Concept Album
Concept Album is the Mano A Mano radio segment where we strive to feature great albums in their entirety. The album could have been released in any form; digital, tape, CD, vinyl. The only requirement is that it be a great album from start to finish.
The idea came about in an interview with Brad Merritt (54-40 bassist) where he was discussing how people do not listen to full albums any longer and so bands are releasing spotify singles or EPs to catch attention.
With the unique position we have we decided to do the exact opposite of commercial radio and online single driven sites and with this segment we feature only full works of great art in the way the artist intended.
Episode 35: Little Payne
Album(s): Little Payne
Artist: Limblifter
Year: 2022
Notes: This is only the third time that we have ever done this...We inducted this Limblifter album into the Concept Album Hall of Fame without listening to the whole thing. In the past this has gone horribly wrong where we have had to retract one of the inductees. We were fairly confident that this album would not disappoint after hearing the first two singles. Join us for the listening party!
Episode 34: The Mars Volta
Album(s): The Mars Volta
Artist: The Mars Volta
Year: 2022
Notes: This is The Mars Volta's first album in about 10 years and first tour in approximately the same amount of time. We were lucky enough to attend the tour and pick up the vinyl and both were amazing! Join us as we induct The Mars Volta's self-titled album into the Concept Album Hall of Fame.
Episode 33: Colour and the Shape & One by one
Album: One by One
Artist: Foo Fighters
Year: 2002
One by One is the fourth studio album by American rock band Foo Fighters. This was the first album recorded in which Grohl did not play drums, and drum duties were permanently assigned to Taylor Hawkins.
Album: The colour and the shape
Artist: Foo Fighters
Year: 1997
Colour and the Shape is my favourite Foo fighters album. I think that I have overlooked it thus far in this podcast project because it is just too good. Have a listen and judge for yourself.
Episode 32: Ghosts, Danger Days and Hail to the Thief
Ghosts
Album: Ghosts V&VI
Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Year: 2020
We were so excited to hear new NIN and it was being released during our podcast that we streamed the album as a listening party. The first time we heard it was the first time we broadcast it. While it was airing we were talking it up but while songs were playing were cursing the length and have not once gone back to listen to this album. Hence this album had to be retracted from our list.
Danger Days
Album: Danger Days
Artist: My Chemical Romance
Year: 2010
Credit for this selection belongs with DJ Gogaliesha. He has been purchasing all the My Chemical Romance albums and we have been critically giving each a listen. I must admit that for me personally I was not a fan of My Chemical Romance these albums have grown on my to the point that I look forward to listening to the entire album no matter which of their albums that we put on.
Hail to the Thief
Album: Hail to the Thief
Artist: Radiohead
Year: 2003
Following a high-profile internet leak of unfinished material ten weeks before release, Hail to the Thief debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and number three on the US Billboard 200 chart. With this album Radiohead sought to work more spontaneously, combining electronic and rock music, this combination makes it one of my favourite Radiohead albums and thus worthy of being added to this list.
Episode 31: Finger Eleven
Album: Finger Eleven
Artist: Finger Eleven
Year: 2003
Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Finger Eleven is the eponymous third studio album by the Canadian rock band Finger Eleven. Because of its commercial success, they were welcomed to the SnoCore 2004 tour. "One Thing" became the biggest single from this record, reaching 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.[
Episode 30: Hug of Thunder and The Marble Index
30th Episode!!!
Album: Hug of Thunder
Artist: Broken Social Scene
Year: 2017
Notes: Hug of Thunder is the fifth studio album by this amazing Canadian indie rock musical collective. With all the amazing collaborations this is an exciting album with many different sounding tracks depending upon who is collaborating!
Album: The Marble Index
Artist: The Marble Index
Year: 2004
The Marble Index is a Canadian rock band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The group formed in 2001, and comprised Brad Germain, Ryan Tweedle, and Adam Knickle. The band is named after the album The Marble Index by Nico! We opened for this band onetime…not really but we played at the same venue on the same night!
Episode 29: Set yourself on Fire and Transmission
Album: Set Yourself on Fire
Artist: Stars
Year: 2004
Notes: Another one of my favourite albums! Immediately transform yourself into a happy mood by listening to this amazing album from start to finish. With multi-vocals, amazing instrumental performances and super catchy songs there is never a dull moment on this album!
Album: Transmission
Artist: The Tea Party
Year: 1997
As I was getting set to play this album I was wondering if it would translate over 20 years later. Back when it was released this was the most futuristic album. I was in awe at the integration of new music instruments and a old ethnic instruments and sounds. The result was pure genius! I’m happy to announce that this is still amazingness!
Episode 28: Zam & Hot Hot Heat!
Testing out some new software while inducting these two great albums into the Concept Album Hall of Fame.
