Note: Earbuddies will resume its regular schedule on Monday, April 21. – Get by with a little help from your buddies! In this ep , Mat and Tim finally – finally – talk about the lovable lads from Liverpool. Are they actually underrated? How's that new single of theirs? And are they actually a children's band? SONGS PLAYED: The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends The Beatles - Now and Then The Beatles - Come Together The Beatles - Penny Lane Little Richard - Good Golly, Miss Molly The Be...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min
It's ok, we're ok! In this ep, Mat and Tim discuss – who else? – Tate McRae. Her third major label album debuted at the top of the Billboard chart, and she's being compared to a young Britney Spears – yet her tunes remain an enigma to many. Well, not for long! Here's your primer on Tate M. SONGS PLAYED: Tate McRae - greedy Tate McRae - miss possessive Tate McRae - one day Tate McRae - you broke me first Tate McRae - 2 hands Tate McRae - it's ok I'm ok Tate McRae - no I'm not in love Camila Cabel...
Mar 24, 2025•55 min
How does it feel?? In this ep, Mat and Tim discuss – at long last – Bob Dylan. But neither of them are Dylan Guys – instead, their discussion comes from the perspective of newcomers. How does one "get into" Bob Dylan in 2025? And what wonders await those who attempt to do so? Listen and find out! SONGS PLAYED: Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin' Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind Bob Dylan - Just Like a Woman Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues Bob Dylan - Don't Think Twice, It's All Righ...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min
Have you ever tried *this* pod? In this episode, Mat and Tim share their admiration of Sabrina Carpenter – from her vaudeville-like persona to her inspired tunes. This episode contains explicit language. SONGS PLAYED: Sabrina Carpenter - Taste Sabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard - Take On the World (Girl Meets World Theme) Sabrina Carpenter - Bed Chem Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please Sabrina Carpenter - Juno Piero Piccio - Amore Mio Aiutami Mae West - I'm N...
Feb 25, 2025•57 min
Everybody dance now! In this ep, Mat and Tim celebrate JOCK JAMS. What's so great about music for/about sports? Trust us, we get into it! SONGS PLAYED: Punch Brothers - Julep Reel 2 Real - I Like To Move It (feat. The Mad Stuntman) Gary Glitter - Rock 'n' Roll (Part 2) Imagine Dragons - Believer Van Halen - Jump Queen - We Will Rock You AC/DC - Thunderstruck Eminem - Lose Yourself The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark Fall Out Boy - Centuries...
Feb 11, 2025•55 min
Note: Earbuddies will resume its regular schedule on Monday, February 10. – We LOVE computers! But... In this ep, Mat and Tim share their feelings on the rise of generative artificial intelligence in the world of pop music. Is it a useful tool for artists? Or a threat to art itself? Sponsored by Mojave Max. SONGS PLAYED: Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek Holly Herndon - Frontier Ghostwriter - Heart on My Sleeve Brian Eno - Discreet Music Olafur Arnalds - ekki hugsa David Guetta - Live excerpt Brooklyn...
Jan 27, 2025•57 min
Oh my! Good lord. In this episode, Mat and Tim consider the state of country music in 2025 – what's working, what's not, and what you need to know about the genre everyone wants a piece of these days. SONGS PLAYED: Lainey Wilson - Country's Cool Again Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy) Braxton Keith - Cozy Ella Langley - you look like you love me (feat. Riley Green) Post Malone - Pour Me a Drink (feat. Blake Shelton) Jo Dee Messina - Heads Carolina, Tails California Cole Swindell - She Had Me At Hea...
Jan 13, 2025•53 min
That's so true! In this episode, Mat and Tim use Gracie Abrams's recent SNL performance as a jumping off point to discuss proficiency and mastery among pop music's most prominent artists – and the way that fandom culture has enabled the erosion of our expectations. It's a bit of a grumpy one! SONGS PLAYED: Gracie Abrams - I Love You, I'm Sorry Gracie Abrams - That's So True (Live) Jacob Collier - Little Blue (A COLORS SHOW) Taylor Swift - You're On Your Own, Kid (Live) Van Halen - Eruption Carpe...
Dec 30, 2024•55 min
Many happy returns! In this holiday episode, Mat and Tim consider why the Christmas music songbook has become so stagnant – then, after diagnosing the problems they see with the holiday music canon, they prescribe a solution that could finally thaw out the frozen genre. SONGS PLAYED: Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Vince Guaraldi Trio - O Tannenbaum Traditional Choir - God Rest Ye Mer...
