2d ago
A drummer with a deep love for Ringo Starr and a restraint score above 7...what more can you ask for? We're talking of course about our guest, Noah Bond. This major player keeps time for Cut Worms and Alabama Shakes but, on his off days, he comes here to talk Beatles with us. What a guy.
5d ago
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We carry on with The Beatles Anthology series and do some ranking for the first time in a while.
Dec 10
Don't judge a book by it's cover. Although all of these recent episodes appear to have the same name and appear to be on the same topic, there is gold to be mined from all of them. If you know, you know...
Dec 7
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife What is left to be said, you ask? A lot, apparently. RIP Steve Cropper.
Dec 3
We are again thrilled to be joined by the great Jim Berkenstadt, or as he is professionally known, The Rock And Roll Detective. For years he has been investigating the many mysteries in rock and roll history and, most notably, The Beatles. Jim has not only written books on the subject, he has been in the rooms, heard the tapes, seen the vaults and smelled the dusty attics where the cobwebs of fab four history still cling. The truth is out there everyone, and with Jim's help we'll get to the bottom of it.
Nov 30
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Christmas came early this year. The new/old Beatles Anthology series is officially out. We're gonna take this one episode at a time.
Nov 26
Beatles season is heating up and we're cooking up our hottest takes yet. The Beatles truly are the gift that keeps on giving, whether we want it or not.
Nov 24
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The Beatles are back with 30 plus tracks of Giles enhanced Anthology. Here is the IWOL take on the first half.
Nov 19
We expand upon the last episode's theme and inch closer to writing an IWOL manifesto on the subject of Impress Culture in 2025 vs Pop Music Purity of the Past. We're either on to something or sound like two old men complaining about the world. Either way it's good for a laugh. We also continue our Beatles Anthology preview.
Nov 16
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Joe Cocker, The Cabal, pointing, kissing the ring, Yo Yo Ma, Jacob Collier, Best Arrangement Grammy, Finch (The Movie), We Are The World, Nebraska, John Lennon's new voice memos etc etc etc. It's all the same thing...
Nov 13
Friend of the pod and Sunset Strip major player Luke Paquin got to jam with one of his heroes last weekend. IWOL got the exclusive.
Nov 9
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We kind of watch the 1988 Imagine doc and talk more John, Yoko, Beatles etc etc. May not seem like much, but these morning coffee pods are producing some pretty hot takes.
Nov 5
The plot thickens as we sift through the pages of the 1980 John & Yoko Playboy Interview. Is this truly a rock confessional from a music legend returning to the public eye? Or is it a smoke and mirrors show from two marketing savvy gurus on a fresh press tour for their new album? Your rock n roll detectives are here to figure it out.
Nov 2
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We discuss the legendary 1980 tell all interview that John and Yoko gave Playboy just 2 months before John's death.
Oct 29
We continue with our Beatles Anthology Holiday Preview by taking a listen to the newly released "I've Just Seen A Face" (Take 2) and discussing other Beatles/Lord of The Rings related topics.
Oct 26
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Besides being an incredible singer, songwriter and herbalist, Sarah Jane Scouten is also "one of the survivors" of the early 2000s Vancouver scene that James and Johnny also came up in. She's currently out at Johnny's compound recording a new album so she hopped on the pod to chew the fat.
Oct 19
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We are joined by Will Anderson of Hotline TNT to discuss his halcyon days in Vancouver as well as his band's recent decision to pull their music from Spotify.
Oct 15
We've always been Beatles adjacent and there's too much Beatlesy stuff on the horizon to ignore. Time to Get Back into Beatles.
Oct 12
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife James is on the last leg of his cross Canada tour and manages to get a pod in from a cozy booth in the corner of the venue, just before the dinner rush.
Oct 8
Considered one of the greatest IWOL episodes too many times to not add it to the archives. James is back from tour next week and we will have a lot more to say about everything. Thanks for your patience everyone. xo J&J
Oct 6
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny gets together with his old Shilohs band mates to talk about old times and draft a fantasy hockey team. Mike rented a Ford F150 for the occasion. Enough said.
Oct 1
James is still out in the great Canadian wilderness, channeling the sacred spirits of Gord Downie and Gord Lightfoot while searching for a Rock 'n Roll Heaven on Earth. Turns out maybe it was in Canada all along; Somewhere between Bobcaygeon and the Bloor St. Long & Mcquade. Meanwhile, Johnny is on the west coast building a sun deck out of red cedar and douglas fir, his blue Marvin Gaye toque soaked from the thick mist spitting off the wild Pacific. It's a true Canadian episode everyone.
Sep 28
In the midst of a cross Canada Rock n Roll tour for the history books, James takes a minute to record a pod in the Hamilton Ontario green room over some pita bread and local pilsner.
Sep 24
James is on tour at the moment so we thought we'd take a Wednesday off and drop what is known as an IWOL "all timer". It is somewhat relevant though as we have been discussing The Byrds. Even though this episode is called "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" it's really just us trying to figure out who the hell is in The Byrds for an hour. A sweet side note is that my (Johnny) grandfather died the day this was recorded and the hilarity of this episode really lifted my spirits on a very sad day. Back to your regularly scheduled programming come Sunday.
Sep 21
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The Vancouver Canucks, The Byrds, Gene Clark, 70s sun baked cinema, Robert Altman, Doucette, Loverboy, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Bruce Fairbairn, Bob Rock etc... Anything can, and will, happen when Stranglehold comes on the show. One of our fave episodes in a while.
Sep 17
James' very own hit making beat combo @yukon Blonde is storming the @impossiblewayoflife airwaves for a full-on Band Takeover episode. As we gear up for our cross-Canada tour, performing our power pop long player, “Friendship & Rock ’n’ Roll,” the whole gang piles into the green room to swap road stories, map out the long drives ahead, and crack open our hopes, fears, and daydreams for the shows to come. It’s the sound of a band in motion, revved up, restless, and ready to roll. Come see us at a venue near you, we will be happy to have you! Peace and Love!
Sep 14
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The Byrds are good? Are they underrated? Overrated? Dated? Too hippie? Is this the cool side of the strip or is that over where Arthur Lee and Jim Morrison hang out? And how does this all relate to Oasis? We're trying to figure it all out.
Sep 7
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny’s off in LA chasing his Rock ’n’ Roll fever dream - mescal shots and hot dogs fueling the vision. I’m heading down to meet him for the big Oasis show, bucket hat, cagoule, and tracksuit packed and ready. Joining me is my old mucker Sam Hammond, here to talk Oasis, Gene Clark, and a few of those niche British phantoms that haunted our youth.
Sep 3
Imagine releasing a song and it reshaping the pop music landscape as we know it. A song that makes almost everyone rethink what they're singing, wearing and smoking. Now imagine that song is a cover of a song called "Mr. Tambourine Man" and your band is called The Byrds.
Aug 31
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Planes, trains, and a yacht? That’s right we went full John Candy this week. James came in on a red-eye like a fugitive, while Johnny swanned in via yacht like a soft-rock Caligula. Whatever it took to make curtain call. We caught Tennis on their farewell gig, hearts cracked open, mascara bleeding and the cherry on the sundae, Real Estate stroll in to open the whole thing. So we hit record, stumbling through the crowd, talking to Bleeker and the gang, chasing nightcaps that turned into a full chicken dinner courtesy of a rider malfunction that could’ve killed a lesser band. Think Altamont, but with more poultry. Glorious. Gorgeous. And hey, support us on Patreon if you want an extra hit every week. Impossible Way of Life is built by musicians for musicians: the grind, the glory, and the deliciously unhinged mess that is making music.
Aug 27
Embracing the "tour van mentality" that is Impossible Way of Life, we have the lads from Cut Worms on to play a game they play on tour.
Aug 20
Jojo was a man who put out a new album, so he came back on the show... We also begin our journey into The Byrds' family tree of bands. Quite possibly the greatest in all of classic rock.
Aug 17
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We weight in on the internet's choice for the worst song of all time and discuss some other candidates.
Aug 13
We never thought anyone would have the guts to come on this show and rank themselves... But now that they have announced that this is their final tour and album, Pat Riley and Alaina Moore of Tennis have decided to go where no guest has gone before. Today they gaze upon themselves in the deep dark pools of indie rock self awareness and come out with their heads held high and a richer understanding of all that came before and all that is to come. We love you TENNIS!
Aug 10
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Kansas City Rock n Roller and friend of the pod Wills Van Doorn has strapped on a backpack and made the Kerouackian pilgrimage to the Pacific Northwest to visit Johnny and hang out with Jeffrey "Gassed Up" Silverstein. This is his story.
Aug 6
Your favourite IWOL subject is back! That's right everybody, it's almost a full hour of Tech Talk. You can thank us later.
Aug 3
In a very special edition episode of IWOL we are joined by esteemed guest Nathaniel Rateliff. In addition to being a powerful force of nature on the stage performing his own music with the Night Sweats, Nathaniel can boast that he is the only man, besides Harry Nilsson, to attempt the extremely challenging repertoire of songs that make up Harry's God-like masterwork "A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night". So we ask you, who better to come on and talk about this music? Just about no one.
