Episodes

  • Music Discovery 2.0 - The Outlaws
    May 2 2025

    In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Josh and Phil dive into a new round of musical discovery—choosing albums based purely on their cover art. This time, they stumble upon the Outlaws, a band that blends southern rock with a country flair, and share how striking visuals led them to this unexpected find.

    The hosts unpack the Outlaws' sound, drawing comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd and spotlighting standout tracks like “There Goes Another Love Song” and " Green Grass and High Tides." They also dig into the band’s backstory, from their Tampa roots to signing with Arista Records under the legendary Clive Davis.

    Listeners can expect a fun, thoughtful breakdown of the album cover and album. Josh and Phil reflect on how these visuals shape their musical journey—making this episode a must-listen for vinyl lovers and cover art enthusiasts alike.

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    31 mins
  • Judged x 148 Studios - Linkin Park From Zero
    Apr 4 2025

    Get ready for an electrifying episode of "Judged by the Cover" as we explore the legendary comebacks of two iconic bands—AC/DC and Linkin Park. Josh and Phil dive into the history and evolution of these musical giants, comparing AC/DC's "Back in Black" with Linkin Park's latest release, "From Zero."


    Join us as we unravel Linkin Park's journey from their early days to their recent resurgence. Discover how the band navigated the challenges following Chester Bennington's passing and embraced a new era with Emily Armstrong. Josh shares insights into their innovative album promotion, highlighting their unique fan engagement strategies.


    We also explore the creative process behind "From Zero's" artwork, offering a glimpse into the band's artistic vision. Finally, we draw parallels between Linkin Park's and AC/DC's comebacks, celebrating their resilience and continued impact on the music world.


    Tune in for a captivating discussion filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and a celebration of musical evolution. Don't miss out—press play and join the conversation!

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    46 mins
  • Judged X 148 Studios - AC/DC Back in Black
    Mar 21 2025

    Get ready to rock! In this episode of "Judged by the Cover," we explore the legendary album "Back in Black" by AC/DC. From the band's history and transition after Bon Scott's tragic death to the creation of this iconic record, we cover it all. Discover how Brian Johnson stepped in, and the band recorded this masterpiece in just two months.


    We dive into the album's striking cover art—a tribute to Bon Scott—and its lasting impact on music lovers and collectors alike. Even in the digital age, strong visual branding remains crucial.


    Stay tuned for Part 2, where we discuss similarities to the new album by Linking Park - From Zero!!!!

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    33 mins
  • Judged by the Cover - Best of 2024
    Feb 28 2025

    On this episode of Judged by the Cover, Josh and Phil take a deep dive into the standout album covers, physical packaging, and unforgettable music of 2024. From the bold and cinematic artwork of Linkin Park’s From Zero to the nostalgic aesthetic of Logan Crosby’s 2019, they break down what made these covers visually striking and how they complement the music within. Along the way, they share their personal favorites, unexpected discoveries, and the biggest design trends shaping the industry this year. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just love great album art, this episode is packed with insights, banter, and a whole lot of music talk. Tune in and join the conversation!

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    51 mins
  • Unexpected Christmas Albums
    Dec 20 2024

    Christmas music holds a special place in the hearts of so many. For an artist, releasing a Christmas album comes with its own unique pressures—but it can also become a defining moment, etching their music into the memories of the holiday season.

    In this festive episode of Judged by the Cover, we’re diving into a few unexpected Christmas albums—the ones you didn’t see coming! Some are from artists you might not know ventured into holiday tunes, while others represent genres not typically associated with Christmas cheer.

    Get ready for a fun and surprising discussion as we unwrap these musical gems. So grab your hot cocoa, pull up your favorite Santa blanket, and cozy up by the fire—it’s time to enjoy the holiday spirit with us.

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    38 mins
  • Judged by the Cover - Greatest Hits 2024
    Nov 29 2024

    It was way past time to refresh our podcast trailer! This year has been incredible for Judged by the Cover, especially with the energy Phil Hyland has brought to the show since joining. Together, we’ve explored iconic album covers, uncovered fascinating stories, and shared endless laughs along the way.

    As we gear up for even bigger plans in 2025, we’re taking a moment to celebrate some of our favorite moments from this year. From unforgettable album cover discussions to behind-the-scenes highlights, this “Greatest Hits 2024” trailer episode captures the best of what Judged by the Cover is all about.

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    7 mins
  • What would JW do...? Chasing a Crashing Dream
    Nov 1 2024

    The guys are back! After a few months away, Judged by the Cover returns with more deep dives into the fascinating world of album art and music discovery. In this episode, we explore Crashing Dream by Rain Parade, a lesser-known band that holds a special place in Phil's heart. While the music hits all the right notes for Phil, the cover art falls a lil flat. Join us as Josh critiques the artwork and shares his vision for elevating it to better match the album’s voice. Don’t miss out—stay tuned until the end to see the reimagined cover art!

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    31 mins
  • Pro Panel - Rating album covers with the pros
    Jun 29 2024

    In this special episode of the Judged by the Cover podcast, we invite five music/entertainment industry professionals to put their expertise to the test. Join us as our guests blind judge a selection of album covers, rating each one out of 10 purely on visual appeal. But that's not all—they also take a shot at guessing the music genre behind each cover! The panel includes music producer Brent, local podcaster Iggy, artist Finding Zero, and band members Sydney and Brayden from In the Company of Wolves. Tune in for insightful critiques, surprising genre guesses, and a whole lot of fun as we explore the fascinating world of album art from a fresh perspective.

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    1 hr and 15 mins