Dec 16, 2024•49 min
Ya got a podcast! With a capital P and that rhymes with E and that stands for Earbuddies. In this episode, Mat and Tim reflect on the rich history of movie musicals––from the "golden age" of the 1940s and 50s to today. Then they weigh in on the new film adaptation of Wicked. Grab your broomsticks and hang on tight! SONGS PLAYED: Oklahoma! – from Oklahoma! Don't Rain On My Parade – from Funny Girl Sixteen Going On Seventeen – from The Sound of Music Friend Like Me – from Aladdin Tonight – from We...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr
On October 29th, 2024, Pitchfork published Shaad D'Souza's lukewarm review of Halsey's new album, The Great Impersonator. The same day, Halsey took to social media and called attention to D'Souza's review, inviting their followers to come after him online. This online moment inspired music journalist Grace Robins-Somerville to write about the worsening cultural climate around fans, "stans," and toxic fandom. Grace's work can be found in Stereogum, Paste Magazine, The Alternative, and in her news...
Nov 18, 2024•58 min
We're back! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on their time away from the pod – then they consider what the upcoming season of Earbuddies might look like thematically. Oh yeah, we're navel-gazing! Come along for the fun. SONGS PLAYED: Insane Clown Posse - Hokus Pokus Alan Menken & Howard Ashman - Beauty and the Beast Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. Elton John - Circle of Life DISCLAIMERS: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted materi...
Nov 04, 2024•53 min
Or is it... Pod Buddy Summer? In this ep, Mat and Tim suspend their summer hiatus to catch up on a momentous season for pop music, spearheaded by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. So many killer tunes in one summer! But where do Taylor Swift and Katy Perry fit into the mix? This episode contains explicit language. SONGS PLAYED: Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO! Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please Charli XCX - 360 T...
Jul 26, 2024•42 min
In this season finale, Mat and Tim read excerpts from an article by Leonard Bernstein for The Atlantic entitled " Speaking of Music ," published in December of 1957. Leonard's words cause the buddies to consider: what's the point of this entire podcast? We thank you for your continued support of Earbuddies. Regular episode releases will continue in the fall of 2024. You may also receive bonus episodes in your feed as the summer progresses. So please don't unsubscribe! Please. SONGS PLAYED: Ludwi...
May 20, 2024•32 min
The British are coming! In this episode, Mat and Tim lead the Earbuddies Army to the battlefield. On the other side: the "21st Century Mozart," Jacob Collier. Who is he? What's his deal? Why does he make music the way that he does – and what's the difference between good music and good songs? SONGS PLAYED: Jacob Collier - All Night Long (feat. Take 6) Jacob Collier - Over You (feat. aespa & Chris Martin) Lizzy McAlpine - erase me (feat. Jacob Collier) Jacob Collier - Summer Rain (feat. Madis...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Pucker up! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on a sub-sub-sub-genre of emo music that was, plain and simple, made for kissin'. (And for weeping over the kisses you'll no longer get.) Plus: circling back to the presidential canine situation. SONGS PLAYED: From First To Last - Emily Secondhand Serenade - Fall For You Taking Back Sunday - New American Classic Something Corporate - As You Sleep Dashboard Confessional - Screaming Infidelities A Day To Remember - If It Means a Lot To You Daphne Loves De...
May 07, 2024•46 min
In this solo ep, Tim's thinking different! He recalls the remarkable history of the iPod and the rise of the digital music era – and suggests that the golden age of music consumption is in the rearview. SONGS PLAYED: Yuzzy - A Little Morning Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl Yuzzy - Running Wild U2 - Vertigo The Philadelphia Orchestra - Clair de Lune Yuzzy - Elipse Yuzzy - Thin Paper Hut Yuzzy - Snow Morning Prestige Podcast Background Music by Yuzzy: https://bit.ly/2nUbGqD DISCLAIMER: Under sectio...
Apr 29, 2024•30 min
You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Earbuddies should be a bigger podcast In this tortured ep, Mat and Tim share their preliminary thoughts about Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. As you can see from the title of this ep, they found it to be lacking! They hone in on the tunes and enter into evidence their talismans and charms, etc. SONGS PLAYED: Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift - My Boy Only Breaks H...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Mat and Tim are joined by Alvin Jones, otherwise known as "The Unseen VJ" – the man who created Rap City, a long-running music video program on BET. He tells the buddies what inspired him to push for greater hip-hop representation on BET in the mid- to late-80s, and reflects on the impact his advocacy has had on the tapestry of hip-hop and rap in the decades since. FURTHER VIEWING: The 17th Annual Blacks In Wax: Hip Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle at The Kennedy Center...
Apr 15, 2024•46 min
In this solo ep, Tim talks through the history – and indeed, the controversy – of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. It's one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever composed. But its origin story is a little complicated. Leave it to Timmy to sort it all out! SONGS PLAYED: George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue Eddie Cantor - If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie!) Willie "The Lion" Smith - Keep Your Temper W.C. Handy - St. Louis Blues Paul Simon - Crazy Love, Vol. II Béla Fleck - Rhapsody...