Jul 30
All the way from Sydney, Australia we are joined by Singer/Songwriter and Harry Nilsson enthusiast, Ben Lee. Ben requested an album he didn't know too well so we tackled "Duit On Mon Dei", the first offering from Harry's post Pussycats "Chaos Trilogy".
Jul 27
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife 1965 - 1995 - 2025...We are smack dab in the 30 year cycle and it feels like music might be making a comeback. Newport is on and the vibe seems as pure as it was back in 65.
Jul 23
RIP to The Prince of Darkness. A rock singer with the rare power to scare us, charm us or make us laugh at any given moment. Today we give Ozzy a proper send off with an official IWOL ranking and we also dig a little deeper into John Lennon's Lost Weekend, an event that Ozzy would have probably enjoyed ;)
Jul 20
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's time to talk about everybody's favourite rock n roll lost weekend and the album smack dab in the middle of it all. And who better to have on for it then our sunset strip correspondant Luke Paquin.
Jul 17
The boys are back in Canada. We recap our time in LA and dig back into the Nilsson catalogue.
Jul 13
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife And… we’re back , baby — with a podcast for the ages and a hangover full of tone. After a week holed up in the holy madness of Jonathan Wilson’s Topanga ashram—equal parts studio, shrine, and psychedelic nerve center—we did what any self-respecting rock ’n’ roll pilgrims would do: we rolled tape, spilled our guts, and chased the muse straight into the canyon. It’s the debrief, the breakdown, the smoke curling off the last take. We love you, Jonathan. You beautiful wizard freak.
Jul 6
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We were fired up and started talking. And it didn't stop. Recording live vs. overdubbing is like the difference between a bar fight and a choreographed duel—lightning vs. a lighting rig. Vibe vs. Technical in an all-out deathmatch. Overdubbing gives you control, precision, all that antiseptic perfection—but who the hell wants to sound like Steely Dan doing math homework? Or the Eagles, high school bullies throwing everyone into a circle of fear 'til it's pitch perfect? Recording live? That’s Neil, that’s Bob—raw nerve, no net. That’s where the action is. And the action, man... the action is the juice.
Jul 2
This is an episode full of as much laughter and delight as the Harry Nilsson album in question. Just rock n roll clowns letting the good times roll on. Nothin' fancy. Grab a Brandy and dive in.
Jun 29
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The boys are in studio mode over the weekend so, while we do discuss and rank Harry Nilsson's "The Point" and re-cap our amazing time with Jimmy Webb, it's also a bit of an IWOL slice of life episode. Some gear talk too, which we know everyone loves.
Jun 25
Our guest on today's episode of Impossible Way Of Life needs no introduction. Having Jimmy Webb on our show was a dream come true for both of us. In fact, it was an almost mystical experience. This is a man who was in the recording studios, limousines and bars that we have romanticized since the day we started this podcast (and well before). Beyond that, he happened to write some of the most iconic songs in pop music history. So to have him here for the simple, yet beautiful purpose of sharing stories about his friend Harry Nilsson was one of the highlights of our lives.
Jun 22
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday folks... We take a little break from Harry Nilsson to develop a classic rock / IWOL version of Monopoly.
Jun 18
Today on the pod we are beyond excited to be joined by the great Fred Tackett. In addition to being a member of Little Feat, Fred has played with just about everyone you can think of. He was a member of Christian Bob's touring band, did the Lido Shuffle with Boz Scaggs, and strummed along with the Rhinestone Cowboy. But most importantly, for the sake of this show, and this month, he was a great friend of Harry Nilsson's. Fred was generous enough to share a lot of great stories and memories with us over the hour and, needless to say, you don't wanna miss it.
Jun 15
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's Harry's birthday! What better way to celebrate than to discuss his bedroom pop masterpiece "Nilsson Sings Newman". Although it may not have been the best business decision to record a whole album of songs by a relatively unknown songwriter, it is a bold statement about the power of collaboration. Harry is out to show us that, to him, a great song is all that matters. Harry Birthday to the man!
Jun 11
Just minutes before recording an episode about Harry Nilsson we heard that Brian Wilson had died. So we took this opportunity to speak about both of them and the wonderful similarities they share in their musical philosophies. Two artists who understood the importance of maintaining child-like wonder as long as possible in order to keep the soul tethered to the other world, the world of dreams. After all, dreams are nothing more than wishes and a dream is a wish your heart makes. RIP Brian.
Jun 8
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Nilsson month continues and we are joined again by IWOL three timer's club member Johanna Samuels to discuss Harry Nilsson's "Ariel Ballet". This is the second of Harry's trapeze-like vocal showcase albums for RCA and, with the inclusion of "Everybody's Talkin'", the one that really made him a star.
Jun 4
It's Nilsson month on Impossible Way of Life and we couldn't be happier about it. The sun is shining and all we wanna do is shake up a Brandy Alexander, crack a pack of Camels and discuss this larger than life rock n' roll vampire and all the cheeky music that comes with him.
Jun 1
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife In our first attempt at a full length, 90s style, DVD audio commentary track, we drink some of Johnny's Dad's plum wine and watch the new John and Yoko doc from his parent's TV room.
May 28
Two guys with iced Americanos slump in deck chairs on a baking stoop, recovering from Becoming Led Zeppelin — the world’s most majestic slideshow. Whole Lotta Nothing? Stairway to Nowhere? On today’s episode, we dissect this documentary that somehow charts the birth of rock’s most chaotic band without once mentioning demons, debauchery, or even a decent anecdote. And hey, support us on Patreon for a bonus episode every week. Impossible Way of Life is made by musicians, for musicians — pulling back the curtain on the grind, the glory, and the gloriously unhinged world of making music.
May 26
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Welcome back to another episode of Hell on Wheels Radio . This week’s Patreon episode is all about driving songs — we’re talking "Radar Love," "Maybellene," "Arrested for Driving While Blind," "Call Me the Breeze" — this is chrome dreams, baby. We’re in Johnny’s car, me riding shotgun as The Passenger , catching up over a couple of iced Americanos before a few days off-grid and on the loose. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. And hey, please consider supporting our podcast on Patreon for an extra bonus episode every week. Impossible Way of Life is created by musicians, for musicians — diving deep into the grind, the glory, and the gritty truth of life in the music world.
May 21
We felt there was more to say on this topic. Particularly when it comes to the franchise rebuild that happened after Alex Chilton's death.
May 18
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The universe works in mysterious ways. The stars appear to be aligning perfectly for you, but it turns out you got dropped in the wrong place at the wrong time. This episode is about Big Star.
May 14
We are joined by author and all around Kinks enthusiast Chris Kocher. Chris' book "Thank You For The Days" is a lovingly put together collection of stories from Kinks fans all over the world. This podcast is all about community and so is Chris. He also knows more about The Kinks than anyone who has been on this show so we learned a lot over the course of the hour.
May 11
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife In the wise words of Axl Rose...where do we go now? Our Kinks marathon isn't quite over but it's wrapping up and it feels natural to head in a Power Pop direction. The problem is some people are also calling for an IWOL journey through Harry Nilsson's wild, storied music life. What will the decision be?!
May 7
This is quite possibly our most Canadian episode to date. We are joined by John Batt of @ canada.gov.ca instagram fame. For those of you who don't live in Canada, John is basically Canadian royalty at this point. Topics include the NHL playoffs, Sloan, Wolf Parade, The Junos, Weird Al (not Canadian somehow) and Eastern Canada's love of Jam bands.
May 4
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We think music is probably still alive but we're trying to figure it out.
Apr 30
As our Kinksy journey komes to an end we kompile a playlist of our favorite kinks kuts from all the klassic albums we kovered.
Apr 27
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' We're hanging on to this Kinks marathon by a thread but we manage to eek out a discuss on Preservation Act 1. Other than that, Johnny got stoned and went to see Pink Floyd - At Pompeii at the IMAX and we're just generally switching into glide on a Saturday.
Apr 23
On New Year’s Day in 1962, a four-man band from Liverpool arrived at Decca Records in London to record a demo tape. The band’s 15-song audition was apparently underwhelming: The Beatles were rejected from the label in favour of a group called Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. The audition tapes, too, were soon forgotten, aside from some incomplete bootlegs that circulated among die-hard fans and five songs released on the 1995 compilation album Anthology 1. So when Rob Frith, the owner of Neptoon Records in Vancouver, and the man we interview today, brought a tape labeled “Beatles ’60s demos” to his friend’s studio on a whim, he didn’t know the value of what he possessed. Impossible Way of Life is created by musicians, for musicians—diving deep into the grind, the glory, and the gritty truth of life in the music world. Just like you need us, we need you. Please consider supporting our podcast through our Patreon at www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife for an extra bonus episode every week. $5 a month - that’s less than a cup of coffee. Thanks again Rob for this interview.
