Middle Aged Dad Record Club

Ash and Matthew explore what makes live music unforgettable—from the gigs they wish they’d seen to the concerts that still live rent-free in their memories. They also debate whether a live album can capture the energy of the room, or whether some shows only make sense when you were there. The episode’s big takeaway: a great live album can stand on its own, but the best live experiences are about more than the songs—it’s the atmosphere, the moment and the people you share it with. For next episodes homework, Ash assigns Matthew Neil Young’s Harvest Moon ; Matthew sends Ash to the Indigo Girls’ Swamp Ophelia .

The Beatles’ pre- Sgt. Pepper years are packed with bold turns, unforgettable melodies and songs that still invite debate. Ash and Matthew build their own 12-track Beatles albums, then get into the records, deep cuts and studio choices that shaped the band’s early evolution. Ash and Matthew’s Beatles selections reveal two different ways of approaching the early catalogue: as a carefully sequenced listening journey and as a collection of songs too strong to leave behind. Expect deep affection, friendly disagreement and the reminder that even familiar classics can still hold a new discovery. Along the way, they review Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by the Smashing Pumpkins and Never Loved Elvis by the Wonder Stuff, trade quick-fire verdicts on another round of underrated/overrated/properly rated, and launch a new questionable “Question Time” segment. No guest this episode—just two record-obsessed hosts, plenty of detours, and homework for next time.

The Cure sit at the heart of this episode: a deep dive into the band’s sprawling catalog, their best-loved songs, and the albums that still hit hardest decades later. Along the way, there’s also a lively debate about movie soundtracks, cult classics, and a few hot takes that are guaranteed to spark arguments. It’s a record-club-style conversation that swings from new releases and live albums to nostalgic soundtrack picks and rapid-fire overrated/underrated judgments. If you love alternative rock, vinyl talk, or the kind of music chat that jumps from The Cure to Kenny Loggins to Badly Drawn Boy without warning, this one’s for you. A few of the albums and artists discussed near the top of the show include Pulp’s recent live release, Jack White’s latest solo record, Radiohead ticket luck, and a quick detour through Beatles box sets and deluxe reissues.

In this inaugural episode of the Middle Aged Dad Record Club, Ash and Matthew dive into their ideal Radiohead album and square off in a top five battle of B-sides, while also sharing what’s been spinning on their decks and what releases they’re eagerly awaiting.

About the Podcast Middle-Aged Dad Record Club is a podcast where two mates, Matthew and Ash, dig through the record crates of their lives — from the 90s albums that shaped them to whatever’s spinning on their turntables right now. Part nostalgia trip, part heated debate club, every episode mixes deep-dive music discussion with the kind of unfiltered banter you’d only get from two dads who still care way too much about b-sides and album sequencing. What to Expect • Album deep dives — pulling apart classic and current records track by track • Themed segments — like “Top 5 B-Sides” or picking the ultimate 12-song LP from a single band’s back catalogue • Hot takes — unapologetic opinions on overrated legends, underrated gems, and everything in between • 90s roots, present-day ears — equal love for the decade that raised them and the artists still pushing things forward The Vibe Think less polished radio show, more two friends arguing about Radiohead’s tracklist over a beer — except someone hit record. It’s for anyone who still buys vinyl, misses the liner notes, and thinks music discourse is basically a competitive sport.