Podcast
Verse Chorus Verse
Hosted by David Leisten · EN
dl is a life-long music obsessor and student. With the help of friends Evil Jimmi and Rachel Pollio, Verse Chorus Verse tackles band dissections, album reviews and interviews of fantastic guests from all parts of the industry.
Also. Drinks. Lots of drinks.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
1989 in Music part I
1w ago01:00:37Tap to summarizeThe conversation delves into the musical landscape of 1989 and the personal perspectives of the speakers, highlighting the significance of this period in music and cultural history. It also explores the transition from 1989 to 1994 and its impact on musical evolution. The conversation delves into the timeless appeal of Tom Petty's music, the albums that aged well and poorly, and the peak of artists and bands in 1989. It explores the impact of time on music and the evolution of bands and artists, showcasing the diverse music landscape of the era.Takeaways1989 marked a pivotal time in music and cultural historyThe transition from 1989 to 1994 was significant in terms of musical evolution Diverse Music LandscapeImpact of Time on MusicEvolution of Bands and ArtistsChapters00:00 Musical Landscape of 1989 and Personal Perspectives33:32 The Timeless Appeal of Tom Petty43:41 Albums That Aged Well and Aged Poorly52:59 Peak of Artists and Bands in 1989
Transcribe →Radiohead III | Kid A\Amnesia
2w ago00:55:11Tap to summarizeThe episode covers the albums Kid A and Amnesiac by Radiohead, exploring the band's creative process, the impact of these albums, and the unique approach to promotion and release. The host shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the albums' significance in music history. A deep dive into the albums 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac' by Radiohead, exploring their impact, significance, and the transformative experience of listening to them. The host shares personal insights, ratings, and reflections on the albums, highlighting their unique qualities and the impact they had on his musical journey.TakeawaysRadiohead's albums Kid A and Amnesiac marked a significant shift in the band's sound and approach to music.The deliberate and unconventional release strategy for Kid A defied industry norms and resulted in commercial success.The albums' impact on the host's personal music journey and the band's commitment to artistic integrity are evident throughout the discussion. Albums can change your life if you listen to them at a certain pointDon't rush through things longer than you need to. If you get there, you get there. If you don't, you don't.Chapters00:00 The Creative Paralysis of Radiohead05:50 The Evolution from OK Computer to Kid A11:32 Revisiting Amnesiac24:23 Awards and Categories for Kid A30:11 Reflections on Kid A's Impact48:30 Awards and Categories
Transcribe →Radiohead II | Ok Computer
3w ago01:29:27Tap to summarizeThe conversation covers a range of topics including music, health, and fast food preferences. It also delves into the hosts' familiarity with the album 'OK Computer' by Radiohead. The conversation delves into the art of crafting and enjoying margaritas, exploring different recipes and preferences. It then transitions into a detailed discussion of Radiohead's album 'OK Computer,' covering its themes, impact, and the band's approach to music. The conversation delves into the themes of the album's production, the band's creative process, the impact of the album, and the band's trajectory. It also explores the album's reception and the band's unique approach to music. The conversation delves into the album 'OK Computer' by Radiohead, exploring its impact, themes, and musical elements. The hosts discuss the album's reception, its influences, standout tracks, and the significance of its sequencing. They also rate the album and share their top three songs from it.TakeawaysOK Computer is a significant album in the conversation.The hosts share their personal experiences and preferences, creating a casual and relatable atmosphere. Margaritas can be customized to suit personal preferences, with variations in ingredients and presentation.'OK Computer' by Radiohead is an album that rewards both active listening and passive enjoyment, with its complex and thought-provoking content. Creative processAlbum impact Influences and ImpactSequencing and StructureTop Three TracksChapters00:00 Introduction and Health Update13:32 Fast Food Preferences and Memories19:34 The Art of Margaritas29:18 Exploring 'OK Computer' by Radiohead43:43 Album Production and Impact01:08:31 Overrated, Underrated, Properly Rated01:28:04 Top Three Tracks
Transcribe →New Music 2026 IV
