Two Fat Guys & An Album

Ok Computer (2FGA #13)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album... the only podcast that really matters—and trust me, I’ve heard enough music to know when something actually counts.
This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are diving headfirst into Radiohead’s 1997 masterpiece OK Computer. This isn’t just an album—it’s an experience. A seismic shift in the sound of alternative rock, OK Computer is Radiohead’s third studio album, and it redefined what a rock band could be in the late ‘90s. It’s moody, cinematic, and packed with existential dread in all the best ways. Themes of alienation, technology, and modern disillusionment weave through tracks like “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” and “No Surprises.” This record didn’t just speak to a generation—it practically warned them.
But hey, we don’t stop at the icons. Each week, we also shine a light on what’s been playing in our ears lately with our “Beyond Classic Rock” segment. This time, we’re giving some long-overdue love to It’s a Wonderful Life by Sparklehorse. Released in 2001, this album is a haunting, poetic gem. It’s intimate and otherworldly all at once—Mark Linkous at his most emotionally raw. Songs like “Gold Day,” “Eyepennies,” and “Comfort Me” balance fragility with quiet beauty, all wrapped in Sparklehorse’s unique blend of lo-fi textures and melancholic wonder. It’s a record that feels like a dream you’re not quite ready to wake up from.
So, join Mike and Brek as we explore the sonic depths of OK Computer and It’s a Wonderful Life, and bring you even more of the music we love to obsess over—right here on Two Fat Guys and an Album.

Joshua Tree (2FGA #12)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album... the only podcast that really matters, and trust me, I’ve been around long enough to know!
This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are turning the spotlight on U2’s 1987 classic The Joshua Tree. This album, folks, is a real game-changer. It’s the band’s fifth studio record, and it stands tall as one of the most influential albums of the 80s, maybe of all time. With its sweeping, grand sound and lyrics that make you think, The Joshua Tree dives deep into themes of faith, yearning, and that universal search for meaning. Tracks like “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” became anthems, and this album changed the landscape of rock music. It’s not just a record; it’s a cultural milestone.
But we don’t stop there, oh no. Every week, we also give you a peek at what we’ve been listening to lately, dive into some fresh new tunes, and throw in a hidden gem or a forgotten classic in our “Beyond Classic Rock” segment. This week, we’re taking a closer look at Blitzen Trapper’s Furr. Now, this is a real treat. Released in 2008, Furr is a beautiful blend of folk, rock, and Americana. It’s one of those albums that really gets under your skin with its storytelling. The songs capture that sense of longing and self-discovery, all wrapped up in melodies that stick with you. Tracks like “Furr” and “Wild Mountain Nation” prove the band’s knack for combining old-school charm with a modern twist. It’s no wonder this album earned them a place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
So, join Mike and Brek as we take a fun, deep dive into The Joshua Tree and Furr, and all the other musical goodness that we love to share, right here on Two Fat Guys and an Album.

(What's The Story) Morning Glory (2FGA #11)

The Doors (2FGA #10)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album… the only fat guys podcast that matters! This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are taking a deep dive into two iconic albums: The Doors by The Doors and GoGo Boots by Drive-By Truckers. Get ready as they explore these two masterpieces, each in its own way marking a milestone in rock history.
 
First, the guys will take on The Doors (1967), the groundbreaking debut album from Jim Morrison and the band that forever changed the landscape of rock music. With its mesmerizing blend of jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock, The Doors introduced the world to Morrison’s poetic lyrics and haunting vocals, as well as Ray Manzarek's iconic keyboard playing. Tracks like “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” “Light My Fire,” and “The End” stand as timeless anthems, blending dark, mysterious imagery with captivating musical experimentation. Mike and Brek will delve into how The Doors not only captured the spirit of the 60s counterculture but also established the band as one of rock’s most enigmatic and influential acts.
 
Then, in this week’s Beyond Classic Rock segment, the guys will turn their attention to GoGo Boots (2011), the critically acclaimed album from Drive-By Truckers. With its Southern rock roots and deep, reflective storytelling, GoGo Boots explores themes of love, loss, and redemption with a raw authenticity that has become the band's trademark. Tracks like “The Fireplace Song” and “Go-Go Boots” showcase the band’s ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with their signature gritty sound. Mike and Brek will break down how GoGo Boots captures the essence of Southern life while pushing the boundaries of alt-country rock, proving that Drive-By Truckers are more than just a Southern rock band—they're poets of the modern age.
 
Tune in for an insightful and entertaining discussion of two albums that continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike.