Album: Zam
Artist: Frankie and the Witch Fingers
Year: 2019
Frankie & the Witch Fingers‘ fifth album, 2019’s Zam, sounds as psychedelic as a paisley shirt under a blacklight, but it’s also the work of a furiously tight band with plenty of guitar firepower, a killer rhythm section, and enough energy and momentum to fly around the globe non-stop….the internet says. For me, my brother bought me this vinyl and I had no idea what it was about. I put it on and immediately loved this entire album! It was in the CKMS Top 19 of 2019. Check it out above then go purchase your copy!
Album: Hot Hot Heat
Artist: Hot Hot Heat
Year: 2016
Notes: After 17 years, five albums, and numerous line up changes, Hot Hot Heat are calling it quits with their final, self-titled LP, which looks back on things with surface cheeriness and tangible fatigue. This album was not really toured but is one of my favourite albums that I have not only in my Hot Hot Heat collection but in my entire vinyl collection!
Episode 27: Songs for the deaf, Incesticide, Bat outta Hell, Live it out!
While the station was setting up it’s remote broadcast server in the early days of the COVID-19 self isolation I was tasked with filling the airwaves on a few days. One of those days I featured an abundance of great albums. I took a few requests and had to supplement a few with the same band but an album that I had. Hopefully your request was satisfied!
I think due to magnitude of these bands we were kicked off most streaming platforms due to copyrights.
The only relic that remains is their inclusion into the Concept Album Hall of fame collaboration artwork.
Episode 26: Ghosts V&VI
Trent Reznor must be a HUGE fan of the Mano A Mano show because after our 25th episode he decided to release his new album FREE at nin.com on a MAM night! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this release although the album came out right as my show was about to air! So I quickly downloaded it and and without preview it went right to air! If you like ambient….this is some dark ambient for you!
Episode 25: Bones in the Soil, Rust in the Oil & Guidance
25th show!!
Album: Bones in the Soil, Rust in the Oil
Artist: Pretend
Year: 2009
Notes: I think this is one of the most underrated post-rock albums. The musicianship is absolutely insane, the vocals are perfect, not intrusive but still there, the lyricism is abstract to just the right degree. Check it out and let me know if you agree!
Album: Guidance
Artist: Russian Circles
Year: 2016
Notes: Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental band from Chicago, Illinois. They were formed in late 2004. Check out this album as a great representation of their music. All their albums sound like heavier Post-Rock with moments of beauty throughout!
Let me know what you think!
Episode 24: Bellaclava, Deleter, Bedlam in Goliath
Sub-Theme: Bands that we have already featured something by them but here is another super amazing album
Album: Deleter
Artist: Holy F&$#
Year: 2020
Notes: Already in the running for one of the best albums released this year is Holy F%$^’s Deleter album! This album picks up right where the band left off with more cool electronic/indie combo tracks! Check out the full albums above on our podcast the go out and get this sweet vinyl!
Album: Bedlam in Goliath
Artist: The Mars Volta
Year: 2008
Notes: I consider The Mars Volta one of my “Vinyl Bands”. Some bands I will just wait to listen until I get the vinyl. Some I have to have it so fast I will take anything. It is not a question of which bands I like more, I believe it has more to do with the type of music. Post Rock & Math Rock seem to be more “Vinyl Bands”. All others are CD, Digital and I’ve even started dabbling in tapes thanks to 3Nines Cassettes! Anyways, This album changed all that for me….Check out the podcast above!
Album: Bellaclava
Artist: Limblifter
Year: 2000, 2020
Notes: I can’t believe that this album came out 20 years ago! What a great album! Limblifter is a Canadian Classic. So to mark the 20 year anniversary the album was released for the first time on vinyl. The album includes an updated mastering process, which sometimes ruins an album in my opinion but for this album it sounds great AND the album also includes two extra unreleased tracks. Check it out above on our podcast and then get ordering! This vinyl is limited to only 300 copies!
Episode 23: Oneiric, Magnifique, Anywhere
Another podcast with extra time!
Album: Oneiric
Artist: Del Bel
Year: 2011
Notes: I believe I came across this album while I was looking for Canadian content for our Audio comic “The Electrifying Adventures (of DJ Jeff E Jeff)” and loved the chill-out vibe of this whole album. I found a CD copy in the studio and have enjoyed the full album ever since!
Album: Magnifique
Artist: Ratatat
Year: 2015
Notes: Ratatat is a Brooklyn-based electronic rock duo consisting of Mike Stroud (guitar, melodica, synthesizers, percussion) and producer Evan Mast (bass, synthesizers, percussion).
Album: Anywhere
Artist: Anywhere
Year: 2012
Notes: Anywhere has featured a revolving door of musicians, including Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Mike Watt, Krist Novoselic, Dale Crover and Jonathan Hischke
Episode 22: Heavy Meta.
Who will cut out hair when we're gone?
