Shows
Cosmic America95. Everything Must Go - Steely DanOur last review in the Steely Dan catalogue finds us in 2003, as we evaluate "Everything Must Go". There are some good moments, for sure! But there's also some questions. While Two Against Nature succeeded modernizing both the jazz sound and the lyrical inspirations of the classic Steely Dan formula, Everything Must Go comes up a bit short in both. It's absolutely not a bad album, but it ends up being a bit disappointing --- especially since it's the last album in the official canon. And while we'd go on to get some more solo albums and band tours, this ends...
2022-05-1353 min
Cosmic America94. Two Against Nature - Steely DanAfter the surprise live show reunion of the mid-1990s, it felt like only a matter of time before Steely Dan were reconstituted as a studio act. And while it would take until 2000 for that to actually come to fruition, the result ended up being...pretty good, all things considered! It's definitely a DIFFERENT Steely Dan from where we left them in 1980, but the fans who followed the roadmap of Becker & Fagen's solo and collective efforts over the next two decades had a clue of what to expect going in. What we hear on this album is a...
2022-03-0658 min
Cosmic America93. 11 Tracks of Whack - Walter Becker (part of the Steely Dan Series)The pause in the Steely Dan creative partnership had quietly eroded in the late 80s and early 90s, with Becker playing a key role in Fagen's second solo album. Fagen returned the favor on Becker's first solo album, which served as a prelude for the first Steely Dan tour in nearly 20 years.Becker's 11 Tracks of Whack gets the review treatment here, and ends up being one of the most revelatory moments in the Steely Dan experience. Becker's lyrical contributions to the Steely Dan atmosphere suddenly come in to crystal clear focus, as we hear him spinning tales of...
2022-02-261h 06
Cosmic America92. The Nightfly - Donald Fagen (part of the Steely Dan Series)As you know by now, Steely Dan's core identity is the songwriting and performative partnership of Fagen & Becker. And with the group's dissolution in the early 1980s, the partners would occasionally step out on their own and create art under their own name. With Becker abandoning the continent and seeking sobriety and a general life reset after Gaucho, it was left to Fagen to make the first solo record of the creative partnership.The Nightfly came out in 1982, and it sounds...VERY MUCH like a Steely Dan album. Even with Becker gone, much of the machinery that made...
2022-01-1251 min
Cosmic America91. Gaucho - Steely DanThe 80's have arrived in Steely Dan land, and all is not well. After the stratospheric success of Aja on the artistic and commercial stages, Becker & Fagen returned to New York and started work on their next album. But it ended up being a tortuous recording process, full of the kinda of troubles and difficulties that can produce both great art and great loss. And we got lots of those items with Gaucho. This ends up delivering an album that is both accessible and inaccessible at the same time --- an album with an icy, mechanical demeanor covering up a...
2021-12-2457 min
Cosmic America90. Aja - Steely DanMost artists or musical groups have a "pinnacle" album --- one where they demonstrate conclusively their talent, their genius, their modus operandi. Aja is that album for Steely Dan --- a brilliant mix of music, lyrics, production, and performance that elevates many of the core elements of their sound to a higher plane. Aja is a fascinating album because of how Steely Dan manages to make a work that many view as their quintessential sound, despite several key departures from what they did in their previous work. The lyrics are more optimistic and less cynical, the performances are...
2021-11-261h 00
Cosmic America89. The Royal Scam - Steely DanThe mid-70s are in full swing, and the contemporary malaise is starting to seep into pop music more and more. Keen cultural observers Becker and Fagen are right there to document the troubles, and we get to hear a lot of those observations in the lyrics of The Royal Scam. We also hear some decidedly evolutionary changes in the music --- the influences of disco and hard rock start to seep into the cellar of many songs on this album. And yet --- you could make an argument that The Royal Scam is the least satisfying of...
2021-11-2056 min
Cosmic America88. Katy Lied - Steely DanSteely Dan has fully morphed into a studio-only operation at this phase --- the last tour of of the 70s ended in mid-1974, and Becker and Fagen had disbanded the permanent membership (except for themselves), opting instead for an alchemy of the best session players in Los Angeles. They also continued to sharpen their writing skills both lyrically and musically, adding even more acid wit and despicable characters to their songs. The result of all these changes is Katy Lied --- possibly the group's most subversive album, and certainly one of the most striking and unique major artist...
2021-11-1959 min
Cosmic America87. Pretzel Logic - Steely DanWe're back after an unexplained hiatus, talking in-depth about a pivotal album in Steely Dan history, the 1974 classic "Pretzel Logic". As Becker & Fagen's vision for the band mutates into a largely studio-based operation, their conceptualization of songs and the way the music is recorded starts to change. This album introduces more sophisticated song structures, clearer recording approaches, and an increase in session players and guest musicians. Steely Dan starts to leave behind the "quirky songs by a quirky band" classification and replaces it with something deeper and more intriguing.
2021-11-0156 min
Cosmic America86. Countdown To Ecstasy - Steely DanSophomore albums are often a mixed bag, as musical artists grapple with the shock of going pro, the exhaustion of their initial written material, and the need to come up with new ideas while in a constant state of touring to support their first album. Steely Dan were no different, but unlike many groups who have wilted under the pressure, the band arguably puts forward a stronger effort than their debut. Countdown to Ecstasy didn't have a hit single, but what it did have was an incredibly solid and consistent group of songs that had numerous moments of...
2021-06-2455 min
Cosmic America85. Can't Buy a Thrill - Steely DanWe launch our reviews of Steely Dan with an examination of the first official releases by the group - the stellar debut "Can't Buy A Thrill" and the long lost first single. It's a perfect way to delve into a group that fascinated 70s audiences and has consistently grown in stature and popularity over the last 20 years.Can't Buy a Thrill captures a group of young musicians in 1972 with a unique perspective on popular music and recording. Rock, pop, and jazz collide with fascinating lyrical narratives about gentleman losers and two-timers. The sound on this record is a...
