Christmas music is weird.

One minute it’s beautiful, nostalgic and comforting - the next it’s novelty songs, metal Santa chaos, and the same track played 47 times in one afternoon.

In the Tracks on Trial Christmas Special, Sam George, Amy Jo and Andy put the courtroom on hold and dive headfirst into the chaotic world of festive music. From indie winter hymns and alternative Christmas tracks to heavy, unhinged holiday songs, this episode celebrates the weird side of Christmas playlists.

The jury explores how cultural differences shape Christmas celebrations around the world, why nostalgia plays such a powerful role in how we experience holiday music and movies, and why modern Christmas culture feels very different from the classics many of us grew up with.

Along the way, there are community shoutouts, ridiculous but enlightening Christmas music trivia, satirical festive news headlines, and strong opinions about which songs should - and definitely shouldn’t - be played every December.

🎄 In this episode:

• Alternative and unconventional Christmas songs
• Indie and metal takes on festive music
• Cultural differences in Christmas traditions
• Nostalgia, Christmas movies, and memory
• Why Christmas music sparks extreme emotional reactions
• Fake Christmas music news
• Fun and surprising Christmas music trivia
• The importance of diversifying your holiday playlist

This isn’t about verdicts or flops - it’s about embracing the full spectrum of Christmas music, from beautiful to baffling.

Grab a drink, avoid the supermarket playlists, and join us for a festive episode that proves Christmas music doesn’t have to be boring.

Welcome back to Tracks on Trial, the global music podcast where three hosts from three continents put songs in the dock and deliver one of two verdicts: Topper or Flopper.

In this episode, we head deep into the underground metal scene, spotlighting underrated bands and tracks that deserve far more attention than they get. From emotionally devastating performances to surgically precise production, this episode is all about the metal that flies under the radar - and why that’s often where the most exciting innovation lives.

Sam George, Amy Jo, and Andy explore what gives metal real emotional weight, why conviction matters as much as technical skill, and how female vocalists are reshaping the genre with power, range, and authenticity. Along the way, the jury faces quickfire rounds, tests their knowledge with a metal quiz, and tackles satirical metal-industry “news” that hits a little too close to home.

The episode builds toward a deeper discussion of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades”, examining its legacy, influence, and why it still looms so large over modern heavy music.

In this episode:

• Underrated and underground metal bands
• Emotional weight vs technical proficiency
• Female vocalists redefining heavy music
• Quickfire instinct rounds
• A metal quiz to test genre knowledge
• Satirical metal industry news
• Production quality in modern metal
• The lasting influence of Ace of Spades
• Why discovering lesser-known bands matters

Whether you’re a lifelong metalhead or just starting to dig deeper, this episode proves that some of the most vital heavy music lives far away from the mainstream.

Topper or Flopper? Listen, judge, and tell us which underground bands deserve their day in court.

Rock isn’t dead - it just keeps changing its outfit. In this episode of Tracks on Trial, we dive deep into the world of modern rock from the last five years, exploring how today’s artists blend classic attitude with fresh ideas, new production techniques, and genre-bending creativity.

Sam George, Amy Jo and Andy Smith trade perspectives from three continents as they put a new batch of tracks on trial. From The Fratellis’ unexpected do-wop-leaning reinvention to Dorothy’s powerhouse vocal performances, the jury examines how modern rock continues to evolve while staying emotionally punchy and unapologetically bold.

Along the way, we discuss:

• How vocals carry the emotional core of a track
• When production choices elevate a song - and when they derail it
• Why some songs work without a traditional build or crescendo
• The growing versatility of indie and rock-adjacent genres
• The influence of veterans like Alice Cooper and innovative acts like Royal Blood
• What makes a song a “vibe” vs. a “statement”
• Why lyrics matter more than many listeners realise
• How rock artists borrow from pop, soul, blues, metal and beyond
• The joy of discovering fresh perspectives within the rock community

Plus - a rapid-fire round featuring brand new tracks, hot takes, questionable opinions, and at least one moment where someone rants about production choices (again).

Whether you’re a rock loyalist or a curious explorer, this episode highlights how broad, surprising and emotionally charged the modern rock scene has become.

⚖️ Topper or Flopper? Listen, judge, and share your verdict.