

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

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Story Behind: The Jesus and Mary Chain - Darklands, Ep 239
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Jesus and Mary Chain started as warring brothers with a port-a-studio and ended up on Top of the Pops while helping kick off the Glasgow music scene of the 1980s. The boys welcome a special guest to help make sense of this band and discuss hypnosis, vintage fuzz pedals, and fighting your audience as a marketing strategy.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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/2CtOQmSLd2tU8M3to9BWsf?si=2121ee80ff0842f5Listen to Darklands here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7KLJM2KoVkWIaOpLzfyGHh?si=xs3BNb2AR4qXVTd6S9nXsgIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Taylor Swift - 1989

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Story Behind: Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell, Ep. 238
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Meat Loaf met his soulmate Jim Steinman on stage in New York and the two set about crafting the most over-the-top theatrical rock opera of an album ever produced. The only problem? No one wanted it....until everyone did. The boys get together to discuss piano prodigies, excessively long songs, and ripping 70s guitar.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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/5x2yolKSBZTAz29dwY6NEf?si=ae01d3d9c6b24f99Listen to Bat Out of Hell here:https://open.spotify.com/album/6mvI80w5r78niBmwtu7RF9?si=Cn9FBvnxTMKlVenbrFw3wgAnd, as promised - here's our listener supplied international playlists for you to follow: Italy, Belgium 1, Belgium 2, Thailand, Sweden 1, Sweden 2Intro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Jesus and Mary Chain - Darklands

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 57min
The Story Behind: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Ep. 237
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Tom Petty came up in the swamps of Florida playing tiny clubs and sock hops before heading to LA and making his fortune. The boys talk about perfect background vocals, questionable key choices, and the scrappy rock band era of a generational artist.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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/0rgtSiOUkPuMwK6UDK0Keb?si=453a2862e46a4a4eListen to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers here:https://open.spotify.com/album/0JBy4lxBlQIxMZ8qPMIJER?si=O6CHcKguTdC_1WhThhbhewIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Meatloaf - Bat Out of Hell

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 42min
The Story Behind: Queens of the Stone Age - Queens of the Stone Age, Ep 236
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Queens of the Stone Age were birthed from a desert party culture deep in the southern California dunes and rose to success on a wave of heavy, fuzzed out rock and roll. The guys welcome a special guest to discuss building suspense, playing outside and big chorus payoffs.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsHear more of Tony by listening to his long running podcast: You Like the Worst StuffJoin 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/7LyVEdvVHpjsjErPIStZdV?si=5eb0780af0404db2Listen to Queens of the Stone Age here:https://open.spotify.com/album/54gexkFvg7FE3JcbntQViI?si=ByonpT_iREqA7JQrisn4ZwIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Story Behind: Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors, Ep 235
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Dolly Parton worked her way up through the country music landscape by being a genuinely kind person while distinguishing herself with the craft of songwriting. The guys get together to discuss goat vibrato, wild bass antics, and millions upon millions from one single songwriting credit. Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 40+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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/7CZrMFSXN51HzgNa8NVMDi?si=c612eadc41c44936Listen to Coat of Many Colors here:https://open.spotify.com/album/17CT6ru3CyDXAi6xVaSUzg?si=Uv35xYypTgKvUk8BRNtQOgIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Queens of the Stone Age - Queens of the Stone Age

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 mimes, Sean Connery, and fooling the CBC.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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 @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. Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsGet 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 @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. Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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 @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 22min
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).Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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 @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 45min
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 DickJoin us on Patreon to continue the conversation and access 45+ bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner


