Permanent Record Podcast

Episode 15: 80's Mix Tape - The Pixies, Katrina & The Waves, Thompson Twins, The Cult, & Pseudo Echo Work on our 80's mix tape continues as Brian, Sarah, Colby, and, via telephone, an under-the-weather Beil compile five classic New Wave songs for side two!  This week the group picks some truly great tracks, especially if you like stories of hobos on trains, large numbers of people getting fired, or the comic character Fido Dido!  Mix Tape Side Two - Track by Track Colby's pick: "Here Comes Your Man" by The Pixies Sarah's pick: "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves Brian's pick: "In The Name Of Love" by The Thompson Twins Colby's pick: "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult Beil's pick: "Funky Town" by Pseudo Echo   See the videos we discuss here: Here Comes Your Man Walking On Sunshine In The Name Of Love (Live) She Sells Sanctuary Funky Town Read more at http://permanentrecordpodcast.com/

Episode 14: 80's Mix Tape - Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Mission, The Church, Scritti Politti, & Depeche Mode This week finds Brian and Sarah being joined by Colby Zell (guest co-host on the "Phantoms" episodes) for a change of pace from the regular album discussion. The trio is putting together an 80s mixtape of favorite songs from the era. Sarah, Brian, and Colby have each selected three songs to contribute to the tape, and after their selections are revealed, some lively discussion of the tracks ensues. Mixtape Side One - Track by Track Sarah's pick: "Come on Eileen "by Dexy's Midnight Runners Brian's pick: "Deliverance" by The Mission UK Colby's pick: "Under the Milky Way" by The Church Sarah's pick: "Perfect Way" by Scritti Politti Brian's pick: "Shake the Disease" by Depeche Mode   See the videos we discuss here: Come on Eileen Deliverance Under The Milky Way Perfect Way Shake The Disease   Read more at http://permanentrecordpodcast.com/

Episode 13: Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses (1987) Part 2 A week has gone by since Brian and Sarah started discussing this late-80s classic by the boys from Basildon known as Depeche Mode. This episode finds our hosts ready to dive into the second side of the Mode's sixth album, but not before making a few more comments on their latest offering, "Spirit." Part 3 (Continued): Track by Track The five songs of the album's second side are examined one by one. Which track does Sarah consider to be the quintessential Depeche Mode song? Which video delights the hosts? Who has a problem with the song order on the second side? And what are those Russian voices saying at the beginning of "To Have and to Hold?" The answers can be found here! Behind the Wheel I Want You Now To Have and to Hold Nothing Pimpf Part 4: Final Grade Both Brian and Sarah are extremely fond of this album, as it has been a part of their lives for many years. So how difficult was it for them to review the album from a more objective point

Episode 12: Depeche Mode -  Music for the Masses (1987) Part 1 After a brief hiatus from the podcast, Brian and Sarah sit down to discuss one of their all-time favorite bands, Depeche Mode. The selected album is the 1987 opus, "Music for the Masses." However, before discussing the band's sixth album, the hosts can't resist taking a few minutes to share their initial thoughts on the fourteenth Depeche Mode album, "Spirit," which was released just two weeks ago. But then the focus shifts back to the 1987 and the album which marked some significant changes for Depeche Mode. Part 1: Background Brian fills us in on the whens and wheres of the album's recording, and Sarah explains one big difference between the making of Music of the Masses and previous Depeche Mode albums. Brian also reveals where this album and its related singles charted back in the day. Part 2: Personal History Sarah explains how she had what she'll claim to be a "backup copy" of this album, and muses as to when she actually received it. B

Episode 11: Styx - Kilroy Was Here (1983) - Part 2 Last week, Brian and Beil began a discussion of the 1983 concept album "Kilroy Was Here" from Styx, the late-Seventies powerhouse who were trying to make their way in the 1980s.  This was the band's 11th record but the first to be released in and influenced by the fledgling New Wave movement.  Part 3: Track by Track Each of the five tracks on side two are discussed, along with the topics of hidden backwards messages, Japanese Shamisen, guitar-shredding machines, and which other Styx albums we would rather listen to than this one.  Heavy Metal Poisoning Just Get Through This Night Double Life Haven't We Been Here Before Don't Let It End (Reprise) Part 4: Final Grade Each of our hosts try to be a little bit over-dramatic as they award "Kilroy" a final grade on a scale of 1 to 5 record adapters, you know, those things you used to have to use to play 45s.... Part 5: Extra Credit We mentioned many times over the course of these two episodes how badly the membe

