

1001 Album Complaints
The Chop Unlimited
Musicians give irreverent takes on "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", delivered every Monday morning.
We do all the research, help you better understand why you love the things you love, plus introduce you to new music and musical ideas you should care about. Want to sound informed, intelligent, and funny when talking about music, even the records you don't like? Want to laugh while you learn more about music production and music history? Then welcome to your new favorite weekly podcast.
We do all the research, help you better understand why you love the things you love, plus introduce you to new music and musical ideas you should care about. Want to sound informed, intelligent, and funny when talking about music, even the records you don't like? Want to laugh while you learn more about music production and music history? Then welcome to your new favorite weekly podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Story Behind: Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band - Bongo Rock, Ep 234
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Michael Viner was an idea man floating around LA for years before he landed on his most lasting idea: a band of studio killers doing instrumental rock covers with a lots of percussion. The guys get together to discuss and mimes, Sean Connery, fooling the CBC Support Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FF2NHjkcoCvUnLmFxVm3G?si=59f0c14217d94792Listen to Bongo Rock (original album release) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rNS91lLFFmZMHYi5Evkkw?si=6e50f999cff240d3Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Story Behind: k.d. lang - Shadowland, Ep 233
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. k.d. lang came from the prairies of Canada with a mission to be the next Patsy Cline, and with some savvy marketing and good luck, she ended up in Nashville with a storied backing band to make her solo debut Shadowland. The boys welcome a special guest to discuss this retro country album. Support Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftGet More our our Special Guest Jenn Tully on her show WAYLIT - available everywhere: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ki3TOiB1uFOGrQv5rJsDB?si=99e46d1fc24e45e9Join our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47YNwvocMTsHh4q2fz2OtC?si=965c22b4e7334437Listen to Shadowland here:https://open.spotify.com/album/6PmH3vQpsBfkQdnDr4AzLs?si=No5R_ApSTjeXRpdstaQ4nQIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band - Bongo Rock

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 58min
The Story Behind: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc, Ep 232
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Police started as a punk band but quickly pivoted to something completely new and started releasing a parade of hit songs that lasted into the next decade. The team get together and talk about syncopation, reviving songs from old bands, and the inherent aggressiveness of the high hat. Support Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1JphXhVFOFVzyPugBUFe07?si=203635e21d5f4292Listen to Reggatta de Blanc here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2EpuND32cO7CX0gXZl2NB6?si=6eHpJFPmRLCiVClWVM8KywIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: k.d. lang - Shadowland

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Story Behind: Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner, Ep 231
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Tom Waits struggled to find his audience on his first two albums but had the confidence and backing of a young David Geffen when he decided to turn a recording studio into a nightclub for his third effort. The guys discuss the dive bars of LA, the curse and blessing of a live studio audience, and hobo poems (i.e. poebos).Support Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y4EizlXEGDJAS50rjZjno?si=e1c5ab01c87c422cListen to Nighthawks at the Diner here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5ejL5NoRtasMA1e3znuIlQ?si=pIBgUt3_TDmNGcgbtdr2BgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Police - Reggatta de Blanc

Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 46min
The Story Behind: The Cars - The Cars, Ep 230
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Cars had years to learn and perfect their pop rock craft before locking in a becoming just what America needed (I know), The team get together to discuss metronomic timing, Berklee shredders, and J Geils Band's Magic DickSupport Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7I5ljymNdNa2Ni5mz9n95e?si=ed0506f321ef4a5dListen to The Cars here:https://open.spotify.com/album/4tJPWT4r4FSKwy784Qs1Fq?si=lkdUEfzjT8Kvr1ZrrQ6MbAIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Story Behind: Merle Haggard and The Strangers - I'm a Lonesome Fugitive
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Merle Haggard was in and out of prison several times before being discovered by Lefty Frizzell and launching a musical career based on the latest and greatest country music movement: the Bakersfield sound. The guys get together to discuss rumdums, second-story men, and bone orchards. Support Stay Puft and win an invite onto the show here: https://thechopunlimited.bandcamp.com/album/stay-puftJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1JHKBXk7Hzq8dJUvXMFH9o?si=d3b6821f2bc34135Listen to I'm a Lonesome Fugitive here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3sWVVl0RzliQSiN5OTRGlM?si=QiOMrwcgQlyj926zLoa4TwIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Cars - The Cars

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Story Behind: Blur - Parklife, Ep 228
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Blur were London's answer to the Madchester movement up north but grew into Brit-Pop force to be reckoned with (or competed against) in the charts after Parklife became a hit. The fellows welcome a very special first time guest and discuss bellends, geezers, and being knackered in the village green. Join our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4n6OkH0FE81aHvon71TjYp?si=2ff51a56eaf74219Listen to Parklife here:https://open.spotify.com/album/0YS25Dr3hMtMFlVTfuvzl4?si=rbbRyxUBQ7ONBmFT3sRMvgIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Merle Haggard - I'm A Lonesome Fugitive

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 43min
The Story Behind: Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run, Ep 227
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Paul McCartney was feeling left behind by his ex-bandmates' solo careers and dealing with an ever-shifting roster of players in his new band when he decided to head for the tropics of Lagos, Nigeria to record his next album. Things only got wilder from there. The gang get together to talk about Linda's high notes, stringing different songs together, and how Fela Kuti felt about the first 60s pop star to come to his homeland.Join our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7rlpUQizjJZyepqslqfbTF?si=2f049010c1794e0fListen to Band on the Run here:https://open.spotify.com/album/257oomaawruFknt5wYCPDh?si=ef4FK2h0RVuww28WmEOZeQIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Blur - Parklife

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 37min
The Story Behind: Sonic Youth - Evol, Ep 226
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Sonic Youth set out to reinvent rock music by merging avant garde art world ideas with noisy guitars. By doing so they set a template for indie bands that came after them. The guys welcome a special guest and talk about prepared instruments, car crashes, and Ferris Bueller.Join our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comSpecial Thanks to our guest complainer Dave Gebroe! Check out his amazing podcast Discograffiti here: https://podfollow.com/1592182331Listen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5CXL8ruSrzqinhF1QKrKvD?si=c32f83902a62465dListen to Evol here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Bf5U1Zw9gsJh6bWaM2VY2?si=OMR_KvjqQQmURuVdBupHEQIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Story Behind: Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power, Ep. 225
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Pantera transitioned from a glam metal band into the sludgy groove pioneers we know them to be today and tried to scrub the record of their previous KISS-like excess. The guys get together to discuss Dimebag's precision, Phil Anselmo's growling, and how Rob Halford figures into the Pantera story.Join our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mLo5AFIVJImBj0ObvLNgJ?si=3266456a08a44743Listen to Vulgar Display of Power here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7kW0cpKgSVsEqcc8xgbSb0?si=FB3lVFd9RsiTvjwVpK_h5AIntro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Sonic Youth - EVOL


