Long time friends from L.A. share their views on music, movies, television, wrestling, and all things pop culture, past and present. New episodes every Tuesday!! Available wherever you listen to podcasts!
Ep. 124 Mr. Big - Lean Into It - Review & Reaction!
Ep. 124 Mr. Big - Lean Into It - Review & Reaction
Released in March 1991, Lean Into It is Mr. Big’s second studio album and the record that catapulted the band into international fame. Blending technical musicianship with radio-ready hooks, it showcased the supergroup’s lineup of Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums).
The album became a landmark in the early ’90s hard rock scene, arriving just before grunge would dominate the charts. Its biggest hit, “To Be With You,” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts worldwide, proving that shred guitarists and virtuoso players could still produce mainstream ballads that resonated globally. The record balanced technical brilliance (complex riffs, dazzling solos, rhythm tightness) with a pop sensibility—making it one of the last big glam/hard rock albums to leave a massive mark before the shift in rock music’s landscape.
30 Apr 2025
Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!
Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!
Van Halen’s Diver Down, released in April 1982, stands as one of the band’s more polarizing records—both celebrated for its playful, party-rock vibe and criticized for its heavy reliance on cover songs. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, the album blends original material with a series of classic rock and pop covers, showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. While not as influential as Van Halen I or 1984, Diver Down helped reinforce Van Halen’s image as hard rock’s ultimate party band, solidifying their mainstream appeal in the early '80s.
Diver Down is often seen as a transitional album—a bridge between Van Halen’s raw early years and their polished commercial peak. While it’s cover-heavy and short, it captures a carefree, rebellious spirit that was essential to the band’s identity. For better or worse, it proved that Van Halen could do whatever they wanted—and still go platinum.
14 Apr 2025
Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!
Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!
When Appetite for Destruction dropped in 1987, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves...... At first. Released on July 21, 1987, "Appetite" didn't enter the top 50 on the Billboard album charts until Jan 16, 1988. Shortly after this, it exploded like a Molotov cocktail into a music scene that had grown too comfortable with glam metal’s glossy sheen. Guns N’ Roses—raw, dangerous, and oozing attitude—brought back the grit and grime of rock ‘n’ roll. This debut wasn’t just an album; it was a statement. With Axl Rose’s snarling vocals, Slash’s bluesy, melodic solos, and a rhythm section that swung like a wrecking ball, Appetite redefined hard rock for a generation.
Appetite for Destruction went on to become the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S. It influenced countless bands in the late '80s and '90s, from grunge (which appreciated GNR's authenticity over glam's gloss) to hard rock and even punk revival scenes. The band’s mix of punk energy, bluesy riffing, and metal aggression helped bridge the gap between classic rock and modern hard rock, keeping the genre alive during a time when synth-pop and polished hair metal were dominating.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.2 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
70
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact Big Talk with Chris and Gregg
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Big Talk with Chris and Gregg?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
