Best Jeff Giles and Matt Wardlaw Podcasts (2024)

1
Foreigner - Unusual Heat (1991) 1:17:36

5d ago1:17:36

1:17:36

Send us a Text Message. This is a flashback moment to our previous podcast, 1991: The Year AOR Ate Itself. For those of you who didn't hear that podcast series, you'll be interested to hear this episode, which aired July 5, 2021. In my memory (note: I'm making this up), we decided to celebrate Independence Day by talking about Foreigner's first alb…

1
Bonus Track: Leland Sklar and Denny Tedesco (The Immediate Family documentary) 1:03:28

13d ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Send us a Text Message. Our latest Bonus Track features a great conversation with the legendary Leland Sklar and director Denny Tedesco regarding his film, The Immediate Family. That's right, someone finally made a movie about Lee Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Russ Kunkel. If you're a liner notes nerd, you know those names! Here's one e…

1
The 1974 Project: Harry Nilsson - Pussy Cats 1:10:52

21d ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Send us a Text Message. The 1974 Project continues as we welcome back our friend and A&R man Peter Lubin to discuss Pussy Cats by Harry Nilsson. Produced by John Lennon, Pussy Cats is an interesting and at times, unfortunate mile marker in Nilsson's career -- and the guys discuss why that is. There is once again a great tribute album at the heart o…

1
The Music of the Olympics (1984-1992) 59:19

1M ago59:19

59:19

Send us a Text Message. In 1984, Christopher Cross added a unique new entry to his discography. "A Chance For Heaven" was selected as the official swimming theme for the Olympics. I bet you didn't even know there was an official swimming theme that year, did you? Neither did we. Discovering that factoid during our episode about Christopher's 1985 a…

1
Narada Michael Walden on Tommy Bolin 41:10

1M ago41:10

41:10

Send us a Text Message. In our first Bonus Track of 2024, legendary artist and producer Narada Michael Walden tells Matt about his time working with the late Tommy Bolin. It's an emotional subject for Narada, but also a period in his career that he retains a lot of love and affection for. We spoke in November of 2023 as Narada was just about to rel…

1
The 1974 Project: Suzi Quatro: Quatro 1:37:55

1M ago1:37:55

1:37:55

Send us a Text Message. The magnificent Davia Schendel joins Jeff and Matt to discuss Suzi Quatro's second album, Quatro. Today's conversation definitely goes deep into "music nerd" territory. We talk about record stores of the past, making playlists devoted to things like gated reverb and snare hits. Should we talk about the underrated power playe…

1
Christopher Cross - Every Turn of the World (1985) 58:13

2M ago58:13

58:13

Send us a Text Message. It's time for the first solo Jeff and Matt episode in a good while! Today, the guys team up to look back at Every Turn of the World, the third album by Christopher Cross. They dig through a number of topics including the album's relative lack of success, how Jeff found it -- and why he loved it so much at the time. We also d…

1
Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention - Uncle Meat (1969) 1:20:27

2M ago1:20:27

1:20:27

Send us a Text Message. We have another first on the podcast, but you're going to have to listen to find out what it is. Let's start with the facts: Benjamin Miner of The Feldons joins Jeff and Matt to talk about 1969's Uncle Meat album, by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Have you ever heard this album? It's a wild ride, just like our dis…

1
R.E.M. - Reckoning (1984) 1:12:18

2M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Send us a Text Message. Benjamin Wagner joins the guys for a frank discussion about mental health in the midst of Mental Health Awareness Month. He's spent a good amount of time thinking about -- and researching the subject. His new film, Friends & Neighbors, is the result of that work. Benjamin tells Jeff and Matt how his own mental health struggl…

1
Ben Arthur - Edible Darling (2004) 1:20:44

2M ago1:20:44

1:20:44

Send us a Text Message. Emmy-nominated songwriter Ben Arthur released his third album, Edible Darling, in 2004. A longtime friend of the podcast (long before there was a podcast, in fact), Ben joins Jeff and Matt to look back on the album in its 20th anniversary year. He recaps his rollercoaster experience navigating the music industry in those ear…

