Special guest, Diana Parry-Cruwys , finally gets another chance to pick a song of her very own with this week's "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) by alt-country, prolific rocker, Ryan Adams. Not the guy who sang "Summer of '69". We discuss how unlike My Bloody Valentine this song is, how hard it is to pick just one song when you write an album a year, how drugs are bad. Stay in school kids. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the a...
Sep 02, 2016
A return visit from Jack Every to the TPOS studio gets us bringing the funk. Noise may be brought as well. Regardless, we spend a pleasant time talking about the amazing Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings' "I Learned the Hard Way". What makes this modern take on the Motown sound so cool? And does anybody know how to make a hang-up click on a cell phone? We're plumbing unknown genres this week, folks! Also, a rare TV recommendation unrelated to music but correlated with deliciousness. Please very muc...
Aug 24, 2016
After comparing our local classic rock stations (RIP, radio), super-guest and music encyclopedia, Chris Hornbostel , and I get into the deep talk about The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter". Buy why is it an amazing song? Not just because it captures the turmoil of the 60's, not just because it's a secretly scary song, not just because of Keith Richards blusey, jazzy guitar, not just because of Mick Jagger's excellent lyrics, not just because of Merry Clayton's virtuouso performance, not just beca...
Aug 17, 2016
Rob's solo-casting it up this week with one of his personal favorite's, ELOs "Mr. Blue Sky". Listen in horror as he attempts to describe fancy orchestral words! Stare in sympathy as he consults his thesaurus to come up with new words for "awesome"! Flee from the overwhelming gushing of good vibes and joyousness! Feel happy emotions deep inside your soul as you realize that you've already started humming the chorus. Don't hide away for so long, listener: embrace the sun before Mr. Night comes to ...
Aug 10, 2016
Matt Summers makes a triumphant return with a song that has absolutely nothing wrong with it, The Breeders' "Cannonball". Is it true that the Ewoks provide backing vocals to Kim Deal? Is anything cooler than early-90s distortion effects? And is being a great band with an awesome single the same as being a one-hit wonder? Have a swig of this delicious shimmy shake while you listen. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Downlo...
Aug 03, 2016
While I messed up and forgot that "Imagine" was actually from the album Imagine, special guest, Terry Parretti, lifelong educator and dancer, forgives me in the name of John Lennon's message of peace, humanity, and love. We discuss what happens when we die and if it even matters, the power of music in teaching, and just how crummy the 70s were. Stay tuned until the end for some free choreography consultation. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not sup...
Jul 27, 2016
This week we sip lemon gin with writer/comedian/nice person, Hunter Gardner . to celebrate the season with a discussion of "Almost Summer" by Jason Collett. We wonder why summer sounds so sad in this song, opine on the indignities of youthful intoxication, and embarrass each other with bad date stories. Our pants remain securely around our ankles. Please very much enjoy If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Download Mp3...
Jul 20, 2016
Because they did me the favor of visiting me, I forced a good 40% of my extended family into the ol' podcast studio to discuss our favorite songs about America and the summertime, but mostly the summertime. Hang ten and put your wayfarers on for a deep conversation on topics like what's the opposite of America, when's the best time to barbeque, is Dave Matthews music a substitute for Ambien, and just how awesome is a bottle of Zima? And in a They're Playing Our Song first: country music! Then a ...
Jul 13, 2016
It's the big 50th episode of the show! And I booked a bunch of young children to make noise in the background. What better way to celebrate our house party than by talking about Grouplove's "Tongue Tied". Listen to me wax philosophically about the deep, deep meanings of the song and how it taps into our collective unconscious about how crappy it is to try to get a date. Everyone else just talks about medical problems and strategies for laser tag. Thanks to everyone for listening and thanks to al...
Jul 06, 2016
It's Part 2 of the epic battle royale that is ETHERIDGE-OFF!! This week, I'm rejoined by Diana Parry-Cruwys who hopes to derail my assertion that the most superior song is Melissa Etheridge's "I Want To Come Over". We break all our concert plans to warble a passionate plea for all the star-crossed lovers out there before explaining the secret meanings of the too happy guitar-solo and why are is so damn sad. Remember, place your vote for Etheridge-Off on Twitter , Facebook , or in the comments be...