Episode 10: Styx - Kilroy Was Here (1983) - Part 1 This week, Brian pays a visit to his childhood friend Beil to talk about an album they discovered simultaneously way back in 1983 - "Kilroy Was Here" by mid-western rockers Styx!  This was the band's 11th album but their first to be affected by the blossoming New Wave sound of the early 1980s. Part 1: Background The two chums discuss the storyline of this concept album and list a few of the experiences and encounters that led bandleader Dennis De Young to create the world of Robert Oran Charles Kilroy and his nemesis Dr. Righteous.  And of course, no conversation can be had on the subject of Styx in the early 80's without mentioning all the juicy conflict and turmoil that was going on behind the scenes.  Part 2: Personal History Was this the first Styx album owned by each of the friends?  Who was the mysterious school teacher that sparked Beil's interest in the band?  And can you find Brian's karaoke standby song on this album? Part 3: Track by Track The l

Episode 9: Dead Or Alive - Mad, Bad, and Dangerous To Know (1987) - Part 2 Last week, Brian and Sarah began a discussion of the 1987 album "Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know" by Liverpool band Dead Or Alive.  This was the band's third record and the follow-up to the world-wide hit "Youthquake" which featured their classic single "You Spin Me Round." Part 3: Track by Track Each of the four tracks on side two are discussed and it turns out that Sarah has blocked out a part of her past from 1991.  Brian reminds her of a late-night call to a radio station to dedicate a DOA song to a particular DJ. Something In My House Hooked On Love I Want You Special Star Part 4: Final Grade Each of our hosts sum up their feelings on this record and award it a final grade on a scale of 1 to 5 record adapters, you know, those things you used to have to use to play 45s.... Part 5: Extra Credit Sarah notices both hosts have a bit of an issue with this art on this album's cover, so she attempts to remedy the problem with some ext

Episode 8: Dead Or Alive - Mad, Bad, and Dangerous To Know (1987) - Part 1 This episode finds Brian and Sarah waxing nostalgic about a band whose lead singer recently passed away. The band is Dead or Alive, and the singer was, of course, the sensational Pete Burns. Up for discussion is the band's third album, "Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know," from 1987. Part 1: Background Brian goes into the history of the band and its many members during the early years, focusing on one in particular-- much to Sarah's annoyance. Sarah responds with some information on the production company responsible for this album's sound-- the trio known as Stock Aitken Waterman, who were behind Dead or Alive's biggest hit, "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" in 1985, as well as a slew of other 80s chart toppers. Part 2: Personal History Did Sarah actually own a store-bought copy of this cassette, or was this one of those "special" versions given to her by a friend? What obsolete practice did Brian engage in to get a copy of the firs

Episode 7 : Depeche Mode – Where’s The Revolution (2017) Brian and Sarah diverge from their regular format of reviewing an entire album to devote some time to discussing a single song. What could prompt them to make such a departure? Nothing short of a newly-released Depeche Mode single, titled "Where's the Revolution," from their forthcoming album "Spirit." Depeche Mode is one of Brian and Sarah's all-time favorite bands, so it wasn't hard for them to opine on the Mode's latest offering.  Part 1: Sarah gives her initial reactions to the song, and Brian follows. Which one of them liked the song better from the first listen? How does this single rank, in Brian's opinion, among all the Depeche Mode singles ever released?   Part 2: Brian and Sarah discuss the video for "Where's the Revolution," directed by longtime Depeche Mode collaborator Anton Corbijn. Does the video help or hurt the song? Part 3: Sarah adds a few more thoughts about the new single and then gives her "record adapter" rating. Brian does some

Episode 6: The Fixx - Phantoms (1984) Part 2 Has it been a week already??  Brian and guest host Colby Zell flip the record to hear side two of "Phantoms."  The pair finish up their track-by-track discussion, address this week's extra credit question, and then final grades are distributed.   Part 3 (Continued): Track By Track A track by track evaluation of the album's second side!  One song annoys us both.  Two songs bring us total delight.  The other three, well, we'll have to agree to disagree! Question In Suspense Facing the Wind Are We Ourselves? I Will Phantom Living Part 4: Extra Credit Question With an album this good, why did things start to turn rotten for The Fixx in 1984?  They still had some hit singles in the years ahead, but the success of "Reach the Beach" would never be duplicated.  Brian grills Colby on exactly why this was the case. Part 5: Final Grade The fan of 33 years and the fan of 14 days announce their final grade for "Phantoms."   Read more at http://permanentrecordpodca