1
The Who - Who's Next (1971) 1:25:25

3M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Send us a Text Message. Legendary producer Tom Werman joins Jeff and Matt to talk about one of his favorite albums, Who's Next, by the Who. Tom is one of the best kind of people you can hope to meet in the music industry, because not only is he very talented as a producer, but he also is a music fan at heart. That's something that comes through aga…

1
Peter Frampton - Frampton (1975) 1:08:20

3M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Send us a Text Message. Andy Timmons is one of our favorite folks to talk about music with and he returns to the program -- with his guitar once again in hand -- to discuss his love for Peter Frampton's fourth studio album, 1975's Frampton. Andy tells Jeff and Matt why Peter has been such an important influence on his own career -- and he shares th…

1
Johnny "Guitar" Watson - Ain't That a Bitch (1976) 1:18:26

3M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Send us a Text Message. The Reverend Shawn Amos is our guest today on the podcast. Matt has had a conversation with Shawn in the past, so he knew that Jeff would love speaking with The Good Reverend. Shawn opened up right away, getting deep and personal with Matt and Jeff about a wide variety of sociopolitical topics surrounding his latest album, S…

1
The 1974 Project: Eagles - On the Border 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

Send us a Text Message. UCR's Allison Rapp is back with Jeff and Matt for another episode of The 1974 Project. This time, they're talking about On the Border by Eagles and digging into a bunch of related (and yeah, sometimes, unrelated topics). For instance, why do so many people hate the Eagles? Why do people get worked up about calling them "the …

1
The 1974 Project: The Doobie Brothers - What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits 53:34

4M ago53:34

53:34

Send us a Text Message. We couldn't miss out on the chance to post a new episode of The Record Player on a rare Leap Day! As one of our comrades said very recently, "Happy Leap Year, to all who celebrate!" We're back with the latest installment in The 1974 Project, our ongoing collaboration with Ultimate Classic Rock spotlighting a variety of album…

1
Tears for Fears - The Seeds of Love (1989) 1:20:51

5M ago1:20:51

1:20:51

Send us a Text Message. Mike Duquette of The Second Disc and Duque's Delights is in the hot seat with Jeff and Matt to discuss The Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears. Matt has been waiting two years and several days to have an in-depth conversation with Mike. But he's also been waiting since the early '90s to find someone to have a similarly long con…

1
The 1974 Project: Kiss - Kiss 55:11

5M ago55:11

55:11

Send us a Text Message. The latest episode of The 1974 Project finds Jeff and Matt teaming up with Matthew Wilkening of Ultimate Classic Rock to discuss the self-titled debut album by Kiss, which was released on February 18, 1974. But the conversation covers a lot of territory involved with just being a music fan. Sneaking out of the house to go bu…

1
Van Halen - Van Halen (1978) 1:09:56

5M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

Send us a Text Message. Van Halen's self-titled debut celebrates its 46th anniversary this month (today in fact, as this is being posted). Jeff and Matt celebrate by welcoming journalist Steve Rosen to discuss this legendary album. Steve brings unique insights to today's discussion as someone who was covering Van Halen from the moment that the albu…

1
The 1974 Project: Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark 48:09

5M ago48:09

48:09

Send us a Text Message. Our second entry in The 1974 Project focuses on Court and Spark, Joni Mitchell's sixth studio album. UCR's Allison Rapp once again joins Jeff and Matt to discuss a number of topics related to the album. We talk about the impact that Court and Spark had on Joni's career -- and why it stands out when compared to the rest of he…

1
Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything? (1972) 1:15:52

6M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Send us a Text Message. The wonderful Bill Lloyd returns to The Record Player nearly two years after he stopped in to discuss Paul and Linda McCartney's RAM with us. This time, we're talking Todd Rundgren with Bill and the conversation spirals in a lot of different directions -- including plenty of record collector nerd chatter. We also discuss Loo…

