It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Judged by the Cover! In this special Christmas episode, Josh and Phil deck the halls with stories behind the most iconic Christmas movie soundtracks and their own favorite holiday albums. Whether you’re team White Christmas or Home Alone, a Peanuts purist, or an NSYNC 90s kid, there’s something in this episode for everyone.

Whether you’re trimming the tree or just need a festive soundtrack for your day, press play and share a laugh—and some music history—with your favorite podcast duo. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Josh, Phil, and Judged by the Cover!

In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Phil Hyland takes us on a nostalgic journey through his musical past. He shares the story behind "Reel to Real," a collection of 90s demo recordings recently brought back to life. Josh from JW Creates details the creative process behind the album artwork, incorporating weathered textures and Phil's handwriting to capture the essence of the era.

The duo discusses the importance of physical formats in music, from cassettes to CDs, and how they shaped the industry. Phil reminisces about recording techniques, the New York music scene, and the thrill of getting an indie deal.

As a surprising twist, Phil reveals a heartwarming tale of fan mail received 30 years after the release of his band's debut album. This story highlights the enduring connection between artists and fans, and the unexpected ways music can bridge generations.

Tune in to hear more about the resurrection of these classic demos, the art of album design, and a touching reminder of music's lasting impact.

***Link for voting for Gracie in the Shoals City Showdown***

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.