Slang of Ages Podcast
Get Preston Frazier's take on the best albums of all time.
127 episodes
latest
fortnightly cadence
English language
Explicit rating
https://slang.spellbindingmedia.com/feed.xml
Episodes
Reading the feed…
Get Preston Frazier's take on the best albums of all time.
Reading the feed…
In this episode of the Slang of Ages Podcast, Preston Frazier takes an in-depth look at Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals’ 2016 album Call It What It Is. Returning after a long hiatus, Harper reunited with the Innocent Criminals for an album that blends blues, rock, soul, funk, and socially conscious songwriting. Preston explores the history behind the album, the musicians who brought it to life—including the late Michael Ward and Juan Nelson—and examines each song, discussing its themes, standout performances, and musical highlights. From the powerful title track to favorites like “Deeper a
The Rock Band That Redefined the Genre (And Why They Belong in the Hall of Fame) Think Living Colour is just "Cult of Personality"? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with author Preston Frazier to dive deep into his explosive new book, Shade of Living Color. We break down the incredible highs, the devastating 90s breakup, and the undeniable legacy of a band that reclaimed Black participation in rock and roll. From Mick Jagger’s secret weapon role in their early success to the truth behind those Corey Glover rumors, we’re unpacking the full, unfiltered history of one of rock’s most inno
This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! Preston hosted the season finale of Season 9 ( episode 150) of the Slang of Ages podcast, focusing on the 1986 album "Chicago 18" by the band Chicago. He discussed the significant lineup changes following Peter Cetera's departure, including the addition of new members Jason Scheff on bass and vocals, and Bill Champlin, while noting that the album reached only number 35 on the Billboard charts compared to the top 10 success of its predecessor. Preston analyzed each song on the album, highligh
Preston hosted the penultimate episode of Season 9 of the Slang of Ages podcast, discussing Rodney Crowell's 1988 album "Street Language." He provided a comprehensive overview of the album's background, including how Crowell left Warner Brothers Records after they rejected the album for being too rock-oriented, and his decision to work with co-producer Booker T. Jones for his debut release on Columbia Records. Preston analyzed each of the album's 10 tracks, highlighting the musical contributions of various artists like Stuart Smith, Eric Johnson, Vince Gill, and the Uptown Horn Players, while
In this episode of the Slang of Ages Podcast, host Preston Frazier reviewed the 1988 album "What Up Dog?" by Was (Not Was), which reached number 43 on the charts. Preston discussed the band's background, including founders David Was and Don Was, and highlighted the album's notable tracks such as "Spy in the House of Love," "Walk the Dinosaur," and "Robot Girl." He explored the album's diverse musical styles, ranging from R&B to funk, and praised the contributions of vocalists Sir Harry Bowens and Sweet P. Atkinson. Preston also noted the album's successful singles and the impressive lineup of
Preston reconnects with Bobby Broom to discuss his new tribute album 'Notes of Thanks,' its repertoire choices, recording details, and promotion and touring plans. Broom explained he deliberately recorded the project while Sonny Rollins is still alive, returning to a guitar trio format with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins, whom he had not recorded with as a pure trio in over a decade; Watkins has been Rollins' drummer for the last six years of Rollins' performing career. Broom recounted how he first connected with Rollins—early gigs with Al Haig, an R.L. Ray-arranged audition,
This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. Slang of Ages Host, Preston, catches up with Dennis Atlas’s new album, Principle, focusing on its creation, recording process, collaborator roles, production choices, and promotion plans. Dennis explained that most writing and recording occurred over the prior 18 months, with many songs sketched on the road and tracked primarily in his home studio while select contributors recorded at their own studios and connected remotely via SessionWire. Production decisions emphasized assigning parts only where a guest’s distincti
In this episode of Slang of Ages, we dive deep into Dig—the 2001 album that finds Boz Scaggs stepping into the new millennium without chasing trends, yet somehow landing right inside them. Known for his smooth, yacht-ready classics, Boz flips the script here, trading polish for pulse and sunlight for shadow. We explore how Dig leans into trip-hop textures, downtempo grooves, and late-night electronic soul—creating a moody, headphone-driven experience that feels more underground than mainstream. From the gritty gratitude of “Thanks to You” to the cinematic drift of “Vanishing Point” and the ten
