Jokermen Podcast Episode Summary: "Carl Wilson: YOUNGBLOOD" Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction: The Rupee Report Segment

At the onset of the episode, hosts Alex and Ben engage in a lighthearted and humorous discussion about Zevia Root Beer. This segment, titled "Rupee Report," serves as a playful diversion before delving into the main topic.

• [00:02] Alex jokingly refers to Zevia as "a mug," setting a casual and comedic tone.
• [02:58] Ben shares his candid opinion: "Zevia Zero sugar Soda, probably not gonna be my preferred flavor of beverage."

The hosts debate the merits of Zevia's Creamy Root Beer versus Ginger Root Beer, highlighting their differing preferences and aversions to the product's taste and packaging.

Main Topic: Carl Wilson's "Youngblood" Album

Transitioning from their initial banter, Alex and Ben shift focus to Carl Wilson's solo album, "Youngblood." Their conversation encompasses the album's production quality, musical composition, lyrical content, and overall reception.

Production and Collaboration

A significant aspect of the discussion revolves around the album's production quality, attributed largely to Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's involvement.

• [13:42] Ben emphasizes Baxter's contribution: "Produced by one Jeff Skunk Baxter. He of Steely Dan and Doody Brothers and later Missile Defense Systems fame."
• [19:07] Alex adds humorously, "He's turning Carl Wilson from, you know, a lukewarm potato into a hot, hotter potato."

Jeff Baxter's background in both music and defense consultancy brings a unique blend of expertise to the album, enhancing its overall sound and complexity.

Album Artwork and Presentation

The hosts critique the album's cover art, noting its simplistic yet effective design.

• [23:22] Alex observes: "It's just like the last one, except it's in color and it's a close up."
• [24:15] Alex further comments on the visual aesthetics: "It's he’s wearing a nice looking, you know... just his face peeking from the darkness."

They appreciate the mature and classy look Carl Wilson adopts, contrasting it with previous solo efforts by other Beach Boys members.

Song Analysis

Alex and Ben provide an in-depth review of several tracks from "Youngblood," highlighting standout moments and offering critiques.

1. "What More Can I Say"

   • [25:10] Alex praises its energy: "What more can I say about this? It's... feels a little energetic."
   • [25:48] Ben adds: "The guitar on this man is like. It's pretty ripping."

2. "Giving You Up"

   • [27:31] Ben reflects on the improvement from Carl's previous work: "He's doing something that's passable."
   • [28:00] Alex notes the emotional depth: "I do like the guitar on this."

3. "She's Mine"

   • [29:00] Ben humorously comments on the lyrics: "The bitch is mine."
   • [30:00] Alex expresses surprise: "Carl, don't say that."

4. "Rocking All Over the World"

   • [40:07] Ben expresses his enjoyment: "Rocking all over the world... What you do to me."
   • [41:00] Alex describes the musical style: "It's got some honky tonk piano type stuff."

5. "What You Do to Me"

   • [42:16] Alex critiques its simplicity: "It's fine. But I want to hear him do something that has, like, a little something like..."
   • [43:35] Ben connects it to wider musical trends: "Any sort of Nintendo esque type song I'm not gonna shake a stick at."

6. "Time"

   • [57:25] Ben hails it as the album's standout: "Pure banger. Absolute heat here at the end of this record."
   • [58:00] Alex agrees on its impact: "Don't always want you on my case, you bitch."

Throughout the song analyses, the hosts interweave their personal opinions with technical observations, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of each track's strengths and weaknesses.

Notable Quotes

• [13:07] Alex: "It was like the blueprints, like, it was like when you see a house under construction... But this. This feels like, you know, it's a finished structure."
• [16:39] Ben: "We do not endorse the United States Department of Defense here on this program... But at the same time, I can't help but be a little bit kind of charmed..."
• [44:35] Ben: "Man, I'm in an important step. This guy's cool. I'm into him."
• [53:20] Ben: "Some cool, Some cool ripping from Skunk on the guitar. So like, I'll enjoy that."

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' blend of humor, critique, and genuine appreciation for Carl Wilson's efforts.

Final Assessment and Rating

After a thorough examination of "Youngblood," Ben and Alex converge on their overall impressions and rating.

• Ben: "I'm gonna give him a little extra credit on this one just for kind of showing up and doing something that's passable."
• Alex: "Two out of three stars, Carl points."
• Ben: "Two out of three, Carl points."

They acknowledge the album's improvement over Carl's previous solo work, recognizing its musical merits despite lingering reservations about lyrical depth and thematic consistency.

Additional Discussions and Humor

Beyond the primary focus on Carl Wilson's album, Alex and Ben engage in various tangents, including:

• [22:18] Ben: Discussing the Nelk Boys and their controversial podcast guests.
• [37:20] Alex & Ben: Sharing recommendations for local chicken restaurants, adding a relatable and casual element to the conversation.
• [44:34] Ben: Delving into the biography of John Hall, touching upon his multifaceted career as a musician and politician.

These interludes showcase the hosts' chemistry and ability to weave humor and diverse topics seamlessly into their discourse.

Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Wrapping up the episode, Alex and Ben hint at future discussions, including:

• [63:31] Alex: Teasing the exploration of Brian Wilson's solo career.
• [63:53] Ben: Promising more in-depth analysis and continuation of engaging topics.

Listeners are left anticipating forthcoming episodes that promise to delve deeper into the intricate worlds of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, maintaining the show's hallmark of insightful and entertaining commentary.

Overall Rating for "Youngblood": ★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 3 stars)

Carl Wilson's "Youngblood" represents a commendable effort in his solo career, marked by improved production quality and a handful of standout tracks. While it doesn't entirely overcome the shortcomings of his previous work, it offers a more polished and engaging listening experience, earning a solid two-star rating from the Jokermen Podcast hosts.