Best of Foo: A Foo Fighters Odyssey

Episode 38: But Here We Are Jun 24, 2023

Paul Carlin and Lorenzo Pacitti return for a special episode of the world's only podcast to take a deep dive into the latest Foo Fighters release, But Here We Are.
After a couple of challenging years for the band, they're back with a brually honest collection of songs, tinged with sadness, grief and loss... but what do Paul and Lorenzo make of the album?
It's a bumper episode for what may become one of the most significant Foo Fighters albums in the band's discography. Pour yourself a drink of something cold, hot or room temperatute and enjoy.
@lorenzo__lp
@thepaulcarlin
Thanks for listening!

Episode 37: Medicine at Midnight Mar 13, 2021

Paul and Lorenzo reconvene to discuss Foo Fighters' latest album, Medicine at Midnight. While it's great to be talking about Dave Grohl and the Foos again, this album is really pressing some painful bruises. What will they make of Dave's journey to Funkytown?
Follow us and send us abuse on social media if you like: @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp
Thanks for listening!

Episode 36: Best of Foo Nov 24, 2020

It's the final! We finally made it! Who thought we'd ever manage to see this through?
In this bumper episode, Paul and Lorenzo are joined by the majority of past guests to vote on the final rankings - Eurovision-style - and decide which Foo Fighters song truly is Best of Foo.
There's a lot to cover so pour yourself a number of hot or cold drinks, get comfortable and prepare for the last ride as we fall down a Foo Fighters-shaped rabbit hole.
Huge thanks to this episode's guests: Ally McCrae, Duncan Robertson, Eddy Walsh, Martin Johnston, Philip Ivers, Ross Stewart and Tom Fraser. Plus our pals who couldn't make it: Amandah Wilkinson, Chris Gallagher, Marcus MacLeod and Stuart Dougan.
Best of Foo will return for some one-off episodes down the line. Thanks for listening!

Episode 35: The Semi Final Oct 31, 2020

Suspend your disbelief; this is the semi final of Best of Foo. One more episode stands between you and the actual Best of Foo. In this dramatic semi final, Paul and Lorenzo shake down the final 16 tracks to leave eight. These eight will make up the final of this odyssey. Prepare to throw your smartphone or speaker out of the window in disgust because there are some HEFTY decisions getting made here.
Follow us on Twitter: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 34: Lorenzo's Lumbar Support Oct 17, 2020

It's the last of the quarter final episodes and we're within touching distance of the Best of Foo Final. Paul and Lorenzo are joined once again by multi-talented musician Martin Johnston to shake down the final eight Foo tunes in this round.
There's plenty of time signature and guitar tuning chat; a first for Best of Foo... Plus, even more terrible decisions and opinions about your favourite band!
This episodes matchups are:
Enough Space vs Shape of You (by Ed Sheeran) // Live-In Skin vs Good Grief // White Limo vs Oh, George // Wind Up vs Times Like These.
Thanks to @jartinmohnston from @americanclayhi for joining us and you can find Paul and Lorenzo on Twitter: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 33: When The Wheels Fall Off Sep 13, 2020

Best of Foo is now basically a drumming podcast. Hope you like flams.
In this episode, Paul and Lorenzo are joined by talented guitarist and drummer-for-hire Martin Johnston (of the great Glasgow band American Clay) to deal with eight more songs in this third quarter final.
Like the previous two episodes, there are some hefty decisions and nobody is pulling their punches when it comes to deciding which tunes deserve to make it through to the next round.
Plus, most importantly, loads of chat about drumming and more football references than you're probably used to; deal with it.
This episode's matchups are:
A Matter of Time vs Hell // Hey, Johnny Park! vs Exhausted // DOA vs Everlong // Winnebago vs My Poor Brain.
Love and thanks to @jartinmohnston of @americanclayhi for taking part in this episode. You can also hear Martin's talents on recent recordings by @vukoviband and @the_quilter.

