On Periodical Prattle, hosts Ben and Gio delve into a vintage issue of NME Magazine each episode. What has changed or stayed the same in music culture? What news or artists have slipped beneath the cracks in the decades since? Did the band that NME hyped as the second-coming ever actually live up to that praise? Listen to find all of that out and more! The show also features Gio educating Ben on Goth culture, slowly but surely turning this baby-bat into an elder goth.
On this week's Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go back to February 17, 2017 to talk about the Pet Shop Boys! They received the NME's Godlike Genius award in 2017, which leads into a deep discussion into their remarkable career. Ben and Gio also spend some time in the present by going into the line-up for California goth music festival Cruel World, and give a hearty recommendation to Rose Matefeo's BBC3 comedy Starstruck. They also get into some wild tangents which we'll let you hear for yourself, and they wrap it all up with a talk of 1996's Big Night, directed, written and starring Stanley Tucci.
Timestamps:
Cruel World festival (2:57)
Starstruck (12:10)
Box office of February 17, 2017 (27:30)
NME Magazine: Pet Shop Boys (1:05:40)
Big Night (1:36:04)
25 May 2021
Episode 17 (NME Magazine, February 25, 2012)
On this week's Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio finish their two-part Blur + Oasis BritPop series! They go back to 1995 and dissect the Oasis vs Blur battle for #1, Ben shares thoughts after watching the Oasis: Supersonic documentary, plus we look at NME Magazne from Februrary 25, 2012, and look at Blur's reunion and the reconilation of Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon. You won't get a more detailed analysis on Blur and Oasis than this podcast. Ben and Gio also watch and review Elaine May's A New Leaf from 1971, starring Walter Matthau and Elaine May.
Timestamps:
Blur vs Oasis battle (2:00)
Oasis: Supersonic thoughts/final thoughts on Oasis (15:44)
Box office of February 25, 2012 (31:10)
NME Magazine: Blur (44:50)
A New Leaf (1:18:25)
11 May 2021
Episode 16 (NME Magazine, January 17, 2015)
On this week's Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go back to January 17th 2015! They talk about Noel Gallagher post-Oasis break-up, figure out where they stand with Oasis in general, with some fun detours talking about Paul Weller and Blur along the way. Ben and Gio also talk about Michael Hutchence's unfortunate experience with Oasis, do another THE HIVES BEAT, and go over the box office of January 17, 2015, which includes some fun detours, talking about Into the Woods, Armando Iannucci and Josh Gad. Finally, Ben and Gio do a deep dive into John Waters' trashy magnum opus, Female Trouble from 1974 starring Divine.
Timestamps:
The Hives Beat (1:33)
Michael Hutchence is better than Oasis (8:04)
Box Office of January 17, 2015 (14:40)
NME Magazine: Noel Gallagher (37:53)
Female Trouble (1:08:37)
24 Apr 2021
Episode 15 (NME Magazine, August 27, 2011)
On this week’s episode of Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go back to August 27, 2011 to discuss Muse, and the Reading & Leeds festival! They discuss the festival’s history, the 2011 line-up, and the history of artists getting “bottled” on the show. There is also talk of this year’s Academy Awards telecast, the most hated band on TikTok Tramp Stamps, Morrissey hating The Simpsons, the entire cast list of The Smurfs movie, and much more. For this week’s movie segment, The Two Dweebs discuss Albert Brooks’ masterpiece Defending Your Life, starring Brooks and Meryl Streep.
Timestamps:
Morrissey/The Simpsons talk (2:24)
Box Office of August 27, 2011 (7:03)
NME Magazine: Muse/2011 Reading & Leeds Festival (33:00)
Defending Your Life (1:12:10)
10 Apr 2021
Episode 14 (NME Magazine, September 13, 2003)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go back to September 13, 2003 to get into a truly bonkers Muse cover story. You will not believe how it starts! The Two Dweebs also cover The Darkness’ Permission to Land (which Ben makes the bold claim by calling it one of the best debut albums ever), and the downfall of Fred Durst. Ben also discusses the remarkable event that was the Earth, Wind & Fire vs The Isley Brothers VERZUZ event, and how new artists and producers should take notes. For the movies segment, they cover the 1982 cult movie Ladies and Gentlemen… The Fabulous Stains, starring Diane Lane, Laura Dern, Beowulf’s Ray Winstone, plus members of The Clash and Sex Pistols.
Earth Wind & Fire/Isley Brothers VERZUZ recap (1:07)
Top 5 at the Box Office on September 13, 2003 (10:08)
NME Magazine: Muse (23:50)
Ladies and Gentlemen.... The Fabulous Stains (62:14)
27 Mar 2021
Episode 13 (NME Magazine, October 24, 2009)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go back to October 24, 2009 to delve into a Paramore cover story. Brand New Eyes was the first CD Gio ever bought, and she’ll explain some of her personal feelings to this era of the band. Ben and Gio also discuss a one-star review of Wolfmother, Mumford & Sons mania, the Twilight soundtrack in addition to that week’s box office which includes Where the Wild Things Are and Paranormal Activity. For the final Amy Heckerling segment, they cover 2012’s Vamps, starring Alicia Silverstone and Krysten Ritter.
