The massive Grammy-winner from Andre 3000 and Big Boi left Sarah cold...at first, but soon enough she and Mark were hip-deep in an exploration of Elvis, Queen Bey, jukebox America, and how much Beatles-adjacent content Mark can tolerate. (Answer: some!) And don't miss a novelty-song birthday reading that reveals one listener's Rick Dees-tiny! Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Mr. James Brown. Wanna make a request or just say hello? Tweet us at @talksongs, Facebook us at facebook....
Mar 29, 2018•31 min•Ep. 98
Oh Sting, you old button-pusher! We're digging into the moral and sexual politics of The Police's "Don't Stand So Close To Me," which leads us to hit songs about unexpected subjects, literary references, and (naturally) tantric intercourse. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Sting. Wanna make a request or just say hello? Tweet us at @talksongs, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com. Want to vote in ranking episodes and get special cont...
Mar 22, 2018•24 min•Ep. 97
Who needs fluent English when you've got dope Scandinavian beats? Mark and Sarah succumb to the joy of Ace of Base's "The Sign," meaning they write their own vaguely grammatical lyrics, have specific memories about nerding out to this music in a friend's pickup truck, and figure out the exact number of times you can hear this track before it drives you crazy. Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Stereo MCs. We'd love to hear from you! So send us a request at talkab...
Mar 15, 2018•18 min•Ep. 96
When we get drunk and discuss listener requests, we land on Heart's "What About Love" and the journey the band's sound took between the '70s and the '80s. Along the way, we discuss guitar solos, weird subjects for hit songs, and (somewhat unexpectedly) why King Lear is a frustrating play. Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by the Haden Triplets, and our interest in your requests in strong. Send them to us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, @talksongs (on Twitter), or facebook.com/mastas...
Mar 08, 2018•37 min•Ep. 95
Look out, 'cuz here we come! Joined again by the delightful Joe Reid, we're unraveling the mysteries of this year's Oscar-nominated songs, and we're ranking our favorites to determine a winner. We stand up for some of these tracks, and we pray some of them to get washed away by a mighty river. And of course, we remember to go deep with Oscar facts, Broadway shade, and pre-exhaustion for meaningful performance numbers. (NB: Still some sound issues for Mark in this episode; we should have it solve...
Feb 28, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 94
Madonna from the '90s is not Madonna from the '80s, and we really need to parse what that means. (Yes. Need!) That's why we're ranking every song on GHV2, her second greatest hits album. Get ready for tales of late-night drives, thoughts about "transitional pop," and a whole thing about the sexiness of restraint. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Clinton. Want to request a song or be in touch? You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @TalkSongs, or Facebook us at...
Feb 22, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 93
Things get experimental as we discuss "We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters. We not only talk about this song's unusual history and the variety of mixed emotions that any Carpenters tune evokes, but ALSO take an improvised dip into Karen's solo work. As in, Sarah loads it into the sound board mid-discussion, and we just go wild! Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Paul Simon. Wanna request a song? Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Face...
Feb 15, 2018•22 min•Ep. 92
A few weeks ago, Mark discovered the remarkable songwriting of Walker Hayes and told Sarah about it. Inside his songs, Sarah discovered some stirring similarities to her own life. This led to our current episode, where we dig into four Hayes tunes, geek out over their structural ingenuity, and remember yet again that great music can show you back to yourself. Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Lou Reed. Wanna be a patron and get special content? Join us at patreon.com/mastas....
Feb 08, 2018•47 min•Ep. 91
Oh, Mariah! You want tea, and we're spilling it. More to the point, we're talking about "Emotions," a perfect example of why Mimi got famous in the first place. As we think about where she was then and where she is now, we discuss the sound of actual joy, the power of tall women, and the ability of some divas to go crazy on their own terms. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, our outro is by Booker T and the MGs, and our Patreon page is at patreon.com/mastas. So why not join us there for special conte...
Feb 01, 2018•25 min•Ep. 90
We're not miserable people, but we still love The Smiths. Go figure! Sarah tees up one tune each from the Smiths, Morrissey, and Johnny Marr, which leads to jaunty lyrical analysis, MANY disagreements about the band's best work, and a reminder that Mark's husband once mowed the lawn in all black, because his soul insisted he should. Mark's husband (Andrew Byrne) also delivers our intro, and the outro comes from Teenage Fanclub. Share your Smiths musings via email (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), Face...
Jan 25, 2018•35 min•Ep. 89
It's time for musical justice! Joined by the glorious Pam Ribon, we discuss three songs that should be famous, but somehow aren't. Come for Beyonce, Annie Lennox, and Bic Runga, but stay for Billy Joel stripteases, unusual uses for cream soda, and the cockney rage of Teddy Ruxpin III. ALSO: Pre-order Pam's rom-com graphic novel, MY BOYFRIEND IS A BEAR. And go enjoy WRECK-RALPH 2 this fall, which she wrote! Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Weezer, and our contact info remains ...