Aqualung (2FGA #9)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album… the only fat guys podcast that matters! This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are diving into a true classic: Aqualung by Jethro Tull. Get ready as they explore this 1971 album that cemented the band's place in rock history. With its distinctive blend of folk, hard rock, and progressive influences, Aqualung not only introduced the world to Ian Anderson’s unique flute playing but also his thought-provoking lyrics. Tracks like “Aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath,” and “Cross-Eyed Mary” stand out as timeless pieces that mix social commentary with powerful melodies. Mike and Brek will dig into how Aqualung challenged musical conventions and captured the spirit of early 70s rock, with Anderson’s vision at the heart of it all.
 
But that’s not all! In this week’s Beyond Classic Rock segment, the guys will dive into No Name, the 2024 album from Jack White. This release brings a fresh perspective to White's already diverse catalog, offering an experimental mix of garage rock, blues, and electronic textures. Tracks like “Archbishop Harold Holmes” and “Old Scratch Blues” showcase White’s ability to fuse traditional blues with his unique, modern spin, while continuing to push musical boundaries. Mike and Brek will discuss how No Name takes Jack White’s sound in a new direction, exploring deeper, darker themes, and offering a compelling blend of raw energy and intricate musicianship. Join Mike and Brek for a fun and insightful conversation on Aqualung, No Name, and so much more—only on Two Fat Guys and an Album!
 
Thanks to our sponsors and contributors! twofatguysalbum@gmail.com Diane@yourhomegroupchi.com Deeper Connections Counseling www.dcctherapy.com LR Media: LauraRose2003@aol.com SmidgeFilms: Smidgefilms@gmail.com

Dream of Blue Turtles (2FGA #8)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album… the only fat guys podcast that matters! This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are diving into a true classic, Dream of the Blue Turtles by Sting. Get ready as they break down this 1985 album that marked Sting’s bold departure from The Police, blending jazz, rock, and reggae influences with his signature poetic lyrics. Tracks like “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “Russians,” and “Fortress Around Your Heart” showcase Sting’s ability to weave complex themes into accessible, catchy songs. They'll explore how the album’s unique mix of genres and sophisticated arrangements not only solidified Sting’s solo career but also brought a fresh sound to the mid-80s music scene.
But that’s not all! In this week’s Beyond Classic Rock segment, the guys will dive into Nothing Is Wrong, the second album from Dawes. This 2011 release takes the band's Laurel Canyon-inspired sound to a deeper, more introspective level. With tracks like “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” “How Far We’ve Come,” and “A Little Bit of Everything,” Nothing Is Wrong showcases Dawes’ ability to craft heartfelt, nostalgic songs that balance personal reflection with universal appeal. Mike and Brek will discuss how this album evolved from their debut, highlighting the emotional depth and musical growth that helped solidify Dawes as one of the standout Americana bands of the 2010s.
Join Mike and Brek for a fun and insightful conversation on Dream of the Blue Turtles, Nothing Is Wrong, and so much more—only on Two Fat Guys and an Album!

Bat Out of Hell (2FGA #7)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album... the only fat guys podcast that matters! This week, hosts Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are turning the spotlight on one of rock’s greatest epics, Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf. Get ready as they break down this 1977 powerhouse that blends operatic flair with hard rock grit, featuring legendary tracks like "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," "Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad," and of course, the title track. They’ll explore how this album’s dramatic storytelling, powerful vocals, and rock opera influences transformed the genre and made it a timeless classic. Bat Out of Hell is celebrated for its cinematic approach to rock, featuring soaring melodies, ambitious arrangements, and unforgettable lyrics.
 
But of course, the fun doesn't stop there! In this episode’s Beyond Classic Rock segment, the guys will dive into the fascinating difference between Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. While both bands share some of the same members, their sounds couldn’t be more distinct. Nickel Creek’s self-titled debut album brought progressive bluegrass into the mainstream with their energetic blend of folk, bluegrass, and modern influences. On the other hand, Punch Brothers take a more experimental approach, blending bluegrass with classical, jazz, and even indie rock to create a unique and intricate sound. Mike and Brek will break down how these two bands, with similar roots, diverged into different musical landscapes and what makes each of them so special in their own right. Join Mike and Brek for an engaging and entertaining discussion on Bat Out of Hell, Nickel Creek, and much more—only on Two Fat Guys and an Album!

