Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth – S2: #65 - The 5 Albums That Changed Our Lives

Release Date: May 27, 2020

In episode #65 of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (referred to as Shane), Damien, and Ian delve into the profound impact that specific music albums have had on their lives. Steering clear of advertisements and non-content segments, the trio engages in a lively and heartfelt discussion, sharing personal anecdotes, critical insights, and occasionally humorous disagreements as they rank their top five transformative albums.

1. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

Speaker: Ian

Ian opens the discussion by heralding Rumours as his number one pick, emphasizing its timeless quality and the intricate personal dynamics that shaped its creation. He remarks:

"Fleetwood Mac was my favorite... Rumours is unbelievable. And it's still timeless." [52:22]

Ian delves into the tumultuous relationships within the band during the album's production, highlighting the creative tension that fueled its legendary status. He shares fascinating behind-the-scenes details:

"Stevie Nicks just split with Lindsey Buckingham... They were all writing these songs about each other and became crazy famous for it." [52:02]

The hosts collectively admire how every track remains a "banger," ensuring the album's enduring legacy.

2. Tame Impala – Currents

Speaker: Ian

Securing the second spot, Ian credits Tame Impala's Currents for influencing his move to Los Angeles and shaping his musical tastes. He describes the album as:

"Hot dang. Currents is a tight album." [44:37]

Shane complements Ian's choice by acknowledging the album's layered composition and emotional depth:

"You're gonna tear up and realize every single song is a flipping banger." [37:22]

Their appreciation underscores the album's blend of psychedelic pop and introspective lyricism, resonating deeply with their personal journeys.

3. The Used – The Used (Self-Titled Album)

Speaker: Ian

Ian assigns the third spot to The Used's self-titled album, praising its consistent quality and impact on the hardcore and screamo scenes. He enthusiastically states:

"Every song is a banger. Literally." [37:38]

Shane and Damien acknowledge the album's significance, with Shane expressing his newfound appreciation:

"I'm learning some stuff." [37:56]

The Used's fusion of aggressive vocals and melodic instrumentation is highlighted as a pivotal influence in their musical evolution.

4. Underøath – They're Only Chasing Safety

Speaker: Ian

The fourth position is awarded to Underøath's They're Only Chasing Safety, a cornerstone in the Christian screamo genre. Ian explains:

"Underøath... their album They're Only Chasing Safety got me into that sort of scene." [27:00]

Shane adds context about the band's unique positioning within the religious and alternative music landscapes:

"They would have to censor themselves a little bit in order to be allowed to play there." [28:56]

The album's blend of intense emotion and spiritual themes resonates as a significant influence on the hosts' appreciation for the genre.

5. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

Speaker: Damien

Damien crowns Amy Winehouse's Back to Black as his top five album, lauding its authenticity and timeless appeal despite his personal ambivalence towards her music. He shares:

"Back to Black is unbelievable. Every song on that album is a hit." [16:02]

Shane reflects on Winehouse's impact, balancing admiration with creator-focused respect:

"I'm never going to listen to some Amy Winehouse today... but I know she was a tour de force." [17:13]

Ian echoes the sentiment, discussing the emotional depth and tragic narrative of Winehouse's life and career.

Honorable Mentions

Beyond the top five, the hosts acknowledge several influential artists and albums that have shaped their musical landscapes:

• Rise Against and Queen's Greatest Hits: Recognized for their enduring appeal and powerful performances. Shane reminisces about listening to Queen's hits on road trips, highlighting their lasting legacy.

• James Taylor, Tyler, the Creator, Gwen Stefani, Slash, No Doubt, Caravan Palace, Florence and the Machine, Rolling Stones, and Weezer: Each mentioned for their unique contributions to various genres and personal significance to the hosts.

• Video Game Soundtracks: Damien emphasizes the emotional resonance of soundtracks like Final Fantasy 7 and Undertale, showcasing the intersection of gaming and music.

Listener Story: "Shoot, Dude"

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts entertain a submitted story titled "Shoot, Dude," where a listener recounts accidentally gluing her shoe to a store carpet with super glue. Shane and Damien humorously validate the tale as believable, collectively agreeing:

"That's a shoot, dude." [57:23]

This segment adds a lighthearted closure to the intense musical discussions, reinforcing the podcast's blend of humor and genuine conversation.

Concluding Thoughts

Smosh Mouth's episode on the five albums that changed the hosts' lives offers listeners an intimate glimpse into their formative musical influences. Through engaging dialogue, personal reflections, and shared experiences, Shane, Damien, and Ian illustrate how these albums not only shaped their tastes but also mirrored pivotal moments in their lives. Whether it's the raw emotion of Rumours, the psychedelic depths of Currents, or the timeless resonance of Back to Black, each album holds a unique place in their hearts, underscoring the profound impact of music in personal growth and self-expression.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ian on Fleetwood Mac's Rumours:

  "When you learn about the making of it, it is freaking insane." [52:02]

• Damien on Amy Winehouse:

  "Back to Black is unbelievable. Every song on that album is a hit." [16:02]

• Shane on Underøath:

  "They would have to censor themselves a little bit in order to be allowed to play there." [28:56]

• Damien on Video Game Soundtracks:

  "Video game soundtracks... I find some and I just keep listening to them." [47:39]

• Shane on Listener Story:

  "I legit believe this one." [57:10]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of episode #65, offering both a structured overview of the hosts' favorite albums and insightful commentary on their lasting influence.