Good Music Supervision is Ben's kink (:40)
Pretty. Odd. follow-up (6:40)
Box Office of October 24, 2009 (14:28)
NME Magazine: Paramore (31:05)
If U Seek Heckerling: Vamps (61:50)
13 Mar 2021
Episode 12 (NME Magazine, March 22, 2008)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio go to March 22, 2008 to do a deep-dive of one of Gio’s all-time favourite albums: Panic at the Disco’s Pretty. Odd. Ben and Gio discuss what led to this polarizing album, and why they are Ryan Ross stans for life. They also discuss the Landfill Indie genre, why people battling over generations are misguided, and do a deep dive into Blue Sky animation studios. For the penultimate Amy Heckerling segment, they cover 2008’s I Could Never Be Your Woman, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Paul Rudd.
Intro/Generation Wars talk (:25)
Landfill Indie (3:25)
Box Office of March 22, 2008 (12:07)
NME Magazine: Panic at the Disco (31:15)
If U Seek Heckerling: I Could Never Be Your Woman (78:19)
27 Feb 2021
Episode 11 (NME Magazine, December 1, 2007)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben & Gio go back to December 1st, 2007, featuring problematic cover star Morrissey. We wrestle with our feelings on Moz (partially though song), and also cover an interview where Arctic Monkeys and Josh Homme collaborate for the first time. Ben & Gio also relive the box office of the time (get ready for some Bee Movie and Beowulf talk), Ben debuts new recurring segment THE HIVES BEAT, gages his feelings on Neil Patrick Harris and much more! In the Amy Heckerling segment, Ben & Gio watch 2000’s Loser, starring Jason Biggs, a rare college comedy that actually gets the experience right.
Time Stamps:
Intro/reminiscing about 2007 (00:35)
The Hives Beat (1:55)
Does Ben Like Neil Patrick Harris? (4:48)
Ben reads an email he sent in 2007 (13:59)
Box office of December 1, 2007 (19:13)
NME Magazine (39:54)
If U Seek Heckerling: Loser (72:47)
13 Feb 2021
Episode 10 (NME Magazine, March 5, 2011)
Episode ten of Periodical Prattle with Ben & Gio is a monumental episode! Ben & Gio first go over the box office of March 5, 2011, which includes a detour into discussion on Robert Zemeckis’ Death Becomes Her. This issue of NME covers the 2011 NME Awards, which includes discussion on My Chemical Romance, Dave Grohl, Muse, Noel Fielding, R.E.M., and Mark Ronson. Finally, it’s the main event: Ben & Gio’s hour+ deep-dive into Amy Heckerling’s Clueless. The movie is covered from every angle, including Gio’s own academic paper, and reading excerpts from a Clueless oral history book. You will not find a deeper analysis of the film anywhere else!
Time Stamps:
Intro/reminiscing about 2011 (1:00)
Box office of March 5, 2011 (4:12)
Death Becomes Her talk (15:56)
Incubus "Megalomaniac" update/#1 Alt Rock song of March 5, 2011 (23:23)
NME Magazine (27:41)
If U Seek Heckerling: Clueless (53:36)
30 Jan 2021
Episode 9 (NME Magazine, February 28, 2004)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben & Gio go back to February 28, 2004, to cover The Vines’ rise and fall pre-Winning Days. They also cover Incubus’ “Megalomaniac,” the movie 100 Years (due out November 2115. Seriously), the most controversial images in music history, Iggy Pop never wearing a shirt, and much more. Ben & Gio also give their review of the recent World Wide Web World Tour show The Hives performed! How was the experience of a virtual concert in the year 2021? Finally, in the Amy Heckerling segment, Ben & Gio cover the boffo blockbuster success of Look Who’s Talking. It’s the movie that allowed Amy to make Clueless, but how is it? Does it hold up? How does Gio fare, who is nervous about scenes involving childbirth? Tune in to the show to find out!
Time Stamps:
:53 Ben & Gio's Review of The Hives' World Wide Web World Tour 2021
14:24 100 Years: The Movie You Will Never See
20:53 #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in 2004
25:48 NME Magazine
49:38 If U Seek Heckerling: Look Who's Talking
16 Jan 2021
Episode 8 (NME Magazine, July 31, 2004)
The Two Dweebs are back for the first Periodical Prattle of 2021! On this episode, Ben & Gio delve into July 31, 2004’s issue of NME Magazine, including a very memorable cover story involving THE HIVES. How did Ben & Gio become Hives devotees? Find out on this episode! This episode also sees the debut of the brand-new recurring segment, where they go through the filmography of Amy Heckerling! It all begins with 1982’s classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which the hosts believe it or not hadn’t seen before? What did they think of it? What Hecker-Rating do they give it? Tune in to find out!
