In this end-of-year episode of WorkTape, we reflect on the spectacle of the Tyson vs. Paul fight before diving into some heavy Grammy talk, including Taylor Swift's record-breaking seventh Album of the Year nomination and the creative stagnation critics see in her latest work. We also unpack Linkin Park’s controversial return with a new frontwoman, Emily Armstrong, and what that means for legacy acts. Rounding out the discussion is a deep dive on McGee, a rising independent artist gaining seriou...
Dec 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 174
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we dive into the 2025 Grammy nominations and unpack the biggest surprises, hottest predictions, and most debated snubs. From Beyoncé’s overdue recognition to Billie’s indie charm, and from Kendrick’s diss track dominance to overlooked R&B contenders, we go over what this year’s nominations say about the present state of music. We also touch on the battle between Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter for Best New Artist, debate the rock category’s a...
Nov 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 173
Join us on this heartfelt episode of WorkTape as we honor the legendary Quincy Jones, reflecting on his passing at the age of 91 and his monumental contributions to music. From his early days as a trumpeter alongside Ray Charles to his groundbreaking work with Michael Jackson on Thriller , Off the Wall , and Bad , we explore his unmatched legacy. We also dive into his collaborations with artists like James Ingram and Frank Sinatra, his pioneering influence in jazz and R&B, and his impact on ...
Nov 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 172
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we wrap up our retrospective on the eclectic music of 2014. In this final installment, we dive into some standout releases that pushed genre boundaries and left a lasting impression. From the unique grooves of Jungle's debut album to the heartfelt melodies of George Ezra's Wanted on Voyage, we explore how these records defined the year. We also reflect on the experimental sounds of Flying Lotus, the long-due return of the Pixies, and the retro-futuri...
Nov 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 171
Join us for another episode of WorkTape as we dive back into 2014, a year packed with the gritty storytelling on Schoolboy Q’s "Oxymoron", the GRAMMY success of Lecrae’s career-defining "Anomaly", and the smooth, yet, hard-hitting collaboration of Freddie Gibbs and Madlib on "Piñata". We also explore the hauntingly beautiful indie-electronica sounds of Phantogram’s "Voices" and the laid-back 60s/70s-era charm of Real Estate’s "Atlas". Tune in for an engaging discussion on how these albums left t...
Nov 08, 2024•34 min•Ep. 170
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue exploring the diverse sounds of 2014 with a focus on indie and electronic influences. This episode delves into Jungle’s vibrant self-titled debut, Taiko’s ambient soundscapes in Awake, and the experimental R&B from artists like FKA twigs and Banks. We also discuss how the resurgence of disco elements and ambient vibes shaped the year’s music landscape. Join us as we celebrate these unique records that added to the sonic palette of 201...
Nov 01, 2024•18 min•Ep. 169
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we explore the diverse sounds of 2014 through influential albums that left a lasting impact. We dive into Mac DeMarco's laid-back indie classic Salad Days , Pharrell’s chart-topping G I R L , and YG’s West Coast anthem My Krazy Life . We also reflect on Ed Sheeran's breakthrough with X and the powerful presence of Sia's 1000 Forms of Fear . Join us as we celebrate the unique artistry and genre-spanning impact of these records a decade later. Episode ...
Oct 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 168
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue our journey through the music landscape of 2014. This time, we take a close look at standout releases from Foo Fighters’ ambitious Sonic Highways , to the introspective sounds of Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour . We also explore J. Cole’s monumental 2014 Forest Hills Drive and Run the Jewels’ hard-hitting second album. Join us as we discuss the musical diversity of 2014 and how these albums shaped the sounds of rock, hip-hop, and soul in t...
Oct 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 167
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue our journey through 2014, a year packed with genre-defining albums and exciting shifts in the music industry. From D'Angelo's long-awaited return with "Black Messiah" to the high-energy pop of Walk the Moon’s "Talking is Hard," we dive deeply into the year’s most notable releases. We also touch on Bleachers’ "Strange Desire" and how the sound of indie rock evolved throughout the 2010s. Tune in as we explore these transformative albums and...
Oct 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 166
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we close out our deep dive into 2004, a year packed with genre-defining albums and memorable moments in music. From Matisyahu's groundbreaking debut "Shake Off the Dust...Arise" to Tegan and Sara’s pivotal "So Jealous," we revisit the era’s most impactful releases. We also delve into Regina Spektor's experimental "Soviet Kitsch" and Iron & Wine's serene "Our Endless Numbered Days." Join us as we reflect on these influential albums and more from a...