Jun 22, 2016
It's Part 1 of the first ever ETHERIDGE-OFF!! Which song about intense love by singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge will be crowned the ultimate our song? Join Diana Parry-Cruwys and I in a knock-down, drag-out verbal brawl where the only rule is there are no rules. Except for the rule where we only get to say nice things about the songs we discuss because that's the point of the show. I'm starting to think this whole fight conceit isn't going to result in as much screaming and body slams as I wa...
Jun 15, 2016
This week I'm going solo to talk about Against Me!'s "Thrash Unreal". Because no one but me demanded it! Is this really a song about the joy of partying hard? Or is it a cry for help? And what kind of genre is "polk"? Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Download Mp3...
Jun 08, 2016
Writer Gordon Cameron doesn't mess around when it comes to sharing the most beautiful song in the world with Schubert's "Du Bist die Ruh". We put on our top hats and tails to discuss this classic lieder including whether Schubert could front as a modern pop star, whether the lyrics to the original poem are kind of lame without Schubert's music, and how your pianissimo gets into my fortissimo . Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio e...
Jun 01, 2016
The best value on the Internet returns as special guest, Jack Every, and I give you a 1000% markup when talking about The White Stripes' "Fell In Love With a Girl". We two stalwart educators debate the true meaning of a mellow roll, decry the injustice that was music in 2001, and mix whatever they can remember from undergrad psychology into the expounding of their deep thoughts about a three-minute song. Subscribe on YouTube to see this episode built entirely out of Lego. Please very much enjoy!...
May 26, 2016
Cor, blimey, gov'ner. It's the end of hip-hop month and we close out with a personal fav of mine, "Fit But You Know It" by the Streets. Special guest, Diana Parry-Cruwys , tries to remember where she first heard this song while I quiz her on the finer points of British slang. All in time for tea with the Queen. And fish and chips. And Doctor Who. Pardon Diana's audio. Someone set the microphone wrong. Probably Danger Mouse or Thomas the Train. Odds bodkins. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot ...
May 18, 2016
Who better to discuss Public Enemy's "Burn Hollywood Burn" than one of my favorite movie critics? Christien Murawski from the Qt3 Movie Podcast stops by to share his love of Chuck D's sweet, sweet voice and to spark up a conversation about race in TV and film. Is the Hollywood of 2016 doing a better job representing non-whites in movies than in 1990? And what exactly would a "good job" even look like? All this plus a seeeeecret movie recommendation from Christien. And it's not Steel Magnolias. L...
May 04, 2016
Veteran rap battler and NCIS aficionado, Brandon Cackowski-Schnell , joins us for another episode in our hip-hop month with the classic "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J . We'll discuss how to properly put on deodorant, what clothes to wear--or not to wear--to rock out at your live performance, and just how much damage (HUNH!) one song can really do. Bonus: Brandon offers up his cool, new Bazooka Joe-inspired rhymes for the audience. Don't forget, you can sample this show for free...just ge...
Apr 27, 2016
It's the beginning of Hip Hop month, a month of songs I know very little about. So let's learn some new things together! We kick things off with returning guest, Mark Brillon, talking about Krayzie Bone's "Thug Mentality". Mark reviews the history of Bone Thugs 'n Harmony and declares his love for the song. I think he even has a copy of the 8-track recording in his pocket. I struggle to understand the difference between East, West, North, and South-coast rap. Everyone agrees that rap skits aren'...
Apr 20, 2016
This week Diana Parry-Cruwys and I are putting on our army jackets and taking the heroes journey into the urban wasteland to discuss The Dandy Warhol's "Bohemian Like You". Let's get the "ooo"s out of the way: Is this song still totally awesome? Kick your significant other to the couch, grab some vegan food, and listen to us nonchalantly care, or not care, about the pros and cons of hipster doofuses and just how much of a privileged, right-wing nutjob Rob really is. Don't forget to listen to Dia...
Apr 13, 2016
This week's song, "A Change of Seasons" by Dream Theater, is our longest yet at just over 20 minutes. Fortunately, special guest, Craig Miller , challenges that run time by sharing his in-depth thoughts on the band's history, their place in the greater metal oeuvre, and just how many movements it takes to describe the cycle of life and death. All that plus Rob learns that metal artists don't just write songs about demons and magic and that not all of them are scary men who want to hurt him. Pard...
