Part 1 of The Summer of Sports - Escape to Victory (1981)

In this episode, Rare Cuts Media Society kicks off a summer-long arc focused on sports movies—starting with Andrew’s Pick: the unlikely combination of World War II and soccer in the 1981 film Escape to Victory (known simply as Victory in the U.S.).

Join us as we unpack this unique blend of war drama, sports action, and star power, featuring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and soccer legend Pele. We'll dive into the film's tonal shifts, the casting of Stallone, its sometimes unbelievable or unbearable plot twists, and the way real-life athletes shaped the action both on and off the field. Did this oddball sports pic “score,” or did it make us want to escape at halftime? Lace up your boots and get ready—the whistle’s about to blow on another deep-cut cinema discussion!

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Part 4 of Concept albums - Head by: The Monkees (1968)

In this episode, hosts Andrew, Rob, Mike Ross, and Eric dive into Eric’s concept album pick: “Head,” the 1968 cult film and accompanying soundtrack by The Monkees. What starts as a foray into the world of concept albums quickly spirals into a discussion on pop stardom, artistic reinvention, and surreal cinematic experiments. The crew explores The Monkees’ tangled legacy—part manufactured television sensation, part ambitious artists desperate to break free from their fabricated image—and how “Head” attempted, with mixed results, to demolish, satirize, and redefine everything people thought they knew about the band. Along the way, they wrestle with the album’s identity as a concept work, the film's psychedelic structure, celebrity cameos, and why “Head” failed commercially but ultimately became a cult classic. Settle in as we unpack one of the strangest crossroads in pop culture history and decide whether The Monkees’ most infamous creation is a misunderstood masterpiece, a fascinating mess, or somewhere in between.

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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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Part 4 of The Holiday Season - January/New Year

In this episode, Eric Picks something disney for the New Year… dig into the curious case of Dick Tracy (1990)—a movie that was marketed as the next big cultural phenomenon but somehow slipped through the cracks of nostalgia.

The crew kicks things off by recalling their own memories of Dick Tracy: the early-90s media blitz, video game tie-ins, trading cards, and a merchandising frenzy that spread from McDonald's to toy stores. Despite the hype, most people seem to remember the branding more than the film itself—echoing Eric Hathorn’s idea that Dick Tracy is “more famous than familiar.”

But what went wrong? Was it the film’s indecisive tone—part cartoonish, part adult? Did Warren Beatty’s seriousness as the titular detective make him less relatable than a Tony Stark or Batman? The hosts explore how the movie’s world, characters, and ambitious production value were overshadowed by a marketing machine that couldn’t quite stick the landing.

They also debate whether the film’s New Year’s Eve climax makes Dick Tracy the ultimate January pick, and discuss why the movie never spawned the franchise Disney hoped for. From Al Pacino’s over-the-top Big Boy Caprice to Madonna’s memorable role, the episode is packed with nostalgia, pop culture trivia, and playful speculation (including casting Willem Dafoe in a hypothetical remake).

Join the Society as they rate and reflect on Dick Tracy—a blockbuster that’s become a rare cut over time—and set the stage for their next deep dive into concept albums from the world of music.

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Part 3 of The Holiday Season - December/Christmas!

On this episode of the Rare Cuts Media Society, hosts Andrew, Mike, Eric, and Rob dive into the unconventional holiday spirit with a deep discussion of the 2003 animated film "Tokyo Godfathers." Rob Picked this month and leads the group through the unique story of three homeless individuals in Tokyo who find an abandoned newborn on Christmas Eve, sparking a wild journey filled with unexpected twists, emotional revelations, and plenty of holiday chaos. The crew reflects on the stylistic choices of anime, the impact of director Satoshi Kon, and the way the film handles themes like found family, redemption, and LGBTQ representation. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, personal insights, and even some friendly score debates as the hosts dissect what sets "Tokyo Godfathers" apart as a holiday gem. Whether you're an anime veteran or a newcomer, this episode is a festive rare cut you won't want to miss!

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Part 2 of The Holiday Season - November/Thanksgiving!

This month, Mike brings the 2015 indie drama "Krisha" to the Thanksgiving table—a movie about a woman who reenters her family’s orbit for a tension-filled Thanksgiving after years struggling with addiction.

Joined by Andrew, Rob, and Eric, the hosts dig into what makes this micro-budget film both unsettling and deeply authentic, from its real-life family casting to the spiraling anxiety and confrontation at the heart of its story. The conversation tackles everything from acting performances and family dynamics to why Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday setting for catastrophe. Plus, the hosts don’t shy away from how uncomfortable and relatable the film’s depiction of familial stress can be. Stay tuned for honest reactions, a touch of humor, and the usual Rare Cuts scoring, as the crew asks: Can a homemade movie about a fractured holiday actually stick with you—and would anyone ever dare let Krisha cook the turkey again?

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