Cheap Tracks

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"Baby Talk" Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

The mid-90s found Cheap Trick focused on reclaiming the edges that had been smoothed out of the band's sound for much of the band's run through the 1980s. By 1997, the band took the indie label route after years of major label support finally souring on the Rockford quartet's declining record sales albeit that one shining moment in 1988. Distortion and fuzz were king in 1994, but, following the death of Kurt Cobain, a vacuum was created that the guitar just couldn't fill against the resurgence of corporate pop. So, naturally, this is the perfect time for Cheap Trick to enter the studio with Steve Albini and bash out some dirty, riffy guitar rock. This ain't all talk…it's "Baby Talk".

"Take Me To The Top" Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

We kick off the new year with a nod to an album that deserves some cake and ice cream. It was 40 years ago when Cheap Trick delivered its ninth album and probably its most bewildering to many fans at the time. Call us a doctor because we need a dose of "Take Me To The Top."

"Gimme Some Truth" Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Wrapping up the year, Chris and Mike look at the band's cover of John Lennnon's "Gimme Some Truth," on the 45th anniversary of Lennon's assasination. The hosts dive into the songwriting process of The Beatles, McCartney's contribution, protest songs in general and also discuss the band's recent statment regarding their performance at the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to KISS.

"All Washed Up" Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

There's a new Cheap Trick album on store shelves and Mike and Chris are back to share their initial reactions as they go through the latest, song by song.

"Ohm Sweet Ohm" Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

This week, Chris and Mike take a trip back to 1981 when Cheap Trick became the go to band for your weird Canadian cartoon with "Ohm Sweet Ohm" off of the ROCK AND RULE soundtrack.

"Need Your Love" w/ Jason Narducy Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Happy Cheap Trick Day!

This week, Mike and Chris are joined by Chicagoland rock 'n' roll luminary Jason Narducy to discuss his adoration for Cheap Trick's "Need Your Love," live on tape from the late Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studios.

"Ghost Town" Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

With Diane Warren mourning her SIXTEENTH Oscar loss, Chris and Mike decided to take a look back at "Ghost Town," a song she recieved co-writing credit on alongside Rick Nielsen. We look back on the songwriter's career, discuss some of our favorite tunes penned by her and explore the concept of the professional songwriter versus songs written by a band.

"It's Up To You" W/ Pat O'Sullivan Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Is there a doctor in the audience? In 1986, Cheap Trick came back with its ninth album and its last of the Jon Brant era. After a mild momentum boost from the previous year's STANDING ON THE EDGE it looked like things were finally taking a commercial turn for the band in a good direction…or so it seemed. Pat O'Sullivan of Chicago's Cheap Trick tribute act, Rockford Files joins in the conversation.

"Sing My Blues Away" Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Our hosts take a trip back to 2016, a very cool time to be a Cheap Trick fan with the band being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and releasing a new album, BANG, ZOOM, CRAZY...HELLO! This week, we look at the gem of an album track "Sing My Blues Away" and discuss the artists we lost that year and how good a song can sound blaring out of a radio.

"Quit Waking Me Up" Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

The boys look back on "Quit Waking Me Up," off of the band's 20th full length release, IN ANOTHER WORLD. They dissect the song's overt Beatles influence, dive into the career of songwriter, Kristian Bush, discuss the Nashville influence on modern trick, and so much more!

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