Apr 06, 2016
This week we kick some teeth in talking about the Dead Kennedys' "Riot". Special guest Matt Summers and I flagrantly violate the law--noise ordinances, mostly--to break down the steps of rioting in your neighborhood, punk-rock suing your former bandmates, and appreciating the muscianship of the Dead Kennedys. All this and poetry! Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Download Mp3...
Mar 30, 2016
In honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Professor Aaron Cain joins us to literally school me on the aria "Es Ist Vollbracht" from J.S. Bach's St. John Passion. And he brings his own materials! Aaron does his best to share his knowledge of early music, Bach's grumpy, beer-related missives, and one of the best personal anecdotes about a song ever heard on this show. Rob ends the term with an "F" for German pronunciation and must make up the work this summer. Luckily, you're all getting an "A...
Mar 23, 2016
Because this is the podcast you probably most associate with religion, we have an episode to complement the upcoming Easter holiday as we discuss the aria "Es Ist Vollbracht" from the St. John Passion by J.S. Bach. My special guest, Aaron Cain, was kind enough to provide an Mp3 of the Portland Baroque Orchestra performing this piece for our audience. He even checked with the members including featured viola da gamba soloist, Joanna Blendulf, and countertenor, Matthew White, for permission so you...
Mar 21, 2016
Christien Murawski from the Quarter to Three Movie Podcast gives "Pitseleh" two thumbs up. Except that's not really how they rate things on the show. And they usually rate movies, not songs. Anyhoo, we dive deep into the poetry of this one to discuss the intermingling of love and fear, the strange relationship between ourselves and our favorite artists, and every emotion in between. Plus a bonus movie review of "Keeping the Faith" and a fabulous tangent into Fountains of Wayne territory. Please ...
Mar 16, 2016
So, what are we talking about this week, special guest Chris Hornbostel ? "Last Day That We're Young?" by Game Theory? Could you please recount the fascinating story of how this album came to be, break down the musical arrangement and mastering process that makes the song so excellent, and then drop an awesomely prescient interpretation of the lyrics whilst tying them into a personal theme of aging, life, and death? Ok, thanks. I'll be over here looking up "opalescent". Please very much enjoy! I...
Mar 09, 2016
And so another Robruary has come and gone. But not before I drag my poor wife, Diana, into the studio to talk about "Big Sur" by the Thrills. I share my heartfelt memories of how this song represented one of the happiest periods of my life. Diana just wants to talk about the Monkees. Spot on musical renditions ensue. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Subscribe on Download Mp3...
Mar 02, 2016
Here's the sad, penultimate chapter of Robruary in which I talk, alone, about Death Cab for Cutie's "A Lack of Color" and how it made me the man I am today. There will be tragedy. There will be heartache. There will be copious moments of sad-sackery. I solemnly swear that this episode is well within the FDA limits of wracking man-sobs. Barely within the limits. Please very much enjoy! If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element Subscribe on Download Mp3...
Feb 24, 2016
It's the final of the "I'm Recording In a Car" trilogy with special guest, Brendon and special song, Blink-182's "What's My Age Again?" Much like the Star Wars prequels, this episode comes first chronologically and has a lot of terrible CG effects. It also features the next chapter of Robruary in which a college-aged Rob finds Blink-182 depressing--not depressing depressing--Brendon opines his lack of blankets in the cold New England nights, and everybody has more fun. MORE FUN!!! Please very mu...
Feb 17, 2016
Robruary goes big with writer, Tom Chick , joining me to share his thoughts on "Where Is My Mind?". You won't believe your ears as we discuss our mutual love of "Fight Club", how much Tom and Black Francis have in common, subliminal genitals, and the eternal question: what happens to our pee during outdoor music festivals? You're listening to this episode at a very strange time in my life. Remember to check out Tom's site, Quarter To Three and be sure to donate to their movie podcast fund drive ...
Feb 10, 2016
Barring show tunes "Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morisette was the first CD I ever owned. I received it as a birthday present when I was 16. Finally, I could listen to Ironic, Head Over Feet, and You Oughta Know from the comfort of my own home. This week Carolyn Brillon stops by over Skype to share her thoughts about You Oughta Know because it's the only tune that rocks as hard as Robruary. We review the pros and cons of scratching other people's backs, if it's worth going down on a sticky movi...
Feb 03, 2016
