Episode Summary: HardLore's Top 10 Summer Albums
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Hosts: Colin Young & Bo Lueders
Podcast: HardLore
In this vibrant episode of HardLore, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders dive deep into the heart of summer by sharing their Top 10 Summer Albums. Blending personal anecdotes, nostalgic memories, and a profound appreciation for the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes, Colin and Bo offer listeners a curated list that encapsulates the essence of summer through music. Each album is not just a collection of songs but a gateway to unforgettable seasons, riding waves of sound that define their top picks.
Number 10: "Sticks and Stones" by New Found Glory
Timestamp: [02:06]
Bo Lueders kicks off the list with New Found Glory’s iconic album, "Sticks and Stones." He reminisces about the album’s impact during his teenage years, highlighting its catchy melodies and widespread popularity in early 2000s teen comedies.
Bo (02:16): "I remember... getting in my Toyota Celica... Put that on and just the second it starts, it's just ripping catchy. Immediately I had a great time."
Colin Young echoes Bo’s sentiments, recognizing the album as a pivotal summer anthem that resonated with countless fans.
Number 9: "Don't Lose Your Cool" by Diamond Youth
Timestamp: [03:49]
Colin Young brings forward Diamond Youth’s "Don't Lose Your Cool," emphasizing its significance within the hardcore timeline and its timeless rock sound.
Colin (04:50): "You can really hear the bones of Modern Turnstile. Like those big, big rock riffs... Very summer rock music, straight up."
He praises the album for its well-structured tracks and enduring appeal, drawing parallels to contemporary bands.
Number 8: "War Paint" by War Paint
Timestamp: [10:36]
Bo Lueders shifts gears to introduce War Paint’s self-titled debut. He describes the album as perfect for serene summer nights, characterized by its pleasant melodies and exceptional musicianship.
Bo (10:40): "It's a very summery record. Very pleasant... The musicianship is unbelievable."
Colin adds personal touches, recalling memorable live performances that embody the album’s laid-back summer vibe.
Number 7: "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes" by AFI
Timestamp: [14:49]
Bo presents AFI’s "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes," tying it to skateboarding and inner-city summer experiences. The album’s fast-paced punk energy makes it a staple for active summer days.
Colin (15:35): "No Control was where I was like, I'm listening to one of the greatest bands in history and I still feel that way to this day."
Colin shares how the album was an essential part of his youth, fueling countless skate sessions and adventures.
Number 6: "The Real Thing" by Faith No More
Timestamp: [21:18]
Colin selects Faith No More’s "The Real Thing" as his sixth pick, lauding it as a quintessential summer record that blends epic sounds with infectious energy.
Bo (22:35): "It's unbelievable that that record... it's just as good as this."
He highlights the album’s dynamic range and its ability to elevate any summer gathering.
Number 5: "From Under the Cork Tree" by Fall Out Boy
Timestamp: [23:36]
Bo dives into Fall Out Boy’s "From Under the Cork Tree," celebrating its massive influence and summer anthems like "Dance, Dance" and "Sugar, We’re Goin Down."
Bo (25:05): "This record is just... it screams summer."
Colin concurs, noting the album’s ubiquitous presence on radio stations and its role in defining a generation’s summer soundtrack.
Number 4: "Street Cleaner" by Godflesh
Timestamp: [27:39]
Bo presents Godflesh’s "Street Cleaner," capturing the grittiness and industrial edge of urban summer life. The album’s abrasive tones reflect the harsh realities of city summers.
Colin (27:45): "This is one of the most disgusting pieces of music ever written. And I say that wholeheartedly. Complimentary."
They discuss how the album mirrors the intense and often uncomfortable heat of summer, adding depth to their top picks.
Number 3: "Born to Die (Paradise Edition)" by Lana Del Rey
Timestamp: [37:03]
Colin surprises listeners with Lana Del Rey’s "Born to Die (Paradise Edition)," praising its atmospheric vibes and summer romance themes.
Bo (37:32): "Masterpiece. Gods and monsters, absolutely insane."
Colin reflects on how the album’s melancholic yet dreamy soundscape perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nature of summer love.
Number 2: "Antenna" by Cave In
Timestamp: [42:08]
Colin honors Cave In’s "Antenna," a deeply personal pick that combines metalcore intensity with sprawling rock melodies.
Colin (42:18): "This record is so beloved to me. As soon as they put it out, they did a tour with Foo Fighters... they took over my heart forever."
Bo adds appreciation for the album’s craftsmanship and emotional depth, cementing its place as a top summer record.
Number 1: "Shock Troops" by Cock Sparrer
Timestamp: [46:10]
Bo crowns Cock Sparrer’s "Shock Troops" as the ultimate summer album, embodying themes of brotherhood, unity, and British Oi punk energy.
Colin (46:25): "There's nothing more summer than that... Getting a cheeky pint with the boys after working."
Bo emphasizes the album’s infectious hooks and its portrayal of summer camaraderie, making it the perfect finale to their list.
Honorable Mentions
Timestamp: [48:36]
Beyond the top 10, Colin and Bo offer a slew of honorable mentions that further enrich the summer playlist:
- Righteous Jams – Rage of Discipline
- Floor Punch – Fast Times with Jersey
- Ramones – Mondo Bazaar
- Danzig – Danzig I
- Weezer – The Blue Album
Each of these albums is celebrated for their unique contributions to summer vibes, from high-energy punk to alternative rock staples.
Conclusion
Timestamp: [50:07]
As the episode wraps up, Colin and Bo reflect on the duality of summer—the scorching heat juxtaposed with the vibrant, life-affirming music that defines it. They emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining health amidst the festivities, cheekily promoting supplements and merchandise related to their brand.
Colin (29:42): "Summer sucks. And these 20 records are 20 of the best things about it."
Bo concludes with enthusiasm for upcoming events like the Rumble fest in Chicago, inviting listeners to join them in celebrating the music that makes summer unforgettable.
Bo (32:30): "Come see us. Get to the Rumble."
Colin and Bo sign off with a heartfelt message:
Colin & Bo (50:05): "Summer is the worst, but music is the best. We love you all so much. We will see you next week. Bye."
This episode of HardLore not only curates a stellar list of summer albums but also weaves in personal stories and the cultural impact of each record, making it a must-listen for fans seeking the perfect summer soundtrack.