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    • Contact
    • The Archives
      • Previous Recommendations
      • Previous Staff Picks
  • Home
  • About
  • Where to Listen
  • From Our Shows
    • From Our Shows
    • Staff Picks
    • Recommendations
    • Unknown Unknowns
    • As Mentioned
  • Episode Spotlight
  • Pics & Words
  • Contact
  • The Archives
    • Previous Recommendations
    • Previous Staff Picks

The ARCHives

These are our archived recommendations from Seasons 2 - 6. Starting with Season 5, we only made "then" recommendations. 


In each episode, Chris and Tom make recommendations from "then" (pre-2000) and "now" (2000 and later). The recommendations may be books, films, TV shows, albums, or individual songs...and will generally fit the theme of the episode. Each one is rated using the "egg burrito with sour cream" (EBWSC) scale. (Hey, they were damn good burritos...)

listen to episodes

season 6 recommendations

Recommendations from 2000

  • Tom - The Very Best of Robbie Fulks -  Started out as a poster boy for alt-country, but actually a very traditional country/bluegrass performer–Bloodshot Records artist.  NOT a greatest hits collection. Amazing that Tom waited this long to talk about Fulks. 


  • Chris - The Family Man - Directed by Brett Ratner, starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leone. It's one of Chris's all-time favorite, sappy movies. Funny and heart-warming. 

Recommendations from 1999

  • Tom - American Movie - An unforgettable documentary film about an oddball filmmaker from Wisconsin following his dream to make a low-budget horror flick.  Winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for U.S. documentary.


  • Chris - Cryptonomicon - Novel by Neal Stephenson about codes and code-breaking.  May have triggered Chris' "Beautiful Mind"-like compulsion to find numerical patterns on mailboxes and license plates. 

Recommendations from 1998

  • Tom - Rounders - great movie directed by John Dahl, with a stellar cast, including Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Jr, John Turturro, Famke Jansse, and Gretchen Mol, along with John Malkovich with possibly the worst Russian accent in movie history. 


  • Chris - Stunt - how could I not pick a top selling album by Canada's own, The Barenaked Ladies? I also got to see this tour, and they put on a great show.

Recommendations from 1997

  • Tom - Ghost World - underground graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. Really captures the ironic world of the late 90s—not an optimistic piece of work and the main characters are kind of assholes, but it led to the 2001 film starring Thora Birch, with a young Scarlett Johanssen and Steve Buscemi. Makes most top 50 graphic novel lists. 


  • Chris - Princess Mononoke - written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. One of the first, and arguably the best, of the Studio Ghibli releases.

Recommendations from 1996

  • Tom - Get Shorty - directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring John Travolta, Rene Russo, Danny Devito and Gene Hackman.  Excellent adaptation from a great Elmore Leonard novel.  Features Travolta's unforgettable portrayal of Chili Palmer, mob-guy-turned-Hollywood-producer.


  • Chris - Sackcloth 'n' Ashes, album from 16 Horsepower - Chris' 1996 recommendation is from a band that sings and plays Old Testament alt-country for the ages. 

Recommendations from 1995

  • Tom - Trace, by Son Volt - the debut album by Jay Farrar's new band after the split from Uncle Tupelo. Third song in is "Tear Stained Eye," one of Tom's (and Chris's) all-time favorite albums. First track to last, just an outstanding album.


  • Chris - Pixar's Toy Story - easy choice on an episode about parenthood. I would have watched and enjoyed it almost as much even I went without my kids. But being able to laugh at the same movie for different reasons, makes it an awesome family movie.

Recommendations from 1994

  • Tom - Hoop Dreams, directed by Steve James - a seminal documentary that follows two young Chicago student-athletes as they try to navigate the world of high school basketball and college recruiting.


  • Chris - Leon:  The Professional - amazing film that follows a professional killer and the young girl who finds herself in his world.  One of Chris's favorite movies. 

Recommendations from 1993

  • Tom -  August and Everything After, by The Counting Crows -  one of Tom's all-time favorites -- and one that Chris can confirm that Tom played all the damn time. Third song in is the classic, "Mr. Jones."


  • Chris - Cure for Pain, by Morphine - and one of Chris's all-time favorites. Morphine had such a unique sound, and this album probably captures them at their best.

