Under Records

Kev finally subjects Dan to one of his lifelong favorite artists; Richard Thompson. They discuss Richard's background in the seminal folk-rock band Fairport Convention, his most famous works with his ex-wife Linda, and his consistent and enduring legacy as a songwriter, instrumentalist, music historian and successful journeyman. His 1999 album Mock Tudor is perhaps his most acclaimed solo effort, but where does it stand in the world of popular music and taste? Where do his instincts as a writer thrive and where do they fail? What is his status as an influence and what influenced him? What does he have in common with Bobby Baccalieri from The Sopranos? Every time you hear this podcast Bathsheba Smiles, so Crawl Back (Crawl Back) under your stone and listen to Dan and Kev break it all down.

Happy New Year Under Records fans! As a break between Seasons 1 and 2 of breaking down potentially underappreciated albums, Kev and Dan decide to slow it down and instead have a wide ranging conversation about music, technology, popularity and the monoculture. Is technology a bigger driving force than generational change in music popularity? Is the monoculture gone or secretly stronger than ever? How has technology impacted the way we hear, talk and think about music? What video game did Dan have as a soundtrack on a cassette as a youth? Will Kev ever shut the fuck up? All of these questions will be revealed in this Oops! All Concluding Thoughts episode. (Spoiler; the answer to the last one is no).

Dan and Kev are getting in touch with their soul, soul music that is, with a discussion of Al Green’s 1971 album Al Green Gets Next to You. We discuss the roots of Soul music, the dynamics of working with a studio band, and what made this record so special that it made Al Green into a household name. How does Al Green differentiate himself from his contemporaries? Is this album a secret concept album? Is Al Green a Ram? Or a Driving Wheel? We’re gonna talk about this Right Now Right Now.

Dan and Kev are absolutely giddy to be talking about R.E.M.’s 1986 album Life’s Rich Pageant. We talk about the critical inflection point this album was in creating a division between old college-rock R.E.M., and the arena-packing juggernaut they were about to become. Do any of Michael Stipe’s lyrics make sense? Does it even matter if they don’t? Is R.E.M. being forgotten by the greater culture? Why do all these songs kick so much butt? Seriously, we can’t wait to talk about the passion…wait that’s not on this album. Whatever, keep it in.

Dan and Kev dip their toes into the folk-jazz intersection that is Joni Mitchell’s For the Roses. Context plays an important role for this 1972 album, which finds itself jammed between two major Joni releases. We dive into Joni’s life and career, and Dan tries to sell Kev on Joni’s angelic-yet-sometimes-cringeworthy voice. Are there hidden gems on For The Roses? How does knowing what we know now about Joni Mitchell’s life inform the interpretation of these lyrics? Is Blonde In The Bleachers the ultimate underrated Joni song? Join us as we discuss Joni’s heart and mind.

Dan and Kev strap on some camo gear and pith helmets to talk about Cracker’s 2009 release Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey. We discuss the band’s DIY ethos, and critically dissect every fiber of bandleader David Lowery’s being, from his weird voice to his love of the troops. What cracks in the musical landscape does Cracker fill in? Is this...dad rock? Are there really any features on this album or are they just pulling our leg? Is this the swan song of 2000s rock music? We could be wrong, we could be right.

Dan and Kev talk about Tom Waits’ 1999 release Mule Variations, in all its dusty, grimey, bluesy glory. We discuss Tom Waits’ background as a singer-songwriter, and how he managed to remain simultaneously relevant yet obscure enough to evade Dan’s boomer parents’ awareness. What sets apart Waits’s late-career release from his 70s and 80s material? Is this Waits at his earthiest? What the hell is a Filipino Boxspring Hog? Is Mule Variations underrated? We’ll find out, but first you gotta get behind the mule