4w ago01:01:38Tap to summarizeThe conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about pre-show dog activities, followed by an introduction and preview of the albums to be reviewed. The first album reviewed is 'Charmer' by Toadies, followed by a discussion on the album by Underscores. The conversation covers the artist's progress, technical issues, reviewing Underscores' album, discussing Neurosis and metal, reviewing 'An Undying Love for a Burning World' album, and a disappointing review of Foo Fighters' 12th album. The conversation delves into the disappointment with the Foo Fighters album, the diverse opinions on Metric's 'Romanticize the Dive' album, and the engagement with listener questions and the announcement of the upcoming episode on 'OK Computer'.TakeawaysPre-show dog activities set the stage for a casual and relaxed atmosphere.The albums 'Charmer' by Toadies and the album by Underscores are reviewed and discussed in detail. Artist's progress and challengesTechnical issues and solutionsAlbum review insights Album lacks memorable tracksFan loyalty to the band influences perceptionDiverse opinions on the albumEnjoyment of the synth-wave vibeEngagement with listener questionsUpcoming episode on 'OK Computer'Chapters00:00 Pre-Show Dog Activities06:26 Discussion on Underscores' Album21:23 Exploring the Artist's Progress28:32 Album Review: An Undying Love for a Burning World38:02 Foo Fighters' 12th Album: A Disappointing Review58:23 Listener Questions and Next Episode
Transcribe →New Albums 2026 III
Jun 1501:02:19Tap to summarizeThe conversation begins with pre-show banter and a discussion about drinks, leading into a review of the first album, 'Fondness, etc.' by Shaky Graves. The hosts share their initial thoughts and impressions of the album, discussing its mood and vibe. The conversation covers a diverse range of topics, including album listening experiences, movie reviews, and discussions on internet culture and youth entertainment preferences. It also delves into detailed album reviews for Shaky Graves, Ecca Vandal, and Roger Klein and the Peacemakers. The conversation provides insights into the recording process, equipment, and the impact of microdynamics on music listening experiences. The conversation delves into the exploration of unfamiliar sayings, followed by a review of the album 'Roger Klein and the Peacemakers.' The discussion then shifts to analyzing the album's production and sound, followed by the impact of personal experience on music perception. The conversation further explores the influence of adversity on music quality, followed by a review of the album 'This Music May Contain Hope' by Ray. The analysis then focuses on the album's length and impact, and concludes with a review of Tori Amos's album 'In Times of Dragons.'TakeawaysPre-show banter and drink discussions set the tone for the episode.The album 'Fondness, etc.' by Shaky Graves is reviewed with a focus on its mood and vibe. Diverse range of entertainment topicsInsights into album listening experiencesImpact of microdynamics on music Exploring unfamiliar sayings and their regional originsThe impact of personal experience and adversity on music perception and qualityChapters00:00 Introduction and Album Preview18:03 Reviewing the First Album: Fondness, etc. by Shaky Graves23:42 Recording Process and Equipment29:34 Shift in Movie Preferences35:22 Album Review: Shaky Graves (Contd.)44:12 Album Review: Roger Klein and the Peacemakers50:31 The Influence of Adversity on Music Quality57:08 Analyzing the Album's Length and Impact01:02:32 Reviewing the Album: Tori Amos's 'In Times of Dragons'
Transcribe →287 | Happy Hour
Jun 801:07:25Tap to summarizeThe episode delves into Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, exploring specific albums, their impact, artist influences, and musical styles. It features discussions on Sparks' 'Come On to My House,' Sheryl Crow's self-titled second album, and Big Star's debut 'Number 1 Record.' The conversation delved into the influence of rock bands on the discussed album, impactful songs, album sequencing, and the best songs. It also included album ratings and reviews, as well as an introduction to the next albums. The historic significance, influence, and impact of each album were explored, followed by album ratings and reviews. The conversation concluded with an analysis of the last song and an overview of the upcoming episodes.TakeawaysRolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All TimeExploration of specific albums and their impactDiscussion of artist influences and musical styles Influential Rock Bands: The album discussed in the conversation was influenced by rock bands such as The Replacements, REM, Teenage Fan Club, Wilco, Fountains of Wayne, Primal Scream, and Guided by Voices.Impactful Songs: The conversation highlighted impactful songs from the album, such as 'The Battle of El Gu do' and 'Feel', as well as the guitar work by Chris Bell and the influence of Eddie Van Halen.Chapters00:00 Big Star's Debut: Number 1 Record44:21 Impactful Songs and Guitar Work49:42 Introduction to the Next Album: Barrio Final by Daddy Yankee55:04 Album Rating and Review of Barrio Final by Daddy Yankee01:03:31 Introduction to the Next Album: Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson01:12:10 Introduction to the Next Album: Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield01:22:06 Analysis of Stand by Your Man by Tammy Wynette
Transcribe →Neil Young's Harvest