1
Richard and Linda Thompson - Pour Down Like Silver (1975) 1:19:32

6M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

Send us a Text Message. Kudos to Chris and Stephanie from Ida Mae for helping Matt and Jeff connect the dots when it comes to the music of Richard and Linda Thompson. We loved getting a chance to dig into their Pour Down Like Silver album. There's a new Ida Mae album that demands your ears also, called Thunder Above You. This particular conversatio…

1
The 1974 Project: Bob Dylan - Planet Waves 47:30

6M ago47:30

47:30

Send us a Text Message. Bob Dylan finally reunited with the Band officially to record the Planet Waves album in 1974. The stories behind the creation of Planet Waves and the events of the subsequent tour will make you wish that time machines were a real thing. Planet Waves is just one of a number of albums marking its 50th anniversary here in 2024.…

1
Johnny Cash - Bitter Tears: Johnny Cash Sings Ballads of the American Indian (1964) 1:24:21

7M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Send us a Text Message. Our guest today is a longtime friend of the podcast, David Lebovitz. He brought us two album choices and while it's always an enticing idea to discuss Warren Zevon, we tabled that and begged for him to talk about a really weird Johnny Cash album with us instead. Thankfully, he bent to our will. If you've never heard of this …

1
R.E.M. - Automatic for the People (1992) 1:31:51

7M ago1:31:51

1:31:51

Send us a Text Message. Katherine Yeske Taylor is our guest today on The Record Player and boy, this conversation was an absolute joy. We discuss her new book, She's a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism, which is coming out on January 16, but we also dig deep into a bunch of different topics. Katherine is a fellow music journalist who began her…

1
John Campbell - One Believer (1991) 2:14:32

8M ago2:14:32

2:14:32

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to our longest episode to date! Matt and Jeff are joined by Peter Lubin, who returns to the podcast to talk about an important artist in his A&R career, blues guitarist and vocalist John Campbell. But this time, Peter also brought additional ammo: We were thrilled to also welcome British music journalist Harry Shapir…

1
Music Gumbo: Cidny Bullens 1:30:42

8M ago1:30:42

1:30:42

Send us a Text Message. Guess who finally decided to return with a new episode? To be fair, we have no real good excuse...except LIFE! In that vein, what a thrill it is to be alive when you're speaking with someone like Cidny Bullens, and going through selected bits of the incredible adventure that has been his life. His career has seen him sharing…

1
Bonus Track: Damon Johnson (Brother Cane, Lynyrd Skynyrd) 59:11

9M ago59:11

59:11

Send us a Text Message. The music gods are truly smiling, because Brother Cane is hitting the road for a reunion tour this fall. On top of that, the band has recently put out a 30th anniversary reissue of their debut album on both CD and vinyl -- marking the first time, by the way, that the record has been out on wax! That seemed like a good enough…

1
The Kinks - The Kinks Kronicles (1972) 1:21:41

9M ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Send us a Text Message. Guitarist Mike Connell of the Connells is our guest on the latest installment of The Record Player. The North Carolina band has had a busy few years, including the long awaited arrival of a new studio album, 2021's Steadman's Wake. Their entire back catalog went digital, including a few things that had been out of print. Her…

1
Bonus Track: Jono Manson 59:46

9M ago59:46

59:46

Send us a Text Message. Jono Manson is one of the godfathers of the NYC jam band scene, an influential presence in the early days when bands like Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors were cutting their teeth. A longtime singer, songwriter and producer, Jono has an impressive list of credits and he's one of those guys who always seems to be working on so…

1
Music Gumbo: Trevor Rabin (Yes, Rabbitt) 50:17

10M ago50:17

50:17

Send us a Text Message. Trevor Rabin joins us on the eve of the arrival of Rio, his first vocal album for the rock/progressive audience since 1989's Can't Look Away. The multi-talented guitarist, vocalist and composer will be in Cleveland on Friday, October 6 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to celebrate the release of Rio. He'll converse with the…

