Beast in the Maze
Brian and Matt
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A podcast where two enthusiastic fans discuss two completely different bands - Iron Maiden and Phish. Join us as we go album by album and track by track and subject each other to the music we're obsessed with.
Available episodes
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Sep 12, 2021
Episode 24 - Alpharetta Trip Report
In this episode, we talk about our trip to the Alpharetta shows of Phish's 2021 summer tour, including the set, a few eccentric fans, adverse weather, expensive beer, and more! Also, if you have the time or inclination, the article Matt refers to about the nitrous mafia can be found here. Special thanks to everyone who went to the shows with us, and we hope you enjoy the episode. As always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website where you can find live picks from the albums we discuss on the show, or you can also reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Jul 9, 2021
Episode 23 - Piece of Mind (1983)
In this episode of the show, Brian and Matt talk about Iron Maiden's fourth studio album, and also touch on topics such as Eddie's head brackets, "The Doors" movie, problematic authors, and that swamp scene from "Lord of the Rings" with the dead guys in the water. We also touch on famous actor Ron Perlman and how he looks like a caveman/muscular Tom Waits. We also reveal some special upcoming content, as well as the album we'll be taking on next.
Of course, as always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website where you can find live picks from the albums we discuss on the show, or you can also reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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May 14, 2021
Episode 22 - King Crimson - Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973)
This time on Beast in the Maze, we're taking a look at an album by legends of prog rock King Crimson, 1973's Larks' Tongues in Aspic. We get into all sorts of topics including what is being hit by what, and whether not eating very much organ meat is a failing or a privilege. We also mention several other cultural/musical things, including: Bela Bartok, Goats Head Soup and Beggar's Banquet by The Rolling Stones, Dark Side of the Moon, Tom Waits, HBO's Rome, Primus, The Clash, Emerson Lake & Palmer, "Red Dead Redemption 2," and more! We also reveal which album we'll be covering when we return to Iron Maiden mode on the next episode of the show.
Of course, as always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website where you can find live picks from the albums we discuss on the show, or you can also reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Apr 12, 2021
Episode 21 - Hawkwind - Space Ritual (1973)
This time on the show, we're stepping out of the Maze and taking a journey into the stars with Hawkwind. A band which is criminally obscure in the states, Hawkwind was on the cutting edge of the counterculture/psychedelic movement in the UK, and has undergone incredible transformations over the 50 years they've been around, particularly in terms of lineup.
They've arguably been pioneers of several aspects of music culture we continue to enjoy to this day, from the DIY ethos that would later coalesce in the punk movement, to the trippy light shows that often are now ubiquitous when a band performs onstage. Not only that, they simply rule. So, join us as we undergo the Space Ritual, which not only features some of the coolest album art EVER, but is also an epic testament to the band's vision and is widely regarded as being from the golden age of the band, featuring future Motorhead frontman Lemmy on the bass, arguably insane vocal/sax player Nik Turner, and the twin key/synth/miscellaneous sonic equipment duo of Del Dettmar and Dikmik Davies.
At the conclusion of the episode, Brian will give his pick for an "outside of the Maze" album for us to talk about next (Don't worry, if you're a fan of Iron Maiden and/or Phish, we'll be returning to normal afterward). And of course, as always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Mar 18, 2021
Episode 20 - Billy Breathes (1996)
With this episode's discussion of "Billy Breathes," we'll now have taken on the first seven of Phish's studio albums, and have some sense of the evolution and continuity of the band. We talk about all the tracks, how some of the sounds foreshadow the "cow funk" sound of "The Story of the Ghost," give our highlights and lowlights, and get off on several tangents as usual. Plus, we have a surprise twist coming up for our next episode so be sure to stay tuned for that announcement at the end of this one.
As always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Feb 21, 2021
Episode 19 - Killers (1981)
Having now listened to at least one album from each major section of Iron Maiden's catalogue, we're taking another run at it and filling in the gaps with the albums we haven't yet discussed. This time, We're returning to the (near) beginning to talk about more Di'Anno era Maiden, the classic 1981 album "Killers."
We'll talk about the new producer, the arrival of Adrian Smith, whether the first or second album is better, and of course all the tracks. We'll also touch on some things which are recurring themes on the show, such as "almost" concept albums, songs from video games, and cryptic lyrics. Lastly, Brian will provide his pick for Episode 20, when he takes the show back over and we do a Phish album.