Oct 04, 2024•33 min•Ep. 165
Join us for the latest episode of WorkTape as we continue our retrospective journey through 2004, a year that brought us some iconic and genre-defining albums. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Arcade Fire’s ambitious debut "Funeral" and its influence on the indie rock scene, alongside a look at Green Day’s political rock opera "American Idiot". We also explore memorable releases from Wilco, Relient K, and Jimmy Eat World, reflecting on how these albums still resonate with audiences toda...
Sep 27, 2024•31 min•Ep. 164
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue a nostalgic trip back to 2004, spotlighting the alternative and indie rock albums that defined the era. From The Killers’ explosive debut "Hot Fuss" to Modest Mouse’s hit-filled "Good News for People Who Love Bad News," we explore how these iconic albums shaped the sound of the mid-2000s. We also dive into the darker (yet still “light”) post-punk sounds of Interpol’s "Antics" and the groovy dance-punk beats of Franz Ferdinand’s self-title...
Sep 20, 2024•31 min•Ep. 163
Welcome to another edition of WorkTape, where we continue our dive into the transformative albums of 2004. This episode highlights Gwen Stefani’s bold shift from No Doubt with her solo debut "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." and the timeless influence of Usher's "Confessions". Additionally, we explore Elliot Smith’s poignant final work "From a Basement on the Hill", and the genre-blending sound of Mastodon’s "Leviathan." Join us as we reflect on these newly 20-something albums and more, expounding upo...
Sep 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 162
Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we rewind 20 years back to 2004 to explore some of the year’s standout albums; albums that shaped the music landscape. From Kanye West’s debut “The College Dropout” to MF Doom’s underground classic “Madvillainy,” we discuss the year’s most influential albums. We also discuss influential releases from Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and John Legend, and how these albums contributed to the evolving sound of hip-hop and R&B. Tune in with us as we uncover the...
Sep 06, 2024•19 min•Ep. 161
Welcome to the final part of WorkTape’s deep dive into 1994, a year that delivered some of the most iconic albums in alternative and hip-hop. In this edition, we discuss the timeless beauty of Jeff Buckley's "Grace", the underground grit of The Jesus Lizard's "Down", and the raw energy of Hole's "Live Through This". We also reflect on standout grunge releases from bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, and the cultural impact of Oasis' debut album "Definitely Maybe". Join us as we wrap up this no...
Aug 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 160
Join us on this episode of WorkTape as we continue our discussion of 1994, a year that, now 30 years ago, witnessed the rise of iconic albums and sounds. From how Green Day’s Dookie solidified its place as a cornerstone of pop-punk, to how Weezer’s Blue Album set the stage for a new era in alternative rock, we explore these topics and more. Become a part of the conversation as we examine how these albums have shaped the music landscape of the last 30 years. Episode Highlights: Is Green Day’s "Do...
Aug 23, 2024•28 min•Ep. 159
Join us for this episode of WorkTape as we revisit the pivotal year of 1994, exploring the albums that defined the era and left a lasting impact on the music landscape. We dive into Nas' legendary debut "Illmatic" and how it set a new standard for storytelling in hip-hop. We also discuss Outkast's introduction of Southern hip-hop with "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik," and how the East Coast vs. West Coast dynamic was shaping the genre. Tune in as we explore these essential albums and more, refl...
Aug 16, 2024•30 min•Ep. 158
Welcome to part two of WorkTape’s trip back to 1984, a year packed to the brim with iconic albums and groundbreaking moments in music. In this episode, we discuss albums from the rise of hip-hop with Run-DMC's debut, to the resurgence of Tina Turner with her album "Private Dancer." We also dive into the influential sounds of new wave and alternative rock with bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and R.E.M. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the diverse musical landscape of 1984, reflecting on h...
Aug 09, 2024•33 min•Ep. 157
Explore the sonic landscape of 1984 as we take a deep dive into the year's landmark albums on this episode of WorkTape. We discuss iconic releases like Metallica's "Ride the Lightning," Van Halen's "1984," Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," and Prince's "Purple Rain." We also reflect on the rise of synth-rock with The Cars' "Heartbeat City", and the enduring influence of U2's "The Unforgettable Fire." Join us as we celebrate these pivotal moments in music history and their lasting impact. Ep...
Aug 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 156
This episode of WorkTape delves into the music of 1974, where funk and jazz-infused rock ruled the airwaves! Join us as we highlight iconic albums from artists like Queen, David Bowie, and Stevie Wonder. We also pay homage to Chester Bennington on the anniversary of his passing, reflecting on his lasting impact on rock, and music as a whole. Tune in for a nostalgic and informative journey into one of popular music’s most transformative years! Episode Highlights: How has Chester Bennington’s infl...
