Strange Currencies Podcast

  • Introducing “Talkin’ Down the Highway: A Beach Boys Podcast”
    Join Matt, Glenn, and Tim as they explore the profound weirdness that is The Beach Boys in their brand new venture, Talkin’ Down the Highway: A Beach Boys Podcast.
  • Season 2, Episode 15 – St. Louis Record Store Crawl
    In this special episode of the podcast, Matt and Glenn (minus Tim) discuss their recent record store crawl through St. Louis. Other topics include BBQ, Dante’s Inferno, and the untimely demise of Tim.
  • Season 2, Episode 14 – Seattle Record Store Crawl
    In this episode, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss their recent trip to Seattle for a nine-stop record store crawl. Other topics include tote bags, antique campaign buttons, and a special request for Bob Nastanovich.
  • Season 2, Episode 13 – 90s One-Hit Wonders
    In the latest episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss three nineties-era “one-hit wonders” who actually had surprising depth beyond their big hit. Other topics include baseball, Twitter feuds, and how one person (Glenn) can possibly be so wrong about so many different things.
  • Season 2, Episode 12 – Divisive “WTF” Albums
    Three iconic sixties artists adapt to a changing musical landscape by releasing divisive albums which left fans scratching their heads. Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss each of them in this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast. Other topics include an inventive compilation from the Numero Group, #RIPChocoTaco, and our continuing campaign to free The Surfrajettes.
  • Season 2, Episode 11 – Replacing Led Zeppelin IV
    Don’t get us wrong: Led Zeppelin’s fourth album is a beast. However, whether you wanted to or not, you’ve probably already heard it plenty of times. In this episode of the podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim recommend three albums that might scratch the same itch. Other topics include sham sponsorships, Abba-Zaba candy bars, and rooster sampling.
  • Season 2, Episode 10 – Revisiting Pearl Jam
    In the latest episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim take another trip back to the nineties, revisiting the first five albums from one of the decade’s biggest bands: Pearl Jam. Additional topics include Tim’s recent near-death experience, the complicated politics of wearing shorts at work, and turn-of-the-century psychology.
  • Season 2, Episode 9 – 1997
    Matt, Glenn, and Tim mark the 25th anniversary of Matt’s graduation from high school by discussing the music of the year 1997. Additional topics include fedoras, the general malaise of late spring, and the difference between The Verve and The Verve Pipe.
  • Season 2, Episode 8 – Deep Dive: Terror Twilight, Farewell Horizontal
    In this “Deep Dive,” Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss the new Pavement reissue release, Terror Twilight: Farewell Horizontal. Additional topics include Fruit Gushers, California Gold Rush-themed strip clubs, and the first episode of a new set-piece, “Taft Talk.”
  • Season 2, Episode 7 – Runt of the Litter, Pixies Reunion
    In the second “Runt of the Litter” installment, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss the divisive Pixies reunion albums: Indie Cindy, Head Carrier, and Beneath the Eyrie. Additional topics include opening day baseball, “Transylvania Twist,” and lying to Robert Pollard.
  • Season 2, Episode 6 – Replacing Eric Clapton
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim ask the essential question: Do we really need Eric Clapton? SPOILER ALERT: The answer is “no,” and the three hosts discuss other artists who could take Clapton’s place in the pantheon of great rock guitarists. 
  • Season 2, Episode 5 – Runt of the Litter, “WTF” Albums
    Matt, Glenn, and Tim inaugurate a new series in this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast. “Runt of the Litter” focuses on neglected albums from respected artists in an attempt to rescue the reputations of some potential lost gems. This installment finds the hosts tackling a particularly fascinating phenomena: mid-career albums that beg the question, “what the fuck?”
  • Season 2, Episode 4 – 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees
    In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss the merits of this year’s nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, whittling the list down to the five artists they would induct into the Class of 2022. 
  • Season 2, Episode 3 – 2021 and the Current State of Music
    Last year, the Strange Currencies Podcast devoted an entire episode to their favorite music of 2020. However, 2021 left Matt, Glenn, and Tim feeling rather underwhelmed by new releases. In this episode, they discuss albums that caught their ear in 2021, the current state of the music industry, and a recent article in The Atlantic that ponders the question: “Is ‘old’ music killing ‘new’ music?”
  • Season 2, Episode 2 – The Beach Boys’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
    In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss The Beach Boys’ 1988 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In what is, unquestionably, the most “interstescene” episode of the podcast to date, the Strange Currencies hosts break down the very different speeches delivered by the band’s co-founders: Brian Wilson and “Brian Wilson’s cousin.”