As always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Feb 13, 2021
Bonus Episode - "Powerslave" on Tim's Twitter Listening Party
As a special bonus episode, Matt from Beast in the Maze attended a twitter listening party that Iron Maiden took part in for their 1984 album "Powerslave," and gave his thoughts on the band's comments as they were tweeted out in real time. For more information on Tim's Twitter Listening Party and the bands he's had on, you can check out https://timstwitterlisteningparty.com/ or find him on twitter. You can replay the party there as well. And, as always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Feb 9, 2021
Episode 18 - Phish live at Hershey Park (12-1-95), Set 2
This time on the show, we're finishing our discussion of the 1995 Hershey Park Phish show. We'll talk about how the live versions compare to the studio ones, the purpose of songs as jam vehicles or "palate cleansers," the overall flow of a concert, and the difference between daytime jams and nighttime jams. We also reveal which album we'll be discussing next time when the show switches back to Maiden mode.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Jan 24, 2021
Episode 17 - A Matter of Life And Death (2006)
In this episode of "Beast in the Maze," we're tackling "A Matter of Life and Death," Maiden's 14th studio album. Join us as we talk about how the album stacks up to their earlier work, the prominent themes of light, shadow, war, and religion, the overall lengthening of Maiden songs and albums, and a whole lot more - we'll get into the recording process, the lyrics, the guitar solos, and Brian will rank all of the Iron Maiden he's heard so far.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Jan 12, 2021
Episode 16 - Phish live at Hershey Park (12/1/95), Set 1
In this episode, we get into our first live Phish concert, a two-set pick from 12-1-95 at Hershey Park. We talk about all the tracks, the differences between the versions played live versus the studio, the role of the Mike songs in the sets, and whether they are taking the chocolate seriously.
We also take a brief look at concert crowd etiquette, concert "flow", and reveal our next pick for the upcoming Iron Maiden episode.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Dec 28, 2020
Episode 15 - Brave New World (2000)
This time on Beast in the Maze, we have our first taste of the modern Maiden six-piece lineup. We talk about the return of Bruce and Adrian, whether we can imagine Blaze singing any of the songs, and whether nomads are actually as mysterious as the song makes them seem like they are. All of this and more, including of course a track-by-track discussion, our album rankings so far, and Brian's pick for the next episode.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Dec 14, 2020
Episode 14 - Hoist (1994)
In this episode of Beast in the Maze, the guys discuss Phish's 5th studio album, "Hoist" (1994). We talk about the guest musicians who joined the band in the studio, the relative importance of live albums, improvisational flamethrowers, and science fiction fever dreams.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Nov 29, 2020
Episode 13 - The X Factor (1995) w/ guest Jonathon Humphrey
Join us as we discuss the first album of the Blaze Bayley period, "The X Factor." Arguably Iron Maiden's darkest album, this one divided fans, to say the least. In fact, many Bruce loyalists outright hate this record and its successor, "Virtual XI." We'll delve in and see if that hate is deserved, and why the album may warrant a second look. We also talk about whether the album might or might not have worked better as a side project, some of the new bass guitar sounds being explored, and one of the more awkward Iron Maiden screams.
With us again is our guest Jonathon Humphrey from New Ears and Bite of Passage, to offer an outside look at the Blaze era from someone who hasn't been forced to listen to Iron Maiden all year.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Nov 16, 2020
Episode 12 - The Story of the Ghost - w/ guest Jonathon Humphrey
This week we're taking on Phish's seventh studio album, and we've roped in a friend to help us out! Jonathon Humphrey from "New Ears" and "Bite of Passage" joins us as we discuss The Story of the Ghost, including the band's unique approach to recording the album, the unique tones which carry through the tracks, cow-funk, and how ghosts talk on the phone. We also reveal Matt's pick for the next episode!
You can check Jonathon's podcasts out at New Ears and Bite of Passage. You can also follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze, or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Nov 1, 2020
Episode 11 - "The Soundhouse Tapes" (1979) and more!
This week, we're dealing with some pre-debut album Iron Maiden - specifically, we'll be taking a look at some songs from their 1979 BBC performance and their debut EP, "The Soundhouse Tapes," as well as two or three extra tracks from the years immediately leading up to their self-titled album. Also, we talk about what a warhorse is, mouthfuls of rocks, the nature of bootlegs, and the pick for the next episode.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website, or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Oct 4, 2020
Episode 10 - The Man who Stepped into Yesterday (1987)
This week, we're discussing "The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday," recorded by Phish before they ever put out a proper album. We get into all sorts of things, including the questionable personhood of bipedal reptiles and what does or does not constitute a fugue..... or a MacGuffin.
Join us as we take on the tracks and try to understand the meanings of both the songs and the album. Also, we reveal what we're listening to on our next episode when it's Iron Maiden time again (it's an unexpected pick this time)! We hope you enjoy, as always.