Apr 20
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Podcast dropping early—because tonight, we DJ. That’s right: we’re trading microphones for crossfaders and preaching the gospel of the eternal groove straight from the booth. On this episode, we discuss the songs we’ll be spinning tonight—tales of the cheat-code classics, those tracks so loaded with primal rhythm and memory they yank bodies to the floor before the chorus even hits. We’re talking nuclear-grade crowd detonators. So tune in, then come find us under the strobe—Saturday, April 19th at The Lido - Vancouver. And….Please consider supporting our podcast through our Patreon for an extra bonus episode every week. Impossible Way of Life is created by musicians, for musicians—diving deep into the grind, the glory, and the gritty truth of life in the music world. Peace and Love
Apr 16
Johnny's got a cold but with the help of James, his brother in arms, the boys continue their important work curating the perfect playlist of lost gems and resurrected classics. Artists mentioned include: Karen Dalton, Nick Drake, Bobby Charles, Big Star, Lee Hazelwood, Shuggie Otis, Judee Sill, Dwight Twilley, Marlena Shaw, Link Wray, Scott Walker.
Apr 13
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' "Everybody's In Show-Biz" feels like a more relevant statement now than it was back in 1972, when The Kinks released this record. Sometimes an album, a song, or a a lyric can ignite a bigger conversation for us and that's what this episode felt like. Happy Sunday folks.
Apr 10
Aaaaand we're back. We speed rank Arthur and Something else as we didn't have time on their respective episodes. We also discuss great lost artists whose music re-emerged in the early 2000s via the explosion of vinyl reissues and record store curation.
Apr 6
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' Happy Sunday, folks! We're back on The Kinks. One of our Kinksiest pals, Jeffrey Innes from Yukon Blonde, joins us—so put a brew on and listen in as we discuss perhaps the most underrated Kinks album.
Apr 2
The title speaks for itself. From Gino Vannelli to Edward Bear, It's banger after banger up here in Canada. We don't mess around.
Mar 30
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' Grab a poutine and sixer of Kokanee. Today we begin to discuss the musical movement / genre / phenomenon / way of life that is CanCon.
Mar 27
We welcome back IWOL 3 timer Alaina Moore to discuss everything from the state of the music business to her love of Laura Nyro. Nobody has lived the impossible way of life more than Alaina and her episodes are always a delight.
Mar 23
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' We're still on this wild goose chase. Nothing looks or sounds the same anymore. Anything pre 1970 that is in stereo is going on a huge IWOL bonfire tonight. We're becoming audiophiles and it's quite disturbing.
Mar 19
Billy Hamilton, a man as famous for his record collection as his high kicks, joins us to discuss and rank "Lola vs Powerman and The Moneygoround", the rockin Kinks album that may have faded into obscurity had it not been saved by Wes Anderson ;)
Mar 16
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife' In the age of so many Beatles pressings, re-pressings, stereo mixes, mono mixes, stereo re-mixes, remasters, box sets, anthologies, master tapes, CDs, 180 gram vinyl, flac files, wav files etc etc...we have come to the conclusion that it's possible no one we know has ever actually heard the Beatles music the way The Beatles intended it to be heard. At least not recently. So here at IWOL we're determined to get to the bottom of it.
Mar 12
We are joined by veteran music writer Steven Hyden for a lively chat about Rock n Roll. A lotta Kinks talk too...
Mar 9
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Pointing out places on a map, cycling from Hackney to Waterloo in the afternoon sun, writing a West End musical...the subject of songs by The Kinks or a day in the life of Will Taylor of Flyte? Listen to this episode and you be the judge.
Mar 5
IWOL SPECIAL EDITION! In our first ever collab with another podcast, we are joined by Dylanologists and all around nice guys Jens and Adam of the Nothing Is Revealed podcast. We needed some Dylan heads of this magnitude to finally finish the Bob Dylan ranking tournament we started years ago. So, without further ado, we give you the heavily anticipated heavyweight bout that is Electric Bob vs Pirate Bob!
Mar 2
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We attempt to discuss The Kinks most famous album with Johanna Samuels but we may have had a little too much fun along the way...and you know what happens when you start having too much fun. It's an impossible way of life folks, no question about it.
Feb 26
In a classic IWOL Nolanesque time shift, we jump ahead to talk about The Kinks' "Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire)" with esteemed guest Brian D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs.
Feb 23
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Taking a little Kinks break to discuss our new found fascination with Baroque Pop. Why did everyone have a go at it and where did they find all those harpsichords?
Feb 19
Our Kinksy February rolls on with their seminal 1966 album "Face To Face". This is where things really get going. We also ask the question that most are afraid to ask: Is Ray Davies better than Lennon and McCartney?
Feb 16
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's fucking episode 400. If you've been with us this long you know what to expect. Peace and Love, Johnny and James.
Feb 12
We're one episode away from 400 and no better way to ring the bells on 399 than with more Kinks. We love The Kinks and we're gonna keep talkin bout em and rankin em until the milk cow gets the first plane home.
Feb 9
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We kontinue our krusade through The Kinks katalogue with a kritique of their klassic 1965 album Kinda Kinks.
Feb 5
Our Kinks month officially kicks off with a rank and review of their debut LP "KINKS".
Feb 2
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife In attempt to avoid the trappings of "cool stories in rock" and remain a podcast that discusses music on a purely musical level, we have decided to do a month of pods on The Kinks. Why The Kinks you ask? Well, they are a band that don't actually have too many "cool stories in rock", they just make good music and that's about it.
Jan 30
Ringo is #1, The Beatles are up for record of the year with an A.I Beatles song, Chalamet is desperate for an Oscar because he learned to sing like Bob Dylan (with a little help from A.I), and Adrian Brody's Hungarian accent is A.I assisted. It's award season and things are more demented than ever.
Jan 26
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife James comes to us live via satellite from the UK and he's brought a hot new take along with him. We are also starting a Beatles cover band so we needed to work out the set list.
Jan 22
James is on holiday in the UK so Johnny called up his old friends Alex and Martin of Real Estate to tell a few old stories and pay tribute to the great Garth Hudson.
Jan 19
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We go on the hunt for a new IWOL theme song using the power of artificial intelligence. This episode felt like a classic. We had a lot of fun.
Jan 15
We are joined by journalist, novelist, TV presenter and founder of Mojo and Q Magazine David Hepworth for an hour of riveting conversation. David is as funny as he is brilliant and this episode was a real thrill for us.
Jan 12
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We watched the Robert Frank/Rudy Wurlitzer movie "Candy Mountain" and tried to figure out how all the musicians in the movie fit together in their own little world. Very much an IWOL feel to this film, maybe we're a movie podcast now.
Jan 8
This is our official review of the new Yacht Rock doc everyone is talking about. Two word review for this one...
Jan 5
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's a new year but we're still feeling Dylanny as hell around here. James finished the book that "A Complete Unknown" is based on over the holidays so we're basically a literary podcast now.
Jan 1
Happy New Year everyone. Johnny put on his wayfarers and boots of Spanish leather and hit the theatre solo to watch "A Complete Unknown". Now we can officially review it, IWOL style.
Dec 29, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife James and Bleeker ate some Malaysian food and checked out the new Dylan flick in Vancouver.
Dec 25, 2024
Merry Christmas everyone. On this episode we discuss the new Band Aid documentary and other things with a Christmassy feel.
Dec 22, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's the holiday season so we're kicking back for a good ol' fashion one hour slice of life. We also review the new Timothee "Bob Dylan" Chalamet album of Bob Dylan songs sung by Timothee Chalamet from the new Bob Dylan movie starring Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan.
Dec 18, 2024
We're Wings fans, we swear. Happy Wednesday and Happy Holidays.
Dec 15, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Tune in this week to hear our official review of the new Beatles doc "Beatles '64". Let's just say it felt nice, maybe even a little Christmassy, to speak fondly of the lads from Liverpool again. Thanks for your support, we love our Patrons.
Dec 11, 2024
We rank our top Christmas characters and talk about this demented world we live in. One in which culture has lost its way and Timothee Chalamet isn't just playing Bob Dylan, he is Bob Dylan.
Dec 8, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny is down in Los Angeles, chasing the spirit of The Hollywood Vampires. Whether it’s at The Rainbow, the Whisky a Go Go, or Zebulon for the Sam Blasucci show, he’s not trying to "capture the zeitgeist" — he’s there to crack it open and watch it spill out like egg yolk on a diner counter. Meanwhile, I’m up in Vancouver, carving out my own little rock and roll fantasy — finishing tracking on my album of post-Beatles power pop. We caught up to talk all about it. Listen by following the link in the bio, and subscribe to our Patreon for less than the cost of half a pack of Ernie Ball Super Slinkys.
Dec 1, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Felt like we were on Venus and Mars for about half of this episode.
Nov 27, 2024
We welcome special guest Johanna Samuels (and A.I John Lennon...again) to talk about Paul's "back in business" record "Band On The Run". This was a very fun episode.
Nov 24, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Ever wondered what would happen if The Beatles reunited as A.I holograms and embarked on a four set, four era world tour? What songs would they choose to play and why? Well, we sat down with A.I John Lennon himself and asked him and, quite frankly, we may never be the same again.