  • Season 2, Episode 1 – ‘Get Back’
    The Strange Currencies Podcast finally returns! In the super-sized Season 2 premiere, Matt, Glenn, and Tim are joined by a special guest as they discuss Peter Jackson’s expansive new Beatles documentary, Get Back. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 20 – Replacing ‘Hotel California’
    In the Season 1 finale of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss the Eagles’ 1976 millions-selling album Hotel California. SPOILER ALERT: They’re not fans. They’ll discuss albums that might scratch the same itch, but are, well… better. Other topics of conversation include beer (one of which Glenn spills), their ongoing campaign to free The Surfragettes, and Glenn’s highly-divisive “Hey-Oh!” sign-off. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 19 – Deep Dive: KID A MNESIA
    In the latest episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn examine Radiohead’s new archival release, KID A MNESIA. They discuss the two classic albums that it collects, and the third “bonus disc” of previously unreleased material. Other topics include beer, sponsorship, and music criticism. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 18 – The Beach Boys Cruise
    In the latest episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn are joined by a special guest, as they discuss some of the more bizarre aspects of the extremely ill-advised “Beach Boys” (quotation marks intentional) “Good Vibrations Cruise” – setting sail (in the middle of a global pandemic) next spring. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 17 – Shuffling the 90s
    Matt and Glenn celebrate “90s Month” by shuffling through Spotify’s “90s Road Trip” playlist; see what they think about some of the decade’s biggest hits in the latest episode of the Strange Currencies podcast. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 16 – Jazz 101
    New to Jazz? We’ve got you covered. Explore the “Jazz 101” curriculum with Matt and Glenn in the latest episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 15 – Deep Dive: Feel Flows
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt, Glenn, and a special guest discuss the recently-released Beach Boys box set, Feel Flows: The Sunflower & Surf’s Up Sessions. Topics include lengthy conversations on the two albums pulled from these sessions, an “unboxing” of both vinyl editions of the new package, and first impressions of the latest archive release from one of our favorite groups. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 14 – Replacing ‘A Night at the Opera’
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt, Glenn, and a special guest discuss Queen’s 1975 opus, A Night at the Opera. In addition to considering its place in the rock canon, they consider other albums that may be equally (or more) worthy of your attention. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 13 – Maintaining a Collection
    The Strange Currencies Podcast finally returns! In this episode – recorded before our summer recess – Matt and Glenn are joined again by frequent contributor, Bert. On the agenda this time are conversations about record collecting, organization, and a lengthy debate about the ethics/value of music streaming services.
  • Episode 12 – Defining “Kitsch”
    In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn discuss the concept of musical “kitsch.” Join them as they talk about exotica, space-age pop, lounge, and western music, and share some favorite songs/artists from each genre. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 11 – Replacing The Doors
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt, Glenn, and a special guest discuss four records that could serve as a suitable “replacement” for The Doors’ self-titled 1967 debut. Join them as they discuss their thoughts on Jim Morrison, rock poetry, and albums that may scratch the same itch as The Doors. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 10 – Shuffling The Beatles
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt and Glenn are celebrating Strange Currencies‘ “Beatles Month” with a special guest. Join them as they shuffle through the Fab Four’s catalog: discussing the various phases of The Beatles’ career; reflecting on Strange Currencies‘ “Top 100 Beatles Songs” list; and sharing stories about the greatest pop group that has ever existed. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 9 – Record Store Crawl
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt and Glenn are joined by a special guest, as they reflect on their recent “Record Store Crawl.” Join them as they discuss what makes a great record store, and rank the best shops in Portland. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 8 – Replacing Rumors
    It’s no secret that Matt and Glenn do not love Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 behemoth, Rumors. In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, they are joined by a special guest to recommend “alternate” album picks for those who can’t get enough of Rumors.  Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 7 – 1996
    In this installment of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn take a trip back to the year 1996. Join them as they discuss old favorites, past regrets, and new discoveries. Then take a listen to their “1996 Mixtape,” found below the podcast link, and leave some comments on whose “side” of the tape you prefer (Glenn picked tracks 1-10, and Matt claimed songs 11-20). Check out the podcast below: APPLE MUSIC Playlist (SIDE A – Glenn) APPLE MUSIC Playlist (SIDE B – Matt)
  • Episode 6 – The British Invasion (Part 2)
    In this installment of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn are joined by a special guest as they conclude their discussion of the British Invasion. Join them as they share their verdict on who they think is the scene’s second-best act. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 5 – The Best Music of 2020
    In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn celebrate their favorite music from 2020 and hand out some hardware. Reference the table below for a preview of the honors that they are awarding in the first ever Strange Currencies year-end extravaganza: Best Album from a Genre That I Don’t Typically Enjoy (8:10)Best Album Recommended to Me by My Kids (14:45)Sentimental Favorite (26:28)Song of the Year (36:15)Eventual Grower (40:20)Best Reissue/Archival Release (52:18)“Sound and Vision” Awards (55:33)Captured the Spirit of 2020 (1:00:30)“Heroes and Villains” Awards (1:07:38)Album of the Year (1:12:44) Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 4 – The British Invasion (Part 1)
    In this installment of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn are discussing the British Invasion; more specifically, they’ll be debating who is the runner-up to “you know who.” They’ll argue the cases of five different nominees on this episode, and share both their verdicts – and the voices of Strange Currencies listeners – in an upcoming follow-up episode. Check out the podcast below: Then, make your voice heard. Add your thoughts in the comment section of this page, and take our poll. <?php echo do_shortcode(‘[Total_Soft_Poll id=”2″]’);?>
  • Episode 3 – The Rolling Stone 500 (Part 2)
    In this installment of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt and Glenn conclude their discussion of Rolling Stone‘s recently-revised “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list. This episode – the second in a two-part series – features conversation about entries #1-5. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 2 – The Rolling Stone 500 (Part 1)
    The second installment of the Strange Currencies Podcast finds Matt and Glenn discussing Rolling Stone‘s recently-revised “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list. Rather than tackling the entire list, our hosts are specifically focusing on Rolling Stone‘s top ten albums. This episode – the first in a two-part series – features discussion about entries #6-10. Check out the podcast below:
  • Episode 1 – Nuggets
    It’s here – our first venture into the world of podcasting! Hosted by Matt Ryan and Glenn Krake, the Strange Currencies Podcast will take a deep dive into a different musical topic with each episode. It’s just Matt and Glenn this time, but future episodes will feature special guest contributors. In this inaugural episode, Matt and Glenn are nerd-ing out on the classic 1972 garage rock compilation, Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968. In addition to discussing the collection’s highs and lows, they’re discussing its influence, artwork, and other associated trivia. Check out the podcast below: