What makes a good music opinion... and what deserves a lifetime ban from the aux?

This week we're doing something completely different. Instead of meeting in our usual pub, the four of us jump on a video call for a special episode of Beers & B-Sides to react to some of the most controversial music opinions we've ever received.

We asked our followers across social media to send us their hottest takes, unpopular opinions and most outrageous music debates—and you definitely didn't disappoint. From legendary bands and overrated artists to classic albums, guilty pleasures and everything in between, nothing is off limits.

Along the way we also reveal some of our own controversial opinions that might divide listeners even more...

Agree? Disagree? Furious? We want to hear your thoughts. Let us know your hottest music take and we'll feature some of the best ones in a future episode.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with another music fan. Every bit of support helps us grow.

🍻 Beers & B-Sides is the podcast where four friends get together each week to chat all things music, vinyl records, albums, gigs and the artists we love.

This week on Beers & B-Sides, we drop the needle on one of the most talked-about albums of the 21st century – Beyoncé's Lemonade.

As always, we kick things off with our Home Brewed segment, where we shine a spotlight on a talented artist from the North East and introduce you to some brilliant new local music.

Then it's time to dive into Lemonade. We rewind to 2016 to look at what was happening around the world before exploring Beyoncé's journey from Destiny's Child to global superstar, the creation of Lemonade, and why it became such a landmark release.

While this isn't the kind of album some of us would normally reach for, its incredible blend of R&B, rock, country, soul, blues and hip-hop had us questioning our expectations. We chat about our favourite tracks, the songs that didn't quite land for us, the singles, our favourite side of the vinyl, different pressings we own, and any memories of seeing Beyoncé perform live.

Did Lemonade change a few minds around the table? Was it a pleasant surprise, or does it still sit outside our comfort zones?

Join four friends with a shared love of vinyl as we crack open a drink, spin another classic, and round things off with our Last Orders Verdict—would we buy the record, or leave it on the shelf?

New music. Vinyl. Great conversation. That's Beers & B-Sides.

This week on Beers & B-Sides, we're cracking open a few pints and diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about punk records of recent years – Comfort To Me by Amyl & The Sniffers.

As always, we kick things off with Home Brewed, where we shine a spotlight on incredible music coming out of the North East. This week we're featuring Home Proud and their brilliant new single Again, chatting about the band and why they're one to keep firmly on your radar.

Then it's time to wind the clock back to 2021, looking at what was happening around the world when Comfort To Me was released before exploring the story behind Amyl & The Sniffers – how the band came together, their rise through the punk scene, and what makes them such a unique force in modern rock.

From there, we take our usual deep dive into the album itself, discussing the artwork, production, standout moments, the singles, our favourite tracks, underrated gems, weaker moments, and which side of the vinyl comes out on top.

But this week's episode comes with a twist...

Three of us absolutely loved Comfort To Me, praising its energy, attitude and infectious hooks. One of us, however... absolutely hated it. Cue one of our liveliest debates yet as we try (and fail!) to convince them otherwise before delivering our famous Last Orders verdict.

Would we buy it? Hunt down every coloured variant? Or leave it sitting in the record shop?

Grab a pint, drop the needle, and join us for another round of Beers & B-Sides.

Cheers! 🍻