Losing My Opinion - podcast cover

Losing My Opinion

Niagara Moon and Thin Learlosingmyopinion.podbean.com
Are we sure The Wall is a masterpiece? Can Dylan legit sing well? Is McCartney actually a lazy songwriter? And what exactly is “Nixon-rock”…? These are just some of the hard-hitting questions two indie musician pals, Thin Lear (Matt) and Niagara Moon (Thomas), come in with every week, surprising each other with strange fixations, controversial opinions, and of course - songs to listen to together. Join them as they eloquently bicker over the last 90 years of recorded music history, finding the overrated, underrated, and everything weird in-between.
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Episodes

#137 - The evils of AI, and the joy of Joni Mitchell.

Matt forces Thomas to listen to The Velvet Sundown, as the two discuss the recent controversy surrounding AI in music. Thomas redeems the vibe with an ode to simply one of the greatest artists in rock history - Joni Mitchell. LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jul 16, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 140

#136 - The most famous rock pianist no one knows, with Rich Wilhelm

Music journalist Rich Wilhelm (PopMatters) joins the show today! Thomas celebrates the wonder and majesty of film composer Joe Hisaishi, aka the Ghibli guy. Rich then takes the boys down a crazy rabbit hole, as he shares some of the insanely iconic recording credits of session musician Paul Griffin. https://www.popmatters.com/author/richwilhelm LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jul 02, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 139

#135 - The harmonic brilliance of Radiohead and The Beatles, with Damon Smith

Pianist/songwriter Damon Smith joins the show today! Thomas opens with an exhibit of the world's "bounciest" rock songs (in his mind). Damon then showcases some of the juiciest baroque chord progressions both Radiohead and The Beatles had to offer. https://www.damonisaacsmith.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 138

#134 - The Ultimate 80's "One Hit Wonder", with Katy Pinke

NY art rock artist Katy Pinke joins today! Matt leads the first segment as he searches for classic rock "beef" songs for the next generation. Thomas then explores some glorious 80's radio hits, as the group imagines which one-hit-wonder they'd want to have as their legacy. https://www.katy-pinke.com LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jun 04, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 137

#133 - The underrated faves of Keith Zarriello

NYC rock legend Keith Zarriello (The Shivers) joins the show today! Thomas talks about notable "lullaby" pop/rock songs. Keith curates a wonderful collection of contemporary indie artists who deserve more love, including Rod Smoth , Chartreuse, Morgan Weidinger, and Tape Loop Orchestra . https://theshivers.bandcamp.com LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

May 21, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 136

#132 - Joseph Shabason's sexiest sax solos

Canadian producer, composer - and yes, saxophonist - Joseph Shabason returns to the show! He and Thomas share a special segment exploring the "sexiest" saxophones solos throughout music history, including some unlikely choices... https://josephshabason.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

May 07, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 135

#131 - The strange delight of Roxy Music, with Chris Ingalls

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (PopMatters) joins once again! Thomas reflects on their recent tour with a presentation of "songs he Shazamed on the road". Chris does a retrospective on the bizarre yet chic UK band Roxy Music. LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 134

#130 - Learn all about Christian Ska, with David Wirsig

New Haven songwriter David Wirsig joins today! Thomas introduces the niche topic of music to play in the stadium once a soccer game is over. David educates the group on the wonderful world of late 90's non-secular ska bands. https://davidwirsig.bandcamp.com LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Apr 09, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 133

#129 - The best version of "Angel Of The Morning", with Heather Lynn

Portland, ME singer-songwriter Heather Lynn joins the show today - hosting the LMO crew while they're on tour! In this special IRL meetup, Thomas shares multiple different covers of the classic "Angel Of The Morning", as they determine which version is the definitive cut. https://www.instagram.com/hther.lynn/ Catch Thin Lear live at the New York City Winery on March 29th, or Niagara Moon at the Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton (also March 29th...) LMO Survey Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Mar 26, 202541 minEp. 132

#128 - The Power of the Drone, with Julie Beth Napolin

Songwriter, author & educator Julie Beth Napolin joins the show today! Thomas opens with another round of the beloved game Guilty or Not Guilty. Julie explores the work of some contemporary avant-garde artists that deserve your attention. Catch Julie performing along with the LMO boys at The Avalon Lounge in Catskill NY on Sunday, March 16th. https://juliebethnapolin.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 131

#127 - Daddy's Busy: We love Andy Shauf, with Charlie Uffelman

Burlington VT singer-songwriter Charlie Uffelman joins the show! Thomas is the sole segment provider today, but it's a goodie - the three celebrate the sublime genius of Andy Shauf! On tour this month! LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Mar 05, 202542 minEp. 130

#126 - A Very Psychedelic Episode, with Reliable Child

Pittsburgh indie-folker Michael Berginc joins the show today! Thomas gets the ball rolling with the hard-hitting question - what makes for truly "psychedelic" music? Mike follows up with an ode to the rockumentary Dig! and the infamous Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. MARCH TOUR DATES https://reliablechild.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Feb 26, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 129

#125 - The best British "freak" folk-rock, with John Faraone

Rhode Island songwriter John Faraone joins the show! Matt opens with a segment dedication to one of his top Nixon-rock subgenres - "Wicker Man" style UK folk. Thomas does a deep-dive into the insane rock stylings of John Cale. TOUR DATES https://www.johnfaraone.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 128

#124 - Forced to binge Kid Rock's discography.

It's time for Thomas's punishment... Up top, Matt shares some classic songs from the effervescently beautiful songwriter Jim Croce. Things go downhill quickly however, as Thomas is made to share his "favorite" tracks from the infamous Kid Rock. Also the boys are ON TOUR this March - details here! LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 127

#123 - A naive look at Eurovision, with Marker Starling

Sublime Canadian songwriter Marker Starling is back! Thomas gets the ball rolling with some first-time listens/impressions of various Eurovision Song Contest winners. Mr. Starling then takes charge and shares some of his favorite male group-vocal soul hits from the early 70s. The boys are ON TOUR this March - details here! https://www.instagram.com/markerstarling/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 126

#122 - "If you hate this, I win." Round 2!!!

It's another special IRL episode - and contest! Thomas schleps down to Hoboken to meet with Matt and his wife Emely. Matt shares songs he thinks are good from artists that are not good. Thomas shares songs he thinks are not good from artists that are otherwise good. There are points, losers, winners, and many chuckles to be had. Happy New Year! The boys are ON TOUR this March - details here! LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 125

#121 - The only way to hear the White Album, with Jeremy Shatan

Music critic/podcaster Jeremy Shatan @anearful joins the show! Thomas opens with a glowing endorsement of the 2018 remaster of The Beatles' White Album. Jeremy then takes the reigns to shed light on some lost - but not forgotten - underrated indie bands of the 2010's. https://anearful.substack.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 124

#120 - Music made by children, with Adam Kastin

NYC rocknrolla Adam Kastin is back again! Thomas kicks things off with a unusual selection of songs from some familiar artists, prompting the question - should they feel embarrassed? Adam throws the gang off-guard with an even more curious look into the world of music created by kids. Check out Weegee's latest radio spot: https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/146432 https://weegeenyc.bandcamp.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 123

#119 - Wallace Field's Scorpio sisters...

The phenomenal MA folk-rocker Wallace Field is back! Thomas starts the show with another round of everyone's favorite game Guilty or Not Guilty? Wallace brings the pod into the world of horoscopes, exploring the variety and intensity of Scorpio-born musical artists. https://www.wallacefieldmusic.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion...

