Best Robert Abba Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 243: Jay Reatard 43:18

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2h ago43:18

43:18

This week we're discussing every album by Jay Reatard. Before his untimely death due to an overdose in 2010, Jay Reatard (not his birth name, believe it or not) made his name playing a distinct but surprisingly catchy brand of garage rock-infused punk. He started with The Reatards and then Lost Sounds before going solo. Maybe his style isn't for ev…

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A Karate Christmas Miracle (2019) | Dir. Julie Kimmel 2:19:05

4d ago2:19:05

2:19:05

In this episode, we discuss Julie Kimmel's A Karate Christmas Miracle, including Eric Roberts, the film's treatment of Abby, and the Ken Del Vecchio cinematic universe. See where A Karate Christmas Miracle is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Justice For All Productions & Ken Del Vecchio YouTube Channel • Justice For All Productions Webs…

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Our Favorite Albums of 2025 + Alex Says Goodbye 2:26:42

6d ago2:26:42

2:26:42

This week is bitter-sweet. On one hand, we're ranking the best albums to come out in 2025. On the other, it is Alex's final episode on the show. So to send him off, he's also running down his top 10 favorite albums of all-time. Thanks for all the episodes, Alex, best of luck with whatever you move on to next. The show will continue in 2026 with Mik…

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Smoke & Fiction by X | Loose Ends 22:10

18d ago22:10

22:10

Today we're tying up some loose ends by discussing Smoke & Fiction, the final album by legendary punk band X. We originally covered the band's whole discography back in 2019, so when X reunited to release Alphabetland in 2020, it completely caught us off-guard. Smoke & Fiction is more of the same, which in this case is a bit disappointing. It's gre…

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Episode 242: Torche 1:19:51

20d ago1:19:51

1:19:51

This week we're discussing every album by Torche. This is Alex's final discography with Every Album Ever, so we wanted to go out with a bang and discuss one of the most criminally underrated metal bands ever. Combining sludge and stoner metal with bright riffs and lightning speed, Torche is a band that perfected a style unlike anyone else. Every al…

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The Sovereignty of Hope: Scholarship, Precarity, and the Future of Academic Freedom 1:00:56

27d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

A recording of one of Leela Prasad's presidential plenaries, held at the 2025 AAR Annual Meeting in Boston. Leela Prasad, Brown University, presiding Speakers (in order of appearance): James Bowley Larissa Carneiro Koritha Mitchell, Boston University Laurie Louise Patton Summary In an era of faculty precarity, ideological polarization, and institut…

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Episode 241: Jawbox 1:06:44

27d ago1:06:44

1:06:44

This week we're discussing every album by post-hardcore band Jawbox. Formed in Washington DC and opening up for bands like Fugazi, Jawbox--along with Shudder to Think--were one of the Dischord bands signed to a major label in the early 90s. Going back to all of their records today, it's safe to say Jawbox is one of the more criminally underrated ba…

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My Winnipeg (2007) | Dir. Guy Maddin 1:39:50

1M ago1:39:50

1:39:50

In this episode, we discuss Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg, including Maddin's use of repetition, the representation of memory, and the film's blending of fact and fiction. See where My Winnipeg is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's My Winnipeg Blu-ray • My Winnipeg (The Criterion Channel) • Guy Maddin and Robert Enri…

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Episode 240: The Damned (Pt. 2) 1:10:44

1M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

This week we're discussing every album by the Damned from 1995 to 2023. This era of the the Damned, while less talked about, features the departure of longtime drummer and founding member Rat Scabies. Without beating around the bush, there are some rough albums here. But it's not unsalvageable! Intro/Where We Left Off 00:00 Not of This Earth 8:32 G…

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Episode 239: Turbonegro 1:54:44

1M ago1:54:44

1:54:44

This week we're discussing every album by Turbonegro. Formed in the late 80s in Norway, Turbonegro has carved out their own unique and silly niche in punk. Raunchy lyrics, makeup, sailor hats, and an endless supply of denim are their most consistent themes. Not to mention having made a name for themselves by being featured in various Jackass relate…

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Episode 238: Blind Idiot God 1:27:42

2M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

This week we're discussing every album by Blind Idiot God. Led by guitarist and main songwriter Andy Hawkins, Blind Idiot God is an instrumental prog, noise rock, metal, hard rock, dub reggae band. Yes, you read that correctly. These guys are out of their freakin' minds and there is absolutely no other band in the world that sounds anything like th…

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Episode 237: Nine Inch Nails 2:31:23