Jun 100:55:39Tap to summarizeThe podcast episode features a discussion about Neil Young's album 'Harvest' and its impact. The hosts explore the album's significance, its orchestral elements, and its place in Neil Young's catalog. They also touch on the Neil Young-Leonard Skynyrd rivalry and share their personal experiences with the album. A deep dive into Neil Young's album 'Harvest' reveals a complex mix of orchestral arrangements, songwriting brilliance, and the artist's resistance to traditional rock stardom. The album's impact on listeners and its place in Neil Young's discography are explored in detail.TakeawaysNeil Young's album 'Harvest' is a significant and complex work that evokes strong reactions.The orchestral elements in the album are jarring and raise questions about their place in the overall composition. Orchestral arrangements and songwriting brilliance create a complex mixNeil Young's resistance to traditional rock stardom is evident in the albumThe album's impact on listeners and its place in Neil Young's discography are explored in detailChapters00:00 The 'Yours, Mine, and the Truth' Theme43:31 The Impact of the Album on Listeners and Its Place in Neil Young's Discography
Transcribe →Rory Gallagher's Calling Card
May 2501:01:25Tap to summarizeThe conversation delves into the legacy of musician Rory Gallagher, exploring his impact on the music industry and his unique approach to music. It also touches on the personal experiences of the speakers, including their interest in live music and their album exchange. The discussion covers the album 'Calling Card' and its production, band members, and musical influences. The conversation delves into the life and impact of Rory Gallagher, highlighting his refusal to conform to commercial pressures and his unwavering dedication to his craft. It also explores the unique qualities of his guitar playing and the influence he had on other musicians. The conversation delves into the influence of blues legends on Eric Clapton, the authenticity of his music, and comparisons with other guitarists like Rory Gallagher and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The discussion also explores the album 'Calling Card' by Rory Gallagher, highlighting its standout tracks and the impact of Gallagher's live performances.TakeawaysRory Gallagher's influence on the music industryThe personal experiences and interests of the speakers Unwavering dedication to craftInfluence on other musicians Influence of blues legends on Eric ClaptonAuthenticity in music and comparisons with other guitaristsExploration of 'Calling Card' album by Rory GallagherChapters00:00 Album Exchange and 'Calling Card'37:19 Reception and Influence52:26 Exploring 'Calling Card' Album by Rory Gallagher
Transcribe →Radiohead Pablo Honey The Bends: How Creep Almost Destroyed the Greatest Band of Their Generation
May 1801:13:44Tap to summarizeDL kicks off the Verse Chorus Verse Radiohead series with the first two albums — solo, no Evil, no Rachel, just a man and his favorite band.Pablo Honey (1992) gets a 7/10. It's a gateway drug, not a masterpiece — a Brit rock album from the early 90s that happens to contain one of the most important songs ever recorded. The story behind Creep: recorded in one take, initially hated by the band, ignored until Arsenio Hall found the tape in his car, made enormous by a Beavis and Butt-Head segment. Top songs: Creep, Rip Chord, You.The Bends (1995) gets a 9/10 and a full reassessment — DL argues this album is massively underrated and better than he'd ever given it credit for. Jonny Greenwood's octatonic guitar work on "Just" (inspired by an obscure French composer), the story of EMI threatening to drop them after Pablo Honey, Tom York's stage breakdown and the NME calling it a "temper tantrum," and why Fake Plastic Trees is great even if it's not a personal favorite. Top songs: Just, My Iron Lung, Bulletproof I Wish I Was.Part 1 of a 6-episode Radiohead dissection series. OK Computer with Rachel and Evil is next.
Transcribe →System of a Down's Toxicity: The Most Political Metal Album Ever Made? (2001 Deep Dive)
May 1101:02:03Tap to summarizeDL, Evil, and Rachel dig into System of a Down's Toxicity (2001) — one of the biggest metal albums ever made, debuting at #1 the week before 9/11 and getting Chop Suey immediately pulled from radio.The central argument: Toxicity is not a nu-metal record. It's one of the most coherent political albums ever made — a sustained meditation on apathy, incarceration, the Armenian-American experience, and what happens when society stops giving a shit about each other. Prison Song, Needles, ATWA, and "somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep" hit completely different when you actually listen to what Serj Tankian is saying.Along the way: why "Chop Suey" was originally titled "Suicide" (and how the rename was pure SOAD genius), the story of Rick Rubin seeing them at the Viper Room in 1997 and immediately knowing, Daron Malakian's insistence the album fit on one side of a tape at exactly 40 minutes, the time signatures and hemiola that make Toxicity sound heavier than it should, and the direct sonic DNA connecting Faith No More's Epic piano outro to Chop Suey's ending.The influence arc: System of a Down directly cited Faith No More as a key influence — this episode is part of a two-week influence-to-influence series starting with The Real Thing.Scores: Rachel 10/10, Evil 10/10, DL 9.8/10.Part of Verse Chorus Verse's album-by-album deep dive series.System of a Down,Toxicity,Chop Suey,Serj Tankian,Daron Malakian,Rick Rubin,metal album review,Armenian rock,2001 albums,political metal,Faith No More influence,music podcast
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