Guitarist Alex Wintz returns with Collage, his most personal album to date and his first release in six years. In this conversation with Slang of Ages, Wintz reflects on how life experiences—travel, partnership, fatherhood, and the search for home—shaped the music on the record. He also discusses the deep musical chemistry with collaborators Victor Gould, Matt Penman, and Jimmy Macbride, the rhythmic inspiration behind tracks like “Pondhop,” and why revisiting a song by George Harrison felt right for this project. The result is an album that blends groove, reflection, and modern jazz storytell
This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. On this episode of the Slang Of Ages Podcast, Preston Frazier sits down with bassist and composer Mark Wade to unpack New Stages, a daring project that reimagines classical masterworks through the lens of a modern jazz trio. Drawing inspiration from Debussy, Sibelius, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Rodrigo, and even Chick Corea, Wade doesn’t simply interpret—he reconstructs. The conversation dives into the fine line between homage and transformation, what it means to lead a trio from the bass, and how orchestral thinking reshap
This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. Joseph Williams joins the Slang of Ages Podcast for a wide-ranging, deeply candid conversation about life inside—and outside—Toto. In this episode, Williams walks Preston through his unexpected return to the band in 2010, how his approach to singing has evolved since his first Toto run in the ’80s, and what it actually takes to protect a voice while performing at a world-class level night after night. The discussion dives into Toto’s ambitious “An Evening with Toto” tour format, the freedom it gives the band to stretch
The Master Class of “Emeralds" Deep Diving with Parlor Greens Two years ago, Parlor Greens stepped onto the scene with In Green We Dream, essentially handing a calling card to every funk devotee on the planet. Today, they aren’t just knocking on the door—they’re kicking it off the hinges. On this episode, we’re breaking down their sophomore LP, Emeralds, a masterfully curated sampler of what happens when the Hammond B3 meets pure, unadulterated grit. The chemistry here isn’t accidental; it’s pedigree. We’re talking about a trio of seasoned pros: * Tim Carman (Canyon Lights) is holding down the
Toto XX (20th Anniversary Collection) In this episode of the Slang Of Ages Podcast, Preston Frazier digs into Toto XX, the 1998 collection that marked the band’s 20th anniversary—not with hits, but with deep cuts, rarities, and alternate perspectives on Toto’s long arc from 1977 to 1997. Rather than a traditional retrospective, XX plays like a parallel Toto history, spotlighting songs that fell between the cracks, lineup shifts, and stylistic experiments that never quite fit the album cycles of their time. Preston frames XX as essential listening for understanding Toto beyond the radio staples
This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. Season 9 of the Slang Of Ages Podcast opens with a 30-minute, song-by-song journey through J.D. Souther’s 1984 album Home By Dawn, a quiet, emotionally honest record that whispered amid an era of loud pop. This episode explores the album’s understated beauty, from the gentle recognition of “Home By Dawn” to the vulnerable intimacy of “All I Want,” revealing how Souther’s mature songwriting and restrained production create a timeless listening experience. Tune in to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the power of music
Thanks to the guests of Season 8: Joe Williams, Miguel Zenon, Steve Porcaro, Travis Hall, Vernon Reid, La Tanya Hall, Kevin Mulryne, Danny Ayala, Mark Anthony K, Joe Bailey, Ron Blake, Fat Produce, Burnt Sugar, Catherine Russell/Colin Handcock and Fernando Perdomo. Special Thanks to Patreon Executive Producers: Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes, and Rolando Guzman. Season 9 of the podcast starts at the end of February 2026! My books, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, and “Yes Indeed: Tales from Yes Without Jon Anderson” are available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages
Home - Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber Music | Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber Episode Summary In this wide-ranging Slang of Ages Podcast conversation, host Preston Frazier sits down with members and collaborators from Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber to explore how one of New York’s most boundary-defying ensembles actually works. The discussion opens with a history of the band and co-founder Greg Tate, before moving into the distinct roles each band member plays within the collective. As the conversation deepens, the focus turns to Burnt Sugar’s unique use of conduction, real-time compositi
From Miami’s humid streets to Boca Raton’s Studio Del Sol, Fat Produce brings the funk, the soul, and a heavy dose of groove to their sophomore release, Soulful Days. The guitar-and-drum duo of Addison Rifkind and Michael Duffy, now joined by upright bassist Nestor Del Prado, take a joyride through deep cuts and cult classics — reshaping everything from Isaac Hayes to Sister Nancy with their own sun-baked swagger. Tracked live to 8-track tape, the album captures the immediacy and grit of a trio that lives for the pocket. I caught up with Addison and Michael to talk about their process, influen
The Slang Of Ages Podcast welcomes back composer, saxophonist, and educator Ron Blake back to the podcast. This interview, recorded on September 16, 2025, features Ron Blake discussing his album 'Scratch Band'. It explores the tradition of scratch bands in the Virgin Islands, the influence of Caribbean and quelbé folk heritage, and how Ron balances honoring those roots with exploring new musical directions. The discussion touches on his creative process, cultural inspiration, and the evolution of the project since his last interview in 2023. Check out: ronblakemusic.com
In this Slang of Ages conversation, Preston Frazier reconnects with British multi-instrumentalist Joe Bailey to discuss his latest solo album, Torrential Pain. Known for his prolific output and one-man-band approach, Bailey breaks down the evolution of his songwriting, production, and performance process—from the guitar-driven power of Torrential Pain to his increasingly sophisticated vocal harmonies and orchestral textures. Bailey explains how the album’s six tracks, though not bound by a strict concept, explore familiar themes of inner conflict, existential dread, and resilience through lush
Friend of the podcast, Mark Anthony K, returns to talk about his bold new album, 'The Dark Days of Yesterday’. Order it at: https://projektgemineye.bandcamp.com/merch. Check out my review at: https://slangofages.com/short-tracks-the-dark-days-of-yesterday-by-projekt-gemineye-2025/
Preston interviewed Danny Ayala about his new album "Only Fools Who Love Again," discussing his recent tours and the album's creation process, which began during COVID and involved collaborations with various musicians, including Fernando Perdomo and the Lemon Twigs. Danny shared insights about his musical influences and songwriting approach, highlighting how his diverse background informed the album's cohesive sound that blends power pop, pop rock, and modern elements. https://danny-ayala.bandcamp.com/album/only-fools-love-again
In this episode of Slang of Ages Podcast, Preston Frazier sits down with author, podcaster, and Yes scholar Kevin Mulryne to discuss his latest book, Tales from Topographic Oceans – Yes Album Listening Guide. Building on the success of his earlier work, The Tormato Story, Mulryne dives deep into one of Yes’s most polarizing and ambitious albums. He reveals how a fan poll led him to tackle the project, the discoveries he made from speaking with band members and technical staff, and the surprising role of little-known engineer Gennaro Rippo in the making of the record. Mulryne also unpacks Rick
This was a delightful interview. Thanks to La Tanya Hall, for discussing her new album. This interview delves into the inspiration and creative process behind the album 'If Not Now, When...' It delves into the artist’s introspective journey, the impact of the pandemic on their music, the urgency conveyed by the album title, and the careful selection of emotionally resonant songs. https://latanyahall.com LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now! Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to sup
I sit down with one of my favorite musicians, Vernon A. Reid, to discuss his first solo album in years, 'Hoodoo Telemetry'. Vernon discusses the songwriting and production process of the solo album and touches on Living Colour. This is part one, as we got cut off before we discussed the compositions on the album and new Living Colour music. Part 2 is available exclusively on my Patreon page. https://blackrockcoali https://livingcolour.com LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now! Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusi
Preston interviews Atlanta based, classically trained opera tenor Travis Hall . He has stunned the music community with his debut, HeART Museum . Like, share and subscribe to the Slang of Ages Podcast.