2M ago2:31:23

2:31:23

This week we're discussing every album by Nine Inch Nails. Made up solely of Trent Reznor (and later on Atticus Ross), NIN is a band that we've all heard and most likely already enjoy quite a bit. Whether we're loudly screaming the lyrics to "Closer" at family gatherings or just rolling around in mud in our free time, Nine Inch Nails is a band that…

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Mahjong (1996) | Dir. Edward Yang 2:19:14

2M ago2:19:14

2:19:14

In this episode, we discuss Edward Yang's Mahjong, including the ways in which the film is challenging for viewers, the film's exploration of an evolving Taiwan, and Yang's mastery of tone. See where Mahjong is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's A Confucian Confusion / Mahjong: Two Films by Edward Yang Blu-ray •…

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The Role of Religion in Today's Democratic Crises 1:10:33

2M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

“Jesus saves” banners at the January 6th insurrection. Evangelical elevation of President Trump as God’s elect. Claims of religious freedom used to justify discrimination. Scriptural “prooftexts” wielded to strip individuals of civil rights. Growing affection in religious communities for authoritarian models of government. Religion is playing signi…

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private music by Deftones | Album Review 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

This week we're discussing private music, the latest album by Deftones. This band needs no introduction and has rarely disappointed over the course of their career since the late 90s. People are raving about this new album, but Mike and Alex are split on it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------…

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Episode 236: The Damned (Pt. 1) 2:15:37

2M ago2:15:37

2:15:37

This week we're discussing every album by The Damned from 1977 to 1986. Pioneers of punk (and goth to a degree), The Damned are a band more talented and even more insane than most others. They defined the chaos of first generation punk in the late 70s, yet still managed to put out some of the most legendary albums of the era. Dave Vanian, Captain S…

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Episode 235: Women 1:24:45

3M ago1:24:45

1:24:45

This week we're discussing every album by Women. From Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Women are a right-down-the-middle-split between indie garage rock and noisy prog rock, with almost nothing in the middle. Made up of Patrick Flegel (guitar, vocals), Matt Flegel (bass, vocals), Mike Wallace (drums), and Christopher Reimer (guitar). The band struggled in…

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Androgynes and Eunuchs in Rabbinic Literature with Max K. Strassfeld 22:33

3M ago22:33

22:33

Max K. Strassfeld, associate professor of religion at the University of Southern California and winner of the ⁠2023 AAR Book Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion: Textual Studies⁠, speaks to Kristian Petersen about their book, ⁠Trans Talmud: Androgynes and Eunuchs in Rabbinic Literature (University of California Press, 2023).…

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Episode 234: Magazine 1:18:59

3M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

This week we're discussing every album by Magazine. Led by vocalist Howard Devoto and guitarist John McGeoch (before he left to join Siouxsie and the Banshees), Magazine is one of the most underrated punk bands to come out of England in the late 70s. Their style, which was in large part characterized by prominent synths, was unlike any other band a…

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Episode 233: ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead 2:42:57

3M ago2:42:57

2:42:57

This week we're discussing every album by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. Led by core members Conrad Keely and Jason Reece (who both trade off between drums, guitars and vocals), Trail of Dead is one of the most fun and ambitious post-hardcore bands around. And although they have a trademark sound, they've continued to evolve and expa…

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The Haunting (1963) | Dir. Robert Wise 1:49:30

3M ago1:49:30

1:49:30

In this episode, we discuss Robert Wise's The Haunting, including the film's many interpretations, Eleanor's self-discovery, and the film's depiction of paranormal activity. See where The Haunting is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Haunting Blu-ray • "The Haunting" Q&A with Robert Wise, Russ Tamblyn, & Nelson Gidding (1993) • Rober…

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Episode 232: Cardiacs 2:43:50

3M ago2:43:50

2:43:50

This week we're discussing every album by the completely insane Cardiacs. If you aren't familiar with this band, then you're going to need to take a seat and prepare yourself. Led by the late Tim Smith and his brother Jim, Cardiacs are a prog band like no other in existence. You just have to hear them. Their final album, LSD, was just released afte…

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Episode 231: Killdozer 1:29:39

4M ago1:29:39

1:29:39

This week we're discussing every album by Killdozer. Made up of Michael Gerald, and Bill and Dan Hobson, Killdozer is without question one of the funniest sludge metal/noise rock bands in history. Satirical and over the top, but with no shortage of incredibly hard hitting riffs. Easily one of Touch & Go Records' most underrated bands that you shoul…

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Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse | Loose Ends 38:05

