Last Updated on January 16, 2026
Is it possible to judge an album by its cover? Absolutely. Especially when it’s got skeleton hands, raging suns, or Geiger’s flesh nightmares on it.
In this episode of the Beat Motel podcast, Andrew and recurring co-host Martin Whiskin dive deep into the album art that shaped our musical tastes, plastered our pencil cases, and possibly got Dead Kennedys sued. From the raw power of Monster Magnet and Kyuss, to the delicate doodles of The Levellers, to Pink Floyd being accused of ripping off Blur 20 years early (or was it the other way round?), it’s a deep, noisy, nostalgic ride.
▶ Featuring tales of crusty gigs, folk festivals, DIY patches, and massive, illegal sound systems. ▶ Not featuring: tasteful restraint, coherent structure, or Richard Ashcroft’s blessing.
### Riffs of the week
#### Martin Whiskin’s Riff
– Bellowhead – Rigs of The Time
#### Andrew’s Riff
– Smote – Drommon Pt1
### Martin Whiskin’s track choices
1. Monster Magnet – Power Trip
2. Levellers – Levelling the Land
3. Ye Wiles – Soothing Away The Horrors of Indigestion
4. Kyuss – Welcome to Sky Valley
### Andrew’s track choices
1. Pink Floyd – See Emily Play
2. Verve – She’s a superstar
3. Led Zepplin – Gallows Pole
4. Dead Kennedys – MTV – Get Off the Air
Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com