Episode 32: Drama At The Traffic Lights Sep 05, 2020

In this episode, Paul and Lorenzo are once again joined by their buddy Ally McCrae to go through then next batch of songs in this second Quarter Final.
For the second ep running, Ally provides some smoking hot opinions that leave Paul and Lorenzo speechless. It's exactly what our hosts need to shake up this podcast a bit...
Plus, Ally tells the story of the time he ACTUALLY MET DAVE GROHL.
This episode's matchups are:
Rope vs The Colour And The Shape // Alone + Easy Target vs This Is A Call // The Line vs February Stars // My Hero vs Bridge Burning.
Love and thanks to @allymccrae - you can download his podcast @managethatpod in all the usual places.
Send hate mail to @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp

Episode 31: Lorenzo's Chickens Come Home To Roost Aug 30, 2020

After a short break, Paul and Lorenzo reconvene to continue their Foo Fighters odyssey and, for the first quarter final episode, are joined by friend, podcaster and all round excellent dude, Ally McCrae.
We're into the thick of it now so pretty much every song remaining is huuuuuuge so please enjoy this extremely controversial episode with some HEFTY hot takes, jaw-dropping decisions and some much deserved comeuppance for Lorenzo (depending on whether or not you think he deserves it.)
This episode's matchups are:
I'll Stick Around vs Resolve // Ain't It The Life vs No Way Back // Best of You vs Generator // Savior Breath vs Monkey Wrench.
Love and thanks to @allymccrae whose podcast How Did You Manage That is well worth your time.

Episode 30: One More Time For The Last Time Aug 08, 2020

Here's a little stop gap episode that'll either make you breathe a sigh of relief or make your blood boil. Either way, this could be a key moment in the legacy of Best of Foo as Paul and Lorenzo open up the Second Chance Saloon.
Each presenter is allowed to make two overrides, bringing back overlooked or unlucky songs from previous episodes to replace a track from the last 32...
It's all done randomly and the stakes are high... listen to find out if any fallen heroes get a reprieve. After all, this is Best of Foo; not Meh of Foo.
Follow us on Twitter: @lorenzo__lp and @thepaulcarlin

Episode 29: The Tie Rack Returns (Part 3) Aug 01, 2020

It's taken some time but the final Tie Rack of the podcast comes to its conclusion in this episode as Paul and Lorenzo discuss two more Foo matchups with guests Eddy Walsh, Ross Stewart and Duncan Robertson.
The language is industrial at times and there are detours-a-plenty but, in amongst all that, decisions are made on the final two matchups in The Tie Rack: A Matter of Time vs Word Forward + New Way Home vs Hey, Johnny Park!
Thanks for sticking with us - more episodes on the way!

Episode 28: The Tie Rack Returns (Part 2) Jul 25, 2020

It's the second instalment of our mammoth Tie Rack episode with friends of the pod Eddy Walsh (@eddy_walsh), Ross Stewart (@rausstewart) and Duncan Robertson (@knacknud) joining Paul and Lorenzo to make the final call on two more extremely difficult matchups.
The Gang of Five discuss four Foo Fighters tracks in this episode (Lonely As You vs The Sign + My Poor Brain vs Learn to Fly) and end up in several rabbit holes... if anyone is genuinely interested in a David Bazan podcast, maybe that's something we could look at if we ever get to the end of this podcast!
Thanks again for listening to this and if you have any comments, cyber-bully us on Twitter: @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp

Episode 27: The Tie Rack Returns (Part 1) Jul 18, 2020

In this episode, it's time for Paul and Lorenzo to make the final judgement on those matchups they could't quite agree on during the previous round... yes, it's the return of The Tie Rack. Of course, Paul and Lorenzo's opinions count for nothing so they have drafted in three of their friends to help make the call on what goes through.
Eddy Walsh, Ross Stewart and Duncan Robertson join the podcast to help sort out these tricky matchups.
This recording of Best of Foo lasted over four hours so it will be cut into three parts for easily-digestible chunks.
In this first part, the matchups are:
The Colour and the Shape vs The Last Song // All My Life vs I'll Stick Around // Walk vs Hell.
Huge thanks and love to @eddy_walsh, @rausstewart and @knacknud for their sparkling chat and great opinions.
More to come from those guys over the forthcoming two episodes.

Episode 26: Filming A Porno At Screwfix Jul 11, 2020

The second qualifying round concludes with this episode! Another batch of Foo tunes go under the microscope in-between discussions about 10000 other topics. We were a little unfocused recording this but the episode is 100% good times.
This episode's matchups are:
New Way Home vs Hey, Johnny Park! // Gimme Stitches vs Everlong // In the Clear vs Bridge Burning // Summer's End vs February Stars.
Follow us on Twitter if you like: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 25: Saint Cecilia, You're Breaking My Heart Jul 04, 2020

