Sam Hoyos is a musician (Playing Dead /Carlos Danger) and half of If I Ruled The World Podcast. In each bi-weekly episode of If I Ruled The World, Hoyos and co-host George Reynolds (Mind Over Matter/ Day in the Life) share an insightful conversation with one artist, exploring the philosophy behind how and why they do what they do.
Since releasing their first episode featuring Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw, Head Automatica, Color Film) in 2017, the podcast has gone on to host major names such as H.R. (Bad Brains), Jessica Pimentel (Orange is the New Black, Alekhine’s Gun), Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife, I Am the Avalanche), Adam Lazzara, John Nolan and Mark O’Connell (Taking Back Sunday), and Shawna Potter (War On Women), to name just a few.
The guys stepped away from the podcast to talk about the records that have influenced them the most:
Idles- Brutalism
“Every now and then, you come across an album that really feels punk AF. This album is that to the core. It’s chaotic to a point, but not enough to derail its smart song structure chops. Listen to songs like “1049 Gotho” and Heel/Heal” and try to sit still. It’s almost cathartic in its release and effect. One of the best things I’ve heard in the last 5 years. Also if you get a chance, see them live. It’s pure joy.”
Run The Jewels- Run The Jewels
“I was there during El-P’s Def Jux peaks and valleys. So it was great to see him really pivot and hook up with Killer Mike in an unlikely pairing. At first I was too musically snobbish to think that this southern rapper could ever be in a group with El. Boy, did i eat those words. By the time the beat drops on the title track, I knew I messed up waiting a year to listen. This is one of the best modern day hip-hop albums ever. And they are one of the best live acts around.”
Alkaline Trio- From Here To Infirmary
“To me, this band was like a modern era Misfits. I remember hearing the song “Mr Chainsaw” and was instantly looking for anything else they did prior. Dan and Matt are both amazing songwriters and both shine like they’ve never shined on this album. Arguably their peak. Songs like “Crawl” and “Bloodied Up” are as perfect as punk songs could be.”
Samiam- Astray
“The year was 2000 and I was going to an audio engineer school called The Institute of Audio Research in Manhattan. One of the techs there gave me this album on cassette, I believe. It was everything I needed to hear at that moment. It wasn’t too cartoonishly punk, wasn’t too overly heavy. It was the perfect combination of melody and guitars that spoke to me like few albums have since. To this day, my band draws influence from this album in particular. “Mudhill” “Dull” and “Mexico” are the epitome of songs we strive for.”
Digable Planets- Reachin‘
“In the early ’90s, the marraige of hip hop and jazz was like ketchup and fries. PERFECTION! This album was one of the shining moments of that movement. Look no further than the monster single, “Rebirth of Slick” aka “Cool Like Dat”! Some people didn’t really explore this album as much as they should have. If they did, this album would be taught in schools. You can hit play and I guarantee you, you wont stop it. Not one bad song.”
Quicksand- Slip
“This circles back to those heavy guitars and lovely melodies. Walter is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. It all started here for me. I was already playing guitar by then and I heard the song “Dine Alone” and I couldn’t figure out what the hell that riff was because it was so different. You know you are good when even the instrumental song on the album is fantastic. And Tom Capone adds the perfect flavoring with his super tasteful leads. Not too much. Just enough to make it perfect.”
Mobb Deep- The Infamous
“This is easily one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. From the time I first heard it in 1995 to today 2019. I can rap “Eye for an Eye” word for word and I cant rap! This was the soundtrack to many nights and will continue to be so. Rest In Peace Prodigy.”
Portishead- Dummy
“When I first heard this album, I was floored. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. As a child of the ’90s, I spoke the language of hip-hop and Geoff Barrow took that production style and added Beth Gibbons singing on it. From the opening “Mysterons” to the hard bass of “Pedestal”, this is by far one of the greatest albums ever created. To this day, if I play this in a room where most have never heard it, I always get one or two people hooked! Many have tried to duplicate this sound and none have come close. Not even Portishead themselves.”
Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream
“I’ve always been drawn to loud guitars with melodic vocals. This album was the perfect combination of the two. From that opening riff of “Cherub Rock” to “Geek U.S.A.”, it’s packed with tasteful guitar heroics and no bloated, cliche solos. It also has a really soft side to it with songs like “Luna” and the masterpiece that is” Mayonnaise”. Another game changer.”
Misfits- Collection
“This was the first time I heard music so dark played so catchy and bright. It was a game changer for my young brain. It taught me all you need are some perfectly placed “whoa ooh ohs” and you were on your way. “I Turned Into a Martian” and “Horror Business” were my favorite tracks.”
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