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In episode ten of Skip’d, Rob & Mike unravel The Streets’ defining concept album, A Grand Don’t Come For Free, released on 17 May 2004. Mike Skinner transforms London street tales into a rap opera narrative, chronicling a missing £1,000 and a tumultuous romance with Simone. They explore how raw garage beats and heartfelt lyricism elevated UK hip hop in the mid-2000s.

What’s inside:

• A track-by-track breakdown of emotional highs and lows in songs like “Dry Your Eyes,” “Fit But You Know It,” and “Blinded by the Lights”
• Discussion of Skinner’s storytelling technique, inspired by Hollywood screenwriting principles, that weaves drama through every verse
• Rob & Mike’s take on the album’s bedroom-to-studio production, DIY authenticity, and Mike Skinner’s role as both writer and producer
• Listener anecdotes, singalong moments, and both Rob and Mike professing to being drug-free and boring.

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Got a concept album that turns every track into a chapter? Send it over—Rob & Mike are ready to skip it next.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod

In episode nine of Skip’d, Rob & Mike unpack Kaiser Chiefs’ debut studio album Employment, a Britpop and new wave–inspired alternative rock landmark that exploded onto the UK scene in March 2005. Recorded from summer to December 2004 at Chapel Studios in Lincoln and refined at Olympic and Town House studios, the album fuses art-punk attitude with catchy pop hooks under the guidance of producers Stephen Street and Stephen Harris. Charting at number three upon release and climbing to number two after the Brit Awards, Employment became one of 2005’s best-selling albums and cemented the Leeds band as arena headliners.

What’s inside:

• A track-by-track breakdown of stadium-ready singles like “I Predict a Riot,” “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” and “Oh My God,” exploring their infectious riffs and rallying choruses
• Rob & Mike’s take on how the album’s production sharpened the band’s wit and funky rhythms, and how those songs sparked a post-punk revival
• Listener memories, heart-pounding concert anecdotes, and a debate on if anything good has ever come out of Leeds.

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix. Got an album defined by mosh pits and singalong hooks? Send it our way—Rob & Mike are primed to skip it next.

Find all the links you need at https://linktr.ee/skipdpod

In episode eight of SKiP’D, Rob & Mike dive into Arctic Monkeys’ fifth studio album, AM, released on 9 September 2013. Recorded between January 2012 and June 2013 at Sage & Sound Recording in Los Angeles and Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California, with production led by James Ford and co-production from Ross Orton, this record fuses indie rock grit, blues-rock swagger, R&B soul, and hip-hop-influenced grooves into a dark, cinematic package.

What’s inside:

• A track-by-track exploration of opener “Do I Wanna Know?” and anthem “R U Mine?” uncovering their moody guitar riffs and rhythmic swagger
• A breakdown of late-night standout “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” and its blend of confessional lyrics with vintage drum-machine pulse
• Insight into Alex Turner’s decision to treat AM as a true studio album, layering piano, organ, Hohner Guitaret, and subtle guest vocals into the band’s core sound

Stream Skip’d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. Got an album whose groove won’t let you sleep? Send it our way—Rob & Mike are ready to skip it next.