As always, you can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Sep 21, 2020
Episode 9 - No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
This week, we're taking on a Maiden album which is divisive, to say the least. The first album of theirs to feature guitarist Janick Gers, "No Prayer for the Dying" represented the beginning of what many fans would consider a dark age for not only Iron Maiden, but for heavy metal in general. Join us as we take it apart track by track and discuss submarine warfare, televangelism, and the eroticism of Freddie Krueger. Also, find out what album we'll be listening to next!
You can also follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
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Sep 7, 2020
Episode 8 - A Picture of Nectar (1992)
In this episode, the guys talk about Phish's third album, "A Picture of Nectar." we get into topics like ordinance-bearing Llamas, going on missions, the use of words for the purpose of sound rather than meaning, and wonder about what is and isn't a part of the story of Gamehendge. We also reveal what album we'll take on next when we flip back to Iron Maiden.
We also encourage listeners to get involved! You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Aug 24, 2020
Episode 7 - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
In this episode, we discuss the album Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, a concept album involving good, evil, rebirth, and clairvoyance. Considered by many Maiden fans to be among their best, it was the last album before the decade-long absence of guitarist Adrian Smith. We also rank the albums we've heard so far, and reveal what we'll be discussing next time.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Aug 10, 2020
Episode 6 - Junta (1989)
In this episode, we discuss Junta, Phish's first studio album. We talk about what a Golgi apparatus is, as well as how it's pronounced, pairing lyrics that have one type of tone with music which has another, a case of fluffhead, and places you don't want papercuts.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Jul 27, 2020
Episode 5 - The Number of the Beast (1982)
Brian and Matt discuss The Number of the Beast, one of metal's most iconic records. We deal with the addition of Bruce Dickinson, The "Gangland/Total Eclipse" controversy, and running into bus loads of nuns. We also reveal which Phish album we'll be discussing next.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Jul 20, 2020
Addendum Episode - The Dude of Life, and Corrections/Omissions
This week, we're in between albums, having just come off of Lawn Boy and heading into The Number of the Beast. Since we had some time on our hands, we thought we'd go over a couple of corrections as well as things we may have left out. We also talk about the dude of life, who is on twitter at @DudeofLife17
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Jul 12, 2020
Episode 4 - Lawn Boy (1990)
The guys from Beast in the Maze discuss their second Phish album, Lawn Boy. An arguably more light-hearted record which also features a brass section, it contains many Phish classics. We talk about the jazzier feel to the songs, the use of sound effects, and the "true" meaning of The Squirming Coil. We also reveal which Iron Maiden album we'll be setting our sights on for the next episode.
You can follow/contact us on Twitter @beast_maze or check out our website or reach us via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Jun 29, 2020
Episode 3 - Powerslave (1984)
After having discussed the Phish album "Rift," we are back to Maiden. This time, we're taking a look at their fifth album "Powerslave," an album considered by many to be among their best. We go through all the tracks, discuss the singles, the album art, and the legendary tour promoting it. We also discuss the sound of pirate adventures, The LeBron Jameses of the sky, and reveal which album we'll be taking on next.
We can be reached at @beast_maze on twitter, at our website www.beastinthemaze.com, and via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
We are also friends of the Abandoned Mascot network, an association of podcasters interested in discussing and promoting music and other media.
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Jun 23, 2020
Between the Episodes - Guest Appearance and Listener Shout-Outs
Show notes for the mini episode are as follows:
The New Ears podcast can be found at http://new-ears.transistor.fm/ and is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.
The listener submitted Phish picks referred to in the episode are:
Maze - 10/18/96
It's Ice - 7/23/17
Fast Enough for You - 8/17/93
The Wedge - 7/20/14
The Horse>Silent in the Morning - 6/17/10
As always, you can find us at www.beastinthemaze.com, or on twitter @beast_maze. We're also on Facebook, and you can email us at mail@beastinthemaze.com
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Jun 15, 2020
Episode 2 - Rift (1993)
In our first discussion of a Phish album, we talk about the concept of the album generally, and go track by track, digging into things such as weird human noises, "interesting" song endings, various stylistic influences, and much more! We also reveal which Iron Maiden album we'll be taking on next.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, we can be reached at @beast_maze on twitter, at our website www.beastinthemaze.com, and via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
We are also friends of the Abandoned Mascot network, an association of podcasters interested in discussing and promoting music and other media.
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Jun 1, 2020
Episode 1 - Iron Maiden (1980)
In this episode of Beast in the Maze, we talk about the self-titled "Iron Maiden" (1980), one of the two albums from the Paul Di'Anno era. Brian gives his impressions after his first time listening through a Maiden record, and we talk about which Phish album we'll be digging into on the next episode.
We can be reached at @beast_maze on twitter, at our website www.beastinthemaze.com, and via email at mail@beastinthemaze.com.
We are also friends of the Abandoned Mascot network, an association of podcasters interested in discussing and promoting music and other media.
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