Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast

In 1986, the Beastie Boys crashed onto the music scene with Licensed to Ill, a loud, hilarious, and groundbreaking album that helped take hip-hop from the streets to the suburbs—and straight onto MTV.

Jason and Dee are once again joined by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (aka DefDave) for a track-by-track deep dive into the Beastie Boys' iconic debut. Together, they unpack the stories behind every song, explore the band's unlikely rise from New York hardcore punks to rap superstars, and ask the big question: were the Beastie Boys just a party-fueled novelty act, or were they artists who changed music forever?

From "Rhymin & Stealin" to "Time to Get Ill," every track gets the Surely You Can't Be Serious treatment, complete with music history, behind-the-scenes stories, plenty of laughs, and more than a few 80s pop culture detours.

So dust off your VW emblem, grab a copy of Licensed to Ill, and... Hold it now, HIT IT!

The story of the Beastie Boys didn't begin with Licensed to Ill—it started years earlier in the New York punk scene before they became one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history.

In this special encore presentation from our 2021 four part series, Jason and Dee are joined by 80s rap expert and author David Wright (DefDave) for an in-depth look at the rise of the Beastie Boys. From hardcore punk hopefuls to global superstars, we trace the unlikely journey that led to the release of Licensed to Ill, the groundbreaking album that helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream alongside Run-D.M.C.'s Raising Hell.

Over the course of this series, we'll explore the band's incredible origin story, break down Licensed to Ill track by track, and examine how these landmark albums reshaped rap and popular music forever. Along the way, we'll tackle the ultimate question: which album stands as the defining hip-hop classic of 1986?

Whether you're hearing this series for the first time or revisiting it with us, this is one encore worth turning up.

For more from David Wright, visit galahadsdoom.com.

Break out the bell-bottoms and celebrate America's Bicentennial with Jason and Dee as they count down their Top 5 Songs of 1976—plus two honorable mentions! But there's a twist: the guys aren't giving away the answers right away. Instead, they drop clues, share stories, and challenge listeners to see if they can identify each song before the big reveal. From chart-topping classics to unforgettable favorites, it's a musical guessing game packed with nostalgia, laughs, and plenty of 1976 memories. Can you name the songs before Jason and Dee do? Tune in and join the Bicentennial fun on this all-new episode of the Surely You Can't Be Serious podcast!

This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast turn their attention to one of the most successful and drama-filled bands in rock history: Fleetwood Mac and their legendary album Rumours.

Serving as the perfect companion piece to their recent discussion of Hotel California by Eagles, the guys break down every unforgettable track from Rumours—exploring the stories behind the songs, the emotional performances, and the timeless appeal that helped make the album one of the biggest sellers of all time.

Along the way, Jason and Dee dive deep into the complicated history of Fleetwood Mac, discussing the relationships, breakups, betrayals, and personal chaos happening inside the band while these songs were being written and recorded. Somehow, out of heartbreak, tension, and emotional exhaustion came an album packed with some of the most iconic songs ever recorded.

From “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” to “The Chain” and “Don’t Stop,” the guys examine how deeply personal experiences became universal anthems that still resonate decades later.And after spending time with both albums, Jason and Dee finally deliver their ultimate verdict in this classic matchup: Rumours vs. Hotel California. Which album truly deserves the crown?

You’ll have to tune in to hear the final judgment.

This week, Jason and Dee of the Surely You Can’t Be Serious podcast dive into one of the biggest-selling and most influential albums of all time: Hotel California by Eagles.

The guys go track-by-track through this legendary album, discussing the stories behind each song, the unforgettable musicianship, and the massive impact these tracks had on rock music and popular culture. From the mysterious imagery of the title track to the radio staples and deep cuts that helped define an era, Jason and Dee break down why Hotel California continues to resonate nearly 50 years later.

Along the way, the guys also explore the ever-changing dynamics within the Eagles—looking at the band members, the lineup shifts, the growing tensions, and the excess that eventually caused the party to come crashing down in 1980. Of course, they also tease the legendary 1994 reunion—when “Hell Freezes Over”—a story they plan to tackle in a future episode next year.

And because no Surely episode is complete without a spirited debate, Jason and Dee close things out by comparing Hotel California to another all-time classic: Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. Which album stands taller in the pantheon of 70s rock? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Check in anytime you like… but you can never leave.

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