Get ready to dance! In the second installment of our series, we talk about the artists that brought disco to the mainstream including Donna Summer, the BeeGees, and Gloria Gaynor. There’s also a number of other artists who created songs just to join the trend, including the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, and even the Grateful Dead. We’ll talk about the elements of disco music, what it was like going to the disco, and of course, all the classic songs heard on the dance floor. Episode 2 of 3.

Disco is one of just a few music genres that can call itself a full-bodied cultural movement. The history of the discotheque begins as far back as World War II Europe, and by the 60s, begins blossoming in the American epicenter of disco, New York City. Disco music's true roots lie in American R&B, soul, and funk, so we'll talk about the impact of those genres and how they began to evolve by the early 70s. Also David Mancuso's loft parties, the disco as a safe space, and lots more. Episode...

It’s easy to look at Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz and not take him seriously. It seems like 1990-era MTV created him in a lab. But there's more to him, and "August and Everything After," than it seems. In this episode, we're highlighting the Counting Crows biggest hits, the time the mayor of Omaha offered Duritz the key to the city, and the progressive metal band that named themselves after a song on this album.

In this episode, we’re exploring why all the music we hear in the "James Bond" film franchise sounds so undeniably "Bond." Some of these songs were written nearly 40 years apart, yet musically, we immediately associate all of them with 007. I unpack the music theory behind the "Bond sound" and all the musical motifs and chord progressions that have been consistent since the early '60s up to today. Also - Adele gets cold feet, Marvin Hamlisch gets inspired by disco, and Tom Jones passes out.

"Dummy" is one of the defining records of the trip-hop genre, and one of the most unique albums we've covered here. We'll talk about all the elements that defined their otherworldly sound, the film Portishead made to "introduce" the band, and how the band got creative before there was such a thing as ProTools. I also talk to The Syndicate's Jon Landman about his work in music, how the pandemic is changing the industry, and what draws him in the most when he listens to Portishead.

Leon Bridges' music reflects a vintage quietness; an articulation of raw feelings of love and heartbreak that we've all felt, but rarely find the words for. On "Good Thing," he breaks away from the golden age soul comparisons to Sam Cooke to find a voice that's all his own. We also discuss the Grammys, Fort Worth, beauty in simplicity, and how a pair of jeans was the impetus for a conversation that would change Leon Bridges' life.

In Part II, we break down Side 2 of Black Sabbath's second studio album, with "Electric Funeral," "Hand of Doom," "Rat Salad" and "Fairies Wear Boots." We also get into some debaucherous tales of Sabbath on the road, Ozzy's solo career and subsequent Sabbath reunions, the invention of the devil horn hand gesture, and the embarrassing stage gaffe parodied in the film "This is Spinal Tap." We'll also discuss Ozzy's latest solo album, just released in February 2020. Thank you again to my guest,...

Heavy hitter episode! Black Sabbath is one of the most influential bands of all time and the originator of the metal genre. In Part I of our series, we break down Side 1 of the band's second studio album, "Paranoid," diving deep into "War Pigs," "Paranoid," "Planet Caravan" and "Iron Man." Also, a music theory refresher on the tritone or “devil’s interval,” Geezer Butler's heart-wrenching and scary lyrics, and how four blokes from the slums of Birmingham, UK would become the fathers of heavy...

This album's dark, depressed lyrics set against DayGlo pink synth-pop is oddly indicative of a band that's been through a lot together. And apart. In this episode, we talk about Hayley as the face of Paramore, the cracks formed by jealousy, and what happens when only one member of a band is signed on the record contract. Also, the time Hayley Williams almost left music for her marriage, the pressure to go solo, and why the gears of Paramore keep turning despite the fact that they should...

In this episode, I’m talking to music producer and engineer Alex Gibson. Alex has worked with everyone from David Lee Roth to Bon Jovi, and engineered alongside some of music's top producers. We discuss the process of making a record, and Alex’s tips for anyone looking into a career in the music industry. Also, his thoughts on the current state of music, what it was like moving out to LA, and how you tell an artist they don’t sound good. Thanks to Alex for his time! Episode feat. music by Echo

Even though Lizzo just got popular in 2019, she's been making music for years. Great music. But if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? In this episode, we look at Lizzo's rise to fame through the lens of Joseph Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' story structure. We'll discuss friends and enemies along her personal yellow brick road, how failure can knock down the most confident of people, and her own Yoda-type mentor. Also lingerie, boy problems, and...

"Sound Of Silver" is the perfect blend of irony and earnestness, old and new, the 2am party and the morning after. I always knew LCD Soundsystem was great dance music, but it wasn't until this episode that it reached me on a much deeper level. We discuss the artistry of James Murphy, the ripple effect of 9/11 on New York's music scene, the idea of nostalgia (both earned and not), Kermit the Frog, what "silver" sounds like, and the return of LCDSS after their 2011 sold-out funeral at Madison...