Nov 20, 2024
This is a BIG John and Paul episode. We're getting to the essence of something that goes beyond Beatles. Something that affects all of us. No cool stories in rock here, just raw, reactionary music journalism. We are asking the tough questions week in and week out. Bravely going where no Beatles commentary has gone before.
Nov 19, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday folks. Today we cover "Wild Life" by Wings. What the hell is going on with this album? We also talk protein, Raffi and Mike Tyson.
Nov 13, 2024
Producer and engineer to the stars Trevor Spencer joins us to defend his favourite college dorm room McCartney album, "Ram". Tensions are high, internet is wobbly, sunshine is blinding. It's Wednesday on Impossible Way Of Life.
Nov 10, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The people have spoken and we are diving head first into discussing and ranking Paul's 70s records. There's only one place to start: His true bedroom/indie, exploratory, one man jam album "McCartney". Beatles are good?
Nov 6, 2024
It's the morning after the election and we are all deciding where to go next, both as a podcast and as a society. We have finished our journey through Neil Young's albums (the best ones) and are on the bridge headed somewhere new. The destination is uncertain but we will get to the other side, one way or another, hand in hand, one step at a time.
Nov 3, 2024
Well, it's definitely better to burn out than to fade away when it comes to our Neil Young album ranking extravaganza. Our journey through the past may end here at "Rust Never Sleeps", but ol' Neil's still flying down the road like the hurricane that he is. Long may your run, Neil. Long may you run.
Oct 30, 2024
This is a pretty totemic episode. We welcome back IWOL alumni Alex Bleeker to plug his new book "Taste In Music", eulogize and rank Phil Lesh and discuss Neil Young's "Comes a Time". There's a little controversy mixed in too....don't miss this one.
Oct 27, 2024
As our Neil Young campaign nears its end we saddle up the palomino and mosy into American Stars and Bars. We've also had just about enough of the league of technical music villains and their attempted coup d'etat of classic rock, so we're fighting back.
Oct 23, 2024
Neil's living on the dock and Stills is scuba diving off the deep end and getting high on his own nitrogen supply. You guessed it folks...we've made it to "Long May You Run" by The Stills Young Band.
Oct 20, 2024
An atmospheric river is hitting the BC coast this weekend so we talk and rank Neil Young's "Zuma" before the apocalypse hits and the internet goes down. Neil Young’s Zuma feels like a musical equivalent of Ed Harris’s character in The Rock—both driven by conflict, intensity, and moments of raw emotion that seem to surge from a place of deep conviction. If Brigadier General Francis Hummel had a soundtrack to his brooding, morally complicated mission, it could very well be Zuma—an album that balances aggression, reflection, and the restless search for meaning.
Oct 16, 2024
Johnny is in Vancouver, crashing on James's couch. Before settling in for a double feature of Days of Thunder and The Rock , they take a moment to discuss Neil Young's On The Beach , exploring themes of isolation and disillusionment in what many consider his best album.
Oct 13, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We take a quick breather from our Neil Young deep dive to discuss Rick Beato's encyclopedic, Charlie Rose style interview with System of a Down producer Rick Rubin. It's a Sunday slice folks. Happy Thanksgiving.
Oct 9, 2024
Luke is back and, just like the album, we come back around and do Tonight's The Night for a second time. What the hell. Round of drinks for the bar. Shine a little light on that palm tree.
Oct 6, 2024
James is still live from Valencia and the boys discuss Neil's oft forgotten loose and live album "Time Fades Away". We've finally arrived in the ditch.
Oct 2, 2024
While James searches for Duende in Spain, we talk and rank Neil's biggest record, "Harvest"
Sep 22, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife "I'd just like to say before I start that it's one of the pleasures of my life to be on the podcast with these people tonight" It's Neil fever baby.
Sep 18, 2024
It is Wednesday people and we're starting our Journey Through The Past by ranking Neil Young's eponymous LP.
Sep 15, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Buffalo Springfield are good?
Sep 8, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife IWOL classic. Possibly our favourite episode in about 3 years.
Sep 4, 2024
We have a wonderful conversation with Will and Lucky, from Third Man Records Band, "Hotline T.N.T. It's a Raiders of the Lost Ark scene over there.
Sep 1, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's Sunday folks - James is still keyed up on Oasis and we rank Noel Gallagher.
Aug 25, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife A Sunday Slice o' Life. We catch up with Johnny's and on his current recording project with Sam Blasucci - while James has been watching episodes of "Classic Albums," and is obsessing about the theme song again.
Aug 21, 2024
Sam is recording at Johnny's compound, they took time out of their exhaustive schedule to talk to about all things music. So, The Beatles. SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS TO MORE EPISODES https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife
Aug 18, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Ever wanted to listen to people talk about the Music of Badfinger and not stray deeply into the tragedy of their lives ? This my be the episode for you.
Aug 14, 2024
The continuing story of Ringo and Charlie. We also discuss CCR's recent unexpected surge in popularity. Are they the Ultimate Summer Band? Peace and Love.
Aug 11, 2024
Still Olympic obsessed. Still Drum obsessed. We rank Charlie Watts and Ringo Star, in an attempt to get a full sense of why this drumming "pact of restraint" has yielded the two biggest bands in the universe has ever seen. SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife
Aug 7, 2024
The evidence is clear, so let Johnny break is down for you.
Aug 4, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife "Those that fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it." Are we as musicians just a reliving the life of a member of The Beatles from some stage in their life? And we watch some Olympics.
Jul 31, 2024
We're joined by friend of the pod Maxton Hunter to discuss Sitars and working at ParSonics Studio with none other than audio engineer legend Alan Parsons. Maxton also challenges Johnny to a Beatles one second challenges.
Jul 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife A classic Sunday Slice of life - just trying to figure out the future of culture and what not.
Jul 24, 2024
...You have nothing to lose but the pockets that bind you. In an IWOL exclusive we are joined by drummers and all around beautiful people, Noah Bond (Cut Worms) and Christopher Icasiano (Fleet Foxes), representing and defending all drummers worldwide for their crimes against soundchecks.
Jul 21, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday! There is a new Giles Martin in town and he won't rest until John Lennon's legacy is destroyed. The lads listen to the latest act of Beatlesy historical revisionism, as Sean Lennon decides remix "Mind Games." Prepared to get fired up.
Jul 14, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Classic episode. Good Drummer? We make the necessary adjustments to the categories to be able to rank drummers, then test it out on Grohl.
Jul 10, 2024
We are joined by Nick and Will from Flyte, two of the most Beatlesy guys we know, to try and guess The Rolling Stone "Top 100 Best Beatles Solo Songs List. Good times all the way.
Jul 7, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's a bluesy slice of life folks.
Jul 3, 2024
Summer is here and the time is right to go ranking Paul Simon - cue bad fashion scores.
Jun 30, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife we were really tired.
Jun 26, 2024
We catch up with friend of the pod Paige Stark to talk about her new E.P "Good at Love." We also break down the idea of what it means to be an "Alternative" artist in 2024.
Jun 23, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The fellas' catch up before Johnny's big solo show in Vancouver
Jun 19, 2024
It's Paul's birthday so we listen and react to the new Wings live album "One Hand Clapping." And have a nice chat about the idea of urgency, danger and rock and roll within the rock revivalism today.
Jun 16, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We get together and discuss the references seeping out of the sleeve of the newest record from Heritage Revivalist Juggernauts - The Lemon Twigs.
Jun 9, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny is back from Italy and James is poolside in Mexico. We swap some IWOL travel horror stories and talk about Mexican cover bands.
Jun 2, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday Folks! On the eve of James' birthday, the fellas decide to get a little existential. Too Much Perspective.
May 26, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday Folks!
May 22, 2024
It's one of the pleasures of our life to be joined by Canadian Sports Anchor, Television Personality and all around Icon, Jay Onrait. He called Impossible Way Of Life on his drive-time commute to TSN HQ, to discuss his love for Real Estate, Pavement, his halcyon days as a member of the Hair Metal community of Alberta, and simply chat about his deep love, passion, and knowledge of all things music.
May 19, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday folks! We react to Apple Music's Top 100 Albums and find out which Classical Musician has the biggest Spotify Account.
May 15, 2024
Real special episode today. We are joined by musician Benny Trokan. We chat about playing with Spoon, Lee Fields, and the late Charles Bradley. With a new record in the pipeline, we chat about his solo music. We also make an abridged version of The White Album and get Joan Baez confused for Bon Jovi.
May 12, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife James is on the road, so "Stranglehold" Mike Komaszczuk joins Johnny to reminisce about The Shilohs' IWOL tour history and The Band documentary "Once Were Brothers."
May 5, 2024
We listen to the new Ringo / The Strokes E.P and Johnny devises a new party game way to rank music. SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife
May 1, 2024
Ever wondered how to get that dead 70s snare sound? Turns out it's all about what kinda breakfast you eat day of. We are joined by producer to the big indie stars, Trevor Spencer, for a lil shop talk.
Apr 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We discuss rating albums based on our ranking categories and figure a good place to start is the album that contains the song that changed the direction of John Stamos' life "Forever."
