 18:10) - The Parallel Universe, in which we review albums by Goat and Killer Mike
(19:09 - 57:38) - We discuss Beatlemania, the British Invasion and the coming of Bob Dylan the rock star
(58:57 - 01:38:37) - We discuss Motown's dominance, the triumph and tragedy of Sam Cooke and the splendor and the innovation of the Beach Boys
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://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
In which The Curmudgeons marvel at the pure rock 'n' roll glory of what we think is an underappreciated band, The Black Crowes. The band blended the influence of the Rolling Stones, Faces, Humble Pie and dollops of Southern Rock into a blast of audio dynamite that exploded in...1990, when MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Paula Abdul otherwise ruled the universe. It was a neat feat, one we explore intensively. The Black Crowes were a testament to a truism that drives our podcast: that awesome rock 'n' roll is unassailable.
Check out a book we reference during the episode, drummer Steve Gorman's memoirs, "Hard to Handle": https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/hard-to-handle-the-inside-story-of-the-black-crowes_steve-gorman/20161323/#edition=27570170&idiq=38535580
Here's a handy navigation companion for our episode.
(0:54 - 5:34) - Arturo sets the episode's parameters
(7:18 - 17:41) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Lorelle Meets The Obsolete and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
(18:40 - 35:55) - We discuss the Black Crowes' origin story and their masterful first two albums, Shake Your Money Maker and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
(38:10 - 1:16:25) - We cover the rest of the Black Crowes' story, from 1994's Amorica to 2009's Before the Frost...Until the Freeze and beyond
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://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
In which the Curmudgeons follow James Brown into his disco-era slump and his triumphant return to the top of the charts with the shining monument that was "Living in America." We also cover Brown's troubling descent into drug addiction and criminal behavior, which in 1988 culminated with a 2-year-plus prison sentence. There also are sordid allegations of violence against women we must address.
Read a remarkable investigative report on Brown, his third wife Adrienne Rodriguez, and one of his accusers we discuss in the episode here: https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/us/james-brown-death-questions/index.html
Buy R.J. Smith's "The One: The Life and Music of James Brown" here: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown_rj-smith/385831/#edition=6518845&idiq=1367703
Here is a handy navigation companion for this episode
(0:54 - 3:15) - Arturo sets the parameters for the episode
(05:09 - 16:50) - The Parallel Universe: Reviews of new music from Flo Milli and Tinariwen
(17:49 - 36:10) - We discuss James Brown's disco daze and his appearances in "The Blues Brothers" and "Rocky IV" that triggered a late-stage comeback
(37:42 - 01:04:00) - We discuss Brown's criminal entanglements and allegations of physical and sexual abuse of women in detail
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Friday Jun 23, 2023
In which The Curmudgeons get on up, get into it and get very, very involved in talking about one of the most extraordinary stretches of music ever produced by anyone. When James Brown went all in on what he called "The One," emphasizing the first beat in a four-beat measure, he sparked a musical revolution that not only invented funk but also defined the early development of hip-hop. "The One" was a force and a statement. It was also a political movement of sorts, something we discuss during the episode.
Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:
(0:54 - 4:17): Chris sets the parameters for our discussion
(5:36 - 18:09): The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Faizal Mostrixx and WITCH
(19:08 - 58:29): A rumble through a thrilling, ever-intensifying string of hits: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World," "Cold Sweat," "I Got The Feelin'," "Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud," Give It Up or Turnit Loose," "Mother Popcorn (You've Got to Have a MOther For Me)," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," "Super Bad," and "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved. We also discuss the 1970 live album Sex Machine.
(1:00:23 - 1:23:53): More rumbling through James Borwn's funk hits, which start to slow in tempo in 1970 but never lose intensity. We discuss "Soul Power," "Hot Pants," "Make It Funky," "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing," "Get on the Good Foot," "I Got Ants in My Pants (And I Want to Dance)," "The Payback," and "My Thang."
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://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Friday Jun 09, 2023
In which the Curmudgeons get on the good foot and launch a three-part look at the career of a man who may just be rock 'n' roll's truest genius. From jail time in his rough-and-tumble youth to showtime at the Apollo and the chart heights of "I Got You (I Feel Good), we trace the ascension of James Brown as he croons and shuffles his way to superstardom. By 1965, he was ready to unleash a musical gift that changed everything. Let us guide you as Mr. Dynamite finds his inner funk.