4M ago38:05

38:05

This week we're tying up some loose ends by discussing Let God Sort Em Out, the newest album by hip-hop duo Clipse. This is not a reunion we saw coming and to be completely honest, half of the reason we're even covering it is because of how much Mike hates Clipse. (We covered all of their albums on episode 56). However, this album completely surpri…

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Episode 230: Sonic Youth (Pt. 2) 2:02:05

4M ago2:02:05

2:02:05

This week we're discussing the remaining albums by Sonic Youth. This era covers everything from 1994 until their breakup in 2011. Aside from a couple of exceptions, not many of their most well known albums are in this era, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of worth here. Even though Sonic Youth isn't a band for everyone, they have a style th…

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Perfect Blue (1997) | Dir. Satoshi Kon 2:14:47

4M ago2:14:47

2:14:47

In this episode, we discuss Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue, including the film's connection to Japan's otaku culture, the film's depiction of celebrity, and Kon's use of cinematic techniques. See where Perfect Blue is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Shout Factory's Perfect Blue Blu-ray • Otaku (1994) • Otaku (1994) (Internet Archive) • Lec…

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Episode 229: Placebo 1:53:59

4M ago1:53:59

1:53:59

This week we're discussing every album by Placebo. While they can be considered a fairly niche band, Placebo has had massive widespread appeal and success since the mid 90s. However, we call BS on the legitimacy of their albums as the years go on. Needless to say, they're not exactly our band. Intro/Band Overview 00:00 Placebo 21:28 Without You I'm…

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Penuel the Black Pen - Intelligence, Mass Surveillance, and Money - theREN Experience #42 1:30:49

4M ago1:30:49

1:30:49

Penuel Mlotshwa is the host of The Penuel Show (@konvo_za ), a speaker, author of the book Penuel(ism) and is considered a controversial internet personality. [00:00] - Introduction [01:55] - Curse of Intelligence [08:44] - Socialism vs Capitalism [21:25] - Mass Surveillance [31:56] - Choosing Dictatorship [44:15] - The Poor Eaten By The Rich [50:5…

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Episode 228: Daniel Striped Tiger 1:15:23

4M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

This week we're discussing every album by Daniel Striped Tiger. Named after the puppet from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Daniel Striped Tiger is a ferocious post-hardcore band from Boston. This is the first time Mike and Alex have heard the band and let's just say they were delighted. We might be biased here on this podcast, but this band never went w…

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Abba Amlak: Spirituality, Genetics, Truth, Prayer, and Fatherhood- theREN Experience #41 2:04:22

5M ago2:04:22

2:04:22

Abba Amlak is a thought-provoking speaker and spiritual figure known for exploring the nature of the soul, intelligence, and ancestral knowledge. Timestamp [00:00]: Spirits With Human Experience [03:33]: Man’s Search for Meaning [09:38]: How You Inherit Scars [18:30]: Breathing Right Conquers Fear [29:39]: Bases of All Human Knowledge [35:12]: You …

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The RSN Podcast: In Conversation with AAR Book Award Winner Karen V. Guth 19:43

5M ago19:43

19:43

Karen V. Guth, associate professor of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross and winner of the ⁠2023 AAR Book Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion: Constructive-Reflective Studies, speaks to Kristian Petersen about her book, ⁠The Ethics of Tainted Legacies: Human Flourishing after Traumatic Pasts (Cambridge University Press, 20…

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Episode 227: Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 2:30:35

5M ago2:30:35

2:30:35

This week we're discussing every album by Thinking Fellers Union Local 282. Let's just get this out of the way now: you probably haven't heard of this band, but that needs to change today. TFUL 282 are one of the smartest and most creatively gifted bands in history. Noisy, silly, beautiful, and wildly technical at times. If you have even a passing …

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Dr. Kelvin Kemm: Nuclear, Uranium, Coal, Economics, and Medicine - theREN Experience #40 1:11:34

5M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

About: Dr Kelvin Kemm is a nuclear physicist, past Chairman of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NESCA) and has been involved in the development of the South African SMR program since its inception over two decades ago. Timestamp: [00:00]: Introduction [00:35]: Why Nuclear Isn’t What You Think / Capping Africa’s Electricity to 10% [06:2…

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MAD! by Sparks | Album Review 24:22

5M ago24:22

24:22

Today we're discussing MAD!, the latest album by Sparks. We love Sparks and the simple fact that Ron and Russell Mael are still making records over 50 years into their career is amazing. While MAD! may not be our favorite Sparks record ever, it still has all the charm you'd hope to expect from one, not to mention their delightfully quirky lyrics. -…

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Episode 226: Wild Nothing 2:13:13

