We spent January 2025 listening to and pondering over the 1967 compilation album, Best of the Beach Boys, Vol. 2. As we listened, we found ourselves dreaming about what it must have been like to spend carefree summer days in the 1960s, catching waves along the coasts of California with the surf-rock stylings and delicious harmonies of the Beach Boys. Tune in to catch our review, and stay till the end to hear what album we’ll be reviewing next.
Continue readingAlbum Selection: Best of the Beach Boys, Vol 2
Over the last couple of months, both Darren and Scott picked the first albums they ever owned for us to review, so I’m continuing the trend. The first album I ever owned was Best of the Beach Boys, vol. 2 on cassette. Compiled and released by Capitol Records in 1967, this album served to fill a gap in releases by the band to keep the fans happy and the hype train going. Best of The Beach Boys vol. 2 features a selection of iconic tracks that showcase The Beach Boys’ signature surf-rock sounds, filled with many popular hit songs, including Surfin’ Safari and California Girls. Join us at the end of the month for our review.
Continue readingReview of Joan Jett: Bad Reputation
In December 2024, we revisited Joan Jett’s debut solo album, Bad Reputation (1980), a milestone in rock history. Jett’s bold voice and pioneering role as a female rocker broke barriers in a male-dominated genre.
While the album boasts standout tracks like the title song, its mix of hard rock and 50s-style pop felt uneven, with only four original songs. Despite this, Jett’s talent and energy shine through, making it a must-listen for understanding her impact on rock.
Though not a cohesive masterpiece, Bad Reputation offers a glimpse into Jett’s early journey and the evolution of women in rock. It’s worth a listen to appreciate where it all began!
Continue readingJoan Jett – Bad Reputation
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation: When Darren’s November pick of Elvis Presley’s self-titled debut had him reflecting on his first-ever album, it got me thinking: what was mine? After a stroll down memory lane, I landed on Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation. Released in 1980, this debut solo album marked Jett’s transition from The Runaways to solo stardom, paving the way for her legendary career in rock ‘n’ roll.I received this cassette for my 9th birthday in August 1982. At first, I was disappointed—it wasn’t Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, the album I’d actually requested. But after listening to Bad Reputation a few times, I was hooked. Classics like “Bad Reputation” and “Do Ya Wanna Touch” have stuck with me ever since.Now, decades later, I’m revisiting this album to see how it holds up and what it still has to say. Join me as I take a fresh listen to the music that first introduced me to the rebellious spirit of rock.
Continue readingReview of Elvis Presley: Self Titled
Take a Musical Journey with the King: Elvis Presley’s Debut Album
What made Elvis Presley the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? This month on The Sonic Collective, the team dives into the groundbreaking self-titled debut album that launched Elvis into stardom. Released in 1956, this record is a time capsule of raw energy and revolutionary sound that forever changed the music landscape.
Ready to shake, rattle, and roll? Don’t miss this nostalgic and insightful episode dropping the first week of December 2024! Check it out at thesoniccollective.com and join the conversation.
Continue readingElvis Presley – Self-Titled
My favourite album I remember as a kid was a K-Mart compilation album I got that was all Elvis Presley hits. I do remember the big hit on that was ‘Teddy Bear’, which funny enough isn’t on this album I’m about to pick. just loved it I mean it was really fun rock music and this was 1975.I want you to take a musical journey back to the beginning of the Elvis era with us this month. The music from that era was so fun. So listen along and then watch for the episode the first week of December 2024 to hear what the group thought of this iconic album that kicked off a career that is still resonating in popular culture. It’s time to dive in to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Continue reading10-years of The Sonic Collective: A Look Back
This month, we celebrate 10 years of musical discovery at The Sonic Collective. During an upcoming round table discussion, we’ll consider our top 3 and bottom 3 albums, most surprising discoveries, favorite introduced albums, bands or albums we had no idea of prior to this journey, and how the experience has changed the way we listen to music.
Continue readingReview: How Deftones’ White Pony influenced Sleep Token’s Sundowning
In this episode, Darren, Scott C, Alain, and Scott G close out our series of four special episodes where we select two feature albums and discuss how one may have been influenced by the other in some form. The twist this time is new kids Stone Temple Pilots might have influenced Def Leppard, comparing the albums Purple and Slang. Is there a connection?
Continue readingThis Album Influenced That Album – Stone Temple Pilots Influenced Def Leppard
This month, we round out our four-part series exploring how some albums influence others by seeing if the Stone Temple Pilots influenced Def Leppard. Sometimes bands with careers that span decades aren’t just the influencers, but take inspiration from new genres and newer bands smashing it in them. When Def Leppard decided to get into the grunge and alt rock scene in the 90s, did Scott Weiland and crew influence them? Let’s find out.
Continue readingReview: How Deftones’ White Pony influenced Sleep Token’s Sundowning
In this episode, Darren, Scott C, Alain, and Scott G embark on our third of four special episodes where we select two feature albums and discuss how one may have been influenced by the other in some form. Up for discussion: Alain chose to feature Deftones’ third album from 2000, White Pony and Sleep Token’s debut album from 2019, Sundowning.
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