

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

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 34min
The Story Behind: The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys Today!, Ep 143
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Beach Boys had a string of surf-related hits but by 1964 they were oh so ready to grow up and get personal. The guys talk about excessively long tape loops, interfamily sniping, and sharp 11 chords disguised as bubblegum pop melodies. Email 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/2PhserECdM9yYj5qPFSVw2?si=4de6ad9007004113Listen to The Beach Boys Today! here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1xPtXzS5yCbDAqC7pxRCaF?si=ChcCEQtiTBWPOMJ_VrxQ-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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Gary Numan - The Pleasure Principle

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 49min
The Story Behind: Oasis - Definitely Maybe, Ep 142
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Oasis were a triumphant return to British rock and roll music and the UK public was more than ready for them on their debut album Definitely Maybe. The fellows discuss "live band" sound, the wash of multiple electric guitar overdubs, and the importance of easily singable melodies. Email 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/7l610H7fx7FCDJr2oJb7tu?si=6b1422b7a2e74e97Listen to Definitely Maybe here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3LzKUdUTdJb6P7xGN6SotC?si=bqJS2v_vRreJ5_3VX_UmLAIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys Today!

Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 31min
The Story Behind: Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual, Ep 141
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Cyndi Lauper wanted her debut record to count, so made sure the stamp of her personality came across in every track. The fellas discuss melodica solos, rock and roll hiccups, and how to rearrange your cover songs properly.Email 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/3mngKXXJFhsv6JLzEtkvpn?si=cf7c4ecec65e402aListen to She's So Unusual here:https://open.spotify.com/album/1FvdZ1oizXwF9bxogujoF0?si=hTrnyXWwQyudkuqKj6JkUwIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Carpenters - Close to You

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 56min
The Story Behind: Eagles - Hotel California, Ep 140
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Eagles were already riding high on the success of a greatest hits album and the label was calling for more, more! Enter Hotel California, one of the most successful albums of all time. The guys discuss great harmonies, equality in songwriting, and the challenges of breaking from your country rock roots. Email 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/5hBcXd6s6WtnJfH9FcHb7z?si=73c74af737434bf1Listen to Hotel California here:https://open.spotify.com/album/2widuo17g5CEC66IbzveRu?si=iJelfpc7Qoahf2Tqc6-LkwIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 11min
The Story Behind: Buck Owens and His Buckaroos - I've Got a Tiger by the Tail, Ep 139
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Buck Owens broke with Nashville and helped define an alternate country sound which eventually led him to be one of the highest paid artists in the game. The boys discuss telecasters, "chicken" picking, and Bakersfield as a tourist destination.Email 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/3OAcXqIIkJxHzonZ1x5X4m?si=4804a09ad22e4622Listen to I've Got a Tiger by the Tail here:https://open.spotify.com/album/7DXEdYGHmTaogSfQOGzOlL?si=FnaKKXDkQa6r5THU3Lp68gIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Eagles - Hotel California

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Story Behind: Soft Cell - Non Stop Erotic Cabaret, Ep 138
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Soft Cell got together in college when a performance artist met a burgeoning synth wizard. Their mega hit Tainted Love ruled the 80s. The team discuss remakes, vocal improvisations, and the challenge of melody writing.Email 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/6NhHIWcSBYUqn6PnIsO5cd?si=3bc5da414b814e62Listen to Non Stop Erotic Cabaret here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3KFWViJ1wIHAdOVLFTVzjD?si=7oIpZpERSUCi_4nIFiGm9QIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Buck Owens and his Buckaroos - I've Got a Tiger by the Tail

Jan 1, 2024 • 43min
The Best Tweets of 2023
As a special year end bonus - we compiled the best tweets of 2023, with lots of laughs and plenty of snark. Thank you all for everything!Email us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch Store

Dec 25, 2023 • 1h 28min
The Story Behind: The Band - Music from Big Pink, Ep 137
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. The Band were tight - as a touring unit and as friends. After some ups and downs on the road they decided to hole up in upstate New York and start writing what would become Music from Big Pink. The team discuss ragged harmonies, all American songwriting, and beautiful keyboard parts.Email 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/70xdLEWV7UY3Kx19sqs0QR?si=c42c582e83514729Listen to Music from Big Pink here:https://open.spotify.com/album/0ky5kdvfPxSmSpj03hpSAE?si=yoTv8G6cScWnmTFEUT-1TQIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Soft Cell - Non Stop Erotic Cabaret

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 19min
The Story Behind: Megadeth - Rust in Peace, Ep 136
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Megadeth began the day Dave Mustaine got fired from Metallica and vowed revenge in the form of a harder, faster, louder band. The boys talk about technical solos, NEW video game soundtracks, and a lack of low end.Email 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/122pEK7yMTfWuPKrI41IbA?si=669688030b454dc6Listen to Rust in Peace here:https://open.spotify.com/album/4e6ML9RBhDyyKTaTwbiRZv?si=utRdYE75TTeC1I1yAM3MlAIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: The Band - Music from Big Pink

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 26min
The Story Behind: Portishead - Dummy, Ep 135
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Portishead wanted to combine the edgy moods of sampling with the visceral power of soulful singing, and their debut album from 1992 helped set an entire genre in motion. The team discuss converting your bass to fretless, close mic-ing you singer, and unorthodox record scratching, Email 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/2JNiJJzmAUvfmFOTajvzDW?si=1a7e5a620bf14724Listen to Dummy here:https://open.spotify.com/album/3539EbNgIdEDGBKkUf4wno?si=RiWWMLEMRRSahmpUu2OcPgIntro 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 @1001AlbumComplaintsSupport us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreUK Merch StoreNext week's album: Megadeth - Rust in Peace