Here's a nice, uncomplicated, straightforward episode of your favourite Foo Fighters podcast. Paul and Lorenzo are all smiles and surprisingly civil towards one another as they discuss eight more Foos tracks. There are some difficult decisions to make here; some songs will prevail, some will fall. This is a Wheels-free zone.
This episodes's matchups are:
The Line vs Next Year // Halo vs Cheer Up, Boys (Your Makeup is Running) // Savior Breath vs Back and Forth // The Never-Ending Sigh vs Enough Space.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 24: Dave's Sweet Spot Jun 27, 2020

It's another ALL BUSINESS episode as Paul and Lorenzo approach the end of this second qualifying round. There's a little bit of shade but decisiveness wins as four more songs progress to the next stage of Best of Foo. We'll say goodbye to some big tracks here but the main question is WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH WHITE LIMO?
This episode's matchups are:
Something From Nothing vs Seda // White Limo vs Walking a Line // Stacked Actors vs Oh, George // Exhausted vs For All the Cows.
Follow us: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 23: I'll Pass The Monkey The Shiv Jun 20, 2020

This is a strange and great episode.
Paul and Lorenzo are not happy about Krist Novoselic... who is? But this is a Foo Fighters podcast so in amongst discussing monkeys escaping from a lab, the utter pointlessness and futility of All Lives Matter people (have a word with yourselves) and suburban gardening, they do take the time to discuss eight FF songs with some big decisions to be made.
This episode's matchups are:
DOA vs Dear Rosemary // Arlandria vs Resolve // A Matter of Time vs Word Forward // Good Grief vs Burn Away.
Follow us on Twitter: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp
A reminder: Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter.

Episode 22: Down And Out Again Jun 13, 2020

After falling into several rabbit holes in the previous episodes, Paul and Lorenzo do their best to focus on the matter in hand: continuing their quest to find the best Foo Fighters tune... they kind of stick to the plan but it wouldn't be an episode of this podcast without a few detours and another Ace of Base reference.
This episode's matchups:
Best of You vs Arrows // Winnebago vs Congregation // My Hero vs The Pretender // Lonely As You vs The Sign.
Follow us: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 21: David's Dead Jun 06, 2020

Okay this episode is kind of A LOT. Paul and Lorenzo discuss the universe and everything in this bumper edition of Best of Foo. Where else will you find a podcast that discusses the masons, David Gest and the crusade against anti-vaxxers all under the umbrella of Foo Fighters?
This episode's matchups are:
Alone + Easy Target vs Saint Cecilia // Walk vs Hell // Fraternity vs Ain't It The Life // Home vs This Is A Call.
Follow us in the usual places: @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp
And purchase Foo Fighters albums, especially some of those later ones you slept on.

Episode 20: Shape Of Foo May 30, 2020

Lorenzo's stupid japes have led to Ed Sheeran's hit single Shape of You entering the race.
That's the episode description.
This episode's matchups are:
Headwires vs Times Like These // Floaty vs Low // Monkey Wrench vs No Way Back // Live In Skin vs Big Me.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin and @edsheeran

Episode 19: Looking For A Sign Of Life May 23, 2020

It's the second qualifying round of Best of Foo and presenters Paul and Lorenzo are living life on the edge... yes, they're drawing the tracks live and reacting immediately... have they made the biggest mistake of their lives?
This episode's matchups are:
The Colour and the Shape vs The Last Song // Breakout vs Generator // All My Life vs I'll Stick Around // My Poor Brain vs Learn to Fly.
Follow us on Twitter: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp

Episode 18: The Tie Rack (Part 2) May 20, 2020

Twelve songs remain in the first stage of Best of Foo and they're all gonna be dealt with in this episode.
In this second Tie Rack, Paul and Lorenzo are joined by three gentlemen on loan from the tremendous 90 Minute Cynic podcast - Chris Gallagher, Marcus MacLeod and Stuart Dougan - who will make the final decision on six crucial Foo matchups.
Salty takes guaranteed. There are most definitely surprising opinions. Plus, if you think you've heard the last of Cold Day in the Sun, think again.
This episode's matchups are:
Back and Forth vs Make It Right // The Colour and the Shape vs On the Mend // Arlandria vs Dirty Water // Aurora vs Good Grief // Home vs Come Alive // DOA vs Rope.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp
Huge thanks and love to Christopher Gallagher (@thegallatron and @90minutecynic), Stuart Dougan (@the_quilter and @stupointoh) and Marcus MacLeod (@marcusmacleod).

