

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

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 38min
The Story Behind: Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Rattlesnakes, Ep. 216
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Lloyd Cole started the Commotions as a soul band in Glasgow but after some home demos landed himself a recording contract and took the UK airwaves by storm. The crew welcome a very special guest and touch on golf handicaps, Miami Vice, and Johnny Marr. 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/7vVsoHdW3RrzSl8kjTVd2X?si=883c55f46f2b4098Listen to Rattlesnakes here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3H0NNApNsmt18C7HFruaXS?si=RYkPLYJNRWuhpWAAVrVX0AIntro 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: Slayer - Reign in Blood

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Story Behind: The Offspring - Smash, Ep. 215
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Offspring gigged for 10 years before their huge breakthrough success came in 1994. The boys come together to discuss Dexter's signature vocal timbre, phrygian dominant scales, and heavy metal rhythm guitar patterns. 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/0hp2zf0NhrVc0nY8TSJki7?si=69c9c05646fc4f79Listen to Smash here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7IDywTRaCI8qzS3X8tNU3x?si=SFZuhLSFQlm8hxXfQO0IFAIntro 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: Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Rattlesnakes

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 37min
The Story Behind: The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses, Ep 214
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Stones Roses were the "it" band for a brief period, but bad contracts and struggling to follow up their hit debut tanked their chances at lasting stardom. The boys welcome a very special guest and discuss long & suspenseful intros, slacker vocal tone, and the Spike Island chemical dump.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/0PGi1HhgIu7IB3E9RZQlA4?si=bc90a36b10b648d8Listen to The Stone Roses here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2hPgN0wHJ3efQg3DwaLIvW?si=86xT3QlpSA6d5TAskCdl6wIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Offspring - Smash

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 42min
The Story Behind: Limp Bizkit - Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water, Ep 213
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Limp Bizkit went out of their way to make the world dislike them - as a strategy! Then with a multiplatinum album already under their belts, they upped the ante with their next release. The guys get together to discuss a true classic of nu-metal and they touch on Fred's vocal stylings, Wes' outfits, and the rhythm section who are significantly better than expected. 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/0upABNBQCYBXZtprh8oIA8?si=d438aa6675324cc3Listen to Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5mi7FKaWE5CtcOjdyxScA7?si=GER2tL1kS3qAWiPqAfIG4AIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Story Behind: Digital Underground - Sex Packets, Ep 212
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Digital Underground was the brainchild of Shock G, a multi-instrumentalist based in Oakland trying to find his hip-hop niche. The guys get together to discuss fake nose accessorizing, water-based rap crews, and Burger King bathrooms.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/7GIaCmgQ4fFaNtsy9znqq3?si=34024aa5453445ddListen to Sex Packets here:https://open.spotify.com/album/6HWrL7hDFxfc8Z17JI9JIL?si=74aLzppgTeuTW36-lvJk-QIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Limp Bizkit - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 41min
The Story Behind: Lana Del Rey - Chemtrails Over the Country Club, Ep 211
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Lana Del Rey is a prolific songwriter and dream pop goddess of the modern era who shuffled through some different personas before finding her niche. The team welcome a very special guest and discuss sad girl indie, unexpected melodic changes, and an acrobatic vocal style.Get 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/00hAKiFne67vRSKvuAee5M?si=5ae100576aa1472fListen to Chemtrails Over the Country Club here:https://open.spotify.com/album/6QeosPQpJckkW0Obir5RT8?si=04pHIJ07SEyxYwxJ46we8QIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Digital Underground - Sex Packets

May 26, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Story Behind: Yes - Close to the Edge, Ep 210
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Yes went through multiple lineups changes and their biggest hits before heading into the studio for their most ambitious project by far. The boys welcome Marty as a first time host and discuss gnome villages, terrible alternate band names, and the music of insects.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/4Qy3oB2X0JxPgcxoSPHkFn?si=aa8b8301c35a4c93Listen to Close to the Edge here:https://open.spotify.com/album/252LyflX4wUeISSzgL392F?si=OHyN-JnOSc6F9N5QbQNbIgIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Lana Del Rey - Chemtrails Over the Country Club

May 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Story Behind: De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising, Ep 209
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. De La Soul were still kids when they got a record deal and access to a full studio's worth of gear to record their debut LP. The boys get together and talk about a complete lack of self-editing, early adventures in creative sampling, and the importance of being charming, 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/1zYe2wZyZ4oUotdlNLtIye?si=24267b4dff414473Listen to 3 Feet High and Rising here:https://open.spotify.com/album/34LxHI9x14qXUOS8AWRrYD?si=YUnAwYBdS0W_DKJlBsXX4QIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Yes - Close to the Edge

May 12, 2025 • 1h 36min
The Story Behind: Abba - The Visitors, Ep 208
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Abba had an impressive run of pop hits while touring the world non-stop in the 1970s, but as the 1980s came around, they were close to a breaking point, both personally and professionally. The team get together to talk about being in a band with your wife, the Swedish wrecking crew, and where pop catchiness comes from.Come hang with the guys live in person at The Beverly Crushers album release show in San Francisco - Saturday May 17th at Thee ParksideFollow our amazing guest complainer Thomas at: https://www.instagram.com/carolclevelandsings/and listen to his latest music at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mLtSiWnsetUanX2AQ4mS4Join 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/5C6BhrFGiyhzcDGAHQ5zJ4?si=821b9ee082c140aaListen to The Visitors here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3JHZ83ohEBDLFQfbVfDHFh?si=v-kmBHDSSX2p1zs8I7YcGQIntro 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 35+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: De La Soul - Three Feet High and Rising

May 5, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Story Behind: Santana - Abraxas, Ep 207
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Santana formed as a collective in the swinging San Francisco 60s, and hit the big time during their breakout set at Woodstock. The boys get together to discuss mood music, minor pentatonics, and snake-fighting on stage in front of 400K peopleSpecial Thanks to our guest complainer Dave Gebroe! Check out his amazing podcast Discograffiti here: https://podfollow.com/1592182331Join 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/6mjz8RG7xxYksFDrvLIeqZ?si=778cdc4a8b0c4815Listen to Abraxas here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1CHUXwuge9A7L2KiA3vnR6?si=i5dZYOBKR7Si1MRu-914_gIntro 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 30+ hrs of bonus shows!https://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Abba - The Visitors