For this episode, Trevor and Shane are joined by acclaimed writer James Campion, author of Revolution: Prince, the Band, the Era, whose deep well of knowledge on Prince proves invaluable as he selects Around the World in a Day for a full track-by-track dive. Coming on the heels of Purple Rain, this album represents one of the boldest pivots in Prince’s career and an intentional left turn away from blockbuster expectations and toward psychedelic color, whimsy, and artistic autonomy.

With Campion as guide, the conversation explores how Around the World in a Day functions not as a retreat, but as a statement: Prince asserting that commercial dominance would never come at the expense of curiosity. Trevor and Shane unpack the album’s playful textures, spiritual undercurrents, and surprising emotional weight, while Campion contextualizes each song within Prince’s broader mythology, creative restlessness, and refusal to be pinned down.

More than a reaction to fame, this record emerges as a crucial hinge point in Prince’s discography bridging eras, expanding his sonic palette, and reminding listeners that unpredictability was always the point. Anchored by Campion’s mastery and passion, this episode celebrates Around the World in a Day not as an odd detour, but as a fearless declaration from an artist determined to stay ahead of himself.

For his latest pick of a 2025 album, Shane selects the striking debut album Drive to Goldenhammer by Nottingham’s genre-defying band, Divorce. Balancing grit and vulnerability, Divorce delivers a bold introduction with their unique blend of alt-country, art rock, and post-punk flair. Shane and Trevor explore the raw emotional terrain of this album — from heartbreak to self-destruction — and appreciate how the band’s dual vocal dynamic deepens the storytelling. Whether dissecting lyrical nuance or nodding along to a groove-heavy breakdown, Trevor and Shane find plenty to love in this eclectic and unpredictable debut.

_______________________________________________________________________________ HOW TO CONNECT WITH ALBUM DIVERS: *You can submit your questions or comments about this episode or anything else on your mind here via our text line at: (502) 792-8080 *Leave us an audio message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AlbumDivers We promise to respond and may even feature your thoughts on a future episode. *Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Album Divers *Email us at Albumdiverspodcast@gmail.com *Please subscribe and review wherever you get your podcasts!

For Shane's next pick of an album that has "been around awhile" he selects the iconic debut "Ten" by grunge legends, Pearl Jam. Even with Trevor's Seattle roots, and Shane's incessant teasing about being him being old, Trevor and Shane were too young to remember the grunge movement while it was happening. Nonetheless, these songs were and continue to be pervasive both in their lives and in the historical backdrop of rock music in general. Though Trevor didn't own this album growing up, and Shane may have only had a Napster copy, songs from this album were played on friend's older siblings boom boxes and '87 trans ams in the background of both their coming of age years. For all of these reasons, a wish for a vinyl copy made it's way onto Trevor's Discogs list years ago and finally into his hands this month as album number 2 of 3 in a gift box from Shane as he revealed his pick to Trevor. Trevor and Shane have fun breaking down each track, analyzing where Pearl Jam sits within rock's history, and attempting to define what the term "grunge" really means as elusive as it may be.

__________________________________________________________________________________ HOW TO CONNECT WITH ALBUM DIVERS: *You can submit your questions or comments about this episode or anything else on your mind here via our text line at: (502) 792-8080 *Leave us an audio message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AlbumDivers We promise to respond and may even feature your thoughts on a future episode. *Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Album Divers *Email us at Albumdiverspodcast@gmail.com *Please subscribe and review wherever you get your podcasts!