ARP - The Album Review Podcast

by A R Priestley

Season 1

When Life Hits Hard, Write Soul: Porter Brotherhood’s Rise Up

The news made him want a better world. Childhood gave him “139 Steps”. Losing a friend gave him a song he never wanted to have to write. Gary Porter joins ARP – The Album Review Podcast to unpack three tracks from Porter Brotherhood’s Rise Up—an indie soul album built on hope, lived experience and the people we carry with us. With influences including Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, Gary explains how the soul music he grew up with found its way into his own songwriting. We explore the memories behind the music, the humour between the heavier moments, and why a song written for one person can speak to so many. In this episode: • Hope and unity: turning frustration with the world into a call for people to come together. • “139 Steps”: childhood adventures, growing up and a return visit that left Gary questioning his arithmetic. • Remembering a friend: the personal loss behind a heartfelt musical tribute. • The sound of Rise Up: classic soul influences, a seven-piece band and modern recording. • The song-title struggle: why Gary can find a story almost anywhere—but naming it is another matter. • “Spidey”: the unexpected album track that had us talking. There’s laughter, loss and a lot of life behind these songs. Join us for the stories you won’t get from a track listing. Discover Porter Brotherhood’s Rise Up on streaming platforms, with vinyl and CD editions available through Cornerblock Records. Which song takes you straight back to your childhood? Tell us—and share this episode with someone who loves soul music with a story. Follow ARP – The Album Review Podcast for more artist interviews, album discoveries and conversations behind the music.

S1 · E12

Sep 28, 2026

18:45

The One That Got Away — and the Love That Stayed | Logical_Miracle

☕ Slow Sips & Sundays — Logical_Miracle The one that got away. The person who made loneliness disappear. And the love that stayed when the fireworks were over. Songwriter Philip of Logical_Miracle joins ARP to unpack Slow Sips & Sundays — an album built around three very different sides of love: missed timing, finally feeling seen, and the quiet kind of relationship that survives long after the dramatic beginning. Hear the stories behind “Came Close” and “Goes Like This,” and discover why some of the most powerful love songs might be about the moments nobody normally writes about. ☕ Pour something warm, press play and take a slower look at love. ❤️ Came Close reflects on the one who got away — two people who nearly made it, but whose timing was never quite right. It's a song about looking back with perspective at what might have been. ❤️ Didn't Know I was Lonely turns toward connection: that moment when somebody comes into your life and suddenly makes you realise just how lonely you had been before you finally felt seen. ❤️ Goes Like This takes a different approach to the traditional love song. Rather than focusing on the excitement of falling in love or the pain of breaking apart, it celebrates something quieter — the everyday companionship, comfort and commitment that allow love to last. From missed chances to finding connection and finally to the beauty of enduring love, Slow Sips & Sundays explores the emotional spaces between life's biggest romantic moments. 🎧 Join ARP and Logical_Miracle as we uncover the stories, ideas and inspiration behind the songs. Featured tracks include: 🎵 Came Close 🎵 Didn't Know I was Lonely 🎵 Goes Like This Follow Logical_Miracle on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram: @logical_miracle 🎙️ The Album Review Podcast — discovering the stories behind the music.

S1 · E11

Aug 30, 2026

16:58

The Train Boys – Under The Wires | Railway Comedy, Rock Kazoo & Freight Train Mayhem

Bootsy and Brownie from The Train Boys join The Album Review Podcast to talk about their album Under The Wires — a wild, funny, heartfelt ride through railway life, model trains, freight yards, car-park brass sections, and the noble art of rock kazoo. All aboard for one of the most joyfully unhinged episodes of The Album Review Podcast. This time, we’re joined by Bootsy and Brownie from The Train Boys to talk about their album Under The Wires — a railway-fuelled collection of comedy, character, chaos, and surprisingly heartfelt affection for the world behind the tracks. Built from real railway life, model-train obsession, freight-yard folklore, and a deep love for the people who keep the network moving, Under The Wires brings colour back to a world that too often feels painted in fifty shades of grey. In this episode, we listen to and discuss three tracks: We Are The Train Boys — a full-throttle celebration of model railways, childhood nostalgia, and chuff-chuff madness. Train Crazy — a domestic battle cry for every railway obsessive whose other half has heard the words “not more bloody trains” one too many times. Freight Train Merry-Go-Round — a tribute to the unseen side of the railway: the freight, the fuel, the coal, the containers, and the skill that keeps everyday life moving. Expect runaway comedy, tambourines, tennis-racket musicianship, a kazoo solo born in a car park, and enough railway romance to make even a grey platform feel alive again. Hard copies of Under The Wires are available as mentioned in the episode, including CD copies featuring original artwork by Bootsy. The Train Boys, Under The Wires, Bootsy and Brownie, The Album Review Podcast, railway music, train songs, model railway music, train podcast, indie music podcast, UK indie artists, comedy album, comedy music, rock kazoo, freight train music, train driver songs, railway humour, model trains, train crazy, We Are The Train Boys, Freight Train Merry Go Round, railway nostalgia, British railway culture, independent music interview, album review podcast, train enthusiasts