Nov 20, 202457 minEp. 122

#118 - Talking "IDM", aka bleep bloop music

Matt reveals a strange collection he's been sitting on - songs that are just shoutouts to other musicians. Thomas shares his curious fascination with 90's and 00's experimental electronica... LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 121

#117 - Ruination Records have all my faves, with Chris Ingalls

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (Popmatters) is back! And just in time for the Halloween season... Thomas initiates the discussion by showcasing the best horror video game soundtrack ever - Akira Yamaoka's Silent Hill 2 score. Chris talks about most of his favorite records this year have been released by the Ruination Record Co. https://ruinationrecordco.bandcamp.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https:...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 120

#116 - Collabs done right (and wrong...), with Emma Rosa Katharina & Abby Devoe

Abby returns for a third round, joined this time by her new podcast cohost Katharina! Thomas gets the conversation going with songs that make you ask "what if?" Abby and Katharina team up to talk about notable collabs in rock, with some increasingly bizarre examples... Check out their show Unveiling the Legends: Dolls of the 60s & 70s on Spotify and Apple ! LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://ww...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 119

#115 - The Legend of Jandek, with Matt Farley of Motern Media

The world's most prolific creator Matt Farley is back again! Thomas opens with a selection of songs from 70s rock guys where they sound even more exhausted and worn out than normal - was this a trend? Matt F. then utterly baffles the group with an introduction to the most mysterious outsider musician ever... The one and only Jandek. https://moternmedia.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.inst...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 118

#114 - The Stones, Zeppelin... Bob Seger?

Matt divulges a secret fondness for some choice Bob Seger tunes - a diamond-selling rocknroller Thomas had never even heard of... Thomas switches up the vibe with a presentation on one of his top favorite current songwriters, John Grant. LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion...

Sep 11, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 117

#113 - Good artists borrow. Great artists steal...

Matt shares his exposé on plagiarism in songwriting - citing some particularly infamous examples. Thomas presents more Japanese bands, mostly from the 70s. The spin this time however is guessing which Western band they're most inspired by... What makes for a true homage vs. simple soundalike? LMO Survey Songs Thomas shared: Sora to kumo - Yonin Bayashi Yume de aetara - Minako Yoshida Shiranai aizu shiraseru ko - Ogre You Asshole Kitto ieru - Yumi Arai Letters, Lights, Travels On the Streets - Ke...

Aug 28, 202454 minEp. 116

#112 - Dom Martin's "Ones To Watch" in hip-hop

New guest! Producer, engineer, and owner of Mansion Recording Studios Dom Martin joins the pod today. Thomas sets the mood with a loving ode to 90's anime film music. Dom showcases some standout tracks from his producer catalog, workin' with some NYC's most talented hip-hop artists. https://www.mansionstudiosnyc.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: http...

Aug 14, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 115

#111 - Why shouldn't I be a Dead fan?

Matt shares some tasteful lesser-known Grateful Dead tracks he digs, begging the question... why can't he be a Deadhead after all? Thomas goes for the polar opposite vibe musically, with a critical yet curious look at Lou Reed's solo career. LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 114

#110 - The softer side of Tom Waits...

Matt pays homage to tender balladeer Tom Waits, and some underrated gems from various eras. Thomas celebrates the Donovan album Open Road, yet gets increasingly discouraged with the rest of his 70s catalog... LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 112

#109 - Celebrating the discography of Warren Zevon, with Chris Ingalls

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (Popmatters) is back again! Thomas initiates with a scenario involving secret agents, interrogation rooms, and songs you reaaally wouldn't want to hear over and over again. Chris dedicates his segment to exploring the rich, underrated tapestry that is Warren Zevon's catalogue of song. Chris's Zevon Spotify playlist LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/lo...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 111

#108 - Miles Hewitt's "Dark Night of the Soul" Records.

The exquisite Brooklyn songwriter Miles Hewitt joins the pod today! Thomas breaks the ice with a selection of tunes so enduring that they're "impervious to overplay". Miles then presents a subgenre he's gone ahead and invented - that "dark night of the soul" sound, featuring beloved artists that exorcise their demons through song. https://www.mileshewitt.net/ https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.c...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 110
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