Part 3 of Concept albums - The Raven by: Lou Reed (2003)

In this episode, your hosts Andrew, Eric, Mike, and Rob dive into Lou Reed’s 2003 concept album, The Raven—an ambitious tribute to Edgar Allan Poe that’s as chaotic and enigmatic as Poe’s own life and works. Andrew picked it thinking it would be more about Poe, but Lou Reed had other ideas. Together the panel recount Poe’s tumultuous biography, their own early encounters with his stories and poems (from childhood terrors to pop culture send-ups like The Simpsons), and examine whether Lou Reed’s sprawling double album, packed with celebrity performances and theatrical flair, does justice to Poe’s literary legacy or simply muddles it.

Whether you’re a hardcore Lou Reed fan, a Poe devotee, or just someone curious about high-concept musical misfires, join us as we dissect the album’s production, cast, literary liberties—and why sometimes more isn’t always better. Then stick around for a round of rare and hilarious scoring, as we determine if The Raven is a hidden gem or a case of “nevermore.”

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Part 2 of Concept albums - Dispepsi by Negativeland (1997)

In this episode of Rare Cuts Media Society, Andrew, Rob, Eric, and Mike dive into a fizzy topic that brings back a tidal wave of nostalgia—the Cola Wars. From childhood taste-test memories at the mall to family loyalties over Coke or Pepsi, the hosts pour out personal stories and debate the greatest beverage rivalries of the ‘80s and ‘90s. As Mike Ross leads the discussion, the crew takes a closer look at the experimental concept album Dispepsi by Negative Land, an ambitious sound collage dissecting soda marketing, consumer psychology, and pop culture’s quirks.

Throughout the conversation, they sample not just memories but actual fizzy drinks—including the latest Pepsi prebiotic cola—giving live reactions and plenty of comedic banter. The episode explores how branding and celebrity endorsements shaped their choices (and possibly our taste buds), the cleverness and weirdness of Negative Land’s album structure, and what it means to be caught up in the endless cycle of advertising. With detours into obscure sodas, SNL sketches, and Disney theme park trivia, this episode serves up a refreshing—and slightly offbeat—look at the power of marketing, the art of the concept album, and the nostalgia hidden in every can.

Settle in for sparkling stories, sharp critiques, and the ultimate taste test—both of cola and pop culture itself!

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Part 1 of Concept albums - Abigail by King Diamond (1987)

In this episode, your hosts Andrew, Eric, Rob, and Mike are kicking off a brand-new theme: concept albums. And what better way to start than with Rob’s Pick the 1987 metal masterpiece "Abigail" by King Diamond?

This episode isn’t just a music review—it’s an exploration of the very idea of a concept album. The hosts discuss what sets a great concept album apart, from narrative cohesion and musical consistency, to the ways these records blur the lines between theme and story. Along the way, you’ll hear shout-outs to some of the genre’s giants, thoughts on everything from Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift, and a fair share of nostalgia and basement metal listening memories.

Then, the crew takes a close look at King Diamond himself—the striking, face-painted Danish metal icon—and unpacks the dark horror story at the heart of "Abigail." With its operatic vocals, gothic atmosphere, and face-melting guitar solos, this album pulls the listener into a haunted mansion narrative full of horsemen, possession, and betrayal.

Tune in as the hosts debate the album’s strengths and weaknesses, imagine how it might play out on the big screen (casting Willem Dafoe, naturally), and even touch on numerology, graphic novels, and why some things should never be moved out of the 18th century. Whether you’re a longtime metalhead or just curious about the wild side of concept albums, this episode is packed with spooky stories, musical insight, and the off-the-wall tangents that make Rare Cuts Media Society a cult favorite.

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