Apr 24, 2024
We catch up with new age for the everyman songsmith Jeffrey Silverstein, to discuss his wonderfully titled new single, "Gassed Up." We swap tour survival techniques, van playlists, and have a real good time.
Apr 21, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny is back from Kansas and we listen to the very latest Lennon-McCartney song "Primrose Hill."
Apr 14, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Johnny is heading down to Kansas City for a week, so he stopped at my place on his way to the airport to pick up his Marvin Gaye Toque. A Classic Sunday Slice of Life.
Apr 11, 2024
We deep dive the new "We Are The World" Documentary - perhaps the original example of major player artists feeling themselves. We also consider the line up to the inevitable reboot. Happy Listening.
Apr 7, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We test out Johnny's claim that Beatles for Sale is a better record than Sgt Peppers. We also dive back into the Lord Of The Rings / Beatles Universe.
Apr 3, 2024
Max Frost is a singer songwriter based in Nashville, Texas, who has found a second career as a internet music content creator. Most notably, he creates mash-ups of different bands - our personal favourite being The Beatles doing a Korn Song and vice-versa. Today, he comes on the podcast and we have a bit of a philosophical discussion about the role of the musician in the year 2024.
Mar 31, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We're Starting A Blues Band
Mar 27, 2024
Very lucky to be joined by Will and Nick from the band Flyte. Among other things, they have some interesting insight into our Lord of the Rings / The Beatles mash up. Really lovely to speak to them both, and look forward to the coming back to react to the Rolling Stone "Top 100 Solo Beatles Songs." Don't worry, we will get there eventually.
Mar 24, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday Folks. We recap Vancouver music from 2000-2015 which leads us to an interesting deep questions about the state of indie rock. A great episode.
Mar 20, 2024
We planned to listen and react to the new A.I recorded blues song "Soul of the Machine," and instead did an entire episode on how bad the Counting Crows cover of "Big Yellow Taxi" is.
Mar 17, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We break down the back half of The new article in The Rolling Stone, "100 Best Beatles Solo Songs." Also Johnny develops a new one second music challenge - it's quite impressive.
Mar 13, 2024
Spirits are high, the air is once again clear. We reflect on the key "take aways" from The World Guitar Championships - particularly the "technical vs natural" debate; and talk a whole lot of Beatles.
Mar 10, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Here it is folks. After this episode, i'm hoping we can all return to sanity.
Mar 6, 2024
It's the moment we've all been waiting for - The Final. We bring "Stranglehold" in the fold, the arena of tension. Let's settle this once and for all.
Mar 3, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We're going to the Real Estate gig in Vancouver, so we met up prior to discuss ranking the final four guitarists, and all time top song to DJ at a wedding
Feb 28, 2024
Nice episode today. Sat down with some tea and discussed Paul McCartney's shock and disgust that Foreigner aren't in the Rock n' Roll hall of fame, Don Henley's current Hotel California court case, Clapton's love letters to Pattie Boyd - and of course ranked Jimmy and Jerry.
Feb 25, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife The battle of Hail! Hail! Rock n' Roll is here, but we spend most of the episode talking about who is going to play The Beatles in the new Sam Mendes movies.
Feb 21, 2024
A potential changing of the guard in terms of guitar ranking. And we discuss Paul McCartney's recent hearts and minds operation, to convince the world Maxwell's Silver Hammer is as good as Come Together. This is why we do it folks.
Feb 18, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Back at it over at the World Guitar Championships. Can Neil pull off a shock victory? Only you can decide. Real good episode from the fellas here.
Feb 14, 2024
Jess Williamson comes on the podcast to set the record straight about her infamous "GQ Tweet."
Feb 11, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife James and Johnny both went to Nathaniel Rateliff with some interesting consequences. And we set up the first round of voting in the Quarter Finals of The World Guitar Championships.
Feb 4, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Happy Sunday Folks!
Jan 31, 2024
For Episode 300 we are joined by Hot Hot Heat Drummer, Indie Sleaze Icon, and Beatles Maniac Paul Hawley. We talk about almost everything and we're still not sure what Jeff Beck is all about.
Jan 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife Episodes coming thick and fast. James is the victim of identity fraud. And we test out Joe Walsh's theory that guitar is all about the right hand.
Jan 24, 2024
These battles are getting more intense by the day. Can the only rhythm guitarist left in the competition advance?
Jan 21, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife We take a moment to chat about the death of Pitchfork and the role of the music journalism is, in the age of streaming - and we break down all the Beatles references in Liam Gallagher's latest masterpiece, "Just Another rainbow."
Jan 17, 2024
In this "Battle of the Bay" Sweet 16 match up, we're joined by Marin County resident and cult leader, Alex Bleeker of Big Indie "Real Estate." They're touring all spring, so go see them at your local amphitheatre.
Jan 14, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife A clash for the ages. We know for a fact that there is a major rivalreh between these two, based on video evidence of George Harrison slamming Neil's guitar style. A huge episode, with a surprise twist. All I can say is. We need your help.
Jan 10, 2024
Heavy Episode today. Feel like we're really getting into the thick of it philosophically, sexually, psychotically. Some big questions arose. What even is a guitar? What is it meant to do? Is legacy important if you aren't actually interested in playing music with your guitar? Do you need to use a guitar to make music, or can it purely be used as a technical machine for speed and magic tricks? Honestly, I felt like for a moment we cracked the codes to Zion. Enjoy.
Jan 7, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO IMPOSSIBLE WAY OF LIFE ON PATREON TO ACCESS FULL EPISODE https://www.patreon.com/animpossiblewayoflife It's a New Year and we've made it through the wilderness - feeling energized and ready to take on the world. Jimi Hendrix vs Tom Verlaine is the first match up in the round of 16.
Jan 4, 2024
The last of the opening rounds of the World Guitar Championship. And we're once again trying to figure out whether Jeff Beck is good at guitar. What a perfect way to bring the year in.
Dec 27, 2023
It's Xmas and we need your help ranking Duane Allman vs Angus Young.
Dec 6, 2023
Massive episode, so we had to bring resident Jam Band authority Alex Bleeker into the fold.
Nov 29, 2023
We join Luke in his wheelhouse to talk mostly about Keith Richard's fashion.
Nov 23, 2023
A heated battle between arguably two of the best guitarist craftsman in the game. Both extremely accomplished in playing to the song. We also play back the original mix of "Love me do" vs Giles new mix and uncover a SHOCKING discovery. Not to be missed.
Nov 16, 2023
James is jet lagged and Johnny has nearly built his "Big Pink" house. The Championship continues, plus we just catch up; because that's really what this is all about - friendship.
Nov 8, 2023
Brace yourselves. The Beatles "Now and Then" Conspiracy theory takes a drastic turn. And we see the first heavyweight clash in the World Guitar Championships. Not to be missed.
Nov 3, 2023
Had to do it. The two of us have an emergency reaction episode to the new Peter Jackson / Paul McCartney song "Now and Then."
Oct 25, 2023
In another round of 32 match up, we see to near giants of the late 60s / early 70s, battle it out for a place in the next round.
Oct 19, 2023
Ok. We're off to the races here. Jimi Hendrix vs Mr. The Edge using our patented "Impossible Way Of Life" ten round ranking system. Who will make it to the second round?
Sep 6, 2023
Remembering the master of island escapism and business acumen. Fins Up!
Aug 31, 2023
Fresh off the heels of a disastrous evening of failed pizza making, Sam Blassucci of jam n' roll rock band Mapache joins us to discuss George Harrison vs Neil Young and what it is means to be a guitarist.
Aug 16, 2023
Max is back to discuss his breakfast routine and his rippin' new LP. Always an absolute thrill to speak with him; feel like we learn a lot each time.
Aug 2, 2023
We are joined for a cathartic midweek chat with Ben Schwab, it's all sepia tinged skies, cigarettes, and a couple beers, as we discuss music production, the genre that is Starbucks Music, The Mid West, and of course The Beatles.
Jul 12, 2023
A real pleasure to be joined by singer songwriter Jess Williamson, whose new record "Time Ain't Accidental" is out right now. Although Jess spends her time in the space between folk and country, she was determined to talk to us about her unwavering love for Blink 182. I hope you enjoy getting to know her, as much as we did.
Jul 5, 2023
An extra special one for our 250th episode. We are joined by legitimate Rock n' Roll Detective and esteemed writer Jim Berkenstadt. Jim has spent a lifetime researching, writing and consulting in pop music history, serving as a consultant to The Beatles, George Harrison, The Traveling Wilburys amongst others. His books on The Beatles have been inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Check the links below to buy his books, which no doubt you will after you here the EXPLOSIVE content of this episode. An all timer.
May 24, 2023
We get lucky and manage to catch Bleeker just before he goes surfing. A whole lot of fun.
May 9, 2023
It's mid week so we sit down with songwriter Jeffrey Silverstein to discuss the iconic soundtrack to end iconic soundtracks. We also find out why you should never rely on bluetooth in a clutch environment.
