McGuigan Brothers Podcast

Hotel California

The Eagles went from dusty cowboys to velvet-rope visionaries and Hotel California was the turning point. We dive into the harmonies, solos, myths, and metaphors that made this a monster album.Matthew breaks down the studio magic. Ryan tackles the sales, snubs, and stats. Billy traces the band’s evolution from Ronstadt’s backing band to stadium-filled legends.Plus: a full category round, the balcony myth, and a call to the front desk you don’t want to miss.

Nevermind

The McGuigan Brothers dive into Nevermind, the album that flipped the music table in 1991 and never looked back. From the quiet-loud explosions of “Teen Spirit” to the raw ache of “Something in the Way,” we go track by track through the record that reprogrammed pop culture.Matthew’s Headphones Moment tunes into the smallest details. Ryan’s A&R Guy wonders if a shower is in order. We debate MVPs, spot the Lennon moments, and uncover the Beatles-in-Ed-Sullivan effect hidden inside grunge’s ugliest masterpiece. And as always…what will Kate think of Nevermind?Come as you are, just maybe not to a pay-to-play club.

Pet Sounds

On this episode we look up to the heavens to find one of the most revolutionary albums in pop history: Pet Sounds. It’s the sound of musical genius Brian Wilson stepping away from surfboards to compose symphonies, layering heartbreak, harmony and some of the most inventive production ever pressed to tape. We break down the full story: from the Wilson brothers’ childhood in Hawthorne, CA to the sessions with the Wrecking Crew, from Capitol Records’ doubts to Paul McCartney’s obsession.Track-by-track breakdowns. Hot takes. Deep-cut trivia (surprised you didn’t know that!). All the categories - Ryan’s A&R guy, Matthew’s headphones moment. And Mike Love gets love?Come for the Electro-Theremin, stay for the goats on the album cover.”Bam ba bam ba bam ba baaaa aaaahhh” - God Only Knows

Rumours

Lindsey and Stevie were breaking up. So were John and Christine. Mick was divorcing and trying to keep his band from imploding. Amid all the chaos, they made Rumours: a flawless pop-rock album born from heartbreak, tension, and a frankly irresponsible amount of cocaine.The McGuigan Brothers break down every track, every feud, and every harmony that somehow survived it all. Shacking up’s all you wanna do? We’ll see.

Thriller

Michael Jackson. Quincy Jones. Nine tracks. No filler.The McGuigan Brothers breakdown the biggest pop album ever made - track by track. From Billie Jean’s haunted groove to Eddie Van Halen’s guitar fireworks, from the Toto-driven rhythm section to a crooning Beatle, we dig into the songs, the legacy, and the vision that changed music forever.Is Thriller perfect or just untouchable? All the categories. All the takes. Three brothers. One moonwalk into pop history.