"Transatlanticism" is said to be a meditation on the ups and downs of long-distance relationships. In today's episode, we'll discuss how frontman and lyricist Ben Gibbard creates an interesting focal point for Death Cab For Cutie, and why their lyrics always seem to feel so relatable. Also, how music affects our mood, The Postal Service, Seattle, and the caveat I make with myself when I listen to Death Cab.

Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a veritable 3-man orchestra of virtuosic talent, was the first band to bring progressive rock to the masses. In this episode, we discuss how "Brain Salad Surgery" marked historic advancements in electronic music, Keith Emerson's influence on Bob Moog and his synthesizer technology, and the insane stage shows that drew millions out to see ELP in the '70s. Also; tank-adillos, the Manticore, & stabbing organs...

From old classics to new songs from 2019, I've compiled a countdown of my absolute 20 favorite songs this holiday season. And you guys helped! Thanks to everyone who sent their favorites in. This playlist features Bing Crosby, The Sonics, Ella Fitzgerald, Sufjan Stevens, Kacey Musgraves, and many more. Light a balsam candle, heat up a hot toddy, and snuggle in for this episode that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Listen to the playlist here: https://spoti.fi/2tiaN0K

In the final installment of our series on "Deja Vu," we break down the songs on Side 2, the story behind the simulated leather album cover, and the disastrous string of tours that followed the album's release. We'll also discuss CSNY's various levels of solo career success, the debaucherous 1974 stadium tour, how any of them survived the 80s, and what everyone's doing nowadays.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released only 22 songs together during 1969 and 1970, many of which have become standards in the classic rock canon. In Part I of our series, I talk about how CSNY got together amidst frustration with their former bands, and the first moment of vocal harmony between Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Also, why they refused to call themselves a "band," the good life in Laurel Canyon, and the events, heartbreak, and drug use that all had a deep effect on the making of...

Maroon 5 went from being a small-time high school band to selling out stadiums, playing the Super Bowl, and crashing weddings. In this episode, we'll highlight the trajectory of one of today's most popular bands, beginning with their debut album, "Songs About Jane." Jane's a real person, so we'll discuss her relationship to Adam Levine. We also talk about all the other non-Levine guys who make up the hit machine that is Maroon 5, and discuss the band's influences from Stevie Wonder, Aaliyah,...

My Bloody Valentine's groundbreaking "Loveless" remains one of alternative music's most influential albums. In this episode, we discuss MBV's pioneering of the shoegaze genre and its defining production characteristics, the interesting/amazing effects this album has had on my mind, the idea of 'horror vacui' as it pertains to music, and why it took 22 years for the band to follow up "Loveless." Also, stereo v. mono recording, pink noise, and how the Valentines used sleep deprivation to their...

Happy Halloween! John Carpenter is one of the most famous horror filmmakers of all time, creating the "Halloween" franchise, as well as films including "The Thing," "Christine," and "The Fog." But he also composed nearly all the scores to his own films, with a distinct style that's become one of the most iconic in the genre. In today's episode, we'll discuss why we love being scared by horror flicks, Carpenter's process of scoring his films, and what he's up to lately.

"Louie Louie" is one of the most covered songs of all time, with a reported 2,000+ official recordings. So how did "Louie Louie" go from the bargain bin and "Worst Record of the Week" on a popular radio show to one of the most popular rock songs of all time? For one, the FBI investigation of the song in 1964 probably helped. We'll discuss the origins of "Louie Louie," its use of the most popular chord progression in pop music, and the most popular covers of the song, from Otis Redding to...

At the beginning of 1998, Jeff Mangum released his masterwork, "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea," now one of the all-time indie records. But by year's end, he would walk away from music, only to be heard from on rare occasion for the next two decades. In today's episode, we discuss how to create distortion without an electric guitar, why Mangum was completely derailed by Anne Frank's diary, and why I've changed my tune about Neutral Milk Hotel. Kind of. My King of Carrot Flowers, D.J....

One of the most important album art designers of our time, Storm Thorgerson counts amongst his credits "Dark Side of the Moon," "Wish You Were Here," "Houses of the Holy" and about a million more. In this episode, we're diving into Storm's history as a high school friend of Pink Floyd, and we'll detail how he concepted and shot some of his most iconic album covers. We've got 40-foot pig balloons flying high over Heathrow, a mustache getting burned off, inspiration from Arthur C. Clarke......

The Shins had a lot to prove with "Wincing the Night Away." This was the album that would decide whether the Shins would stay in the indie pop conversation, or if their inclusion in Zach Braff's film "Garden State" was just a brief lucky break. The Shins are a band I'm literally always in the mood to listen to, so we'll explore why that is. We'll also discuss the meanings I find in the cover art, James Mercer's songwriting style, and how his insomnia affected the writing and recording of...

Karen Carpenter's voice is one you know instantly, and makes you feel like the only one listening. Though on the surface the Carpenters seemed like a squeaky clean brother-sister duo, their story is wrought with family drama, painful emotional scarring, and tragedy. We'll discuss the Carpenters' rise to popularity, as well as Karen's eating disorder, her mother, failed relationships, and Sonic Youth. Karen is one of my biggest influences as a musician, so this is a special and emotional...