Jul 22, 2024•30 min•Ep. 155
Welcome to the latest episode of edition of WorkTape, where we take a retrospective journey back to 1964, to celebrate 60 years of some of the year's most interesting albums. We dive into the early years of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the rise of motown with Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and examine the impact of artists like Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke. Join us as we reflect on how the early 60s pre-Vietnam era influenced music, the significance of surf rock and jazz during this period, ...
Jul 19, 2024•19 min•Ep. 154
Is "Ghost Stories" the hidden gem in Coldplay's discography? Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of possibly Coldplay's iciest and most chill record. Paying mind to its minimalist and melancholic focus, we discuss how it contrasts earlier works, like Viva La Vida and Mylo Xyloto, and how it pays homage to even earlier works like "Parachutes". Join us for a celebratory review of one of Coldplay’s most understated albums. Episode Highlights: Is "Ghost Stori...
Jul 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 153
Is Coldplay's new direction a hit or a miss? This week on WorkTape, we delve into Coldplay’s latest single “feelslikeimfallinginlove” and discuss their upcoming album Moon Music . We reflect on their evolution as a band, from their earlier works like Viva La Vida to their more current, Max Martin-influenced sound. Join us for an in-depth conversation on Coldplay's latest musical direction! Episode Highlights: Is Coldplay's new single “feelslikeimfallinginlove” a fresh take on their sound or just...
Jul 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 152
Listen in on this episode of WorkTape as we commemorate Juneteenth with a spotlight on Kendrick Lamar's cheeky yet powerful performance at The Forum. We also reflect on the enduring legacy of The Eagles as they prepare for their final tour at The Las Vegas Sphere, while giving our takes on James Blakes’ recently dropped “CMYK” EP. Join us for another dynamic discussion on these exciting music moments and more! Episode Highlights: Is Kendrick’s Juneteenth performance just more trouble for Drake? ...
Jun 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 151
Dive into this episode of WorkTape as we explore KAYTRANADA’s latest release “TIMELESS” and its unique take on house music. We discuss the standout features from artists like PinkPantheress and Childish Gambino, and how Kaytranada’s Haitian roots influence his original sound. Additionally, we delve into Paramount+’s new documentary “How Music Got Free,” which examines the history of music piracy and the evolution of streaming services. Join us for both a casual and insightful conversation on the...
Jun 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 150
Is Spotify gaslighting the music industry? Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we scrutinize Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's controversial comments on music production costs and the latest price hike for Spotify Premium. We also dive into Eminem's new track 'Houdini,' exploring its nostalgic throwback to his Slim Shady days and the clever use of Steve Miller's fittingly titled "Abracadabra". Additionally, we preview Paramount+'s upcoming documentary 'How Music Got Free,' featuring Eminem and 50 Cent,...
Jun 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 149
Is Taylor Swift bigger than The Beatles? In this episode of WorkTape, listen in as we chime in on The New York Times' recent comparisons between Taylor Swift and The Beatles, and examine Consequence of Sound's "50 Best Post-Grunge Songs" list on the enduring classics of post-grunge. Tune in as we discuss how these iconic influences continue to shape contemporary music. Episode Highlights: Is nostalgia clouding our judgment on current artist and band statuses in the music industry? Is Taylor Swif...
Jun 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 148
Are well-established culture giants like Apple Music just pandering the status quo, or are they merely showcasing the best in modern music? Dive into this thought-provoking episode of WorkTape as we examine twenty øne piløts' latest release "Clancy", and dissect Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list. We question whether or not these albums deserve their respective rankings, and give our own perspectives on which ones probably should have made the list. Join us for another intriguing episode! Episod...
May 31, 2024•31 min•Ep. 147
Join us in this exciting episode of WorkTape as we delve into Billie Eilish's latest, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”, and discuss the needed end of the larger-than-life feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Were their lyrical battles genuine, or just clever and strategic marketing ploys? Additionally, we explore the impact of Apple's latest controversial ad and the role of AI in the modern creative process. Tune in to uncover if these developments signal a bold new direction or a cautious adherence to ...
May 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 146
Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we pay homage to Steve Albini, a less celebrated, but pivotal figure in alternative music production known for his work with Nirvana and other iconic bands. Alongside, we scrutinize Spotify’s latest pricing strategy, as well as overview the escalating war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Don’t miss this intriguing edition! Episode Highlights: What made Steve Albini’s style become such a mainstay for alternative production? Was Steve Albini ultimately more ...
May 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 145
