Listen Closely with Jon & Chris

One of the most underrated bands of the 1990s (and beyond) is undoubtedly the multi-talented Manchester band, James. Produced by the legendary, Brian Eno, their 1993 album - which contains the hit song, 'Laid'- is widely considered to be one of the best to come out of the UK in the 1990s.

Take a close listen as Jon and Chris examine the album, and make a compelling argument for why (more than a quarter-century after it was released) the album sounds as fresh and relevant as ever.

This genre of music (often referred to as 'Yacht Rock' or Marina Rock') is so near and dear to both Chris and Jon that they obnoxiously devote over an hour to it. Listen to this often entertaining and occasionally rambling analysis of the smooth, easy sounds of the late-70s and early-80s.

And what better way is there to launch a summer of isolation and social distancing then by extolling the virtues of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and Boz Scaggs?

From his early days as the frontman for the pioneering art-rock band, Roxy Music, right up until present day, the great Bryan Ferry has crafted both a sound and style that has been imitated countless times, but never quite duplicated. In honor of this suave and dapper crooner and songwriter's 75th birthday on September 26th, Jon and Chris take a look at his 1987 solo effort, Bete Noire. And while the two have a heated disagreement regarding the album's nadir, they both agree that the album is Ferry's undisputed solo masterpiece, and that gender reveal parties are one of the most asinine trends in modern society.

His upbeat and snappy 1988 solo debut, Faith, made him an unexpected global superstar and- in his own words- ‘every little hungry schoolgirl’s pride and joy.’ But with his 1990 follow-up, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, the late George Michael did an about-face and released a stripped-down, deeply personal collection of songs that reflected his own struggles with both fame and his private life. Critics and fans (and, in particular, his record label) were left perplexed and even a bit disappointed. But the album grew in popularity over the years, and on the occasion of its thirtieth anniversary, Jon and Chris examine this milestone achievement from an immensely talented singer and songwriter.