It's Mark and Sarah Talk About Mullets! And specifically, the tonsorial glory of Richard Marx. We also discuss his song "Satisfied," the rare ability to write commercial songs that don't suck, and an abundance of David Coles. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Dolly Parton, and if you want access to top-secret MASTAS episodes, then become a Patreon sponsor at patreon.com/mastas. We'd also love to hear your requests and comments, so hit us up at twitter.com/talksongs or facebook...
Aug 10, 2017•19 min•Ep. 68
By the pricking of our thumbs, something MASTAS this way comes! Yes, that's a reference to famous witches, because we're talking about Stevie Nicks. A discussion of "Stand Back" leads to thoughts on her general awesomeness, the price she's paid for it in certain circles, and the value of lyrics that make emotional (not literal) sense. There's also a sidebar about "American Horror Story"! This week's theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Donovan. To contact us with song ...
Aug 03, 2017•31 min•Ep. 67
Bonus episode! In this MASTAS Single, Mark goes solo to recommend four new songs that you need right now, including cuts from Haim, New Politics, Sara Evans, and Delta Rae. Let us know if you dig them! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 31, 2017•11 min•Ep. 66
There's a plaaaace for uuuuus...to wonder if the songs of West Side Story don't work better separately than as a show; to rag the soppier selections from the Sondheim catalog; to lament the film's brownface; and to discuss...Rick Springfield? Send in the clowns for an all-new MASTAS! Today's theme song is by Andrew Byrne. Our outro is The Chairman Of The Board, Mr. Frank Sinatra. Send those song requests, ad buys, and flowers for Poor Jud to talkaboutsongs at gmail dot com, and visit our Patreon...
Jul 27, 2017•44 min•Ep. 65
Selling out never sounded so good! With a soldier's bravery, we investigate Starship's three number-one hits of the '80s: "We Built This City," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara." And you'd better believe that OUR Sarah is still crying foul about that last one. Plus, Mark has a whole Starship story that involves high-top Converse! Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro music is by Jefferson Airplane. Which is kinda-sorta the same band as Starship! If you want to tell us s...
Jul 20, 2017•41 min•Ep. 64
The tears flow freely as we discuss "The Luckiest," Ben Folds's perfect gem of a love song. We also talk about each other's weddings, the Jason Isbell concert where Mark almost left his drink at the bar, and Sarah's enduring connection to a speech in "The Opposite of Sex." Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Jason Isbell. Follow us on Twitter at @TalkSongs, and for access to top-secret bonus content, become a MASTAS sponsor at patreon.com/mastas! See Privacy Policy at https://art19...
Jul 13, 2017•35 min•Ep. 63
Have we got a story for YOU! Well, okay, these SONGS have stories, and they are doozies. As we chat about "Ode To Billie Joe" and "Harper Valley PTA," we swoon for the power of a narrative country hits and the film adaptations they inspire. Speaking of the films, please enjoy Sarah's meltdown about the stars of the "Billie Joe" opus. Our outro is by Waylon Jennings (because...what else could we choose?), and our theme is by Andrew Byrne. Get access to special MASTAS content at patreon.com/mastas...
Jun 29, 2017•23 min•Ep. 62
Sometimes comprehending evil means looking it in the face, so we're voluntarily talking about the lyrical and sonic crimes of Train's "Hey, Soul Sister." Along the way, we also defend the comparative integrity of Mr. Mister and Everclear. Weird! (To skip the song clip and just hear our ranting, avoid 2:01-2:47.) This week's theme is by Andrew Byrne. Our outro music is the closing-credits music from Big. Get access to top secret content by becoming a MASTAS producer at patreon.com/mastas. See Pri...
Jun 22, 2017•23 min•Ep. 61
Turns out we haven't been silent all these years: We've been podcasting, which is rather noisy. Today, we're making noise about Tori Amos and ranking every song on her album "Little Earthquakes." This leads to some surprising disagreements, an Andrew Lloyd Webber reference, and a story about Mark, his dad, and the Divinyls. Today's outro is by Joni Mitchell, and our theme is by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger. And here's some great news: You can become a MASTAS producer! Support us at Patreon to ...