Apr 26, 2023
We are joined in the IWOL situation room by non other than John Andrews, whose new record "Love for the Underdog," that comes out this Friday, triggered a bidding war after a pre-sale copy of his own album was sold back to him by some random dude on Ebay. The contracts have been signed, subpoenas are in the mail, so in this IWOL Exclusive, listen to John finally recount the story in his own words of how he assembled an Indie Rock Delta Force Seal Team 6 to tackle one of the greatest crimes in Pitchfork adjacent music.
Apr 12, 2023
Max joins us to talk about his new record, and more importantly to try and figure out when Young John became Old John. He's a lovely man with a tender energy, but just don't bring up Autotune or it gets a lil' Lou Reedy.
Mar 29, 2023
From Feb 2021, and IWOL classic and compiled here for the first time in its entirety, the three of us sit down over a few hours and a few coffees to discuss, well, The Eagles.
Mar 22, 2023
In this free episode, we are joined by friend of the pod and indie pop superstar Alaina Moore of Tennis. We talk about their new record, their upcoming tour, and whether or not we can consider them twee adjacent. And we discuss our shared love for a lost icon, American Singer Songwriter - Judee Sill.
Mar 5, 2023
The boys are in Los Angeles, so In today's episode, we are joined by L.A based eminent indie rock turned ambient musician, Ryan Polie, who tries with all his might to explain what the hell there is to like about The Who. The Who?
Feb 14, 2023
Another Classic Episode, remixed in Dobly by Giles Martin, for the IWOL Archive Project. A couple of years ago we spent the whole hour trying to figure out who was in The Byrds - we still don't know. At the time it was our favourite episode we had done, sexually, philosophically, and psychotically
Feb 1, 2023
Second Instalment of an essential ranking. Featuring our resident "On The Strip" correspondent Amanda.
Jan 18, 2023
One of our favourite episodes; as vital in the IWOL canon, as the directors cut of Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket, and as exclusive as the mixtape Johnny through at Zooey Deschanel.
Sep 14, 2022
Johnny (business acumen 10) wanted me to throw this up for the masses. We made it baby; so now come over to Patreon for all further episodes.
Aug 31, 2022
It's all about to change baby. Thanks for being here for the journey. What comes next?
Aug 24, 2022
Continue on with music of a gritty vocal nature. And we come to terms with ranking Wacko Jacko
Jul 20, 2022
We are joined by esteemed guest Paige Stark to discuss the Top 10 Neil Young Songs EVER, and we almost get to it! Uploading this episode listening to 25 O'Clock by The Dukes of Stratosphear, so kinda more in a pastiche 1967 mood. Ranking to begin earnestly soon.
Jul 13, 2022
Some serious detective work to do here. Some Denver Airport style shit going on.
Jul 6, 2022
As you've come to expect, only the big questions are being asked on this show.
Jun 29, 2022
In keeping with the way our psychedelic universe determined that Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, and Ray Davies were all to be born within days of each other, we rank our favourite "forgotten era" Beach Boys songs and continue with our new and much loved A.M Radio style talking over songs format. Dig in.
Jun 22, 2022
Myself and Johnny try to create a Best Of Macca Solo....but end up being spellbound by the ability to just stream Spotify. Loved checking out the new Drugdealer and Michael Rault. As far as I'm concerned this is the new blueprint. Gotta go and check that Neil Young and John Mayer thing out. Have a lovely week.
Jun 8, 2022
Against the Odds, like Phil Collins during Live Aid, I'm straight off a plane and into the pod. Johnny proves his reputation as an ice cold ranker, by finessing our Last Waltz Performance Ranking. Please send us your lists.
Jun 1, 2022
Johnny and Mike back in the saddle, stuck in between a trust fund kid and a rock god.
May 25, 2022
It's time to up our business acumen. Really gonna focus on our Patreon Episodes. That being said, this episode rips.
May 11, 2022
I'm back out on the road, but this is long overdue, time to rank the strip, real bad boys of rock. Fashion is gonna get heated.
May 4, 2022
One of my favourite episodes in a while. Rank (re-rank) The Fab Four. Also, deal with couple patron questions / accusations. I have been tryna figure out what songs to test my new audiophile sound system on, reddit has been really helpful.
Apr 27, 2022
Joined by special guest Alaina Moore, one half of indie pop band / sailing enthusiasts, "Tennis." Kate Bush is up.
Apr 13, 2022
The Boys Are Back In Town. This Episode is Live and Dangerous, and we are FIRED UP!
Apr 8, 2022
Apologies on Delay, got an adult dose on tour, logistics of finding a. my mind. b. my voice and c. the necessary equipment, made this one take a second. Johnny is back from tour, weening himself off the sauce. Needless to say, your boys are a little banged up. Read through a lot of your messages on this one, lovely to see you've been ranking on your own time. It's An Impossible Way Of Life
Mar 30, 2022
Johnny is in New York, so we rank so of the NY big guns, Lou Reed and the lads!
Mar 23, 2022
It's heating up folks. Fuck knows where Johnny is, New York, London? Also, after this episode I got a new XLR. We got a new provisional number 1 Rank.
Mar 16, 2022
We get the band back together to talk shop and then try and rank Smokey Robinson. Featuring extra special guest Jessica Espeleta.
Mar 9, 2022
Listen to Johnny react live to a really strange LSD induced nightmare of a virtue signalling music video; this time it's "Let It Be," with lots of odd celebs. And on the bright side, we put our categories to the test and rank John Lennon and Van Morrison.
Mar 2, 2022
We dive right back into the Top 20 Singers energy, and Johnny tried to rent a keyboard stand or something. Note to self, don't dare set foot in the Classical / Jazz Section.
Feb 23, 2022
Taking a break from the hotly contested Top Singer Rank-a-thon (don't worry we'll get back to it), to discuss all things The Band. We are lucky to be joined by Mike Komaszchuk aka Youtube Username - Stranglehold, who tells us why Richard Manuel is his favourite singer, as well as letting us know about his exciting Youtube The Band fan page.
Feb 16, 2022
Having a wonderful time over here. Finally getting to the bottom of our Top 20, and working out the appropriate way we can RANK. Also, let's discuss that Super Bowl Halftime Show. Happy Valentines Day. xx
Feb 9, 2022
Johnny got that negative test we all craved. It's live, it's one on one, and we are talking about Rolling Stone's Top 20 Singers of all time, The Chili Peppers have a new song, and getting the band back together.
Feb 2, 2022
Guest Host Alex Bleeker joins us to break down, once and for all, the Rogan vs Young debate. He also starts some pretty serious L.A based Jam Band Beef.
Jan 26, 2022
Johnny contacted Paul Rodgers, to settle the question of technical vocals once and for all. We got into a couple of articles. Welcome to An Impossible Way Of Life, your bi-weekly Tennis and Culture podcast.
Jan 19, 2022
One of my favourite episodes in a while, we are joined my Jessica Espeleta. Once and for all, we try and get to the bottom of Live Aid and other major rock n' roll fund raiser songs, but end up mostly talking about David Crosby and Jess' The Doors Cover Band. Enjoy.
Jan 12, 2022
“We actually had a guy that was employed just to provide us with cocaine. We needed an incredible amount of energy to pull off that tour and I’m sure it helped in a way, but it is a very subtly destructive drug and there was a lot of it around. We were rock and roll stars at the height of our power and the height of our commerciality and the height of our ability to put asses on seats. We had it all. And sometimes you need to break that tension. Drugs and women were a part of that entire process.” - Graham Nash
Jan 5, 2022
Happy New Year to all of you in the IWOL universe. In today's episode we are right back to Watching The Watchman. We listen to Peter Jackson explain he doesn't even listen or like music at all, and we do a deep dive into who exactly Sam Okell is? This is the guy who Remasters all The Beatles music, remixes Band on The Run, and got his big break mastering Lord of the Rings. Who is he working for? ' It's Christmas Eve in the City of Angels and while decent citizens sleep the sleep of the righteous , hopheads prowl for marijuana, not knowing that a man is coming to stop them! Celebrity crimestopper Jack Vincennes, scourge of grasshoppers and dopefiends everywhere!' Ya like it, Jackie boy? It's all here on An Impossible Way of Life.
Dec 29, 2021
Alex Bleeker joins us for the final episode of IWOL for this calendar year. Pretty sure he starts major jam band beef; can't wait to see how this plays out in the New Year.
Dec 22, 2021
Me and Johnny are spending our Omicron Isolated Christmas' catching up with old and new friends alike. A really close dear old friend of mine, musician, and all around lovely lad (from the South - Massive Rivalreh) Joe Dudderidge, joins us on the podcast. He waxes lyrical on all things Get Back, while wearing an exquisite Glyn Johns-esque Fur Coat. Also, both me and him are using our 1073 pre-amps, should sound rather loveleh. Happy Holidays n' all that.
Dec 15, 2021
Like Mussolini from the balcony - "RELEASE THE TAPES PETER!" It's not funny anymore.
Dec 8, 2021
I'm losing track, but all I know is we have to continue. You deserve only the best.
Dec 1, 2021
Was there a stylist? Is Macca on bugle, the dickhead dust? Is George The Queen Bitch? Why isn't Dave Grohl in this documentary? It's all here folks, off the record, on the Q.T. and very hush-hush. An Impossible Way of Life.