1
The Louvin Brothers - Satan is Real (1959) 1:12:46

10M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Send us a Text Message. It's a good day, because we get to talk about Satan. Okay, let's clarify that, actually. We're sitting down with singer-songwriter Brennen Leigh to discuss Satan is Real by the Louvin Brothers. Country music is full of fascinating corners and Satan is Real is no exception. You'll hear many artists cite the Louvin Brothers as…

1
Bonus Track: Richard Patrick (Filter, Nine Inch Nails) 46:28

10M ago46:28

46:28

Send us a Text Message. Richard Patrick is our guest for the latest Bonus Track. We caught up with Richard out on the road where Filter is presently playing shows on the Freaks on Parade tour with Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Ministry. He joins Matt to discuss the band's new album, The Algorithm, plus a number of additional topics, including his ti…

1
Bonus Track: Bill Payne (Little Feat) 35:05

10M ago35:05

35:05

Send us a Text Message. Bill returns to the podcast to talk about all things Little Feat, including the new reissues for Sailin' Shoes and Dixie Chicken. Bill also digs into some of his past session work, including time spent with Bob Seger and Pink Floyd. He also reveals details regarding the memoir that he currently has in the works. As always, i…

1
James Gang - Yer' Album (1969) 1:12:04

10M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

Send us a Text Message. It's our 100th episode! We're so thrilled to welcome legendary guitarist Steve Lukather on this occasion. Steve and the members of Toto are hosting an incredible benefit concert on Saturday, September 9th at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. The all-star lineup features Ringo Starr, Stone Temple Pilots, Joe Bonamassa, Coli…

1
Jesca Hoop - Order of Romance (2022) 1:18:25

11M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Send us a Text Message. This will go down as another one of our favorite episodes. Singer-songwriter David Wilcox joins us and his music is one seed in the origin story of our friendship. We've both interviewed David separately over the years, but it had been a while, so we were looking forward to this one. David did not disappoint, bringing an hou…

1
Bonus Track: Jude Gold (Jefferson Starship) 50:11

12M ago50:11

50:11

Send us a Text Message. It was a thrill to get a chance to chat a bit with longtime comrade (via Twitter and X and whatever we're calling it now) Jude Gold for this latest Bonus Track. Jude is currently out on the road with Jefferson Starship (he's been their guitarist since 2012) as the band tours as part of the inaugural Parti-Gras festival lineu…

1
ZZ Top - Tres Hombres (1973) 1:14:19

12M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Send us a Text Message. As Tres Hombres turns 50, Jeff and Matt get together to talk about the wild, weird and wonderfully eccentric, rockin' world of ZZ Top. They examine the band's history from the early years to the Eliminator era and beyond (with an occasional argument about certain songs). Along the way, there are stray topics, including liste…

1
Michael Bolton - Soul Provider (1989) 50:11

12M ago50:11

50:11

Send us a Text Message. Jeff and Matt are alone in the studio this week to discuss Michael Bolton's big breakout album, 1989's Soul Provider. They review the history which led up to this record (including "Fools Game," which could be one of the best Bolton songs you've never heard) and dig into some of the stories and Michael's own musings from the…

1
Bonus Track: Steve Howe (Yes) 30:53

12M ago30:53

30:53

Send us a Text Message. We’re dipping into the archives for this previously unreleased Bonus Track featuring a conversation with Steve Howe recorded in September 2022. The legendary Yes guitarist joined Matt to discuss the band’s forthcoming (at that time) tour featuring a full album performance of Close to the Edge. Additionally, Steve talks about…

1
Bonus Track: John Lodge (The Moody Blues) 26:52

12M ago26:52

26:52

Send us a Text Message. Today's Bonus Track features the legendary John Lodge of the Moody Blues. John's heading out this week for a special tour starting on July 18 where he'll be playing the entire classic Moody Blues album Days of Future Passed. We dig into a lot of different topics, including Days of Future Passed, of course -- and John also sh…