Jun 15, 2017•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 60
Can a person even like Michael Jackson anymore? We're wondering as we discuss his maybe-not-classic "Black or White." After we ask the tough questions, we also get into overlooked talents, a young Tyra Banks, and controversial crotches. After you've listened, go Sarah's MJ obituary: http://tomatonation.com/culture-and-criticism/the-bitter-end/ Our outro song is Jermaine Jackson's "Do What You Do." This episode's theme is by David Gregory Byrne. And oh yeah: If you like the podcast, please leave ...
Jun 08, 2017•22 min•Ep. 59
We are. Your MAS-TAS. Your true. Pod-cas-tass. Backstreet Boys infuse our spirits with "I Want It That Way," and we talk about the best way to get over one's self and just enjoy a pop song. Vin Diesel and Megan Fox sneak in there somehow, and so does a BSB documentary from a few years ago. Plus, listen past the credits for an outtake of Mark losing his mind! On the subject of boy bands, this week's outro is "New Kid (On The Block)" by Barenaked Ladies, and our theme is by future boy-band impresa...
Jun 01, 2017•26 min•Ep. 58
And now it's time for a podcast! Thanks to multiple requests, we're talking about En Vogue's "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", and we are grateful for the funkiness. We're also brimming with theories about the song's major characters, facts about its important place in 90s pop, and sidebars about Paula Abdul. Speaking of: Paula provides "Opposites Attract," which is this week's outro. Our theme is by David Byrne. As always, please legally download them music you hear on MASTAS, and if you...
May 25, 2017•21 min•Ep. 57
Just in time for Mother's Day, we're talking about pop songs featuring single moms. As a chorus of birds chatters outside Sarah's house, we consider how society's shifting attitudes about motherhood are reflected in a variety of dope hits. We also consider roller skating, Motown writer's rooms, and beats that make any subject enjoyable. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting, This week's theme song is by Andrew Byrne. The outro is "Mama" by Spice Girls. Tweet us at @TalkSongs. And pleas...
May 11, 2017•44 min•Ep. 56
Sarah wanted to talk about a Liz Phair song, and then it became FOUR Liz Phair songs. And even that seems a little scant, actually, as we dive into the far-reaching excellence of her music, the weird demands of her fans, and the unlikely heartbreak of the cast of 24. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting. Theme song by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger. Outro by Liz Phair. Visit us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. And don't forget to legally download the music you enjoyed in this episode. ...
May 04, 2017•44 min•Ep. 55
We have theories about grunge! MANY THEORIES! A discussion of "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots leads to everything from the band's unexpected evolution to the possibility that true-crime shows inspired the whole genre. Listen closely for Mark's special grunge vocals and Sarah's explanation of our whole Candlebox thing. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting. Theme song is by David Gregory Byrne. Outro by Foo Fighters. Please visit us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast and don't forget to down...