2021-06-241h 07
Cosmic America84. Before The Frost / Until The Freeze - The Black CrowesOn this very special episode of Cosmic America, we decide to tackle the last fully original studio release(s) of the Black Crowes by focusing on each as part of a larger whole. For most people, Before The Frost existed separately from Until The Freeze --- an album of mostly higher octane songs and big musical statements, and then a separate album of sparer, more country-tinged songs. However, co-host Galen Clavio has always been enamored with the vinyl release, which combined both into a LONG double album that ebbs and flows throughout its 90+ minutes of music. In many...
2021-04-271h 50
Cosmic America83. Warpaint - The Black CrowesThe Black Crowes broke up after the Lions tour, and it seemed fairly unlikely that they'd be getting back together anytime soon. Yet just a few years later, the band was back again, and with most of the original group back in place! But after a couple of tours and an aborted attempt at an album, things started to fall apart a bit --- Marc Ford left, Eddie Harsch got fired, and suddenly the number of prime-era members was down to the Brothers Robinson and Steve Gorman. They did manage to add North Mississippi All-Stars guitarist (and rock scion) Luther...
2021-04-231h 05
Cosmic America82. Lions - The Black CrowesLions represents an interesting turning point in the band's career. Their second "middle lineup" album, this one has a bit more juice than By Your Side, integrating some interesting new songwriting approaches and showing off their Led Zeppelin influences after their touring experiences with Jimmy Page a few years prior. It's not their best album by any means, and it suffers from some of the melodic and lyrical issues that By Your Side has, but it's also a very interesting album that deserves a closer look.
2021-04-161h 19
Cosmic America81. By Your Side - The Black CrowesLess than a decade after a multi-platinum debut album, the Black Crowes found themselves at a crisis point in 1998. Gone were lead guitarist Marc Ford and bassist Johnny Colt. Gone was their label. And the Crowes found themselves increasingly out of musical fashion. Enter Columbia Records, Kevin "Caveman" Shirley, VH1 Behind The Music, and a new batch of harder-rocking songs. By Your Side retained some of the DNA of its unreleased predecessor, but had a completely different vibe - less The Band and more late-period Aerosmith. Rich Robinson took on most (if not all) of the guitar work...
2021-03-311h 07
Cosmic America80. Band - The Black CrowesFollowing the Three Snakes and One Charm tour, the Black Crowes toured extensively, then pulled things back in to record a new album, entitled either "Band" or "The Band" depending on who you ask. The album was in some ways a continuation of the quieter approach on Three Snakes, but also went into some new and different directions, with more acoustic and country influences and less outright rock numbers. It showed off some interesting melodic twists to the group's classic formula, while maintaining Rich Robinson's rocksteady riffs as the core of most of the songs.Unfortunately, the album...
2021-03-291h 02
Cosmic America79. Three Snakes and One Charm - The Black Crowes1996's Three Snakes and One Charm has all the hallmarks of a transitional album, yet it wasn't really viewed as such at the time. The last official album with what most would identify as the "classic lineup" for the band, it captures a group struggling at times to live up to the blistering pace their first three albums set. The songwriting is still quite good, the riffs are still memorable, the performances are professional and skilled, and yet it also feels like something is missing from the proceedings - a sense of direction, perhaps? Despite not being as good as...
2021-03-221h 07
Cosmic America78. The Lost Mid-90s - The Black CrowesAlex, Galen, and special guest Ron McFall are back to talk about the unreleased music from what was probably the band's most fertile time period --- the mid 1990s. Chris is in Los Angeles, Rich is in Georgia, but the music continues to come unabated, and there's a lot of magical stuff that didn't make official release from the various projects that were underway. We talk in depth about the Sweet Pickle Salad sessions (which only included Chris and Marc Ford) and the remarkable range and depth of those songs. We also take a listen to several songs recorded at...
2021-03-221h 14
Cosmic America77. Amorica - The Black CrowesAmorica comes right in the middle of perhaps the greatest creative stretch in the Black Crowes career --- but also in the midst of the personnel conflicts that would ultimately tear the band apart. With Chris Robinson stationed in LA and Rich Robinson still in Georgia, the writing and recording process was not quite the same as it had been on the first two albums. The ideas are there, but the execution isn't as smooth as it was before. That said, Amorica knocks it out of the park by pulling the best ideas out, mixing in some new approaches (particularly...
2021-03-011h 09
Cosmic America76. The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion - The Black CrowesIs this the Crowes' magnum opus? Quite possibly yes. The band was hot after two long tours on the success of Shake Your Money Maker, and back in the recording studio with fresh musical ideas, improved playing techniques, and most importantly, two new members of the band who would steer the ship in an new, more virtuosic direction. Marc Ford on lead guitar and Eddie Harsch on keyboards immediately wove themselves into the Crowes' 70s rock and roll stew, adding incredible textures and leads across a collection of songs that reaches for the same sort of soul-influenced canvas that bands...
2021-02-241h 05
Cosmic America75. Shake Your Money Maker - The Black CrowesOur next artist spotlight is The Black Crowes, a band that had one of the bigger roller-coaster rides in recent rock and roll memory. It all started with Shake Your Money Maker, a dynamite set of songs in the classic 70's Stones/Free/Aerosmith mold that emanates energy and youthful vigor. A twin guitar attack, aggressive riffage, a couple of slower gems, and Chuck Leavell on keys help to set the stage for one of the more enduring debut albums in this style.
2021-02-171h 02
Cosmic America74. Everything Now - Arcade FireWe reach the end of our Arcade Fire examination with Everything Now, which was not greeted with the critical acclaim of its predecessors. Galen and Alex break down how this album falls short of the usual Arcade Fire standard and what it might mean for the future of the band.
2021-02-011h 03
Cosmic America73. Reflektor - Arcade FireGalen and Alex begin the post-Grammy era of Arcade Fire with a look at the band’s longest and most bizarre album, Reflektor. Is there too much LCD Soundsystem and not enough Regine Chassagne? Is it too unfocused thematically? The boys dive into these questions and more on this episode of Cosmic America.