Moving Pictures (2FGA #6)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album...The only fat guys podcast that matters! This week, host Mike Blackburn and Maestro Brek Hufnus are putting the spotlight on the 1981 rock masterpiece “Moving Pictures” by Rush. Get ready as the guys break down what makes this album a timeless classic, featuring iconic hits like Tom Sawyer, YYZ, and Limelight. They’ll explore how the album blends progressive rock with more accessible elements, bringing in tighter structures while maintaining their intricate musicianship. Moving Pictures is often praised for its complex arrangements, technical precision, and rich lyrics. The album features a mix of hard rock, synth-driven pieces, and timeless progressive rock compositions. But of course, the conversation doesn't stop there! Each week, the guys also share what they're currently listening to, the latest in new music, and throw in a hidden gem or forgotten classic in their “Beyond Classic Rock” segment. This week’s Hidden Gem is “Old Time Speaker” (2014) by Bronze Radio Return. The album showcases the band’s signature blend of Americana, folk-rock, and roots music, infused with elements of indie rock and pop. Known for their energetic performances and emotive songwriting, Bronze Radio Return's “Old Time Speaker” continues to explore themes of nostalgia, connection, and the search for authenticity in a modern world. Join Mike and Brek for an engaging and fun dive into Moving Pictures and much more, only on Two Fat Guys and an Album!
0:00 Welcome!
3:00 Email from Van Morrison
8:30 Fine for Egregious Factual Error
12:30 Neal Peart agrees with The Maestro on his take on Punk music
23:20 Side One: Moving Pictures by Rush
49:30 Moving Pictures by Rush- really!
57:40 The end of an era?
1:04:45 Side Two: “What’s Going On?” Chicago II, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks, Car Seat Headrest, Crig, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Neil Young, Matt Pond PA, Rush 50, Simple Minds, Modern English, Soft Cell.
1:32:40 Side Three “Beyond Classic Rock” Bronze Radio Return “Old Time Speaker”
1:44.00 Side Four: Rank the Albums
 
#Rush #NeilPeart #AlexLifeson #GeddyLee #VanMorrison #YachtRock #Drumeo #TheWreckingCrew #LoFi #Bronze Radio Return #Yes #SaltShed #Autobahn #ChamberPop #BenHarper #BruceHornsby Thanks to our sponsors and contributors! twofatguysalbum@gmail.com Diane@yourhomegroupchi.com Deeper Connections Counseling www.dcctherapy.com LR Media: LauraRose2003@aol.com SmidgeFilms: Smidgefilms@gmail.com #TwoFatGuysAndAnAlbum #MusicReview #AlbumReview #MusicPodcast #ClassicAlbums #NewMusic #Indie #MusicCulture #AlbumAnalysis #MusicDiscussion #musicpodcast

Blonde on Blonde (2FGA #5)

Welcome to Two Fat Guys and an Album, the podcast where two guys who love music dive deep into iconic albums! This week, your hosts Mike Blackburn and Brek Hufnus are turning their attention to Bob Dylan’s legendary 1966 album, Blonde on Blonde. Get ready as they unpack why this album is often hailed as a rock and roll masterpiece, with timeless tracks like “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “I Want You,” and the hauntingly beautiful “Visions of Johanna.” They’ll explore how Dylan’s innovative blend of folk, rock, and lyrical complexity changed the musical landscape and left a lasting mark on generations of artists.
Mike, your Narrator for the episode, will walk you through Dylan’s path to Blonde on Blonde, detailing his transition from folk icon to electric rock pioneer and examining the groundbreaking recording process that defined the album. Brek, the Maestro of Music, will share his expert insights on the album’s thematic depth, its reception upon release, and how it captured the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s, with a focus on its influence that’s still felt today.
But the conversation doesn’t end there! Each week, the guys also talk about what they’ve been listening to lately, new releases making waves, and they throw in a Hidden Gem or forgotten classic for you to discover. This week’s Hidden Gem is The Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell—a bold, genre-defying album full of rich storytelling and musical experimentation.
Tune in for an insightful and entertaining discussion of Blonde on Blonde and much more, only on 2 Fat Guys and an Album!

Brothers In Arms (2FGA #4)

Welcome to 2 Fat Guys and an Album! This week, hosts Mike Blackburn and Brek Hufnus are putting the spotlight on the 1985 rock masterpiece Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits. Get ready as the guys break down what makes this album a timeless classic, featuring iconic hits like Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, and, of course, the emotional title track Brothers in Arms. They'll explore how this blend of rock, jazz, and the polished production of the ‘80s gave the band its massive success and how the album still resonates today.
Mike, your narrator, will take you through the backstory of Dire Straits—marking their rise from humble beginnings to global superstardom—and the making of Brothers in Arms, including Mark Knopfler’s unique guitar work and storytelling prowess. Brek, the Maestro of Music, will offer his expert take on the album’s themes, critical reception, and its place in the 1980s rock scene, as well as its lasting influence on music.
But of course, the conversation doesn't stop there! Each week, the guys also share what they're currently listening to, the latest in new music, and throw in a Hidden Gem or forgotten classic that you might have missed. This week’s Hidden Gem is Purple Mountains by David Berman—a deeply introspective and beautifully haunting album that blends folk rock with Berman’s signature lyrical depth.
Join Mike and Brek for an engaging and fun dive into Brothers in Arms and much more, only on 2 Fat Guys and an Album!