Apr 27, 2017•28 min•Ep. 54
Roxette uses "Listen To Your Heart" to blast us with power-ballad glory. That gets us talking about the value of being earnest, the glory of not-quite-English lyrics, and the exciting (for Mark, at least) chart facts surrounding Sweden's most popular bands. Bonus drinking game: Take a shot every time we say "Scandi"! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apr 20, 2017•19 min•Ep. 53
Our booties may never stop shaking! We are gagging over "Low" by Todrick Hall and RuPaul, which gets us talking about the joy of hot beats, the magic of witty lyrics, and the necessity of unapologetic sexuality in queer anthems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apr 13, 2017•20 min•Ep. 52
Billy Joel's mama named him William, so we will call him William! A chat about his early-'80s album track "Sleeping With the Television On" leads us to consider the best and worst Joel-isms, that strange era when TV stopped showing things for the evening, and the mysterious identity of this Leyna woman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apr 06, 2017•20 min•Ep. 51
We're so old! To celebrate our 50th episode, we rank every song on the Indigo Girls' self-titled album, and you'd better believe there are tears. There are also roughly 500 important high-school memories, an analysis of the spiritual in popular song, and a few terrible lyrics that we just can't forgive. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 30, 2017•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 50
Some say love it is a podcast and MASTAS its only...pod? Strained metaphors aside, we're talking about Bette Midler's "The Rose," and we're pleasantly confused by our affection for this treacly ditty. Plus, we make an urgent request for a very particular cover version. Who will make our dreams come true? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 23, 2017•27 min•Ep. 49
Why yes we ARE tastefully sweaty! That's because we're rocking out to Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf." Why is this song still so alluring? So forbidding? So weird? We discuss all this and more, including a whole sidebar about songs you can't listen to around your friend's parents. Plus, there's a new pop chart astrology reading! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 16, 2017•30 min•Ep. 48
Don't get sad; get MASTAS! We're savoring the danceable ache of Yaz's "Only You," which several listeners asked us cry about together. We're also discussing our respect for frontwomen, a time that Sarah used to drive around acting crazy, and Mark's ludicrous British accent. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 09, 2017•25 min•Ep. 47
MASTAS would like to thank the Academy for...some of these Oscar-winning songs. But for some of them, we'll never forgive them! As we talk about Oscar highs and lows, we also reflect on Celine Dion's teeth, Sarah's time at Talbot's, and Mark's unforgettable trip to China. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 23, 2017•51 min•Ep. 46
Gladys Knight is basically Sophocles, y'all. Or at least, we find a way to link "Midnight Train to Georgia" to classic Greek drama. There are also stops at Mark's college years, Sarah's sympathies for '70s ladies trying to lean in, and the allure of hot backing vocals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 16, 2017•19 min•Ep. 45
And the award for Sassiest Podcast goes to...MASTAS! Unless Adele wins, that is. Either way, we're talking truth about this year's Grammy nominees for Record and Song of the Year. Listen for Bieber shade, Rihanna praise, and the origin story for Mark and Sarah's entire deal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 09, 2017•50 min•Ep. 44
We got the night fever, and we never recovered! Join us as we rank every song on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and gasp along as we discover that we radically disagree on certain disco classics. Stick around for a little feminist/queer theory, a little praise for Yvonne Elliman, and a LOT of lust for '70s-era Travolta and Andy Gibb. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feb 02, 2017•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 43
Mark and Sarah aren't particularly religious, but when Tim McGraw compares himself to God, they still get up in arms. His insidiously "sensitive" song "I've Got Friends That Do" provokes rage about everything from arrogance to disrespecting Dolly Parton to halfheartedly suggesting the existence of parallel universes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 26, 2017•25 min•Ep. 42
Turn your overalls around for MASTAS 41! Special guest Nick Rheinwald-Jones brings us Another Bad Creation's "Iesha," which naturally leads us to their boy-band battle with Kris Kross, the Svengali dreams of Michael Bivins, and the endless ocean of tweens who scored R&B hits in the early '90s. Plus, we find some MASTAS fanfic in a dark corner of the internet! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info....
Jan 19, 2017•32 min•Ep. 41
It's country-folk heartbreak, served three ways! The piercing songs of Jason Isbell get us talking about less-is-more lyrics, the fallacy of closure, and phony-baloney country artists who are not like Jason Isbell at all. Plus, there's a thing about J-Izzy sending you a kitten. HE JUST MIGHT DO IT. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 12, 2017•32 min•Ep. 40
This world might be bulls**t, but this podcast sure isn't! MASTAS rings in 2017 with the funky self-loathing of Fiona Apple's "Criminal," which gets us talking about women who resist the mold, hit songs that lead to weird experiments, and the things we'd do to honor S. Epatha Merkerson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 05, 2017•38 min•Ep. 39