2021-01-311h 19
Cosmic America72. The Suburbs - Arcade FireThe Suburbs is either the best or second-best Arcade Fire album according to most fans, and it's easy to understand why people hold it in such high acclaim. The soaring, anthemic title track sets the table for a tremendously well-written series of vignettes on middle America (and Canada), and the melodies and lyrical content mesh with an increasing level of professionalism in the studio. It's a Grammy-winning album that actually deserves such awards.
2021-01-201h 25Cosmic America71. Neon Bible - Arcade FireNeon Bible was the second major release from Arcade Fire, and the band finds themselves in an impressive and intriguing groove for the full 50 minutes. Not as celebrated as either of the albums which bookend it, Neon Bible nevertheless provides some classic moments for Arcade Fire, cementing their position as a group that knows how to put together a proper album.
2021-01-171h 04Cosmic America70. Funeral - Arcade FireWas this the best album of the Aughts? A lot of fans and critics seem to think so. We take a deep dive into the margins of this album to talk through what makes it so impressive --- its combination of lyrical ideas, melody, harmony, orchestration, and sense of dramatic sweep. An album full of anthemic moments as well as more withdrawn introspections, Funeral ends up being a brilliant and poignant examination of the uncertain transition to adulthood.
2020-12-301h 05
Cosmic America69. The Arcade Fire EP and IntroCosmic America is back, and we're tackling the discography of Arcade Fire, one of the more enduring and endearing bands to come out of the Aughts. We start with an overview of the band, before segueing into a review of their first official release, the Arcade Fire EP, which contains a lot of precursor ideas and sounds to what the band would come up with on later releases.
2020-12-3045 min
Cosmic America68. The Wrap-Up Show - The Rolling StonesOur Rolling Stones reviews are sadly at an end (at least, until the band releases a new album!). On this final episode, Alex and Galen take a look back at the herculean task of reviewing one of the longest and most distinguished musical catalogs in rock and roll, and talk about what they learned along the way.
2020-09-081h 04
Cosmic America67. Singles and Extras 1989-present - The Rolling StonesWe're not quite done with the Rolling Stones yet! Although the number of albums dropped off precipitously in the post-Wyman period, the number of tours increased quite a bit, as did the number of greatest hits albums. We take a tour through the "extra" tracks that dotted the band's landscape during this period, from the bonus songs "Highwire" and "Sex Drive" off of Flashpoint all the way through to the present-day "Living In A Ghost Town".
2020-08-231h 13
Cosmic America66. A Bigger Bang - The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones last studio album? Can that really be? (The answer is yes, at least until the long-rumored 2020 album comes out). It's hard to believe we've finally gotten to this point.So we arrive here, and what do we find? A pretty good album overall! Very back-to-basics, especially considering the all-over-the-map approach that they took on Bridges to Babylon. The guest musicians and sidepeople are kept to a minimum, as are the producer and writer credits. Many of the tracks feature just the core band in the studio making music (and sometimes that just includes Mick, Keith...
2020-07-261h 18
Cosmic America65. Bridges To Babylon - The Rolling StonesVoodoo Lounge showed that the Stones might actually be able to pull off the unthinkable --- a melding of the classic melodicism and guitarplay that they'd been known for with songcraft that sounded relatively fresh and, if not modern, at least in keeping with the aesthetic of the times. Part of that was due to the rotation of music fashion, with the sounds of the 1990s sounding a lot more like the late 60s and early 70s than the 1980s had. Bridges To Babylon, however, showed that the union of Rolling Stones album and modern sound was still...
2020-07-261h 15
Cosmic America64. Voodoo Lounge - The Rolling StonesThis 1994 release is the first Stones studio album Galen had on CD, and it’s the first Stones album released in Alex’s lifetime. Beyond the personal connections to the album, Voodoo Lounge offers a wide variety of musical stylings and some excellent performances. The hour-long album offers tastes of country, baroque pop, alt-rock, balladry, blues rock, and a towering Keith Richards song at the end. Though not every song is a home run, Voodoo Lounge earns high praise from the Cosmic America team as the best Stones album in more than a decade at that point.
2020-07-211h 17
Cosmic America63. Steel Wheels - The Rolling StonesThe 1980s, mercifully, were coming to an end as the Rolling Stones released Steel Wheels on August 29, 1989. The album, hailed at the time as a return to form, marked the Rolling Stones’ returning to their signature sound. Galen and Alex break down the good and bad about this album, and there’s quite a bit of both. The production of the album is very 1989 -- in other words, not very good -- but there are indications that the band is entering an era of increased creative energy. All that and a farewell to longtime bassist Bill Wyman on this episode of C...
2020-07-151h 14
Cosmic America62. Dirty Work - The Rolling StonesFrom the album cover to some of the songs that sound unfinished or uninspired, there’s quite a bit to criticize about Dirty Work. The 1986 album was made amid internal disagreements and continued substance abuse issues, leading to a musical document that marks another rough time in the band’s history. It’s not all bad, though! As with most of the post-Tattoo You period for the Rolling Stones, properly evaluating the album requires that you separate the musical document from the in-the-moment critical analysis. The first and last songs serve as highlights, and there are some bright points...
2020-07-141h 01
Cosmic America61. Undercover - The Rolling StonesThe mid-1980s were not an easy or fruitful time for the Rolling Stones. Galen and Alex break down the goings-on behind the scenes while examining the band’s 1983 effort Undercover. It sounds very much like a 1983 album, with echoey drums and synth sounds. From the title track to “Too Much Blood”, there’s quite a bit to like about this album, even if it’s not a traditional-sounding Rolling Stones record.
2020-07-1459 min
Cosmic America60. Tattoo You - The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones were back in 1981 with a brand new album --- except this was unlike any "Brand New Album" they'd ever released as a band, since almost none of it was actually brand new. Instead, the Stones and their engineering team combed the vaults and found a bunch of half-finished tracks, put lyrics and modern production on them, and released them to the public. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right?Except it was great. Tattoo You is broadly viewed as the last truly awesome Rolling Stones album, and time has arguably been kinder to it than...