1
Lucinda Williams - Essence (2001) 1:25:37

1y ago1:25:37

1:25:37

Send us a Text Message. Our buddy Rob Smith likes to talk about albums that are "the one after the big one" and Lucinda Williams' 2001 album Essence is in that category. Both Jeff and Matt enjoyed diving into the record for the first time -- with special guest Mya Byrne. If you're not familiar with Mya's music, you should be! Playing Americana stee…

1
Bonus Track: Royston Langdon (Spacehog) 35:44

1y ago35:44

35:44

Send us a Text Message. The incredible Royston Langdon of Spacehog drops in on Matt for the latest Bonus Track. This time, they're talking about Royston's new album, President Alien, which will be released on July 14. As one might gather from the title, President Alien is a unique return to Spacehog's 1995 debut album, Resident Alien. Nearly 30 yea…

1
Nick Heyward - North of a Miracle (1983) 1:18:20

1y ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Send us a Text Message. Nick Heyward's North of a Miracle is our featured album on this episode and it was a big thrill to welcome Steven Page, who shares what the album means to him. We also dig into a lot of other topics including some music nerd stuff like the cutout bin! Steven tells us what it meant to get the opportunity to open some shows fo…

1
The Who - Quadrophenia (1973) 1:07:55

1y ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Send us a Text Message. It's been nearly 50 years since the Who released their epic Quadrophenia album. Mike Peters of the Alarm joins Matt and Jeff to share his memories of hearing the album for the first time and why it became such an important record for him personally. Mike joins us also celebrating the arrival of a brand new Alarm album, Forwa…

1
Van Morrison - Astral Weeks (1968) 1:04:45

1y ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Send us a Text Message. Joshua Radin joins Jeff and Matt to talk about his love for the classic 1968 Van Morrison album, Astral Weeks. We also discuss Joshua's new EP, 'though the world will tell me so, volume 2,' which is out on June 23rd. The follow up to ‘though the world will tell me so, volume 1,’ the breathtaking collection of songs featured …

1
Bonus Track: Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead) 38:19

1y ago38:19

38:19

Send us a Text Message. Mickey Hart is currently out with Dead & Company as they play what is being termed as their final run of tour dates under that banner. Fans have a unique opportunity to check out Mickey's art while he's on the road. He'll be making two special appearances (see details below) for exhibits that are being presented by the Wentw…

1
Bonus Track: Rich Williams (Kansas) 28:29

1y ago28:29

28:29

Send us a Text Message. Kansas hits the touring trail this week beginning on June 2 to begin their 50th anniversary tour. In advance of the trek, guitarist Rich Williams spoke with Matt to discuss moments from the band's history. He also details the group's new 50th anniversary compilation, Another Fork in the Road: 50 Years of Kansas. Find the lat…

1
Music Gumbo: Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk, the Neville Brothers) 1:18:59

1y ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Send us a Text Message. What a thrill it is to be able to share this chat with the legendary Ivan Neville. Ivan joined Jeff and Matt for a lengthy conversation to discuss his new album, Touch My Soul. He was also quite generous about sharing stories from many different corners of his career. Touch My Soul is an incredible musical journey featuring …

1
The Hooters - Nervous Night (1985) 1:29:47

1y ago1:29:47

1:29:47

Send us a Text Message. The Hooters have new music (!!) and will be on tour this summer with Rick Springfield, Paul Young and Tommy Tutone (and some other artists depending on the market). These events transpired after our conversation about the band's 1985 album Nervous Night. We've long been fans of the legendary Philly group who notched a number…

1
Bonus Track: Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs) 38:24

1y ago38:24

38:24

Send us a Text Message. Guitar fans, this one's for you! It's a big thrill to have Steve Morse back out on the road for his first Steve Morse Band tour in 10 years. The next round of tour dates kicks off with a weekend jaunt beginning May 25th in Homer, New York and wrapping up on May 28th in Cleveland, Ohio at the Music Box Supper Club. Steve join…

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