Episode 17: The Tie Rack (Part 1) May 16, 2020

Where do broken hearts go? The answer is unknown...
Where do undecided Foo Fighters matchups go? The answer is known: The Tie Rack.
We've been talking about it for a long time and now it's finally getting its cold day in the sun.
In this first Tie Rack episode, Paul and Lorenzo are joined by friends Tom Fraser, Amandah Wilkinson and Philip Ivers who will make the final decision on five crucial Foo matchups.
There's going to be joy, there's going to be disappointment but one truth remains: only the cream of the crop can truly be considered Best of Foo.
This episode's matchups are:
The Never-Ending Sigh vs Podunk // Run vs Cheer Up, Boys // In the Clear vs I Should Have Known // Low vs Come Back // Monkey Wrench vs X-Static.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin and @lorenzo__lp
Huge thanks and love to Amandah Wilkinson (@bossylove), Tom Fraser (@crimeturtle) and Phil Ivers (@philipivers).

Episode 16: What A Sensitive Mess May 13, 2020

It's the final episode of the first qualifying round. 128 songs have been discussed. Some have survived, some have perished, others just moseyed on over to The Tie Rack. We will deal with THOSE SONGS in due course. However, the excitement is palpable as Lorenzo and Paul finally get to discuss the track that inspired this entire podcast, plus the first and hopefully not last mention of lounge jazz as a legitimate Foo Fighters genre.
This episode's matchups are:
These Days vs Stacked Actors // The Colour and the Shape vs On the Mend // Home vs Come Alive // Winnebago vs The Sky is a Neighbourhood.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 15: Did You Ever Listen? May 09, 2020

It's hard to believe that we're almost at the end of the first qualifying round. Saying that, the love for Foo Fighters remains real and true so it's time to batter through another round of matchups. This episode includes more terrible opinions courtesy of Paul and Lorenzo and the usual saltiness you've come to expect on this podcast.
This episode's matchups are:
Breakout vs What Did I Do/God As My Witness // Arlandria vs Dirty Water // Seda vs Subterranean // Alone + Easy Target vs End Over End.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 14: This Is A Blackout May 06, 2020

Nobody wants to see two of the BIG DOGS go up against each other but the wicked Wheel of Foo has thrown up another impossible matchup. As usual, Lorenzo and Paul do their best to decide which progresses. Plus, bet you didn't expect to hear any chat about Rodrigo y Gabriela in a podcast about Foo Fighters. Well, think again. This podcast also ends impeccably. Thanks, Lorenzo.
This episode's matchups are:
DOA vs Rope // Word Forward vs Stranger Things Have Happened // Lonely As You vs Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners // My Poor Brain vs The Deepest Blues Are Black.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 13: See You In Hell-mans May 02, 2020

Now that Paul has finally started watching Back & Forth, he can start getting all of Lorenzo's reference points. It only took us 12 episodes. This time round, expect some bangers and a whole lot of love for There Is Nothing Left To Lose (rightly so.) Plus, could this be the beginning of the podcast about condiments that literally nobody asked for?
This episode's matchups are:
Headwires vs Up In Arms // Hell vs Razor // Dear Lover vs Walking A Line // Live-In Skin vs Wattershed.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 12: One Way Motorway Apr 29, 2020

Can wheels come down? What's the best sandwich? Hey did you guys know that Paul's been to New Orleans? Did you also know that Lorenzo thinks every Foos song is about Kurt Cobain? The answer to all of these questions (and many more) are answered in this episode of Best of Foo. We're at the business end of the first qualifying round, there's a lot to consider. But first, what's the best sandwich?
This episode's matchups are:
In the Clear vs I Should Have Known // Times Like These vs Wheels // New Way Home vs Doll // Iron Rooster vs Walk.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 11: Use That Evidence Apr 27, 2020

Hope you like admin and old setlists from 1996 because this episode has it all! A few big tracks make an appearance as Paul Carlin and Lorenzo Pacitti continue their unparalleled Foo Fighters odyssey.
Hope you also like catholics because this episode is heavy catholic with a big reveal about what Lorenzo eats on Good Friday. All that plus some excellent and not-so-excellent tunes.
This week's matchups: Over and Out vs Arrows // My Hero vs Long Road to Ruin // See You vs Savior Breath // Overdrive vs I'll Stick Around.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 10: Another Confession Apr 22, 2020

After the drama of the previous episode, get ready for a genuine jaw-dropping moment as Paul makes a decision that could put the entire podcast under threat. Lorenzo ain't having it. But remember this: every decision is made in the best interests of the podcast. Trust the system; the system works.
This week's matchups: Dear Rosemary vs La Dee Da // The Sign vs What If I Do? // The Never-ending Sigh vs Podunk // Oh, George vs Best of You.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 9: One More Indecent Accident Apr 18, 2020

