Ahoy, movie fans! When we are fortunate enough to get Geoff Stephen to graph our lists as they happen, it adds an element of excitement. We see certain picks take early leads, only for some to be wiped out when the big guns come out at the end. In terms of graphing and trends, the Spielberg film lists were the most thrilling yet.
We also had bonus lists from Rob McKinnon and Sarca Sim.
On a personal note this was one of the most fun shows yet. Erik was a fantastic addition to the panel with his encyclopedic knowledge of cinema. And most of us will be back next week when we tackle Top Animated Films, a topic suggested in the comments by Harrison the Mad Metal Man.
The LeBrain Train: 2000 Words or More with Mike and Friends
Episode 78 – Nigel Tufnel Top Ten Spielberg films
A little bit of a different kind of list. This one comes courtesy of Eric Litwiller, AKA your own Uncle Meat. We are going to attempt to rank our Top 11 Steven Spielberg films. A mighty, mighty task. We are only discussing the films he directed and nothing else. That still leaves 32 to choose from. There will be some crossover but you’ll have to watch to see how it goes. One thing we’ve learned here: You cannot predict the lists, especially when Kevin is playing.
Lots of laughs and musical wisdom from the inspiring Polychuck on today’s episode of the LeBrain Train! Influenced by everybody from Yngwie J. Malmsteen to Post Malone, Polychuck strikes from Montreal with his new EP Shadows Exposed. Deke and I had a blast talking to the man about topics such as:
Kiss
Mixed martial arts
Guitar influences
Progressive rock
Metallica
Touring
Merch
Working on an album
Check out his music on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes. This fascinating artist is going places.
The LeBrain Train: 2000 Words or More with Mike and Deke
Episode 77 – Polychuck
We’ve been talking about Montreal’s multi-instrumentalist Polychuck for a few weeks; well now it’s time to talk to the man himself! His new EP Shadows Exposed features five new tracks, including “In the Dark” and “Beating Me Down”. Introspective songs with modern urban beats and shredding guitar solos. A unique combination to be sure. Polychuck has been shredding since age 13! We can’t wait to find out what makes him tick. His use of striking visuals and unique influences are sure to come up in our conversation.
Another trip around the sun is always worth a celebration, and tonight we celebrated several birthdays! Most notable those of Harrison and LeBrain. As I say “happy birthday, to the Mad Metal Man”, I also thank Tee Bone for his two new music videos! Tonight we premiered his latest hit “Fuck Pants”, and “HBD to the Mad Metal Man”. Above and beyond the call of duty my friend! Both songs were played multiple times during the show, so you can be sure not to miss them!
Party goers that were in for the long haul included:
We also had special surprise drop-in guests: Scott Peddle, Michael Morwood, T-Rev, John Snow, and Brent Jensen himself! Since the theme of tonight’s lists was “songs that make our skin vibrate”, we had to have Brent on, who contributed his own cool list.
Also thank you to Geoff Stephen, Deke, Kevin & Sarah, and Mike Slayen, who would have been on tonight if there were able. And a huge thanks to Chris Thuss, who tabulated the panel’s picks at bottom. Thanks buddy!
A great time was had by all, thank you for watching. See you next week for Polychuck!
The LeBrain Train: 2000 Words or More with Mike and Harrison
Episode 76 – “Music That Makes Your Skin Vibrate” Birthday Party Extravaganza
Both Harrison and LeBrain have chosen to celebrate their birthdays tonight, with the online party to end all online parties. Because of this special occasion, we’re going with a Nigel Tufnel Top Ten theme of Harrison’s design this time. In an effort to be inclusive, he picked a broad topic that anyone can contribute a list for: music that makes our skin vibrate! That phrase was originally coined by author and friend of the show, Brent Jensen. And we couldn’t do a show about music that makes our skin vibrate without him. Fortunately, Brent was available and he will be dropping in tonight!
It will be a fully packed, fully caffeinated show, and therefore tonight’s format will be a little looser than the usual. Although we will be going in our usual rounds, we will also pause when surprise guests drop in to wish us happy birthday. I expect this one to be a long, lively and dynamic show, with surprises. Including two brand new songs by Tee Bone himself! I can tell you right now that at least one of them is bound to be a hit.
Additionally I look forward to a visit from Brent and whoever else can make it! While we’re at it, let’s wish Aaron and Sarca happy birthdays as they are both celebrating this week as well! (Unfortunately Aaron is too busy partying in real life to make it tonight, but we wish him happy birthday just the same!
A huuuge thanks to Tee Bone for the music videos we are going to premiere tonight. These are songs he wrote specifically for this show. Videos he curated for your own entertainment. Music that will hopefully make your skin vibrate.
Dave Lizmi was a no-show, but that can’t stop the LeBrain Train from rolling.
We’re good at improvising, so tonight’s show was a discussion of favourite concert memories and rock star encounters. Encounters such as: Rush, Kim Mitchell, Cyndi Lauper and more. Have you heard the story of Lauper asking T-Rev for directions in Sarnia? Or Uncle Meat blowing pot smoke in Geddy Lee’s face? You will after watching this!
Thank you T-Rev for your understanding, and thanks to Uncle Meat for pinch-hitting at the last minute. Apologies to you for the change of plan. I talked to Dave a few days ago, and he was good to go. I don’t know what happened. But we rocked it anyway!
Also — a couple of minor announcements were made, although as we’ve seen, anything can change. Let us know what you think.
The LeBrain Train: 2000 Words or More with Mike and T-Rev
Episode 75 – Dave Lizmi
By now Dave Lizmi and the Four fuckin’ Horsemen should need no introduction. Dave was a surprise special guest back when we did Top Album Cover Designers in May. He’s most famous for being a killer guitarist/songwriter, making his mark in the 1990s with the legendary Four Horsemen. “Rockin’ Is Ma Business”, “Tired Wings”, “Nobody Said It Was Easy” and “Back in Business Again” are songs that should ring a bell or two. The Horsemen burned bright and fast, and their story has not been as well documented as it should be. T-Rev and I intend to fix that tonight.
Dave is a master of tone and riff. We can’t wait to pick his brain and find out what he’s been up to. And we will be taking your questions! Make sure you tune in live!
This epic show included some surprises, including about 25% CanCon and none of them named “Rush”. Even the picks that were only selected once included some pretty massive albums. Check out the lists, and the graphs by Geoff, and let us know what you think about our picks!
The LeBrain Train: 2000 Words or More with Mike and Friends
Saturday July 9 – Episode 75 – Top Debut Albums of All Time
Our audacious panel is tackling a big list topic this week, brought to you by Kevin: Top debut albums. The graphic above is a mere tease. Some of those albums might be on lists, some might not…you never can tell what you’re going to get with a rogue’s gallery like this:
In a show first, this will be Geoff’s debut as a participant and not just the scorekeeper/grapher! This will be a lot of fun for us, and hopefully you as well. Get ready with your own lists — this show’s gonna rock.