The Toast And Jams Podcast
Classic rock album reviews over breakfast -- we listen to a favorite album on vinyl, then hit one of our local diners for breakfast while we review, reminisce, and admire the music, artist, production, and cover art. It's classic vinyl with a side of bacon.
Episodes
We still be trippin'... our third-in-a-row acid rock album review, this time by prog pioneers The Moody Blues. We went on a quest to find the lost chord and breakfast, and we succeeded. The often-overlooked Moodies weren't pop culture darlings, they stayed out of the spotlight, but their musicianship was topnotch. So grab a latte, or a good old cup of Joe, and tune in, turn on.
Records revolve, but they stay in one place. But the Beatles evolved, and they were on a trajectory. They'd already conquered the pop world, proving they could write a pop song with merit and staying power. They'd already demonstrated how to be a rock band, but hold on--they were only beginning to show us what rock and roll is. Around the beginning of their transition, they gave us Revolver. A ...
Here comes the parade: first, one drunk and sullen poet, followed by three musicians burned out by fame and constant touring. Here comes a producer hell bent on being the next George Martin; oh look, he's doing bump after bump of coke, too. The record company sponsoring this parade is just looking to make more money from the band that's already churned out three successful albums. Ah yes, The Door...
This isn't party music, nor is it road trip sing-along-in-the-car music. Nope, this is classical music, with a generous helping of modern electronics, experimental sounds, and satirical humor. It's not for everybody...and that's exactly how Frank Zappa wanted it.
Buckingham Nicks-- you might say it's the album that was created before the magic happened... but then you listen to it and realize, the magic was already there. We expected something far more sophomoric, but Lindsey and Stevie had already honed their craft musically and lyrically. And to think, if they hadn't soon after caught that magnificent break, most of us would have never heard of them and...
Sing us a song and make us some breakfast! Toast and Jams wraps up Season 2 with the album that made Billy Joel famous--Piano Man. From Billy the Kid to Captain Jack, Billy Joel weaves tales through his incredible musical compositions, leaving us wishing we had practiced our instruments more when we were young.
Take a symphony, play it in a jazz style, but make it rock and roll. That is the magic that is early Chicago. We were blown away by the songwriting and musical talent on Chicago 2, a double album with more than double talent. We had to settle for a takeout breakfast sandwich this time, but the music made up for it.
A fledgling Aerosmith has some very successful flights on Get Your Wings, and everything about hints that this band will soon soar over the rock and roll landscape. Toast and Jams returns to Dean's Diner to review the second effort from the Boys from Boston...but wait-- are they actually from Boston? Find out in this episode.
The second release from rock's first super group, Disraeli Gears demonstrates Cream's creativity, musical prowess, and sense of humor. The Lamplighter serves up breakfast while Toast and Jams serves up the review, along with a few related stories and a couple of worm holes.
Ok, so we went a little long on this one... but it's ZEP 2! Yes, the second album from the band many consider the greatest of all time, the album that has earned mythological status, that catapulted Led Zeppelin to fame with the single Whole Lotta Love. Mostly original songs with a few ingenious reinventions of legendary Chicago blues tunes, Zep 2 rocks from start to finish. So yeah, we went a little ...
Are we seeing double?? ... Nope, that's the same photo twice on the cover, aaaand the same on the back cover. Are we hearing two different bands-- the arena rockers playing solid mega rock hits like Hot Blooded, and some loverboys playing sappy ballads? Nope, it's all Foreigner. Toast and Jams reviews Double Vision from a quaint coffee shop in dahntahn Latrobe.
Hit me with your best shot-- of espresso! We found the Getaway Cafe in Ligonier has that and more when TnJ grabbed some breakfast and some early 80s rock. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo knocked it outta the park with Crimes of Passion, which has their biggest hit (Hit Me with Your Best Shot) and You Better Run, the second video aired on the fledgling MTV.
Warning: listening to Robert Plant may put you in the mood for more than a melody. Toast and Jams reviews The Principle of Moments , Plant's second solo album, and we talk about life after Zeppelin.
Stand Up! I said SIT DOWN! No really, Stand Up-- the second studio album from Jethro Tull. They're really starting to get their prog on, blending folk, blues, rock, and what the hell let's throw classical in there, too! The Knobs bassist, Steve Pagano, rolled into town and joined us for this one. Pass the donuts, it's time for breakfast.
SEX, DOPE, AND CHEAP THRILLS-- the original title of Big Brother and the Holding Company's second album. Join Toast and Jams as they discuss the iconic album that gave the world Piece of my Heart. We'll call it the sex, tunes, and cheap eats episode.
This is what happens when the band geeks have the run of the band room-- they make use of every instrument in the place! And if the geeks are really talented, the result could be a song like "Africa. " Toast and Jams talks Toto, from the Diamond Cafe in historic Ligonier.
We ventured to Johnstown for a great breakfast and a riveting conversation about Elton John's Mad Man across the Water, and then... we lost half of the recording. But we cobbled it together, and it's as seamless as the piano and strings on this classic album. Ok, maybe not-- bonus points if you can find the glitches, class!
The Toast And Jams Podcast, Episode 7, is swirling around the interwebs! Tammy Colt and Rick Baughman are back where it all started, having breakfast and discussing another classic rock album at the Youngstown Grille! And, we have a mystery guest, D! This time we tackle 90125, it's prog yet it's 80s, and like our breakfast coffee, good to the last drop-- oh Yes! So please give a listen, Like, Commen...
A stack of pancakes topped with sweet emotion--Toast and Jams covers Toys in the Attic, the third studio album from America's greatest rock band, Aerosmith. Rick, Tammy, and even Heather the waitress each share an Aerosmith concert tale.
From Ruthie's Diner in Ligonier, PA,Toast and Jams takes a big bite of jazz fusion with Jeff Beck's 1976 album, Wired. Wow, what an incredible group of musicians-- they got the chops, they got the funk.
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.