The world's only podcast returns for a heated episode in which Paul makes a decision he may live to regret... if Lorenzo doesn't murder him first. A genuine jaw-dropping moment that the two hosts may never be able to come back from. The stakes are high.
Disclaimer: the idiot presenter Paul makes a fatal error in this episode, mistaking Free Me for the bonus track that comes with certain copies of In Your Honour. Does it make much difference? Yes. No. We don't know.
This week's matchups: Free Me vs Congregation // Outside vs Halo // Another Round vs Summer's End // Monkey Wrench vs X-Static.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 8: Counting Down To Detonate Apr 15, 2020

It's a fairly evenly-balanced episode this time round with some key Foo tunes and solid deep cuts staking their claim. Paul's opinion on one song may or may not have changed over the past 25 years. Plus: the shocking truth about Lorenzo's dinner. Will it shock you? Prepare to be shocked.
This week's matchups: A Matter of Time vs Sunday Rain // How I Miss You vs The Line // Statues vs February Stars // Have It All vs Everlong.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 7: The Cow Is You Apr 11, 2020

The world's greatest podcast that puts Foo Fighters songs against each other is back with another episode of drama and intrigue. Another eight Foo classics go head to head in a battle for first place and the gloves are starting to come off...
This week's matchups: For All the Cows vs But, Honestly // Run vs Cheer Up, Boys (Your Make Up is Running) // Virginia Moon vs Tired of You // Spill vs Learn to Fly.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 6: Visiting Is Pretty Apr 08, 2020

It's an XXL episodes with BIG ASS TUNES. Paul and Lorenzo continue to surprise each other by not being as jerky about certain songs as the other thought they were going to be. Does that sentence even make any sense? Who cares? This isn't about sentences, it's about FINDING THE BEST FOO FIGHTERS SONG.
This week's matchups: I am a River vs Saint Cecilia // In Your Honour vs Big Me // M.I.A. vs Bridge Burning // This is a Call vs Erase/Replace.
Follow us on social media: @thepaulcarlin @lorenzo__lp.

Episode 5: Maybe Flying Machines Apr 05, 2020

Paul and Lorenzo can't stop agreeing. The next 40-odd minutes contain some hefty match-ups and some heavy hitters in the FF canon. Plus, Cold Day in the Sun finally gets its day in the sun. (It's raining.)
This episode's matchups are:
Hey! Johnny Park vs Wind Up // Floaty vs Still // Cold Day in the Sun vs The Pretender // Weenie Beenie vs Enough Space.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 4: Snitches Get Gimme Stitches Apr 02, 2020

Things are now extremely real and good songs are being slain. What else is there to do except continue the bloodshed? Eight more songs do battle as Lorenzo makes a decision he may live to regret.
This episode's matchups are:
Ain't It The Life v Happy Ever After (Zero Hour) // Make A Bet vs Exhausted // Gimme Stitches vs Friend of a Friend // White Limo vs The Feast and the Famine.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 3: Handed Down The Crown Mar 31, 2020

Paul and Lorenzo take a third spoonful of medicine in their continued quest to decide which song is the BEST OF FOO. There are some tasty pairings in this episode and cracks are beginning to show. How many more songs will be added to the fabled TIE RACK?
This episode's matchups are:
Burn Away vs T-Shirt // Resolve vs The One // Disenchanted Lullaby vs The Last Song // Aurora vs Good Grief.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 2: On To The Next One Mar 31, 2020

Having survived episode 1, Foo Fighters Superfans Paul Carlin and Lorenzo Pacitti take the second step in their odyssey into the back catalogue of the band in order to determine which song is the BEST OF FOO.
This episode's matchups are:
No Way Back vs Walking After You // Back and Forth vs Make It Right // Sean vs All My Life // Next Year vs Miss the Misery.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

Episode 1: Firing Whenever You Quit Mar 28, 2020

Foo Fighters Superfans Paul Carlin and Lorenzo Pacitti begin their odyssey into the back catalogue of the band in order to determine which song is the BEST OF FOO.
This episode's matchups are:
Generator vs Let It Die // Concrete and Gold vs Something From Nothing // Miracle vs Fraternity // Low vs Come Back.
This is only the start of a very long and extremely fun journey.
Follow us on your socials: @thepaulcarlin + @lorenzo__lp.
We are doing this out of genuine love for Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and rock music.

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