A-Sides

Episode 129 - More With Liv Warfield

Extraordinary vocalist and Central Illinois native Liv Warfield is due to release her third studio album on September 15th, titled The Edge. For this second appearance on A-SIDES, we not only dive into the creation of her album, but also reflect on the powerful influence of Tina Turner, her tenure with Chicago's Cabaret ZaZou, live performances, and more! Huge thanks to Liv for taking time away from her busy schedule to join A-SIDES.
You can follow along with Liv at her website for tour dates and use this link to dive into her new album, The Edge!
Thanks to Liv and also everyone who listens!

Episode 128 - Power Pop Top Ten

Episode 128 feels like our biggest episode to date, as we attempt to define and share our favorite songs from the rock 'n roll genre known as "Power Pop." Taking its roots in the British Invasion of the 60's, the genre casts a wide net that includes 90's darlings Jellyfish, solo artists such as Matthew Sweet, and especially all-too-brief 70's bands Badfinger and Big Star. Hosts Brent and Andy share ten songs each that are chock full of hooks, slick production, and harmonies that will stick to you like honey. Thanks for pressing play on this latest episode of A-SIDES!

Episode 127 - A Dio Deep Dive

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the heavy metal classic, Holy Diver, which fueled the discussion for this episode of A-SIDES. Andy welcomed Corey Rozzoni of The Great Affairs back to discuss heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, his namesake band DIO, the first four classic studio albums, as well as their favorite tracks, the ever-increasing usage of keyboards, Vivian Campbell's guitar playing, his successor Craig Goldy, and even how many times "rainbow" is used as a lyric! We're off to the witch for Episode 127 of A-SIDES!

Episode 126 - Art Alexakis

Everclear reached a milestone of 30 years in 2022, which is being celebrated with their first ever live album from the historic Whisky A Go Go on September 8th, 2023. Ahead of this release and a big fall tour with The Ataris, Art Alexakis spoke with Andy for this episode of A-SIDES. While Art shared a few anecdotes from a previous album, The Vegas Years, and performing alongside Cheap Trick, it's more than just about the music for him. He's a family man, he's honest about his struggles, and is a real class act.
Huge thanks to Art for this conversation, as well as thanks to Bari Lieberman, Joey Waterman, and Freddy Herrera for their assistance in making this happen. You can find Everclear on tour by visiting their website here and also find Live At The Whisky A Go Go on vinyl through your local record store.
Thanks for another spin on A-SIDES.

Episode 125 - Warrant with Denny Smith

For this special episode of A-SIDES, Andy turns back the clock to 1989, the year Warrant went went to Number 2 on the Billboard Charts with their debut album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich. Frequent guest Denny Smith (of The Great Affairs) lends his expertise as they discuss the first four studio albums from Warrant, several times when Denny performed on the same bill as the band, their music videos, lyrical inspirations, and even the production wizardry of Beau Hill and Michael Wagener. Huge thanks to Denny for returning to A-SIDES as well as inspiring this episode's topic. Thanks for listening to Episode 125 of A-SIDES.

Episode 124 - Janet Jackson Songs

Following a week packed full of concerts, Brent and Andy sat down to not only share stories from those shows, but also their personal "Top Five" Janet Jackson songs for Episode 124. The duo traveled to Moline, IL for a concert headlined by one of Brent's childhood favorites, Ugly Kid Joe, with Fozzy and Pistols At Dawn performing as well. Then Brent attended a jam-packed amphitheater show featuring Ms. Jackson. In addition to those concert stories, we also learn a few barbecuing tips, Janet taking control of her career in 1986, the simpler times of 1980's lyrics, and more. Thanks for listening to another episode of A-SIDES!

Episode 123 - Ace Von Johnson

Episode 123 of A-SIDES features special guest Ace Von Johnson. The intent of this conversation was to chat about collecting vinyl, but it quickly descended into the depths of fandoms, from Danko Jones to Danzig, and recent metal band Unto Others. Ace shares his interactions with several musical heroes, the facade of gatekeeping, making connections, and more!
 
As much as Ace is enthusiastic about his favorite bands, he is passionate about dogs, specifically pit bulls. You can follow and support Ace through his Patreon, which in turn helps him in advocating and caring for pit bulls. He also has his own website as well, acevonjohnson.com, and he is very active on social media.
 
Huge thanks to Ace for being the lastest guest on A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens.

Episode 122 - 75 Years Of Alice Cooper

With Alice Cooper celebrating his 75th birthday this year, it sparked the idea behind this episode of A-SIDES. Andy reached out to Acey Slade (from such bands as Dope and Murderdolls) to discuss his history with the "Godfather of Shock Rock", from performing as an opening band to launching an Alice Cooper line of coffee through his Catfight Coffee brand. Acey also shares several of his favorite songs, his appreciation for Alice's work ethic, and more! Huge thanks to Acey for sharing his stories on this latest episode of A-SIDES.
You can find Catfight Coffee at their website, which features several styles and roasts, Catfight merch, coffee accessories, and more!
And don't forget to follow the man himself, for tour dates, music, merch and more at Alice Cooper's website.