//podcastplus.net/feed/big-talk-with-chris-and-gregg~5dd128fd 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! Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:48:04 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/lxjb31k6rbj4jbwa/Van_Halen_Diver_Down_podbean.mp3 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. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:10:32 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/lxjb31k6rbj4jbwa/Van_Halen_Diver_Down_podbean.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/lxjb31k6rbj4jbwa/Van_Halen_Diver_Down_podbean.mp3 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. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:10:32 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/lxjb31k6rbj4jbwa/Van_Halen_Diver_Down_podbean.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hgktzxh3fuc8swgy/Guns_N_Roses_-_Appetite_Final_Audio.mp3 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 revi... Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:02:13 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hgktzxh3fuc8swgy/Guns_N_Roses_-_Appetite_Final_Audio.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hgktzxh3fuc8swgy/Guns_N_Roses_-_Appetite_Final_Audio.mp3 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 revi... Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:02:13 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hgktzxh3fuc8swgy/Guns_N_Roses_-_Appetite_Final_Audio.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qu55jxuaxcm0ucru/Billy_Idol_-_Rebel_Yell.mp3 Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction! Released in 1983, Rebel Yell solidified Billy Idol as a dominant force in 1980s rock, blending punk attitude with new wave and hard rock elements. The album, produced by Keith Forsey, was a commercial success and a defining work of the era, showcasing Idol’s signature sneer, Steve Stevens’ virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of high-energy anthems and moody ballads. Rebel Yell remains one of the defining albums of the 80s, blending punk, rock, and new wave with unforgettable hooks and dynamic production. With its mix of anthems, ballads, and edgy rockers, the album not only propelled Billy Idol to superstardom but also influenced generations of rock artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rebel Yell is an essential listen for anyone exploring 80s rock. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:57:51 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qu55jxuaxcm0ucru/Billy_Idol_-_Rebel_Yell.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qu55jxuaxcm0ucru/Billy_Idol_-_Rebel_Yell.mp3 Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction! Released in 1983, Rebel Yell solidified Billy Idol as a dominant force in 1980s rock, blending punk attitude with new wave and hard rock elements. The album, produced by Keith Forsey, was a commercial success and a defining work of the era, showcasing Idol’s signature sneer, Steve Stevens’ virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of high-energy anthems and moody ballads. Rebel Yell remains one of the defining albums of the 80s, blending punk, rock, and new wave with unforgettable hooks and dynamic production. With its mix of anthems, ballads, and edgy rockers, the album not only propelled Billy Idol to superstardom but also influenced generations of rock artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rebel Yell is an essential listen for anyone exploring 80s rock. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:57:51 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qu55jxuaxcm0ucru/Billy_Idol_-_Rebel_Yell.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gx7a1ocvsepthh8e/Black_Sabbath_-_Master_of_Reality3.mp3 Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction! Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, released in 1971, is a landmark album in heavy metal history. It took the band’s signature doom-laden sound to a new level, emphasizing slower, heavier, and more menacing riffs. This album was crucial in shaping the doom, sludge, and stoner metal subgenres, influencing countless bands like Sleep, Kyuss, and Electric Wizard. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar (due to a factory accident that damaged his fingertips) contributed to an even darker and thicker sound, making Master of Reality one of the heaviest records of its time. Master of Reality laid the groundwork for multiple metal subgenres, particularly doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock. Its raw, down tuned heaviness, combined with themes of war, religion, drugs, and despair, resonated with generations of metalheads. The album is frequently cited as one of the greatest metal records of all time, and its influence can be heard in the works of... Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:13:53 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gx7a1ocvsepthh8e/Black_Sabbath_-_Master_of_Reality3.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gx7a1ocvsepthh8e/Black_Sabbath_-_Master_of_Reality3.mp3 Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction! Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, released in 1971, is a landmark album in heavy metal history. It took the band’s signature doom-laden sound to a new level, emphasizing slower, heavier, and more menacing riffs. This album was crucial in shaping the doom, sludge, and stoner metal subgenres, influencing countless bands like Sleep, Kyuss, and Electric Wizard. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar (due to a factory accident that damaged his fingertips) contributed to an even darker and thicker sound, making Master of Reality one of the heaviest records of its time. Master of Reality laid the groundwork for multiple metal subgenres, particularly doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock. Its raw, down tuned heaviness, combined with themes of war, religion, drugs, and despair, resonated with generations of metalheads. The album is frequently cited as one of the greatest metal records of all time, and its influence can be heard in the works of... Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:13:53 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gx7a1ocvsepthh8e/Black_Sabbath_-_Master_of_Reality3.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/iqxxsp883rtotf5z/Ratt_-_Out_of_the_Cellar_Audio_for_Video.mp3 Ep. 119 Ratt – Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction Ratt’s Out of the Cellar is one of the defining albums of the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Released on February 17, 1984, the album solidified Ratt as one of the premier acts in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. With its mix of sleazy, bluesy riffs, catchy melodies, and a slick production courtesy of Beau Hill, Out of the Cellar played a key role in shaping the sound of '80s hair metal. Out of the Cellar remains one of the quintessential glam metal albums of the 1980s. Ratt successfully blended heavy metal grit with pop accessibility, helping to shape the genre's sound. The album’s legacy lives on, with Round and Round still receiving significant airplay, and the band's influence evident in many rock acts that followed. If you're a fan of classic '80s rock, this is an essential listen. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:52:43 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/iqxxsp883rtotf5z/Ratt_-_Out_of_the_Cellar_Audio_for_Video.mp3 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/iqxxsp883rtotf5z/Ratt_-_Out_of_the_Cellar_Audio_for_Video.mp3 Ep. 119 Ratt – Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction Ratt’s Out of the Cellar is one of the defining albums of the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Released on February 17, 1984, the album solidified Ratt as one of the premier acts in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. With its mix of sleazy, bluesy riffs, catchy melodies, and a slick production courtesy of Beau Hill, Out of the Cellar played a key role in shaping the sound of '80s hair metal. Out of the Cellar remains one of the quintessential glam metal albums of the 1980s. Ratt successfully blended heavy metal grit with pop accessibility, helping to shape the genre's sound. The album’s legacy lives on, with Round and Round still receiving significant airplay, and the band's influence evident in many rock acts that followed. If you're a fan of classic '80s rock, this is an essential listen. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:52:43 +0000 https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/iqxxsp883rtotf5z/Ratt_-_Out_of_the_Cellar_Audio_for_Video.mp3