2020-07-061h 08
Cosmic America59. Emotional Rescue - The Rolling StonesEmotional Rescue was not a well-loved album by many at the time it was released in 1980, and it's relatively low reputation among Rolling Stones albums has largely persisted over the years. Is that a fair perspective? Or did the album simply get caught up in disappointment that it wasn't quite as good as its predecessor? We check it out in detail on this episode of Cosmic America.
2020-06-301h 00
Cosmic America58. Some Girls - The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones were back in a huge way in 1978, roaring into the hearts and minds of fans and critics with the rock/punk/disco/country synthesis of Some Girls. Here finally, at the end of the 70s, was an album that once again sat right in the middle of the musical zeitgeist of the era. Of course, it took a lot for the band to get to this point. Keith Richards spent much of the run-up to this album in and out of courtrooms and rehab programs, stemming from a 1977 drug bust in Toronto that threatened to...
2020-06-261h 08
Cosmic America57. Black and Blue - The Rolling StonesMick Taylor is gone, having quit shortly after the release of It's Only Rock & Roll. While he wasn't a huge fixture on that album, he helped to provide some of its most memorable moments. With Keith Richards sinking further into addiction-related absence, it was a fair question to ask what would become of the Rolling Stones musically in the mid-70s.Black and Blue saw the band going through the process of auditioning guitar players to replace Taylor, and it showed. Three new lead or second guitarists make major contributions on this album, and their musical contributions ran...
2020-06-231h 05
Cosmic America56. It's Only Rock & Roll - The Rolling StonesThe Stones may have taken a step back on the recording front in the eyes of many with 1973's Goats Head Soup, but the band had never been stronger on the road, plowing through a legendary set of tours in both the United States and Europe that cemented their reputations as the biggest rock and roll band in the world. They resumed recording operations during this time, but with new producers --- themselves. Or, more precisely, Mick and Keith, restyled as "The Glimmer Twins", taking over the reins full-time from Jimmy Miller, who had largely bowed out during the previous...
2020-06-231h 14
Cosmic America55. Goats Head Soup - The Rolling StonesGoats Head Soup is largely identified as the album where the Rolling Stones stopped being as special as they once were. It would have been nearly impossible for any band to keep up the breakneck pace of incredible art that the Stones pumped out from 1966 to 1972, and for many critics and fans, Goats Head Soup doesn't come close to their previous four albums in terms.Is that a fair criticism? Certainly there are a couple of questionable moments here, but there are also a large number of really fascinating and rewarding aspects on this album that have largely...
2020-06-191h 11
Cosmic America54. Exile on Main Street - The Rolling StonesFew musical releases are more steeped in rock and roll mythology than Exile on Main Street. The self-styled World's Greatest Rock 'n Roll Band produced a double album that acted as a road map for most of their musical influences and creations, recorded during a time of great personal and professional transition, operating as tax exiles the south of France and seemingly awash in decadence and inspiration. The result of all these factors was an album that is unlike almost any "great" album in the history of rock and roll --- an album devoid of a hit single...
2020-06-161h 43
Cosmic America53. Sticky Fingers - The Rolling StonesAfter an 18 month hiatus, the Rolling Stones returned to the global spotlight in 1971 with Sticky Fingers, the album that many critics and fans consider their very best. And it's hard to argue with perspective. Sticky Fingers is chock full of incredible musical moments and ideas, watching the band cover familiar territory with new approaches while also extending their approach to incorporate new shades of blues, country, and rock and roll.Sticky Fingers was a key album for Stones mythology as well, as much of what had made up the band in the decade prior was changing. Mick Taylor...
2020-06-101h 19
Cosmic America52. Let It Bleed - The Rolling StonesThe period between September 1968 and November 1969 was an incredibly fertile time for The Rolling Stones, but also one of great tragedy and personal loss. Brian Jones would gradually fade into drug-induced obscurity before eventually being fired and accidentally dying, Mick Taylor would join the band as a replacement, and the personal relationships of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and others in the group's orbit would be altered permanently. The world was also on fire during this period, with war, student protests, and a rejection of traditional mores dominating western civilization.Despite this --- or perhaps more to the point...
2020-05-281h 37
Cosmic America51. Beggars Banquet - The Rolling StonesPlease allow us to introduce one of the 1968 album that changed everything for the Rolling Stones. “Beggars Banquet” is the first in one of the greatest four-album runs in rock history, and starts off with “Sympathy for the Devil,” one of the band’s most iconic tracks. Galen and Alex go beyond “Sympathy” and “Street Fighting Man,” and dive into songs that you might not know as well. They don’t always see eye-to-eye on which lesser-known tracks they prefer, but they agree that this album is a must-listen for any rock fan. Share your thoughts with them by reaching out on Twitter at @d...
2020-05-261h 20
Cosmic America50. The 1960s Singles and B-Sides - The Rolling StonesGalen and Alex take a step back, looking into some of the Rolling Stones’ earliest songs, and the key early tracks that were released as singles instead of being on albums. These include some of the most iconic songs in rock history, such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Paint It, Black.” This episode covers more than four years, yielding an incredibly diverse collection of music. Please share your thoughts on the Stones by reaching out to us on Twitter at @doctorgc and @akmccarthy.
2020-05-251h 08
Cosmic America49. Their Satanic Majesties Request - The Rolling StonesDust off those wizard hats and kaftans and fire up your mellotron, it’s time to get weird. Galen and Alex examine a truly singular entry in the Rolling Stones’ career with 1967’s “Their Satanic Majesties Request.” There are some good ideas and some solid songs on this album, but a chaotic recording process resulted in the uneven, odd final product. You can get in touch with Galen and Alex, who can proudly say they survived “Gomper,” at @doctorgc or @akmccarthy on Twitter.
2020-05-2458 min
Cosmic America48. Between The Buttons - The Rolling StonesGalen and Alex dive into another somewhat overlooked gem in the Rolling Stones’ catalogue with 1967’s “Between the Buttons.” The American version includes the bigger hits (“Let’s Spend the Night Together” and “Ruby Tuesday”), but the boys discuss the UK version to get a look at some unheralded tracks. It’s another diverse journey, ranging from blues to baroque pop. Weigh in on our Rolling Stones series by tweeting at us at @doctorgc or @akmccarthy.