Jan 18, 2018•48 min•Ep. 88
We kick off 2018 with a truly magical episode, in the sense that "Magic" by the Cars is a fantastic song. Joined by special guest Kevin Smokler, we discuss making rock look easy, polishing your production juuuust enough, and getting over yourself to enjoy a bouncy hook. Plus, we explore the many ways to pronounce "Ocasek" and the secret history of our patron saint, Soikus Paynoot. Speaking of...Soikus delivers our theme song this week, and our outro is by Fountains of Wayne. Stay in touch via em...
Jan 11, 2018•51 min•Ep. 87
As we finish our countdown of our favorite songs of 2017 and 1967, we're startled to discover that a horn line has made us pregnant, a bouncy New Wave groove has masked our rage, and a gentle country song has essentially reminded us to love. And speaking of love: We love YOU, our listeners, for being such wonderful companions on our weekly wanders. See you next year! Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Cat Power, and the best ways to reach us are @TalkSongs (Twitter), patre...
Dec 28, 2017•47 min•Ep. 86
We're counting down our 10 favorite songs of 2017 AND ALSO 1967. Because that's how we roll, y'all! In this episode, we look at #s 10-6 on both lists, which lets us cover everything from sultry R&B piano to #MeToo anthems to the surprising excellence of One Direction's solo efforts. Join us next week for our top 5 in both years! Our theme song is by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger, and our outro is by Van Morrison. This episode also contains a birthday chart reading, and if you'd like your ow...
Dec 21, 2017•42 min•Ep. 85
MASTAS is doin' it for ourselves! And by "it," we mean "discussing a classic cut by Eurythmics and Annie Lennox." Diverging opinions on the song lead to lively chat about Aretha's eras, the good and bad of '80s pop, and the reason we need so many different kinds of feminist art. Plus, there are references to semiotics, Swann's Way, and coffee shops! Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, our outro is by that blue-eyed soulster Huey Lewis. If you want to join the fun, become a Patreon sponsor at patr...
Dec 14, 2017•32 min•Ep. 84
MASTAS is a battlefield! As we rank the songs on Pat Benatar's "Best Shots" album, Sarah briefly quits the podcast, parts of Mark are predicted to explode, and "The Legend Of Billie Jean" is revealed as the film that unites the planets. Special thanks to our patrons, whose votes directly impacted the rankings. To become a patron, join us at patreon.com/mastas. Meanwhile, our theme music is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Karla Bonoff. Lastly, you can tweet us at @talksongs, email us ...
Dec 07, 2017•59 min•Ep. 83
We get very crazy and somewhat less sexy and cool as we discuss TLC's "No Scrubs," covering everything from the personae of girl group members to the sassy fun of response songs. Plus, we acknowledge the ongoing cultural contributions of Meadow Soprano. Our outro is from Salt 'n Pepa, and the intro is by Andrew Byrne. To reach us, email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @TalkSongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To support MASTAS (and get bonus content!) become a patron...
Nov 30, 2017•23 min•Ep. 82
At long last, the Rolling Stones get MASTAS-ized. We're talking about the folksy wisdom and iconic backing vocals of "You Can't Always Get What You Want," not to mention the value of community music, the ways that chart peaks don't always reflect quality, and the hope that America can chill out for a second. Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Gary Jules. Wanna be part of the fun? Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, and tweet us at...
Nov 16, 2017•18 min•Ep. 81
Screw daylight savings: It's always sunny at MASTAS! We're in an especially good mood this week, since we're talking about the bisexual badassery of Halsey's song "Bad at Love." We also create a playlist of musical theater songs that make us happy. We're chorus kids at heart! Wanna sponsor your own playlist? Make a request? Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, FB us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or tweet us at @TalkSongs. Wanna hear bonus content? Become a patron at patreon.com/mastas. Diggin...
Nov 09, 2017•23 min•Ep. 80
Your podcast hosts may actually be European gay men. We both find parts of ourselves in solo tracks by George Michael and Elton John, and then we have a blast trying to decipher the slurry vocals on their duet of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me." Meanwhile, there's a sidebar about the necessity of small acts of kindness. Wanna hear a bonus ep about a new George Michael documentary? Become a Patreon patron at patreon.com/mastas! Plus, you can email us at talkaboutsongs [at] gmail [dot] com, twee...