Box Office of July 31, 2004 (1:08)
NME Magazine (19:53)
Amy Heckerling spotlight: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (53:17)
5 Dec 2020
Episode 7 (NME Magazine, November 25, 2016)
On the final episode of Periodical Prattle of 2020, Ben and Gio go back to November 25th 2016 and look at NME’s top albums, songs, movies, and TV shows of 2016, culminating in a remarkable (in a bad way) Matty Healy of the 1975 cover story. Sorry to all 1975 fans in advance. This episode also features Ben’s GOTH GRADUATION, as we reach the conclusion of Gio’s goth education of me. What are we doing on the show next year? Tune in to find out!
Box Office of November 25, 2016 (1:14)
NME Magazine (17:57)
Goth segment (58:10)
21 Nov 2020
Episode 6 (NME Magazine, April 27, 2013)
On this week’s Periodical Prattle, Ben & Gio wrap up their Vampire Weekend mini-series by going back to April 27, 2013! Have NME changed their tune about VW? What is the current status of Ezra and Rostam’s relationship? All that, plus some surprise segments!
Box Office of April 27, 2013/Jupiter Ascending (1:01)
NME Magazine (20:23)
Goth segment (52:07)
31 Oct 2020
Episode 5 (NME Magazine, February 20, 2010)
On this week's Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio delve into the February 20, 2010 edition of NME Magazine, continuing our series on Vampire Weekend! The Two Dweebs continue to laugh at NME being bummed out that VW are not rowdy rock stars, talk of MGMT’s second album, and more. They also discuss the top 10 movies at the box office that weekend, including talk about Avatar, Percy Jackson, Tooth Fairy, and also a defense on The Green Hornet movie. Also, for this week’s Goth segment, Ben reveals his favourite bands he found out on his expedition, and Gio gives Ben a goth quiz!
Time Stamps:
Box Office of February 20, 2010 (1:04)
NME Magazine (36:13)
Goth segment (1:00:40)
17 Oct 2020
Episode 4 (NME Magazine, August 2, 2008)
On this week's Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio delve into the August 2nd 2008 edition of NME Magazine, beginning our three-part series on Vampire Weekend! The Two Dweebs learn about the UK's take on self-titled album-era Vampire Weekend, relive the 2008 Mercury Prize, talk of a third "heavier" Arctic Monkeys album, and much more! They also go into the Top 10 movies at the box office this weekend (get ready for some hot takes on beloved classics!), and Ben reveals his GOTH SONG. It's a topic near and dear to his heart, to the tune of Moz.
Time Stamps:
Box Office of August 2, 2008 (1:42)
NME Magazine (23:22)
Goth segment (53:30)
3 Oct 2020
Episode 3 (NME Magazine, February 2, 2002)
On the third episode of Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio delve into NME Magazine from
February 2, 2002! It includes a cover story on The Hives breaking out as a band, a stunning
story about why other bands hate Radiohead, talk about the worst nu-metal, and much more.
They also talk about the top eleven movies at the box office that weekend, while Gio explains
what Grey Rock is and Ben unveils his Wave in the Goth Education segment!
Time Stamps:
Box Office of February 2, 2002 (0:42)
NME Magazine (14:41)
Goth segment (51:03)
12 Sept 2020
Episode 2 (NME Magazine, November 28, 2009)
On the second episode of Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio delve into NME Magazine from November 28, 2009! It includes a report on Florence Welch breaking into the U.S. for the first time, The Top 25 Rock Stars of the Decade according to NME, talk of Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster, ponder why the Brits are so obsessed with Biffy Clyro, and much more! They also talk about the top-ten movies at the box office that weekend (this one is for you Planet 51 heads), and Gio continues to give Ben an education into becoming a goth!
Time Stamps:
Box Office of November 28, 2009 (1:04)
NME Magazine (15:03)
Goth segment (49:50)
28 Aug 2020
Episode 1 (NME Magazine, April 7, 2007)
On the first episode of Periodical Prattle, Ben and Gio delve into NME Magazine from April 7, 2007! It includes a report on My Chemical Romance's UK leg of The Black Parade tour, a memorable interview from Keith Richards, the hidden meaning behind Arctic Monkeys' Favourite Worst Nightmare album cover, and much more! They also delve into the other big pop culture happenings from that week, including the top ten movies at the box office (Grindhouse disappoints on Easter weekend!). We wrap up with the first edition of Gio giving a Short History on Goth, as Ben begins his process from baby bat to elder goth!
Time Stamps:
Intro (:13)
What Was Happening on April 7, 2007 (3:17)
NME Magazine (10:58)
Goth segment (1:00:16)
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