Nov 24, 2021
Johnny's back from The Hollywood Vampires Lair. Fellowship of the Ringo is just two days away. Hell yeh.
Nov 17, 2021
Johnny has a new song out called "Someday" and I rank it. How would the ranker crowd feel? What would the names of the Spotify Playlists be? I'm joined by Jeffrey Innes and Brandon Wolfe Scott, who also has a song out (massive rivalreh.) In a more earnest than usual IWOL, we talk musical influences, nostalgia, and the many era's of Neil Young. Johnny is back next Wednesday FYI. Enjoy your week.
Nov 10, 2021
Johnny is auditioning for the Hollywood Vampires, so my old pal and OG friend of the pod Vom Cruise is here to fill the void. We talk about all the usual stuff, Dave Grohl being Ringo, John Depp being John. Who else is involved? Why would anyone care? Because it's a Goddam Impossible Way of Life.
Nov 3, 2021
Me and Johnny enjoy a last meal before he heads to L.A for a couple weeks, and we laugh harder than we ever have on this podcast.
Oct 27, 2021
Last week got me thinking. Rolling Stone vs Pitchfork, Mods vs Rockers, Knives vs Guns, Marshall vs Fender. I was ordering Sushi and I felt like I made a particularly Velvetsy style order. Can everything be broken down into such binary oppositions? Or do The Stones have to be involved?
Oct 20, 2021
We watched The Velvet Underground Documentary by Todd Haynes, but also listened to the Giles Martin "Let It Be" 2021 Atmos mixes. Needless to say, this episode is mostly about Al Stewart's reissue of Time Passages.
Oct 13, 2021
And this time Macca says it's Lennon who did it. Also, given the fact that "Let It Be" has been reissued 5 times this year, and with the Velvet Underground Doc, Led Zeppelin Doc, Beatles / Lord of the Rings Doc, we try to put together a Classic Rock Reissue Calendar for the coming months. Enjoy!
Oct 6, 2021
Damn. Another massive rivalreh. Also, I have a new chord that lets me play music on the pod.
Sep 29, 2021
Doing God's work over here. We break down the TOP 250 songs in Rolling Stone Magazine's recently refreshed TOP 500. Listen to last Sunday on Patreon for maximum IWOL energy.
Sep 22, 2021
We watched this doc called "Whatever Happened to Pink Floyd? The Strange Case of Waters and Gilmour and as such decided to settle on of the most important questions in Classic Rock. Do Pink Floyd actually have any songs? Oh, and delve into the Fire (Waters), Ice (Gilmour) and Luke Warm Water (Mason) of Floyd, deciding once and for all, who is the best.
Sep 15, 2021
In an IWOL first, Alex Bleeker made it Snowdenseque and safely across the Canadian Border, and we catch up with him "alive and dangerous" to discuss all different kinds of ranking, plus James tries to be a real journalist for a moment.
Sep 8, 2021
It's really hard to explain what's goin' on here.
Aug 25, 2021
It's flowing like 1988 flo-jo, and we're taking it back to Clapton's first strategic target, and the man who wrote all his biggest songs (except for Bob Marley). JJ Cale, everyone's favourite guitarist, and the only man to fully encapsulate the feeling of jamming around a campfire. We're both having a great time, and hope you are to. x
Aug 18, 2021
Episode 91 - It’s peak summer and we are crackin’ the Red Stripe and skankin’ to Bob Marley’s “Catch A Fire,” the album that got a lil help in the form of Blues Overdubs. Don’t worry if you don’t know his songs, you can still have his poster on your wall and smoke weed about it. Jah Bless.
Aug 11, 2021
We break down the top 100 RANKED classic rock guitarists of all time. And In memory of Dusty Hill, we got our boy Mike to come in and talk all things ZZ Top and dissect their top sirloin steak of an album “Tres Hombres”. RIP to a real one. Check out the link in our bio and you’ll find our Patreon, which at this point has about 50 episodes on it. Join us in the greenroom, where the real rock n’ roll aficionados chill and play 7 gauge strings. Y’all all working too hard.
Aug 4, 2021
Johnny is producing a record, so I hopped on my bike. Full Ocean Way Feel riding down to his studio. Got to share a couple beers with an old pal Travis and discuss Burrito Bro's 1969 cosmic country masterpiece. As you expect, we get to all the important questions - Is Chris Hillman the most underrated "technician" of his day? Who the hell is even in The Byrds?
Jul 28, 2021
I finally got my wish. I've been working on the SSL console famous for that "Vancouver Snare Sound." Though I'm still not sure what that is, I know I'll find it on Pump. Luckily, we have a Toxic Twin of oyur own, Luke Paquin, to walk us through it. Strangely, in style this episode is more early Aerosmith, fast and loose, not the AA ghost written stadium anthems of their later years. That'll be part II.
Jul 21, 2021
We are officially commencing our Summer of Beatles Beatles Beatles. In today's episode we discuss the first two episodes of the Cocaine vs Peyote, McCartney vs Rubin standoff, that is McCartney 3,2,1. Apologies if you have to trial or buy Disney+, there are sacrifices to watching great artists mentally duel.
Jul 14, 2021
Bounced back from the Euro defeat and right back into the swing of things. Read a great Vanity Fair article on how Led Zeppelin were the ultimate hotel room trashers, were loathed by the critics, and sorta had a feud with The Stones. I accidentally drank carbonated water with high sodium content and me and Johnny got back into it after a week of actually being musicians.
Jul 6, 2021
On the 50th Anniversary of Jim's ascent into Rock and Roll Heaven, we discuss The Doors Eponymous L.P. We are joined by our IWOL Hollywood Insider and Sunset Strip Field Reporter Amanda Morck, to talk all things Jim, as well as getting the Low Down on current events on the Strip and The Hollywood Vampires.
Jun 30, 2021
The People have decided - Queen are the biggest band on Spotify, which we can only assume, by current ranking systems, means they are the best. We take a deep dive into their best albums - Greatest Hits 1 & 2, to decide once and for all if they are the best band ever at this moment algorithmically and based only on numbers and fractional more likes. Joined by our esteemed guest Alex Bleeker of Real Estate.
Jun 23, 2021
Slowly becoming a Ranking Podcast and here we set a Euro 2020 / Round Robin competition involving all Beatles albums and the choice solo Beatles records. Turns out ranking is really hard. We also talk Garcia and Mayer meeting in Rock n Roll Heaven, the mental anguish of trying to play non-blues, and get an update on Johnny's swimming goggles. Hope you enjoyed Solstice.
Jun 16, 2021
Still feelin' the double albums and started watch the " Steve Jobs and Apple 1971: Rock changing the world and all that" series, so thought we'd tackle the sleaziest of the records from that year, "Exile On Main Street." Some say it's the finest album of the Stones's career, but it's also the sound of a slow implosion, of things falling apart post altamount etc.....and if you keep imploding and imploding. I just like that they're in their full Dionysian mode. As Liam would say, "Do a line and dive in!"
Jun 9, 2021
In a special new feature, we have a round table Charlie Rose / Hard Talk style serious tete a tete discussion about all that is "The Blues." We dissect Microsoft vs Apple blues rivalry, what makes Clapton's "Technique" so important in his ranking within The Blues Pantheon, and Joe Perry's pectoral workout regime. We are fortunate to be joined on the call live from the House of Blues L.A, by IWOL Foreign Correspondent Luke Paquin.
Jun 2, 2021
Johnny called today as the first day of summer, and we tackle the record that pushed the California sound of the 60s to it's apocalyptic conclusion. Punk is here - it's getting angular. There are all sorts of pagan / pirate hybrids happening, Lindsey Buckingham is cutting his hair with toe nail clippers - and there is a blizzard of Cocaine. Plus it's a Double Album, so this is part one.
May 26, 2021
We are joined by Vom Cruise, who gets banned from instagram every time we do a podcast (ask Mike Love, Chris Martin, Johnny Depp why). We explore the machinations of the first indie band of all time, and choose their most Beatlesy album. Beware, we are still mainly talking about John Stamos.
May 19, 2021
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN. Johnny returns to the big city and, since we really just wanted to enjoy our reunion, we chose an album that we didn't even have to think to talk about, because we didn't even know we didn't like it. If life is a 4 way street which direction would you choose? We haven't decided yet but it's probably not Stills Drive; Too many bad vibes down that way. David Crosby Blvd feels good, as there's always the best drugs and you only have to listen to two of his songs for eternity...because he only wrote two.
May 12, 2021
We are joined by Jason Grimmer, Vancouver's Roky Erickson and a local rare Pokemon. He was Johnny's floor manager at Zulu Records, in it's Artie Fufkin heyday. Now in Montreal, he chats with us about Iggy Pop and The Blues Continuum. I had a blast on this episode, enjoy.
May 5, 2021
Much discussed topic on the pod since Episode 1 and we're try and get to the bottom of it once and for all. So, the Doors are Pagan Pirates. Dylan started Pilgrim, but shifted to Pirate in the mid 70s. McCartney heard Pet Sounds and introduced Clown, which is a sub-genre of Pirate.......of course it's all blues, and.....well......it gets complicated.