Nov 02, 2017•38 min•Ep. 79
While Sarah's away on assignment, Mark suggests four new songs (and one forgotten '80s hit) that you need to hear right now. What'd you think of his choices? Let us know on Twitter at @talksongs, on Facebook at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or on email at talkaboutsongs [at] gmail [dot] com. And don't forget to become a MASTAS patron at patreon.com/mastas, which will give you access to all sorts of bonus content. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...
Oct 26, 2017•13 min•Ep. 78
Welcome to flavor country, people. In precisely 20 minutes, we're discussing 10 songs. Yes, 10! Together, they create a heady mixture of listener requests, personal faves, and patron-selected cuts, and good LORD, does does it get wild up in here. Come for the Rod Stewart fury and stay for the truly insane impersonations of MC Skat Kat. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is...cut for time! Wanna join the patron-sponsored fun? Go to patreon.com/mastas. Tweet us at @talksongs. Faceb...
Oct 19, 2017•20 min•Ep. 77
Can our friendship survive our disagreement about Pink's pop songs? Well, yes. But it's still surprising to discover where we diverge about this particular star's approach to rebellion, politics, romance, and self-laceration. Plus, there's a long, juicy analogy about a dorky girl in your high school who goes wild. Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by (wait for it) Danity Kane. If you want special MASTAS content, become a patron at Patreon.com/mastas. If you want to ask us quest...
Oct 12, 2017•36 min•Ep. 76
What is the sound of hip-hop apathy? It might just be the theme song for "Any Given Sunday"! We're talking about how Jamie Foxx, Common, and Guru ever got into this mess, not to mention our varying levels of enthusiasm for football metaphors in song. Oh, and the Super Bowl Shuffle gets in there, too! David Gregory Byrne delivers our theme song, and Notorious B.I.G. handles the outro. If you wanna talk gridiron songs, just email us at talksongs@gmail.com, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcas...
Sep 28, 2017•21 min•Ep. 75
Stacy's mom. Thinks MASTAS is the bo-omb. ...While we talk about that hit by Fountains Of Wayne (plus their lesser-known cut "Red Dragon Tattoo"), we also get real about ironic pop songs, female characters who deserve justice, and that time Mark thought he was smarter than G.B. Shaw. This week's theme is by Andrew Byrne, and the outro is by Ivy, which will make particular sense once you've heard the episode. To reach us, just shoot us a message on Facebook (facebook.com/mastas), Twitter (@talkso...
Sep 21, 2017•26 min•Ep. 74
We're grappling with the mad genius of Kanye West and his towering single "Jesus Walks." Along the way, we touch on Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and the ability to separate artists' tragedies from their work. Oh, and ass. We also talk about ass. This week's theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by MC 900 Ft. Jesus. (Praise be!) Email us at talkaboutsongs [at] gmail [dot] com. Tweet us at @talksongs. Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. And if you want to support this podcast AND g...
Sep 14, 2017•28 min•Ep. 73
Sarah goes solo in this Single -- but not entirely, as you listeners helped decide which vintage Eagles track had "Lyin' Eyes" and which should be "Already Gone." (Your votes did nothing to improve Sarah's puns, however.) See how these classics stacked up! You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/mastas.podcast; give us a holler on Twitter at TalkSongs; and support MASTAS (and the next Eagles ranking Single) at our Patreon page, patreon.com/mastas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...
Sep 08, 2017•23 min•Ep. 72
We're ranking every song on REM's sad-boy rock milestone "Out of Time." Will we lose our religion at the sight of all these shiny happy people? Which songs will we decide truly belong, and which songs will we wish were half a world away? Join us and see...and get ready for some startling upsets when we add in votes from our Patreon subscribers! We want to add your vote to our next ranking episode, so become a patron at patreon.com/mastas. We'd also love to hear from you, so email us at talkabout...
Aug 31, 2017•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 71
It's the sexiest MASTAS yet as we celebrate Episode 69 with "Summer Of '69." Our special guest Danny MacEachern gets us talking about Bryan Adams, Can-Con and the ongoing mystery of the videos from the "Reckless" album. Plus, we have a special playlist of songs we specifically remember hearing for the first time! Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Soikus Peynoot. To become a MASTAS sponsor, join us on Patreon at patreon.com/mastas. To send us song requests or general inquir...
Aug 24, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 70
Which "Stay" can stay? That's the question in this very special episode, where we rank six hits -- all called "Stay" -- and determine which one gets to keep its title. The rest get renamed (in our hearts, at least), and we all walk away wearing cat-eye glasses, berating our married lovers, and dancing dirty. Our theme this week is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Bob Wills And His Texas Playboys. We'd love to have you vote in rankings like this one, so become a Patreon spon...
Aug 17, 2017•43 min•Ep. 69