Check out two great books that helped inform this episode:
R.J. Smith's "The One" - bit.ly/3CjdBLl
Douglas Wolk's "Live at the Apollo" - bit.ly/43tHNiN
Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:
(0:54 - 5:40) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for this episode
(07:39 - 18:40) - The Parallel Universe - Reviews of new albums by Lael Neale and Durand Jones
(19:39 - 33:46) - James Brown's origin story, which has to be heard to be believed
(35:05 - 01:06:45) - We analyze a slew of early James Brown triumphs -- "Please Please, Please," "Try Me," "(Do The) Mashed Potatoes," "Think," "Baby, You're Right," "Night Train," "Out of Sight," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "(I Got You) I Feel Good," and the amazing 192 live album Live at the Apollo
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Recorded using Zencastr! zencastr.com
Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com
Subscribe to our show on these platforms:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
In which The Curmudgeons are joined by renowned author and R.E.M. biographer Tony Fletcher to fondly analyze the band's musical and cultural legacy, 40 years after the album Murmur changed rock expectations forever. We also discuss why one of the best bands in American history doesn't seem to get its due, despite its obvious influence on the sound and shape of today's rock. Tony supplies learned input and dry humor. He also infuses some surprising hope that younger listeners will indeed continue to discover and explore R.E.M.
Check out what Tony Fletcher has cooking in his laboratory
tonyfletcher.net
Also check out the latest episode of his podcast, One Step Beyond
Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:
(0:54 - 5:51): Arturo sets the parameters for our episode
(5:54 - 10:51): Remembering Andy Roarke, and The Parallel Universe, in which we review new albums by Acid Arab and Wednesday.
(19:49 - 43:00): Author Tony Fletcher joins us to discuss five aspects of R.E.M's legacy that merit lively discussion
(44:25 - 01:29:42): We continue our back and forth with Tony, contemplating why R.E.M. isn't nearly as celebrated as it should be among younger folks. Arturo also places R.E.M. at #6 on his list of the 10 Greatest American Bands. Stay tuned for the list and for Tony's eloquent response.
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Recorded using Zencastr! zencastr.com
Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com
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Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
In which the Curmudgeons are joined by South Korea-based radio DJ Daniel Springer to debunk myths and celebrate the music of Australia's coolest, sexiest--and best--band of the 1980s. INXS was far more than a band with one ubiquitous hit and a gorgeous, tortured lead singer. They took elements of funk, soul and jazz and melded them with New Wave sensibilities to create something truly special: rock n roll steeped in electronics that bubbled with an organic heart.
Daniel knows his stuff. He's an honorary Curmudgeon. Listen to his show The Drop on Gawngju, South Korea, station GFN: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-drop-with-danno
Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:
(0:54 - 3:05) -- Artruro sets the parameters for the episode
(5:06 - 16:09) -- The Parallel Universe. We review new albums by Laurel Canyon and Mudhoney.
(16:47 - 37:53) -- Daniel Springer and The Curmudgeons dispel five myths about INXS
(39:32 -- 59:11) -- Arturo delivers the origin story of INX and we rediscover the albums INXS, Underneath the Colours, Shabooh Shoobah and The Swing
(01:00:36 - 01:54:45) - We discuss the albums Listen Like Thieves, Kick, X, Welcome to Wherever You Are, Full Moon, Dirty Hearts and Elegantly Wasted. We also lament the tragic personal downfall of Michael Hutchence and how social media has had a not-so-great influence on the preservation of taste.
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com
Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com
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Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
In which the Curmudgeons pulverize one of this century's most revered rock bands. And also perhaps its stupidest.
Bandleader Gerard Way claims in interviews he formed My Chemical Romance after witnessing the Twin Towers fall from his native Northern New Jersey on 9/11. That's bad enough. Way and his mates then unleashed a torrent of disgustingly celebratory stories of vampires who enjoy suicide and cancer patients nearing their afterlives. All while screeching, squelching and stealing from Queen, KISS and...Coldplay?!
Yet Rolling Stone lists their 2006 album The Black Parade as the 361st best of all time. So hey, what do we know?
Here's a handy navigation reference for this episode:
(0:54 - 4:07): Arturo sets the episode's parameters.
(5:31 - 15:23): The Parallel Universe--reviews of The Men's New York City and JPEG Mafia & Danny Brown's "Scaring the Hoes, Vol. 1."
(16:22 - 33:57): My Chemical Romance's origin story and deep, dark, smelly dumps on the albums I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002) and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004).
(35:36 - 01:03:00): Deep, dark, smelly dumps on the albums The Black Parade (2006) and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. Plus, a discussion of how social media has seemingly young people from appreciating the historical lineage of bands like this one.
Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock
Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com
Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com
Subscribe to our show on these platforms:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911
https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M