2020-05-231h 00
Cosmic America47. Aftermath - The Rolling StonesLadies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones! In what may be the most daunting challenge that Cosmic America could call upon itself, we have decided to review nearly the entire discography of The Rolling Stones, starting with the UK Version of Aftermath and beyond. Yes, this seems crazy even to us, but at the same time it's a challenge worth facing.Aftermath stands as the first truly original outing by the Stones, with no cover versions and a lot of really interesting twists and turns throughout. The first new album by the "Big Three" of rock and roll to...
2020-05-191h 11
Cosmic America46. Alligator - The NationalCosmic America’s deep dive into The National ends with a bang. Though it doesn’t have the grandiosity that the next two albums have, “Alligator” is almost certainly the most energetic and accessible listen in band’s catalogue. Two unforgettable songs bookend the album, with so many highlights in between that you might have forgotten about a couple. Galen and Alex touch on them all, discussing what makes this album so unforgettable. They pour a drink in honor of the narrator in “All the Wine” and toast the nine-part series on The National during this final episode of the bunch.
2020-05-181h 13
Cosmic America45. Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers - The NationalGalen and Alex accompany The National on a huge leap between albums, discussing 2003’s “Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers.” One of the band’s principal members described this as an “experimental album,” and the Cosmic America team dives into which new sounds the band carries forward and which sounds the band leaves behind on this album. Though it didn’t receive the attention that the subsequent albums received, “Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers” is a highlight of the band’s catalogue and a must-listen for fans of The National.Welcome to Cosmic America! For information or to ask questions, tweet the...
2020-05-1754 min
Cosmic America44. The National - The NationalCosmic America takes a trip all the way back to the indie rock scene of 2001 New York City, when a group of white-collar rockers who had never played a gig together released their self-titled debut, “The National.” Galen and Alex find early patterns emerge among the band, recognizing musical elements and lyrical themes that return in the band’s later output. They also reach a resounding agreement that The National’s early output does not qualify as alt-country, no matter what music critics at the time had to say.Welcome to Cosmic America! For information or to ask question...
2020-05-1650 min
Cosmic America43. I Am Easy To Find - The NationalOur final chronological The National discussion (but not our final discussion of The National!) is about 2019’s “I Am Easy to Find,” which stands alone among the band’s other albums. Created in tandem with a short film of the same name, “I Am Easy to Find” features an enormous array of backup singers, including interludes from the Brooklyn Youth Choir. Galen and Alex navigate the 64-minute album and break down whether the guest vocalists detract from the band’s signature sound, how this album fits with the band’s sonic development, and where The National might go from here....
2020-05-141h 21
Cosmic America42. Sleep Well Beast - The NationalOn this new episode of Cosmic America, we take a listen to Sleep Well Beast, the four-years-in-the-making follow-up to Trouble Will Find Me. There's a definite evolution of sound here from earlier in the decade, including guitar solos(!) and a more antiseptic, distant mix. How do these sonic shifts affect the songs? Galen and Alex go track-by-track through the whole album, as we continue our evaluation of the entire catalogue of The National.
2020-05-131h 14
Cosmic America41. Trouble Will Find Me - The NationalCosmic America continues on with the latest installment of The National. On this episode, we step back to 2013 for Trouble Will Find Me. This album finds the band trying to balance rhythm with atmosphere, with sometimes amazing results. How does this album hold up seven years later? Can it hope to compete with the giant artistic accomplishments of the previous three records? We discuss the album track-by-track and some to some split-decision conclusions. Katie Metz joins us once again for this episode.
2020-05-081h 09
Cosmic America40: High Violet - The NationalIt's time for a new installment of Cosmic America, as Galen and Alex are joined once again by Katie. This time out, we tackle High Violet, the band's full album foray into the 2010s. We take you track by track throughout the album and talk about the words, music, and emotions held within. This was an important album for The National, a chance to further establish their reputation as both great songwriters and performers and build upon the success of Boxer from three years earlier. We discuss popular songs like Bloodbuzz Ohio and England, while also delving into...
2020-05-041h 14
Cosmic AmericaCA 39: The Late 2000s - The NationalAlex and Galen are back to talk about The National. The period between 2005 - 2011 was an incredibly fertile time for the band, as they shed their earlier skin and started writing and recording songs that had increasingly sophisticated musical and lyrical filters.In this episode we talk about the studio cuts from the Cherry Tree EP, the Boxer B-sides, and several other cuts from the era, including fan favorites such as "Santa Clara", "So Far Around The Bend", and "Blank Slate". Welcome to Cosmic America! For information or to ask questions, tweet the show at @doctorgc...
2020-04-3058 min
Cosmic AmericaCA 38: Boxer - The NationalThe drought is over! Galen and Alex are back talking music. For this return episode, Katie Metz joins us as leap into the middle of an active discography and do a full breakdown of Boxer, the seminal 2007 album by The National. A natural sonic and lyrical expansion from 2005's Alligator, Boxer made many "Best Of" album lists for the 2000s and still maintains a fascinating aura today. We talk about our favorite parts of the album and how it fits into the canon, going through the whole thing song-by-song.Welcome to Cosmic America! For information or...
2020-04-2752 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 37: LA Woman by The DoorsWe've reached the end of our Doors odyssey — we're not doing the non-Morrison albums that followed this one, and we're also not doing American Prayer for reasons that should be obvious if you listen to any of those titles. But that's okay, because this is a tremendous high point upon which to leave. LA Woman, released in 1971, represented a sort of full circle for the band, who returned to more spontaneous studio performances after the perfectionism of the previous three albums. The songs are even bluesier than those on Morrison Hotel, and the album contains two bona fide rock and ro...
2018-07-301h 10
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 36: Morrison Hotel by The DoorsWe've entered 1970, and The Doors are back in the critical spotlight with their penultimate album, Morrison Hotel. Both a critical and fan favorite, this album saw The Doors moving (mostly) away from the pop and psychedelic sounds that dominated their last couple of albums, in favor of a rawer blues-influenced rock and roll sound. We take you track-by-track through the album, from the rollicking opener "Roadhouse Blues" through the ending of "Maggie M'Gill".Cosmic America reviews artists and their records, and we do it by going album-by-album through their careers. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher.