Recommendations from 1992

  • Tom -  All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy -  winner of both the U.S. National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, this great novel is the first of McCarthy's "Border Trilogy," and most importantly, one of Tom's favorites.


  • Chris - Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood - a modern take on the classic western.  Eastwood is fantastic alongside Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman, among others.

Recommendations from 1991

  • Tom - Jungle Fever, directed by Spike Lee - powerful movie that established Lee as a major director and major voice in film.


  • Chris - Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme - fantastic adaptation of the novel by Thomas Harris and a scary as hell movie that even Tom will watch.

season 5 recommendations

episode 10 - That championship season, w/special guest Dawn Polacek

Recommendations from 1990

  • Tom - Miller's Crossing, Coen Brothers directed movie starring Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, and Marcia Gay Harden. (4/5 EBWSC by Chris)
  • Chris - No Depression, debut album by Uncle Tupelo, and one often cited as the start of the alt-country genre. (5/5 EBWSC by Tom)

episode 9 - The eggies

Recommendations from 1989

  • Tom - Three Feet High and Rising, album by De La Soul.  A classic. (5/5 EBWSC by Chris)
  • Chris - Christmas Vacation, classic Christmas film starring Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid and Beverly D'Angelo (4/5 EBWSC by Tom)

episode 8 - Picking the 3rd Song in w/Special Guest James Beck

Recommendations from 1988

  • Tom - Vivid, album by Living Colour. An album that defies genre stereotypes and is just damn good (5/5 EBWSC by Chris)
  • Chris - Bloodsport, starring the one and only (thankfully) Jean Claude Van Damme (5/5 EBWSC by Tom, which may be a sneak preview of our drinking episode)
  • James - Birthday, album by The Sugarcubes, a great 80's album and early work by Bjork (5/5 by both Tom and Chris)  

episode 7 - swing and a miss

Recommendations from 1987

  • Tom - Angel Heart, directed by David Parker and starring Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet.  Crazy Voodoo stuff.
  • Chris - The Secret of My Success, directed by Herbert Ross, starring Michael J. Fox.  

episode 6 - guilty pleasures

Recommendations from 1986

  • Tom - Big Trouble in Little China, directed by John Carpenter and starring the coolest Kurt Russell and the cutest Kim Catrall.  (4/5 EBWSC from Chris)
  • Chris - The Hitcher, the original was the cornerstone guilty pleasure for Tom and Chris.  Ruger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell--are you kidding me!  (5/5 EBWSC "always" from Tom).

episode 5 - Build a Playlist with Geri dreiling

Recommendations from 1985

  • Tom - White Noise, novel by Don DeLillo. Unsettling story, written brilliantly by DeLillo. Of course Tom recommends a novel when we have a novelist on the show  (Chris gives it 4/5 EBWSC).
  • Chris - Spies Like Us, a comedy about two bumbling and hilarious wannabe spies, played by Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. (3/5 EBWSC from Tom, which is pretty generous).
  • Geri - Tampopo, a truly original Japanese movie about the quest to make the perfect noodle. (5/5 EBWSC from both Chris and Tom)

episode 4 - 1984

Recommendations from 1984

  • Tom - Blood Simple, first feature film by the Coen Brothers. Not really funny but so well made and tense as hell  (Chris gives it 4/5 EBWSC).
  • Chris - The Cotton Club, a classic gangland movie that is also a musical. More importantly, Tom had never seen it (4/5 EBWSC from Tom because it was too much of a musical). 


episode 3 - funny situations

Recommendations from 1983

  • Tom - Cargo, album by Men at Work (Chris gives it 4/5 EBWSC).
  • Chris - The Jeffersons, sitcom and spinoff from the classic All in the Family. Rated #12 TV show of 1982-1983 (4/5 EBWSC from Tom). 


episode 2 - w/special guest photine liakos

Recommendations from 1982

  • Tom - Nebraska, album by Bruce Springsteen (5/5 EBWSC)
  • Chris - Dawn Patrol, album by Night Ranger
    (3/5 EBWSC)
  • Photine - Shabooh Shoobah, album by INXS


episode 1 - Tom is a scaredy cat

Recommendations from 1981

  • Tom - An American Werewolf in London (5/5 EBWSC)
  • Chris - Evil Dead
    (2/5 EBWSC)

season 4 recommendations

Episode 10 - over/under

Scarface (1983), directed by brian de palma

4/5

Chris says "overrated-and overacted-but still worth it."

blow out (1981), directed by brian de palma

5/5

Tom's recommendation of an underrated film.  Chris and Tom agree that it deserves 5/5 Egg Burritos with Sour Cream.