Episode 5: The Fixx - Phantoms (1984) Before this week, Brian had never listened to the 1984 album "Phantoms".  But with one of the area's leading authorities on The Fixx due to stop by, he cued it up so he would be able to join Colby Zell in talking about this overlooked and underappreciated masterpiece. Part 1: Personal History We have two hosts this week - Brian and Colby.  One has only known the record for a few days.  The other used to risk his life riding a bicycle on a heavily traveled road with headphones on so he wouldn't miss a note!  I hope he had a helmet! Part 2: Background Where were The Fixx coming from in 1984 and where were they going?  This album actually tells that tale! Part 3: Track By Track A track by track evaluation of the first side!  Which songs get good reviews?  Do we understand the cryptic lyrics?  And does Brian have a man-crush on bassist Dan Brown? - Lose Face - Less Cities, More Moving People - Sunshine In The Shade - Woman On A Train - Wish - Lost In Battle Overseas

Episode 4 - Pet Shop Boys - Actually (Part 2) Finally returning for the new year, Brian and Sarah take a look (and a listen!) to the Pet Shop Boys' 1987 album "Actually."  Here the two finish up their track-by-track discussion by addressing the songs on side 2.  Also, Brian poses an excellent extra credit question and then final grades are distributed. Part 3 (Continued): Track By Track A track by track evaluation of the album's second side!  Which song annoyed Neil's old school?  Which song was written for Madonna?  Lots of juicy tidbits for your enjoyment! It Couldn't Happen Here It's A Sin I Want To Wake Up Heart King's Cross Part 4: Extra Credit Question Brian seems to recall that "Always On My Mind" was a #1 hit for the Pet Shop Boys around this time.  Sarah explains why he didn't find that famous song on this album. Part 5: Final Grade Brian announces his final review and rating of the album, and Sarah follows suit. Which one of them rates it higher?  Or will they be of the same mind on this

Episode 3 - Pet Shop Boys - Actually (Part 1) Finally returning for the new year, Brian and Sarah take a look (and a listen!) to the Pet Shop Boys' 1987 album "Actually."  The two talk a bit about the making of the record and what was going on with PSB at the time, and then launch into a track-by-track discussion of the first side of this classic 80's album. Part 1: Background Get the story of the Pet Shop Boys and their merry band of producers as they work on this memorable pop classic. Part 2: Personal History Learn how Sarah and Brian each discovered the album "Actually" - was one of them a compact disc virgin up until this? Part 3: Track By Track A track by track evaluation of the album's first side!  Which songs get good reviews?  Which songs should have been left on the recording studio floor? One More Chance What Have I Done To Deserve This Shopping Rent Hit Music Read more at http://permanentrecordpodcast.com/

Episode 2: a-ha - Hunting High and Low (1985) -  Episode 2 Brian and Sarah return to their microphones to discuss the debut album of the Norwegian band a-ha. They cover the band's formation and the interesting process of creating this album,  they discuss each of the ten tracks on "Hunting High and Low,"  and they each give the album a final review and "record adapter" rating. Part  1: Personal History We hear about Sarah's slightly-fuzzy history with the album, and learn whether or not Brian even heard the entire album in the 80s!   Part 2: Band history and album creating We learn how a-ha was formed and then discover the somewhat convoluted and drawn-out process of the making of "Hunting High and Low." How many times was "Take On Me" actually released? Find out here!   Part 3: Track by Track Each of the ten songs on "Hunting High and Low" are dissected, with Brian and Sarah comparing notes and sharing trivia as they go along. Take On Me Train of Thought Hunting High and Low The Blue Sky Living a Boy's Adv

Episode 1: Yaz - Upstairs at Eric's (1982) Join Brian and Sarah as they discuss the 1982 debut album by Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet, better known as the synth-pop duo, Yaz.  We run through a quick history of the group, a track-by-track discussion of "Upstairs at Eric's" 11 songs, and then hand down a final grade on this important early-80s new wave classic. Part 1: Background Get the details about young Vince Clarke, young Alison Moyet, and even young Depeche Mode as we discuss growing up in the City of the Future: Basildon. Part 2: Personal History Learn how Sarah and Brian each discovered the album "Upstairs at Eric's" - and which one of them got sick listening to it for the first time! Part 3: Track By Track A track by track evaluation of the entire album!  Which songs get good reviews?  And how do YOUR favorite cuts make out? Don't Go Too Pieces Bad Connection I Before E Except After C Midnight In My Room Only You Goodbye Seventies Situation Winter Kills Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I) Part 4: Final