Sad Dad Radio Hour

Latest Episodes:

Episode 41: Joy Division's Closer Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

In the latest episode of the show, the dads dig into Joy Division's Closer. Released in the summer of 1980, the album was the final studio album by the Manchester, English rock band. If you didn't know, the album has been considered the "crown jewel" of post-punk, as frontman Ian Curtis reveals an introspective look at his life prior to his untimely death. It's dark, claustrophobic, and hauntingly beautiful as Curtis invites the listener into his word. It's what Hot Topic wishes it was. Socks are optional.

Episode 40: Cat Stevens’ Tea for the Tillerman Feb 14, 2020

Show notes

In the first episode of season three, the Dads are on the road to find out about one of the pillars of the Sad Dad genre with Cat Stevens' Tea for the Tillerman. Released in 1970 by British folk rocker, Cat Stevens, the album asks hard hitting questions about parenthood, children, and oddly specific boats. Plus, the album was ranked on Rolling Stone's "500 Albums to Hear Before You Die," so its got that going for it--which is nice. Go ahead, grab a beverage and put your feet up... It's sure to be...wait for it... the cat's meow. Get it?! Meow?

Episode 39: End of the Year (2019) Jan 11, 2020

Show notes

In the final episode of season two, the dads discuss some of their favorite albums from 2019. We're talking about music from Purple Mountains, Sufjan Stevens, and more. It’s a “Hurricane Party” for sure! That's really it. I mean, what else do you want? A cookie? Maaaaan, we are all about some animal crackers—you know what I’m sayin?

Episode 38: Modest Mouse's Lonesome Crowded West Dec 13, 2019

Show notes

In the last album of the season, the guy cover literally, one of the best albums of all time-- Modest Mouse’s The Lonesome Crowded West. Released in 1997 on Up Records, the band met with producer, Calvin Johnson, at Moon Studios where for seventeen consecutive days they recorded, before holding a second, smaller session with Phil Elk in Seattle. During these recordings, the band refined the sonic landscape it debuted just one year prior with their first studio album—This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About. And while that release was a breakthrough with the public eye, the band truly garnered a following with this album, as it would come to define modern indie rock. And the record, while not explicitly autobiographical, provides insight into the throughs and dwelling of Isaac Brock as he muses over malls, Montana, and modern religion.

Episode 37: The Replacements' Tim Nov 22, 2019

Show notes

In the latest episode, the Dads discuss one of the most intoxicated bands in the history of rock n' roll-- The Replacements. The Minneapolis alt. rockers released Tim, their major label debut on Sire Records, in the fall of 85. Produced by Tommy Ramone, the band blasts its way through roughly 40 minutes of some of the best tunes from this side of the Mississippi... whatever side that is. Paul Westerberg, Chris Mars, and the Stinson brothers deliver eleven tracks that are filled with heart-on-the-sleeve adolescent rock. So kick back, crack a brew, and listen to our dumbasses talk about one of the best "Sad Dad" albums of all time. So being your own lampshade, as this episode is sure to be a hootenanny!

Episode 36: The Misfits' Twelve Hits From Hell Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

In episode seventeen of season two, the Dads go a little bit mad with the first ever Mad Dad Radio Hour. In it, they discuss the Misfits' Twelve Hits From Hell. Originally recorded in 1980, the album was soon scrapped, and parts of it were reverse Frankensteined into various EPs and singles. However, the original recordings almost saw the light of day back in 2001, and even went as far as to producing physical copies that were sent to stores, but band members Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only called off production and the album was scrapped for a second time. On the project, Danzig pummels his audience's puny face with power chords and songs about ghouls, ghosts, and goth girls. Hell, (get it--hell!) it even has songs about haunted hotels, vampires, and spoOOOOOoooooky dungeons. Thus, it's a perfect album to play at Halloween.

Episode 35: The Weakerthans' Left and Leaving Oct 25, 2019

Show notes

With Fall officially here, the guys examine Left and Leaving by Winnipeg mega-stars, The Weakerthans. It really is the perfect fall weather album. If you didn't know, the Weakerthan’s are fronted by John K. Sampson, who left his job as bassist for punk rockers, Propaghandi, to play much more introspective and emotional music. "Left and Leaving" sounds pretty much exactly how you’d expect a Canadian indie-rock album called “Left and Leaving” to sound. The lyrics are evocative, the melodies capture a certain cold-weather nostalgia, and the result is the kind of record that makes you enjoy being lonely. So sit back and relax, as we go over some crisp indie tunes.

Episode 34: The Pixies's Doolittle Sep 20, 2019

Show notes

In episode fifteen of season two, the guys discuss the Pixies’ 1989 record— Doolittle. Which in the words of journalist Ben Sisario, Doolittle is “one of the most violent pop albums ever recorded, if not in body count then in the starkness of its calamities.” And obviously, said dude is not wrong, The guys are talkin' Old Testament brutalities alongside guns, eyeball slicin' and people being crushed to death by tons of sludge from New Jersey. Yet, despite all its death and destruction, it’s an album that’s been enjoyed by decades upon decades of music fanatics thanks to some delicious pop tunes. Hell, modern music would be where it is now without the gigantic influence the Pixies had.

Episode 33: Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection Sep 06, 2019

Show notes

In episode fourteen of the second season, the guys attempt to break down Sir Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection. Released in 1970, Bernie Taupin and Elton explore a loose concept album over America's western frontier. As the dynamic duo "come down in time" to the late-nineteenth-century, they discuss guns, sons, and soldiers. Yeeee-oooo... it's a rootin' tootin', sarsaparilla sippin' one heck of a time. So pour yourself some country comfort, stick some straw between your teeth, and spend an hour with us as we figure out what makes this album a "Sad Dad" classic.

Episode 32: (Sandy) Alex G's DSU Aug 23, 2019

Show notes

The guys are back to talk about one of the most mysterious voices in indie rock with (Sandy) Alex G’s DSU. Since his early days on MySpace, YouTube and Bandcamp, Alex Giannascoli has been a student of the Sad Dad canon; however, while most artists simply pay tribute to their influences, Alex pushes the envelope and reaches new sonic boundaries on each project he releases. Dream State University, more commonly referred to as DSU, was no exception when it came out on Orchid Tapes (home of Soccer Mommy and Ricky Eat Acid) in 2014. On the project Alex G. muses about life in his early twenties, as he gives listeners a peek into the world surrounding him via his home recordings.

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