5M ago2:13:13

2:13:13

This week we're discussing every album by Wild Nothing. This band is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Jack Tatum, and if you're at all familiar with indie/synth wave/dream pop then you already have a pretty good idea how these albums sound. Unfortunately, Wild Nothing joins the ranks of bands we have no business talking about and that we nev…

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Stranger Than Paradise (1984) | Dir. Jim Jarmusch 1:47:04

5M ago1:47:04

1:47:04

In this episode, we discuss Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise, including the film's visual style, how the film grammar supports the themes, and what differentiates Willie and Eva. See where Stranger Than Paradise is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Stranger Than Paradise Blu-ray • Stranger Than Paradise (T…

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Motherfucker, I Am Both... by Shearling | Album Review 39:09

5M ago39:09

39:09

This week we're discussing Motherfucker, I Am Both: "Amen" and "Hallelujah"..., the debut album by experimental band Shearling. Let's not beat around the bush here; this album is absolutely insane. While the band is clearly influenced by post rock and noise rock, the result is something out of a nightmare and should approached with the utmost cauti…

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More by Pulp | Loose Ends 30:13

6M ago30:13

30:13

This week we're tying up some loose ends by discussing More, the reunion album by Pulp. It's been over five years since Mike and Alex covered every single album by Pulp (back on episode 44) so they definitely weren't expecting an album full of brand new material. Mike came out of that episode a fan while Alex did not. However, this album just shook…

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Episode 225: Sonic Youth (Pt. 1) 2:32:12

6M ago2:32:12

2:32:12

This week we're discussing every album by Sonic Youth from 1982 - 1992. Made up of core members Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, and Steve Shelley, Sonic Youth are easily one of the most influential, as well as one of the most eclectic rock bands of all time. This era of the band covers all of their early years, including the vast majority …

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Taste of Cherry (1997) | Dir. Abbas Kiarostami 2:04:02

6M ago2:04:02

2:04:02

In this episode, we discuss Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry, including Mr. Badii's treatment of the three supporting characters, the visual motif of dirt, and the film's self-reflexive ending. See where Taste of Cherry is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Taste of Cherry Blu-ray • Taste of Cherry (The Criter…

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Episode 224: This Heat 1:08:09

6M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

This week we're discussing every album by This Heat. This is a band we don't really have words for because they're unlike anything we've ever heard. To put a genre on them feels silly, especially considering some of their songs could hardly be considered music. But they are indeed one of the most original bands we've ever come across, with songs th…

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Announcement | Taste of Cherry Delayed 4:01

6M ago4:01

4:01

We wanted to let everyone know our discussion of Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry is delayed. In this brief episode, Joe gives some insight into why and when to expect the episode. Thank you for your understanding. Additional Audio Sources: • Taste of Cherry Trailer (The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray) • Taste of Cherry | Modern Trailer by CP Tra…

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Episode 223: The Stone Roses 1:10:47

6M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

This week we're discussing every album by The Stone Roses. This band put out one of the most beloved albums of the 80s and then proceeded to completely crumble under its success, churning out one massive disappointment of a followup five years later, only to immediately break up. A harrowing tale, but at least we have some fun tunes out of it. Intr…

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Episode 222: TOOL 2:15:14

7M ago2:15:14

2:15:14

This week we're discussing every album by TOOL. This band needs no introduction, considering they're one of the most famous metal bands in existence. This is, however, Mike's first deep dive into the band. Some controversial takes here, some not so controversial. But even if you aren't the biggest TOOL fan in the world, there is simply no denying w…

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Episode 221: Creedle 1:27:00

7M ago1:27:00

1:27:00

This week we're discussing every album by Creedle. If you haven't heard of this band, don't worry, no one has. However, we urge you to change that today. Creedle is one of the most criminally underrated and underappreciated prog bands that exists. If you're a fan of Mr. Bungle, King Crimson, Secret Chiefs 3, or just crazy music in general, then the…

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The RSN Podcast: In Conversation with AAR Book Award Winner William Robert 29:17

7M ago29:17

29:17

William Robert, professor of religion at Syracuse University and winner of the 2023 AAR Book Award in Religion and the Arts, speaks to Kristian Petersen about his book, Unbridled: Studying Religion in Performance (The University of Chicago Press, 2022).

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Lucro Sucio by The Mars Volta | Loose Ends 35:47

7M ago35:47

35:47

This week we're discussing Lucro Sucio, the latest album by The Mars Volta. It's been three years since the Volta surprised us with their self-titled reunion album in 2022, and now Lucro Sucio shows the band even less predictable than ever. This easily has some of their most deep and psychedelic production. However, we still have problems with the …