2018-07-3045 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 35: The Soft Parade by The DoorsBack we are, tackling the fourth (and easily most controversial) album in The Doors' canon. The Soft Parade, released in mid-1969, represented a pretty big departure from the band, and…well, the critics didn't dig it. Like, at all. They hated the horns and strings on some of the songs, they hated the lyrics in places, and they seemed to have a significant amount of Morrison fatigue going on, after some of Jim's on-stage and in-press shenanigans over the previous couple of years. So the critics slagged the album and that was that. Or was it? Was this album really so...
2018-07-3038 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 34: Waiting For The Sun by The Doors – PLUS bonus review of Celebration of the LizardOn our 34th episode, we reach the midway point of The Doors discography, reviewing 1968's "Waiting For The Sun". Significantly different in character from the previous two albums, this piece of work is a bit less coherent, a bit more muddled, yet still shines through with several excellent tracks and an intriguing departure from the sound they'd developed to this point. We also take a listen to the infamous studio version of "Celebration Of The Lizard", the whole-side would-be epic that garnered so little traction among the producer and band members not named Jim that they decided to shelve almost...
2018-07-2958 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 33: Strange Days by The DoorsBack for round 2 of The Doors' discography, Galen and Alex tackle their sophomore effort, Strange Days. An interesting mix of late 60s psychedelia, guitar/organ pop sensibility, and another grand epic of a song, this album unfortunately has gotten a bit lost in the historical shuffle. But not here! We walk you through each track song-by-song, and also take some listener questions via Twitter and Facebook.Be sure to subscribe to Cosmic America on iTunes or Stitcher, and consider reviewing the podcast on either of those sites. Tell your friends, and let us know what you think via social me...
2018-07-2949 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 32: The Doors by The DoorsCosmic America's raison d'etre is reviewing interesting music by interesting artists — and doing it in a completist fashion, by reviewing all of their studio albums in chronological order. It's what separates Cosmic America from other music review podcasts that only tackle individual albums.For this episode, we launch into the music of The Doors, starting with their seminal debut album. Consistently ranked as one of the best albums of all time, it's obvious that this collection of songs made a huge impact on the American (and rock and roll) music psyche. But is it actually good? Does it hold up...
2018-07-2757 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 31: A Deeper Understanding by The War on DrugsWe're at the end of The War on Drugs —- at least, until they release another album! (Which, god help us, should absolutely happen, but probably won't until like 2021 or so) Anyway, here's their (for the moment) last album, A Deeper Understanding. The production's a bit thicker, the melodies are catchier but less desperate-sounding, and the flow of the album is better than the excellent Lost in the Dream. Is this a winner all the way through? We go through it song-by-song, so you'll be able to judge right along with us.Cosmic America is a podcast about music, hos...
2018-07-251h 11
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 30: Lost in the Dream by The War on DrugsWe're back with more music talk. Cosmic America rolls on through the discography of The War on Drugs, tackling their breakthrough hit, Lost in the Dream for this episode. We take a look at the increasingly mature and almost gauzy production values, the increasingly isolated lyrical content, and the exciting yet somewhat uneven pacing of this 60-plus minute musical odyssey.You can contact us on Twitter at @akmccarthy or @doctorgc. Be sure to subscribe to Cosmic America, and give us a nice rating if you're feeling motivated.
2018-07-251h 05
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 29: Slave Ambient by The War on DrugsBack for more Cosmic America, as we continue our deep-dive into The War on Drugs. This LP, entitled Slave Ambient, broke The War on Drugs more fully into the national consciousness, featuring many of the key characteristics that made their music so interesting and attractive to so many people. We cover it track-by-track, giving anecdotes and details for all of the songs.Be sure to subscribe to Cosmic America on iTunes, and give us a positive rating if you're feeling charitable. Cosmic America is recorded and produced by Galen Clavio and Alex McCarthy. You can reach us on Twitter...
2018-07-2247 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 28: Future Weather by The War on DrugsCosmic America's 28th episode is the second official release by The War on Drugs. This one's called Future Weather, and we go through it song by song. There are a couple of songs missing from the release, because we decided to do them on the Slave Ambient review (which is coming next!).Subscribe to Cosmic America on iTunes! And you can contact us at @doctorgc or @akmccarthy if you are interested in asking questions or suggesting future bands to review.
2018-07-2220 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 27: Wagonwheel Blues by The War on DrugsAlex and Galen are back, and this time we're reviewing the entire discography of The War on Drugs. This musical collective animates the lyrics and tunes of Adam Granduciel, and we start with our reviews at (almost) the beginning, with a look at 2008's Wagonwheel Blues. Kurt Vile is still in the band, and the whole enterprise sounds more Bob Dylan than Bruce Springsteen at this stage of things.As with all Cosmic America podcasts (at least, all since June of 2018!) we review the whole studio catalogue, album by album, track by track. So settle in and enjoy.
2018-07-2245 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 26: Icky Thump by The White StripesOur White Stripes odyssey comes to an end with this episode, as we hit the (surprise) ending note to the band's career with Icky Thump. Fuller sound, slightly more uneven, but still featuring four or five classic tunes, this was a fine way for the band to swan song. We go track-by-track through the album, pointing out highlights and talking about the sonic qualities of each song.If you've got questions or comments, hit us up at @doctorgc or @alexkmccarthy on Twitter.
2018-06-1354 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 25: Get Behind Me Satan by The White StripesWe're almost done with The White Stripes catalogue, and we move on to the most controversial of their six releases with this one, as Alex and Galen delve into Get Behind Me Satan. It represented a sonic change for the band, as well as an attitudinal one. How did it measure up to what came before it? And was the end truly in sight with this release? We go through the whole thing, track by track, on this edition of Cosmic America.