S1 · E10

Jul 6, 2026

25:33

Inside DAI-X’s Bone Thrower: Debbie on Drums, Doubt, Grief, and No Dolly

Debbie from DAI-X joins The Album Review Podcast to talk about the band’s album Bone Thrower. In this conversation, she explains the origin of the name DAI-X, what it is like to sing lead vocals while playing complex drum parts, and the stories behind three key tracks from the album: “He’ll Take It All,” “So Much for the Summer,” and “No Dolly.” From self-doubt and creative comparison to grief, identity, childhood, and gender expectations, this episode explores the emotional and lyrical ideas behind DAI-X’s angular alternative rock sound. Featured tracks discussed: “He’ll Take It All” “So Much for the Summer” “No Dolly” DAI-X, Bone Thrower, Debbie DAI-X, The Album Review Podcast, alternative rock podcast, album review podcast, indie rock interview, punk rock interview, women drummers, singing drummer, He’ll Take It All, So Much for the Summer, No Dolly, Bandcamp bands, UK alternative rock, angular rock, independent music interview

S1 · E9

Jun 7, 2026

18:15

How Skin Like Gold, Cool by the Pool, and Coconut Moonlight Capture the Essence of Summer in One Album

In this episode of the Album Review Podcast, A R Priestley sits down with Phil, the producer and lyricist behind Passport to Summer Volume One, to discuss three tracks from the album. Phil shares the inspiration behind "Skin Like Gold," a funk-infused song about captivating beauty, "Cool by the Pool," a laid-back summer anthem celebrating relaxation and connection, and "Coconut Moonlight," a nostalgic reflection on fleeting summer romance. Phil performs excerpts from each song throughout the conversation. The album is available on major streaming platforms, with individual tracks purchasable on iTunes, Amazon, and Beatport. Album Review Podcast, Phil, producer, lyricist, Passport to Summer Volume One, Skin Like Gold, Cool by the Pool, Coconut Moonlight, summer love, beauty, nostalgia, 80s funk, soul, George Michael, Club Tropicana, vibrant energy, infectious charm, feel-good song, relaxation, warmth, simple pleasures, summer romance, bittersweet love, beach memory, ocean nights, Bob Marley, island vibe, streaming platforms, Shazam, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Tidal, Pandora, Audiomack, Boomplay, Flo, iTunes, social media, @logical_miracle.

S1 · E8

May 8, 2026

16:42

Chasing Lennon’s Eyes and Lost Loves: The Story Behind Looking for Vincent

In this episode of the Album Review Podcast, hosts speak with Ray Brown and Tony Kiley about "Looking for Vincent" by The Radar Brown Project. The album, a collaboration between Ray and the late Radar (Chris Bynum), searches for that elusive emotional magic in music. They discuss three tracks: "Lennon's Eyes," inspired by a watchful Lennon portrait; "Why Now, Sofia?," a personal song about loss; and "Lovesick," an emotional tribute recorded shortly before Radar's passing. Tony Kiley shares insights into his production approach, while Ray reflects on the deeply personal stories behind each song. Album Review Podcast, Looking for Vincent, The Radar Brown Project, Ray Brown, Tony Kiley, album discussion, music review, Lennon’s Eyes, Why Now, Sofia?, Lovesick, emotional songwriting, recording process, music production, vintage drums, Steely Dan influence, vocal techniques, songwriting collaboration, music inspiration, personal stories, tribute album, emotional honesty, music therapy, CD release, streaming platforms, music industry, songwriting process, musician interviews, album insights, music creativity, Ray Brown music, Tony Kiley music, Radar Brown Project, music emotions, album themes.

S1 · E7

Apr 18, 2026

34:40

Let It Rain: Why Logical_Miracle's Irish Fusion Might Just Make You Cry in a Good Way!

In this episode of the Album Review Podcast, A R Priestley interviews Phil of Logical_Miracle, co-creator of the album Irish Fusion. We discuss three tracks—“We Belong Here,” “Let It Rain,” and “Call It Home”—exploring the inspiration and emotions behind each song. Phil shares stories about community, resilience, and nostalgia, even singing parts of the tracks. The episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of Phil’s creative process and the album’s blend of Irish musical influences with heartfelt, personal themes. Listeners also learn where to find and purchase the album online. Album Review Podcast, Logical_Miracle, album review podcast, music review, Irish fusion, traditional Irish ballads, We Belong Here, Let It Rain, Call It Home, songwriting, storytelling in music, nostalgia music, emotional resilience, belonging theme, uplifting songs, indie music review, creative process, new music discovery, folk fusion, Irish ballad

S1 · E6

Mar 4, 2026

14:38

Free Bird Goes Bluegrass: Inside “Rockgrass” with Washboard Hank & The Pig Iron Boys