Album: Who will cut our hair when we’re gone?
Artist: The Unicorns
Year: 2003 – re-released in 2014
Notes: This album is the Unicorns debut studio album. This is also their final album. The Unicorns released a self produced album and a few other smaller EPs but nothing as complete as this magnificent album.
Album: Heavy Meta
Artist: The Mounties
Year: 2019
Notes: Super group “The Mounties” released some instant classics on their first album “Thrash Rock Legacy”. This second album was released very quietly. The Album was released and Hawksley Workman toured his solo album, Ryan Dahle started planning a Limblifter re-release and Steve Bays started a brand new project with Prairie Cat. This album is absolutely fantastic! Check it out in the podcast above!
Episode 21: Vehicles Beyond, Still life moving fast, In A Coma, Lizard Tree
We had double the time this week! Two extra albums! sub-theme: green album covers to colour all the leafy bits
Album: Vehicles Boyond
Artist: Kitchens & Bathrooms
Year: 2003
Notes: These guys were a fantastic band from Hamilton. I picked up this album years ago at one of their show before I ever knew about “Math Rock” I saw them perform a few times….great album. Might be hard to find! Check it out in the podcast above!
Album: Still Life Fast Moving
Artist: Mean Red Spiders
Year: 2003
Notes: I found out about these guys when we played in Toronto. Possibly opened for this band. They were classified as alternative, shoegaze. I found them to be awesome! I have a few of their albums. In playing this album I found out they had released an album in 2014 that I’ve got to check out!
Album: Lizard Tree
Artist: Green Tree Frogs
Year: 2018
Notes: Enjoy a day at the lizard tree with the Green Tree frogs! You can download this album free here:
https://manoamanoradio.bandcamp.com/album/lizard-tree
Album: In A Coma
Artist: Matthew Good
Year: 2005
Notes: Probably one of Canada’s best musicians! Between the years of 1995-2005 Matt Good could do no wrong! Check it out here!
Episode 20: History
We decided to switch to a new format for podcasting by streaming our content live to Youtube. Most shows are automatically podcasted depending upon copyrights.
Album(s): History
Artist: Controller Controller
Year: 2004
Notes: As we continue on with bands that we have played with this is one of my favourites! Controller Controller was an amazing band both live and on their two (only) albums! In order to squeeze in 3 albums we went with their debut album “History” which is a hard hitting 7 songs – something not done much back then….too long and too much depth for an EP, but kinda short for a full length album. A lot of places now call this an EP.
Episode 19: Congrats, Latin, Holy F
Album(s): Congrats, Latin, Holy F&%K
Artist: Holy F&%K
Year: 2016, 2010, 2007
Notes: We look forward to a new album by Holy F%&K by listening to their previous albums! New album is out now! And our copy is being delivered soon!
Episode 18: Sight, Pick A Piper, Distance
Album: Sight & Distance & Pick A Piper
Artist: Pick A Piper
Year: 2019, 2017, 2013
Notes: This are all three of the main albums created by Toronto-Waterloo band Pick A Piper. Special Note: Pick A Piper appeared on the Mano A Mano show for their first (self-titled) album on album release day! Make sure to check out this band and order their music for some wicked chill out grooves!
Episode 17: Pisces Iscariot, Swoon, Elevated Tracks
We have some extra time on the program tonight and will be inducting Smashing Pumpkins and similar sounding bands
Album: Elevated Tracks
Artist: Cyanide Kiss
Year: 2018
Notes: Each track from this album was taken from one of the limited edition Cyanide Kiss album from the years 2002-2009, remastered and made available online.
Album: Swoon
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Year: 2009
Notes: Silversun Pickups have released an albums this year that is amazing also! This album was chosen to display how well the singles fit within the framework of the rest of the album.
Album: Pisces Iscariot
Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Year: 1994
Notes: This is a compilation of B-sides formed into an album and was still one of their greatest albums and one of the best albums of the year back in 1994.
Episode 16: Eat the Elephant
Album: Eat the Elephant
Artist: A Perfect Circle
Year: 2018
Notes: This was #2 on the CKMS chart for that year! This is currently one of DJ Steel’s most listened to albums!
Episode 15: Pacific Milk
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I featured one of my favourite all time bands….LIMBLIFTER!! Limblifter is currently working to re-release their Bellaclava album which will contain new material! Bellaclava will likely be re-released next year. However, on the podcast below you can hear Limblifters newest amazing album “Pacific Milk” Check it out here and then go buy all their merch!
Episode 14: You're a Woman I'm a Machine
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I featured an album that I don’t have on vinyl but might have to rectify that! I was about to feature a different Death From Above 1979 and at the last minute listened to a few tracks off this album and remembered how good this album was and had to switch. This album is called “You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine” and was release in 2004 and is already a Canadian Classic! Check out the full album below!