Episode 9 - growing up

There's nothing wrong with love, album by Built To Spill (1994)

4/5

Chris' recommendation for a concept album about coming of age.

Dazed and confused, directed by Richard linklater (1993)

5/5

If you grew up in the 70s, this one will take you all the way back.

Episode 8 - funny pages

looking for calvin and hobbes, by nevin martell

4/5

This 2009 book combines a biography of Bill Watterson and the history of Tom's all-time favorite newspaper comic strip.


Amazon.com: Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and his Revolutionary Comic Strip: 9781441106858: Martell, Nevin: Books 

Brevity: a collection of comics by guy and rodd (volume 1)

4/5

Chris recommends this 2006 comic strip collection: 


Amazon.com: Brevity : A Collection of Comics by Guy and Rodd (Volume 1): 9780740760426: Endore-Kaiser, Guy, Perry, Rodd: Books 

Episode 7 - parental controls

Parental Controls - A Third Song In Playlist

Andy, Chris and Tom recommend 15 songs inspired by their parents' musical tastes.  Find the playlist wherever you stream your music.


https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NRasvoKJh9gtnTEwD7Lwb?si=-E6ulYisRjqbx-ECgFuRYg


https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/e474f604112c4d4b9803535992835a7dsune?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_9S26W3k3qHAZBw4JKEbjfArz4

Episode 6 - the old man & the hyundai

No recommendations in this special episode

Unless it is to recommend hiring a drive-away service instead of spending 29 hours in the car with your father.

Episode 5 - one hitters

Stealin' Horses, album by Stealin' Horses (1985)

4/5

A one-hit wonder in Tom's mind, anyway.

The Big Prize, album by Honeymoon Suite (1986)

4/5

Chris recommends the one-hit wonder, "Feel it Again" and one of his favorites, "Bad Attitude."

Episode 4 - book club

a prayer for owen meany, by John Irving (1989)

5/5

One of Tom's all-time favorites.

Speaks the Nightbird, by Robert McCammon (2002)

4/5

First in a series of books and Chris recommends them all.

Episode 3 - fancy tv

homicide: life on the streets - tv series

4 /5

Tom's recommendation of pre-prestige tv.

ER - TV series

4/5

Chris recommends a little-known television series about life in a big-city hospital emergency room.

Episode 2 - singing about singing

Black Velvet by Alannah Myles (1989)

4 /5

Tom's recommendation that also would work for our upcoming one-hit wonder episode

contrails by richmond fontaine

5+ /5

Chris's recommendation and the impetus for his therapy session in the "Why So Many Break-up Songs, Chris?" blog

episode 1 - Liz Likes

No recommendations in this special episode

Liz lets us know what she likes and doesn't like on the podcast

season 3 recommendations

books & magazines

Born Standing Up by steve martin (2007)

3/5

Tom's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 6

SIlence of the Lambs by thomas Harris (1988)

4/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 5

Review:   Kate’s Review: “The Silence of the Lambs” – The Library Ladies 

fight songs: A story of love and sports in a complicated south by Ed Southe

4/5

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 2

Review:  “Fight Songs” Explores the South’s History of Racism and its Relationship to Sports – Southern Review of Books 

monsters: A fan's dilemma by claire dederer (2023)

4/5

Tom's belated rating for his "now" recommendation from Season 3, Episode 1

NPR Review:  'Monsters' review: Claire Dederer on loving art by artists who've acted horribly : NPR 

movies & tv shows

The Girl On the Train (2016)

4/5

Chris'  "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 9.  Starring Emily Blunt and directed by Tate Taylor. 


The World's End (2013)

3/5

Tom's  "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 9.  Part of "the Cornetto Trilogy" directed by Edgar Wright.