2018-06-0948 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 24: Elephant by The White StripesIt's been a bit of a hiatus, but we're back with the next installment of our deep dive into The White Stripes. For this edition, we tackle what is possibly their best-known album, Elephant. This 2003 masterpiece put the band on top of the rock world, and showcased an ever-expanding sonic palate. We brought along a special guest to join us for this episode! Longtime White Stripes fan Nate Lynch joins us on the third line to talk about his perspective on the album.Comments or questions? Hit us up on Twitter at @doctorgc or @akmccarthy. And stay tuned as...
2018-06-0653 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 23: White Blood Cells by The White StripesWe're back for part 3 of our six-part White Stripes odyssey. This time we uncover the album that broke them into the big time: White Blood Cells. And what an album it is — bluesy and hooky and layered with all kinds of fascinating touches. Is it their best album? There's a worthwhile debate to be had about that. But in the meantime, let us walk you through it track by track.Comments or questions? Hit us up on Twitter at @doctorgc or @akmccarthy. And stay tuned as we cover the rest of the discography in the next week.
2018-04-0450 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 22: De Stijl by The White StripesIt's an Easter Sunday special edition for Cosmic America! Alex and Galen continue their investigation of the career arc of The White Stripes. This episode sees the guys breaking down the band's second album, De Stijl, and diving further into both the sound of the band and the mythology surrounding it.If you have comments or questions, send 'em our way on Twitter – @doctorgc and @akmccarthy.
2018-04-0142 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 21: The White Stripes by The White StripesThe new Cosmic America has officially launched! We're still here talking about great music, but we've upped the ante by talking OVER great music. Our goal is to give you in-the-moment analysis, criticism, and evaluation of whole albums worth of music. And to do it one artist at a time, album by album. What makes these great artists tick? How did their career arc sound, and what sorts of things were going on in and around the recording of the songs?Our first group for review is The White Stripes, who need no formal introduction. This podcast starts off...
2018-03-3052 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 20.5: The Beck Mini-episodeWe're soft-launching Cosmic America (again!), with a new format and some nifty new recording techniques. Here, we talk about a couple of songs off of Beck's 1998 classic album "Mutations".
2018-03-2810 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 20: Fleet FoxesOkay, so we took a long hiatus with Cosmic America, mostly because Alex moved four time zones away. We're going to have some new episodes soon, I promise! In the meantime, here's one of the last episodes taped before Alex moved away — this one focuses on Fleet Foxes' eponymous debut LP. Like Crosby, Stills & Nash in an echo chamber with a bunch of funky electric folk guitarists, this song sort of defied immediate classification, and ended up creating a furor in the indie rock scene. Their output since this album hasn't been nearly as melodic, so it's important to go ba...
2017-07-1822 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 19: Through ToledoThis could end up being the most obscure album we review on Cosmic America, but that doesn't make it less deserving of your listenership. Through Toledo was a little-known album released by little-known indie artist Greg Laswell in the mid-2000s, which stands as one of the more well-constructed breakup albums that we've heard in a while. You may know a few of the songs, which filtered their way into the pop culture whirlpool during the late 2000s. Listen on YouTube here.
2017-02-1715 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 18: City to CityLet's stay in the seventies on this episode of Cosmic America, as we delve into a masterful pop record from Scottish artist and industry misanthrope Gerry Rafferty. This album spawned a huge hit in Baker Street, but the rest of the album ends up holding up pretty well 40 years later. Somehow underappreciated despite being incredibly solid and tuneful throughout. You can check out the whole thing (which really is worth listening to if you haven't already heard it) on YouTube, or buy it on Amazon.
2017-02-1016 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 17.5: Elton John or Billy Joel?Is it cooler to like Elton John or Billy Joel? Cosmic America investigates…sort of. By "investigates", I mean we talk about the topic for 10 minutes.
2017-02-0512 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 17: 11-17-70It's live album week at Cosmic America, so we delve into an artifact from the early stages of Elton John's career. Recorded in a New York City studio, broadcast on radio, and then widely bootlegged, 11-17-70 (or 17-11-70 if you're British or annoying) is an interesting look into an Elton John that was still focused on 50's era rock and roll as his primary artistic motif. Not a lot of songs, but certainly a lot of energy. You can check out the album on iTunes, or you can listen to the unedited radio broadcast here.
2017-02-0219 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 16: GraceThis edition of Cosmic America sees us jumping forward into the mid-90s, focusing on the album Grace by Jeff Buckley. A critical darling when it came out, the album was the only full artistic statement from Buckley before his untimely drowning shortly afterwards. Does it hold up 20 years later? Does the "Hallelujah" cover force the album into transcendence? Lots of questions about this one. Take a listen. And check out "Lover, You Should've Come Over" and "Lilac Wine" while you're at it.
2017-01-2025 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 15 – Mad Dogs and EnglishmenFor this episode of Cosmic America, we check out the touring outfit of Joe Cocker (and Leon Russell), which traveled across the United States in 1970 under the group name Mad Dogs and Englishmen. This live album stands as a document to that series of shows, and while it's certainly an interesting listen in a number of places, it falls short of the sort of all-time status that the aura of the band might seem to demand. Standout tracks include Space Captain, Delta Lady, and the cover of Leonard Cohen's Bird on a Wire.
2017-01-1121 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 14: Northern Lights, Southern CrossHappy 2017! We ring in the new year at Cosmic America with a review of the The Band's Northern Lights, Southern Cross, a somewhat forgotten gem from 1975. Viewed by many as the last "proper" studio release by The Band, this album doesn't have quite the same lyrical spark as the group's late 60's efforts but still manages to paint an enjoyable and rootsy tapestry. Standout songs include It Makes No Difference and Acadian Driftwood, both linked in the blog post.
2017-01-0116 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 13: The Stone RosesNew Cosmic America! We check in on rock critic touchstone The Stone Roses, one of the more fully realized one-hit wonder albums of the modern era of music. Lost in the shuffle of late-80's hair metal and power balladry, this album ended up acting as the missing link between 70's soundscape rock and the alternative ethos of the 90's. Songs you should definitely listen to include Waterfall, I Wanna Be Adored, and I Am The Resurrection, all of which we have helpfully linked for you in the show text.Subscribe to us on iTunes! Just search "Cosmic America"...