Apr 28, 2021
Bleeker is back and he's pissed we didn't talk enough about Aja; so we did the only IWOL appropriate thing and tried to not talk about it again. These Bleeker episodes are always my favourite, and we consult him for what is "in" and what is "out" in the world of Pitchfork Cool. Listen and learn people.
Apr 21, 2021
Over the course of the Pandemic there have been a number of powerful political songs by the Classic Rock heavy hitters (mostly recorded in Garageband, or to the same Rock Drum Loop). I'm talking Van, Eric, Mike Love, some dude from Yes, and of course Mick and Dave's post punk banger "Easy Sleazy." There's also been a lot of y'all sliding into our DM's demanding our hot take on all this shit. Here it is, and spoiler alert, we kinda realize John Stamos might be playing a key roll in "Lock Rock."
Apr 14, 2021
We got a new cable that allows us to play "fuckin' tunes mate." Sun is out, and we went marina side and decided to dig in once and for all to the "West Coast" Sound. Why does every song sound like "What A Fool Believes?" Who are these bands? Is it just one guy? Did they play shows? Will we have a show after this two part on Yacht Rock is done? Smooth Sailing people.
Apr 6, 2021
The new variant is in Vancouver, we are facing lockdown, and in the midst of such uncertainty, felt the only way to go was keyed up positive smooth jazz pop fusion. You've requested Steely Dan for a long time, and I you would expect , we answered - by doing the bare minimum research and I don't think we talked about it once. May do it again at some point. Happy Wednesday.
Mar 31, 2021
It’s 1970 and the Beatles are toast. Lennon and Macca are going toe to toe (let’s not forget George). Paul moves to the country and John spends 6 months in primal scream therapy. They’re both dipping into rock and roll hell candidates - Clapton, Spector etc. Yoko has hypnotized John. Macca is vegetarian and lives on a farm. They both emerge ready to make an album with their reputations on the line. Is Plastic Ono Band the best album of all time, and is RAM even an album? Who will emerge victorious and who will get the last laugh.
Mar 24, 2021
Recorded this last week, so we drank Jameson's and Guinness and talked a little bit about Thin Lizzy, Bono, and Van Morrison. Happy St Patrick's Day!
Mar 17, 2021
It's a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, and it's time to listen to "Songs to get Keyed up on life too." We are tapping our toes over here.
Mar 10, 2021
Staying with The Heartland Sound / Don't Bore us Get To The Chorus Energy with Tom Petty. Jimmy Iovine is still kicking around. We are really thinking of just doing all the remaining records that we haven't done, that have a Classic Albums Documentary.
Mar 3, 2021
Kinda a miracle we left Laurel Canyon in one piece. Going back to Trident Studios for a hot minute. Don't listen to this one if you don't like our impressions.
Feb 24, 2021
It took a couple months, but we finally got there. The moment that the heart and soul of Laurel Canyon was ripped out by the talons of a Corporation more commonly known as The Eagles. We are joined by our good friend and stats guy Mike, who was in a fugue state for most of this recording. This is O.G Impossible Way of Life energy, where it all began baby. This one is for the fans.
Feb 17, 2021
Staying in The Bay Area, we bring friend of the pod Alex Bleeker in talk all things Dead; James is still snowed in on Salt Spring Island, so basically in a hot air balloon, and we swear in a couple weeks we will do Bowie Record, but we have to Black Pill all the way to The Eagles first. Love you guys.
Feb 10, 2021
The boys are joined by producer, bassist and legendary Deadhead Dan Horne for an informal powwow on Jerry and The Gang. The Dead’s infamous “wall of sound” touring rig is investigated, along with where to get the best Chilean wine in Echo Park. Dan’s Sm7B podcast microphone was going through a very impressive signal chain before reaching his 1/2” tape machine, so expect superb sound quality on this episode.
Feb 3, 2021
Still in Laurel Canyon, and we spent the whole goddam' hour trying to figure it out and we have no idea who is in this band. The only thing we do know, is they booted Crosby out for this one. Our favourite episode we've done - sexually, philosophically, and psychotically.
Jan 27, 2021
Did you know that LSD and hippies were invented by the CIA in the 1960s? No? The idea was to hook kids on sex, drugs and rock & roll, so they would not overthrow the military industrial complex. Were you aware that Jim Morrison, Frank Zappa, “Papa John” Phillips, and David Crosby were all children of high-ranking members of the American military, and that Jim Morrison was made in a controlled lab deep inside Area 51? In this episode we go deep undercover and discuss The Doors "bluesiest" Album, L.A Woman.
Jan 20, 2021
Carrying on the deep dive into The Ladies of the Canyon Folkie scene, the boys compare how many times they cried during Side A of Joni's Mitchell's "Blue." We try out some different pre-amps, see where "Blue" features on Pitchforks 100 best albums of the 70s list, and debate whether James Taylor was a fine piece of ass. She is one of the best there is and ever was - we love you Joni.
Jan 13, 2021
Joined by meme overlord and "bloody good bloke," Vom Cruise aka Sam, and we talk about an album it's really difficult to joke around about, cause it's THAT good.
Jan 6, 2021
We watched this doc - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3614126/ on Clapton in the 70s, and thought we'd try and get to the bottom of it all. Funny stuff.
Dec 30, 2020
Still riding a high from Peter Jackson's "Get Back," teaser; so we thought let's do a two part production on The White Album, and then try and condense this notoriously dense record into a single LP, instead of a double. Catch next Sunday's episode for the 2nd part.
Dec 23, 2020
Merry Christmas Everyone I went to his grave in Joshua Tree one time, he may be the most sincere singer of sad songs in his generation, let's dive into the World of Cosmic American Music, with Gram and Emmylou's "Grievous Angel." This one is for our boy Sam, glad you're feelin' better, love you x
Dec 16, 2020
Come take a walk through the landscapes of the mind, we can stop for a Guinness, talk of lost loves, memories of the Atlantic Ocean, and all the others thing that Van the Man's freak folk, occult mystery masterpiece inspires.
Dec 9, 2020
"It's one of the pleasures of my life to be up here on stage with this fella." We tackle the beast that is Neil's "Tonight's The Night," with one of the major players on the West Hollywood Covers Scene, Luke Paquin .
Dec 2, 2020
The Most New York L.P of all time, recorded in London. Lotta David Fricke energy on this one. Oh yeh, we are an official Trident Studios podcast now.
Nov 25, 2020
No idea why we choose this record. We did make a plans to cook each other pasta, though. Here it is, with no further ado - Brothers in Arms, the best marketed album of all time, plus they use a really naught word on it.
Nov 22, 2020
Seeger tried to pull the cables on this Miles at Montreux energy, and they failed. Fired up, charged up and tackling the best walking album of all time, "Saturday Night Fever."
Nov 18, 2020
"If you see her say hello, she might be in Tangiers." Let's talk about the best album of all time...
Nov 15, 2020
A real Friday Night feelin' to this one. Alex was making Manhattan's and we just got deep into Al Stewart, and the Dylan / Steward / Destroyer / Johnny Payne rock n' roll family tree. Oh yeh, and then we listened to Alan Parson's "I-Robot" to cap off a fine evening.
Nov 11, 2020
Sync'd up from an undisclosed locale. Lotta riffin', back on Croz's Twitter. Also, talk about the most "Dad" record of all time - Traveling Wilbury's Vol. 1.
Nov 8, 2020
It's Sunday, and we talk about the horniest LP of all time, rank all the guitarists from The Rolling Stones, and talk about which bands had the most effect on our personal fashion.
Nov 4, 2020
We are joined by Yukon Blonde's Canadian Indie God-like Icon Jeffrey Innes to explore the 4th biggest selling album of all time, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon."
Nov 1, 2020
A Halloween special; the boys tackle the biggest selling album of all time, that perhaps contains Macca's worst song? Happy Halloween!
Oct 28, 2020
Live from an undisclosed location, the boys get into everything except Paul McCartney I & II
Oct 25, 2020
Just Me and Johnny, and I've gotta say, I was pissing myself listening back to this one. Left it all out on the table. Pure Pagan Energy
Oct 21, 2020
Rob Butterfield (not related to The Blues guy although equally bluesy), joins us to dissect Todd Rundgren's proto-bedroom pop 1972 work of staggering individual genius, "Something/Anything?"
Oct 18, 2020
We discuss The Beach Boys masterpiece, "Pet Sounds," with Instagram's dark lord of Meme, special guest Sam Hammond aka @Vomcruise.
Oct 14, 2020
In our stride now; lots of tips on how to get laid talking about best era of Dylan etc. Some minor EQ and tone talk, and we decide which Beatles record is the most "Beatlesy."
Oct 11, 2020
We continue the Pirate / Pagan debate and discuss CSNY's magnum opus "Déjá Vu." Oh, how these albums bring back memories.
Oct 6, 2020
The boys are back and talking about Fleetwood Mac's billion copy selling soft rock opus "Rumours."