Nevermind the Music

What’s a good way to get through a breakup? Record a hit single! In this episode, we are entranced by Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 masterpiece “Dreams.” Nichole talks through the grief that accompanies the end of a relationship, which somehow with this band led to some terrific songs. Mark then dreams about...

Would you rather make music with your grandma or your ex? In this week’s Sidetrack, Mark and Nichole create a family tree of iconic family bands and artists. From twins to parents and uncles, we talk through the superpowers these groups get through their family connections. Check out a full episode ...

What happens when you have to replace an iconic voice? This week we rock out to Linkin Park’s 2003 hit “Numb.” Mark compares live performances of the band’s big hits across two very different lead vocalists and what changes the band had to make to keep their sound. Meanwhile, Nichole wonders whether...

Is this an international podcast now? This week, we dig back into the e-mail inbox for more listener feedback! From the iconic radio stations of our youths, to whether headphones make us antisocial and plastic trumpets, we chime in on the burning questions of our audience.  Music heard in this episo...

Who ordered all the man candy? In this episode, we dress up for Shania Twain’s 1997 country-rock smash “Man! I feel like a Woman!” After our hosts consider this song and its video’s relation to third-wave feminism in the 1990s, Mark leads us on a journey through the centuries following one type of c...

Is it possible for a robot to sell out? This week, we welcome author and communication professor Michael Serazio to talk about authenticity in pop music, especially with the arrival of A.I.-created music. Can a machine be a tortured artist… or at least fake it better than a human? Is this the end of...

When should a song be not too hard, and not too soft? This week, Mark and Nichole enjoy all the Philly steaks they can eat with Boyz II Men’s iconic 1991 jam “Motownphilly.” After looking at Motown’s role in pop culture of the 1990s, the hosts do a deep dive on a classic example of the verse-chorus ...

Which songs just make you cringe? In this Sidetrack, the hosts share their top three songs with main characters that you really wouldn’t want to hang out with, whether they’re just awkward, or full-on evil. The most important rule, though: the songs have to be good! Check us out next week for a full...

Are you ever glad you *didn’t* go to a show? This week, we don’t regret listening to the 2013 jam “If I Could Change Your Mind” by the sisters of HAIM. Nichole gets into the reasons our mind feels major fear of missing out, while Mark gets into how this song’s melody and harmony interact to create s...

Which songs will make the cut? This week we welcome Chris Fafalios from the band Punchline and the One Hit Thunder Podcast (among others!) to talk us through how a band chooses which of their songs to put on an album. Chris gets into the tough decisions and nuanced band dynamics that have been a par...