2016-12-2022 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 12: The Smile SessionsThis episode of Cosmic America takes a listen to an album that never really was — at least, not in its original form. The Smile Sessions, released a few years ago after a few decades of strife and mystery, represent the reconstruction of the original "Smile" album as conceived by Brian Wilson and performed by The Beach Boys. Recording problems, nervous breakdowns, and band politics ended up putting the kibosh on an album that might have been a watershed pop moment from the Summer of Love. We work our way through the album, talking about the flow of each section and th...
2016-12-1344 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 11: Love is HellWe step forward into 2004 (or 2003, depending on how you want to approach it) for the next Cosmic America episode, and revisit Ryan Adams and his seminal gloom rock album Love is Hell. Originally refused by his record label and released as two EPs, the reconstituted album later saw the light of day, and stands as one of the highlights of Adams' career. Heavily influenced by the Manchester sound of the 80s, the album (and its seven-song bonus EP), it went largely unnoticed outside of rock criticism circles — but that's why we're here, 12 years later, to talk about it in more de...
2016-11-2324 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 10: The Southern Harmony and Musical CompanionCosmic America is back for the holiday week, as we discover an unexpected mutual love for the Black Crowes' sophomore effort, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. The Stones-influenced Black Crowes take a measured step into Free/Humble Pie/gospel tradition here, emerging with probably their finest and most consistent collection of songs. Underappreciated at the time of its release due to the sudden onslaught of grunge, we try to bring it back to the masses.Be sure to subscribe to Cosmic America on iTunes!
2016-11-1926 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 9: Marquee MoonA new Cosmic America drops and everyone gets excited. Here's Galen and Alex talking about a seminal guitar album from the 70's — Television's Marquee Moon. Lots of talk about the sonic construction of the album, as well as where it sits in the developmental track of rock and roll (and punk..I guess…). If you like guitars, or abstract lyrics, or angular solos, this is definitely an album you should check out.
2016-11-1127 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 8: Brussels AffairEpisode 8 of Cosmic America! And we head back to 1973, and to another continent, for a stellar live set by the preeminent live act in rock at the time, The Rolling Stones. Brussels Affair from 1973 provides lots of the standard Rolling Stones live set from the era, plus some really sublime little moments that are (for once) expertly recorded and documented for the listener. Max Mick Taylor. Decent amounts of Billy Preston. Mick giving a shit about (most of) the lyrics. Keith being Keith. Bill and Charlie manning the engine room. This one's worth your time.
2016-10-3123 minCosmic AmericaCosmic America 7: AM (Arctic Monkeys)On this episode of Cosmic America, we jump surprisingly far forward in the musical timeline, tackling the British band Arctic Monkeys and their most recent release, "A.M.". Will Galen be able to get his head wrapped around all these newfangled sounds? (yes) We sit down and chat about a thoroughly enjoyable modern rock album, so enjoy and listen in.
2016-10-2820 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 6: Katy LiedOn this episode of Cosmic America, we tackle the midway point of Steely Dan's primary studio phase — 1975's Katy Lied. Once described as "an epic bardic saga" on some message board that I read in the late 90's, this album captures the Dan as they transitioned fully from a touring outfit to a pure-studio outfit. The army of session musicians who would come to dominate later albums had started to assemble on this one, and the album ended up hosting some lesser-known but incredibly important songs in the band's canon. Musical cleverness and lyrical obliqueness fully on display throughout this on...
2016-10-2423 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 5: The Gilded Palace of SinWe've gone through a full cycle of our album reviews, so now it's back to stage one — the "One-album wonder" category. Even though the second album from this band was okay, the first album was a masterpiece, and we're glad to get a chance to review it here. It's The Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers, and it's a sadly overlooked album for a large cross-section of the music listening audience. One of the "Old Testament" albums of the country-rock hybrid that would come to dominate the Southern California sound over the next decade, this album is a...
2016-10-1325 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 4: Led Zeppelin in Inglewood 1975Cosmic America heads for the "IMPORT" section of the record collection, tackling Led Zeppelin's last live show in the United States in 1975, in Inglewood, CA. This immensely long show (close to 4 hours) is arguably the last time a US audience saw Zeppelin in full fury. It's a bit of a ragged show in places, but still maintains the grandiose sound and reputation that the quartet had built for themselves. Touring in support of the recently released Physical Graffiti album, this show ended up being a fascinating live showcase for songs from both that album and from Houses of the Holy...
2016-10-1027 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 3: SummerteethAfter a week's hiatus, Cosmic America is back in your kitchen with more music talk. For this episode, we delve into a classic from 1999, Summerteeth by Wilco. This album saw the band fully shed the alt-country label that had been stuck on them since their inception in 1995, with frontman Jeff Tweedy and multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett embracing a Wilson/Spectoresque approach to production, marrying complex overdubs to emotionally vulnerable lyrics. This one got missed by most of the alt rock crowd, and its place in Wilco history is forever overshadowed by its successor, but this is a damn fine album in...
2016-10-0737 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America 2: The Kinks are The Village Green Preservation SocietyIt's Episode 2 of Cosmic America, and we take the opportunity to step back in time to late 1968, for The Kinks' classic (yet largely forgotten) The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society. We share our favorite songs, talk about the positives and challenges of the album, and try to set the historical context.Get at us on Twitter – @doctorgc or @akmccarthy – if you've got questions, suggestions, or comments.
2016-09-2425 min
Cosmic AmericaCosmic America E1: Layla and Other Assorted Love SongsOn this inaugural edition of Cosmic America, we break down a rock and roll classic steeped in the kind of rock mythology that most artists and albums could only dream of. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, by the Eric Clapton-led Derek & The Dominoes, gets the full breakdown treatment, as we talk about the stories behind some of the songs and the recording process for the album. We pick our favorite songs from the album, talk about the most underrated songs on the album, and discuss whether the flow of the album ends up working.
2016-09-1741 min