In this episode of the Album Review Podcast, the host interviews Mike Levy from Washboard Hank and the Pig Iron Boys about their album Washboard Classics. The band’s unique “rock grass” style transforms classic rock songs into lively bluegrass covers. Mike discusses their creative process, song selection, and live recording approach, sharing stories behind tracks like “Free Bird,” “The Man Who Sold the World,” and “Psycho Killer.” He also explains how they handle licensing and where listeners can find their music. The episode highlights the band’s playful spirit and their appeal for parties and live events. Album Review Podcast, Mike Levy, Washboard Hank, Pig Iron Boys, Washboard Classics, bluegrass, rock grass, bluegrass covers, rock songs, hillbilly music, Hank Williams, Blitzkrieg Bop, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free Bird, David Bowie, The Man Who Sold the World, Talking Heads, Psycho Killer, wedding entertainment, live band, cover songs, DistroKid, music licensing, streaming platforms, Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, square dances, barn dances, rockabilly, bluegrass fusion, Garden Studio, recording process, independent studio, Beatles covers, Come Together, Smell the Crackling, licensing rights, performance permissions, song selection, audience engagement, banjo, washboard player, slide guitar, mandolin, live performances, event booking, party entertainment.

S1 · E5

Feb 2, 2026

22:04

Afton Down | Andy Billups’ Isle of Wight Story in Song

In this episode of The Album Review Podcast, we sit down with Andy Billups (formerly of The Hamsters) to explore Afton Down—a richly cinematic concept album rooted in place, memory, and the lingering echo of live music history. Andy takes us to Afton Down on the Isle of Wight, the landscape forever associated with the era-defining Isle of Wight Festival—and shows how that physical ground became emotional ground: a canvas for songs about wonder, longing, and the kind of love that stays with you after the lights go out. We go track-by-track through featured highlights, including the title piece “Afton Down,” the profoundly moving “Dinner With the Angels,” and the reflective, life-spanning “My Father’s Hand.” Along the way, Andy also speaks to the album’s instrumental storytelling through pieces such as “Joan’s Lament” and “The Short Score,” which deepen the album’s atmosphere between the vocal chapters. A standout thread in the conversation is the real-life mystery of the “Afton Belle”—a photograph of an enigmatic young woman from the 1970 festival era that inspired its own musical mythology, tied to photographer and author Bob Aylott and his book Isle of Wight Festival 1970: Six Days That Rocked the World. If you like album reviews that balance storytelling, musicianship, and human stakes—this one is for you. Listen through, then tell us: which track hit you first, and which one stayed with you after the episode ended? Listen and explore Spotify (album): https://open.spotify.com/album/78iewpxR8lLWTMTQViE9c5 YouTube (album playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kDLVw6naVvsHnhqTtryZlI5TgB0wt5z-E Apple Music (album): https://music.apple.com/us/album/afton-down/478442658 SoundCloud (Afton Down page): https://soundcloud.com/afton-down CD / listing reference: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Afton-Down-Andy-Billups/dp/B0065NPFF6\ Album Review Podcast, Andy Billups, The Hamsters, Afton Down, concept album, Isle of Wight Festival 1970, album themes, instrumental tracks, music inspiration, personal experiences, Andy Billups interview, Afton Down lyrics, Jones Lament, Dinner with the Angels, My Father's Hand, album artwork, Afton Belle, Bob Ayllott, Six Days That Rocked the World, festival history, emotional storytelling, music streaming platforms, physical album copies, musician interview, heartfelt music, festival nostalgia, songwriting process, music legacy, emotional depth, lyrical analysis, music history. #AlbumReviewPodcast #TheAlbumReviewPodcast #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #AlbumReview #TrackByTrack #ConceptAlbum #SingerSongwriter #FolkRock #BritishMusic #IndieMusic #IsleOfWight #IsleOfWightFestival #FestivalHistory #MusicStorytelling #Songwriting #MusicCriticism #MusicAnalysis #NewMusicDiscovery #BehindTheSongs #ListeningSession #RayBrown #AndyBillups #TheHamsters #BobAylott

S1 · E4

Dec 26, 2025

27:17

Fallen Angels & Burning Bright: Inside Sankey Brown’s Not-So-Cheesy Ukulele Christmas

Tired of the same old holiday tunes? This episode of ARP: The Album Review Podcast is your ticket to a different kind of festive soundscape. We sit down with Sankey Brown (Andy Sankey & Ray Brown) to explore their unique album, Ukulele Christmas—a standout in the world of indie Christmas music that breaks all the rules. We dive deep into three unforgettable tracks: 🎄 "Fallen Angel" – A 50s-inspired, almost-Christmas anthem featuring an upbeat ukulele and a bittersweet story that puts a fresh spin on holiday music. 🌑 "From a Whisper" – The cinematic Christmas music moment of the album: dark, atmospheric, and building from an eerie whisper to a full rock crescendo, with a raw vocal performance you won’t forget. 🔥 "Burning Bright" – Old-world Christmas vibes meet a luminous ukulele hook, echoing snowy courtyards, wassailing, and ringing church bells. If you crave indie Christmas music with theatrical vocals, lush string arrangements, and a touch of cinematic magic, this episode is for you. Discover how a single abandoned idea sparked a whole new album, and find out where to stream Ukulele Christmas and more from Sankey Brown’s creative universe. 👉 Press play to hear the stories behind the songs and experience Christmas music with a little more soul and shadow.

S1 · E3

Dec 2, 2025

18:48

1 of 2