Apr 08, 2024•29 min
We could have had it all! In this episode, Mat and Tim get a bit, oh, idk, philosophical, about incredible vocalists. What does our love of great singers say about our entertainment preferences as a culture? Are we prioritizing the right things? Hmm. You'll know in about 59 minutes! SONGS PLAYED: Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM Teddy Swims - Lose Control Adele - Rolling in the Deep Clay Aiken - Build Me Up Buttercup (from American Idol) John Legend - All of Me Carrie Underwood - Church Bells Carrie Und...
Apr 01, 2024•59 min
We're bringing buddies back! In this episode, Mat and Tim pore over the life and career of Justin Timberlake – from Mouseketeer to boy band heartthrob to swagged-up solo act and beyond. But what about his gaffes?? And what does the listening public want from JT in this day and age? Folks, you know we've got the answers. SONGS PLAYED: The Mickey Mouse Club Theme Song Justin Timberlake - Always In My Heart Justin Timberlake - Selfish Justin Timberlake - My Love NSYNC - It's Gonna Be Me Justin Timb...
Mar 25, 2024•51 min
Come out, ye buddies fans! Matty's on the mic for a solo episode of Earbuddies in which he discusses Irish music and culture. Why do we Americans love St. Patrick's Day so much? What's going on with these tunes? Simply download and listen, and allow Mat to delight you with his signature demure wit and wry intellect! DISCLAIMER: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, c...
Mar 18, 2024•31 min
Oh! Say! In this episode, Mat and Tim dig deep into our nation's anthem: The Star Spangled Banner. They consider its strengths and shortcomings, and offer a patriotic prescription to make the song truly work for America. SONGS PLAYED: Kinsley Murray - The Star Spangled Banner Luther Vandross - The Star Spangled Banner The Star Spangled Banner (Orchestral) Gaither Vocal Band - The Star Spangled Banner Lee Greenwood - The Star Spangled Banner My Country! Tis of Thee P!NK - The Star Spangled Banner...
Mar 11, 2024•57 min
We can only imagine! In this episode, Mat and Tim recall the heyday of CCM – contemporary Christian music – and bemoan the ever-narrowing sonic range found in the genre today. What happened? The answer, it turns out, is tied to money, focus groups, and someone named Becky. Oh, you guys are gonna love this ep! Get to listening! SONGS PLAYED: MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine Housefires - I Thank God Jars of Clay - Flood Newsboys - Entertaining Angels Newsboys - Love, Liberty, Disco Audio Adrenaline - ...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min
If you're happy and you know it, subscribe to Earbuddies! In this ep, Mat and Tim are joined by Caitlin Claessens, better known by millions as Caitie from Super Simple Songs . Caitlin discusses her status as a kids' music superstar – then, they figure out what separates the great children's tunes from the rest. SONGS PLAYED: Super Simple Songs - There's a Monster in My Tummy Super Simple Songs - Days of the Week Super Simple Songs - The Bath Song Super Simple Songs - Open Shut Them #2 Super Simp...
Feb 26, 2024•44 min
Turn that up in my headphones! In this episode, Mat and Tim discuss the crucial role that producers play in the creation of pop music as we know it. DISCLAIMERS: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing. Also, nobody actually sp...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Put on your suspenders and fill your mason jars! In this ep, Mat and Tim prepare the Earbuddies Army for the coming return of indie folk – a genre that defined millennial culture 15 years ago. What are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to feel? Let the buddies figure it out for you! SONGS PLAYED: Noah Kahan - All My Love Noah Kahan - Stick Season Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man The Lumineers - Ho Hey Phillip Phillips -...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Sound the alarm!! In this emergency ep, Mat and Tim unpack the big moments from MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT. From Tracy Chapman to Miley Cyrus, and of course, Taylor Swift's announcement of "The Tortured Poets Department". All's fair in love and poetry, I guess!
Feb 06, 2024•30 min
GARTH BROOKS IF YOU'RE READING THIS: OUR USE OF YOUR MUSIC IS PROTECTED BY FAIR USE PRINCIPLES UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ACT OF 1976. PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE. THANK YOU In this ep, Mat and Tim discuss the best selling solo recording artist of all time: Garth Brooks! Everyone knows who he is, but does anyone know *who he is*? It's time to find out. SONGS PLAYED: Garth Brooks - Callin' Baton Rouge Garth Brooks - Me Without You Garth Brooks - Friends In Low Places Garth Brooks - Papa Loved Mama Chris Gaine...
Feb 05, 2024•56 min