Wayne - TV Series (2019)

5/5

Tom's  "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 7

S01,E01:      Wayne | Ep 1: "Get Some Then" (youtube.com) 

Happy Endings - TV Series (2011-2013)

4/5

Chris's  "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 7

S01,E01:     Happy Endings | Pilot | Season 1 Ep 1 | Pilot Episode (youtube.com) 

The Kids in the Hall - TV Series (1989-1995, 2022)

4/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 7

S01,E01:    The Kids in the Hall - S01E01 (youtube.com) 

Newsradio - TV Series (1995-1999)

5/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 7

S01,E01:   NewsRadio | Pilot | Season 1 Episode 1 | Throw Back TV (youtube.com) 

THe night james brown saved boston (2008)

5/5

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 1

Trailer:  The Night James Brown Saved Boston - Trailer - David Leaf (youtube.com) 

moneyball - movie (2011)

4/5

Tom's "now " recommendation on Season 3, Episode 2

Tailer:  Moneyball (2011) Movie Trailer - HD - Brad Pitt (youtube.com) 

ANNIE HAll - movie (1977)

5/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 1

Trailer:  Annie Hall - Official Trailer - Woody Allen Movie (youtube.com) 

eight men out - movie (1988)

5/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 2

Trailer:  EIGHT MEN OUT (1988) | Official Trailer | MGM (youtube.com) 

baseketball - movie (1998)

2/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 2

Trailer:  BASEketball (1998) Official Trailer #1 - Matt Stone, Trey Parker Movie HD (youtube.com) 

THAT SEVENTIES SHOW - TV SERIES (1998 - 2006)

3/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 1

Promo:  That '70s Show (promo).mov (youtube.com) 

music & COMEDY

"Speed Rack," by Hangdogs (1997)

4/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 9, from the album "East of Yesterday."

"Thunderstorms and Neon Signs," album by Wayne Hancock (1995)

4/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 9

"Promise not to tell," Split Lip Rayfield (2004)

5/5

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 8

"The Wind," Album by Warren Zevon (2003)

4/5

Tom's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 8

"Cut FloweRs," The Smithereens (1989)

4/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 8

"Renee Remains the Same," Material Issue (1991)

4/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 8

"Finest Hour," comedy album by Patton Oswalt (2011)

4/5

Chris' "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 6

"Brian Regan Live," comedy album by Brian Regan (1997)

5/5

Chris' "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 6

"I Have a Pony," comedy album by Steven Wright (1985)

3/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 6

"Two Drink Mike," album by mike birbiglia (2006)

5/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 5

Listen here:    Two Drink Mike - YouTube 

"Lucinda Williams," Buffalo Nickel (2002)

5/5

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 5

Listen here:    Lucinda Williams (youtube.com) 

"pancho & Lefty," Townes Van Zandt (1973)

5/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 5

Listen here:   Townes Van Zandt - Pancho & Lefty (Official Audio) (youtube.com) 

"down the river," Chris Knight (2001)

5/5

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 3

Listen here:  down the river (youtube.com) 

"The road goes on forever," Joe Ely (1992)

5/5

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 3

Listen here:   The Road Goes On Forever (youtube.com) 

"Let him roll (live)," guy clark (1997)

5/5

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 3, Episode 3

Listen here:  Let Him Roll (youtube.com) 

season 2 recommendations - 5/5 EBWSC

books & magazines

red mars by kim stanley robinson (1992)

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 7

hyperion by dan simmons (1989)

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 7

high fidelity by nick hornby (1995)

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 4

movies & tv shows

Diner - movie (1982)

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 8

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED - movie (2012)

Tom's post facto recommendation on Season 2, Episode 7

garden state - movie (2004)

Tom's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 5

the family man - movie (2000)

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 5

raising arizona - movie (1987)

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 5

the good place - TV series (2016-2020)

Tom's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 3

jojo rabbit - movie (2019)

Andy's guest "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 3

Arthur - Movie (1981)

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 1

music

"Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl" - broken social scene (2010)

Anna Polacek's "now" recommendation from the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World soundtrack on Season 2, Episode 9

"the living bubba (LIVE)" - Drive-By Truckers (2000)

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 6

"live bullet" - Album by Bob seger & SBB (1975)

Chris's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 6

"Some depression" - kasey anderson (2020)

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 4

"She's No Lady" - lyle lovett (1987)

Tom's "then" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 3

"casino lights" - richmond fontaine (2005)

Chris's "now" recommendation on Season 2, Episode 2

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