Episode 14: Don't Get Heavy
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I featured one of my favourite vinyls to put on and just let the smooth music vibe take over! Check out Fur Trade and their amazing album Don’t Get Heavy in its entirety…..right here……on Mano A Mano Concept Album
Episode 13: Lanterns
Theme “Accidental Shows”. This one was when I accidentally saw Son Lux a few years back at NXNE and they were unbelievable! My favourite song of the night was “Lost it to Trying” so I decided to feature the Son Lux album Lanterns in its entirety! Sit back and listen to a masterpiece!
Also, Here is the video we recorded at NXNE
Episode 13: No Safe Home and Log Bomb
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album we featured the Wax Mannequin album No Safe Home in Full. This was a request by Jeff McKenna. Wax Mannequin is semi-local….from Hamilton ON. Check out his album here and then go purchase some of his album online or around the city!
And Since I saw them together for the first time I podcasted them together here….Keep listening once No Safe Home is finished because then we jump into some Log Bomb by Bob Log III. Bob is always swinging by the Jane Bond in Waterloo! Make sure to check him out! He will sell you a tube top! He will sell you some panties! What you want?
Episode 12: With Teeth
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album, the second amazing full album that we featured with the Nine Inch Nail’s With Teeth album. Released in 2005 this is the least industrial Nine Inch Nails album although there is still a very industrial sound to the album.
Episode 12: Blurry Face
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album DJ Gogaliesha took over when I fell asleep and featured one of his favourite albums by Twenty One Pilots. He might be onto something here….This album got one of the most likes out of all the albums we featured on our instagram page when we featured the above mosaic. Check out the album Blurry Face in full here!
Episode 11: Free Candy
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I featured two of my favourite Canadian Bands! Both have great stories about how I found out about the bands and their albums. I also pulled a last minute audible with this selection. I was going to feature The Wet Secrets album “Rock Fantasies” by at the last minute their track “Maybe we’ll make a plan” played on my Audio Library and I had to listen to that album because it is just as fantastic! So check out their album here and then go buy all their music!
Episode 11: Stubborn Persistent Illusions
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I featured two of my favourite Canadian Bands! Both have great stories about how I found out about the bands and their albums….Check out Do Make Say Thinks most recent release “Stubborn Persistent Illusions” in Full here. Then you can go out like I did and try to collect their whole discography on vinyl!
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album I was given the theme “Robot Apocalypse” by Mano Amigo Brenda. After just finishing a whole Robot Apocalypse series where I feature collaborating artists from Robot Apocalypse, I decided to not play this album again but instead find other albums that fit this theme.
Episode 10: Robot Apocalypse, Spiritual Machines, OK Computer
The two that I found just so happened to be AMAZING concept albums in their own right not and could be featured even if I did not have the constraints of a “Robot Apocalypse” theme. First we hear my favourite Our Lady Peace album “Spiritual Machine”. I’m not sure if this album resonates with me because I was reading this book at the same time of the album release or if the music is just so good that it is obviously that it should be my favourite.
The second album was a request by DJ Mattador. He suggested that I play literally any album by Radiohead. His preference was “The Bends” however due to the theme restriction I went with OK computer. This is probably the most genre breaking of all their albums and where a definitive shift in their music can be heard.
With some extra time on the program we can induct 3 albums!
Episode 9: God is an Astronaut & Sold for a Smile
Last weekend on Mano A Mano – Concept Album We had a God and the Devil theme suggestion that we fulfilled with two amazing albums. We were also able to do something we have been hoping to do for a while and feature a bands amazing album and an amazing album that they like. The first Album that we feature was CDN band The Gandharvas and their 1998 MCA release “Sold For A Smile” followed by a band that Gandharvas lead singer is a fan of God is an Astronaut and their 2008 self titled release.
Episode 8: I & II
Band: Audio Boffins
Released October 2019
Aired in full October 19th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Special NBA Fantasy Draft live-stream presentation.
Watch or listen to podcast here!
Episode 7: Make A Pest A Pet
Band: The Age of Electric
Released in 1997 & re-released in 2017
Aired in full October 18th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 6: Memory Lame
Band: Giraffes? Giraffes!
Released April 2018
Aired in full October 18th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 5: Eight Arms to Hold You & Ghost Notes
Band: Veruca Salt
Released Feb 1997 & July 2015
Aired in full October 12th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 4: The book about my idle plot on a vague anxiety
Band: Toe
Released August 2005
Aired in full October 5th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 3: Noctourniquet
Band: The Mars Volta
Released March 2012
Aired in full October 5th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 2: Fear Inoculum
Band: Tool
Released August 2019
Aired in full September 29th on CKMS Radio Waterloo
Episode 1: Keep on Walking
Band: 54-40
Released July 2018
Aired in full September 29th on CKMS Radio Waterloo