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EarWax — Music
EarWax

EarWax is a deep-dive music podcast hosted by two longtime record store clerks, Hilary and Cody, who are steeped in music history.

Each week, we unpack the story of a single album – how it was made, where it fits in the cultural moment that shaped it, and why it still matters. From iconic classics to cult gems, we explore the music that moves us and the stories that stick.

You’ll also hear about the latest releases and what’s buzzing in our world of vinyl bins and liner notes. Think of it like your favorite record store hang, just in podcast form.

EarWax is for anyone who loves music with context, history, and heart.

Copyright: © 2024 EarWax: An Amoeba Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 28: Bad Brains - Bad Brains Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Make sure you're properly stretched, because this episode is full of backflips, stage dives, and a raucous dose of hardcore royalty.
Cody and Hilary explore the dichotomy that is Bad Brains. They are immensely talented musicians who helped shape a genre that relishes in its simplicity. They are furious bursts of faster-than-life music, followed by a groovy reggae jam. They are punks. They are Rasta.
This album is the best representation of Bad Brains in their element - raw, nearly unhinged, and totally locked in. Bad Brains self-titled emphasizes self-actualization through a positive mental attitude, either by kicking down doors or grooving in the pocket.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 27: Grace Jones - Nightclubbing Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Grace - a name, an attribute, a vibe, and an attitude. And this week we are covering an artist and album that is all of these and so, so much more.
Hilary and Cody put on their sharpest shoulder pads and strike their most stunning poses as they talk about Grace Jones' "Nightclubbing." Full of ambitiously reworked covers and autobiographical originals, this record is a dichotomy of new wave melodies and reggae-backed grooves.
With Sly and Robbie and the Compass Point All-Stars laying the foundations, Grace's vocals are laser-focused on every track. A record that reflects the ambiguity and self-confidence of the artist, Nightclubbing is one of the most fully-realized artistic statements.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 26: Traveling Wilburys - The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

We're pulling out all the big guns at once for this one. You want legends? Psh, how about five of them? No big deal. Here's a few names you might have heard: Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and George freakin' Harrison.
Cody and Hilary chat about this most super of the supergroups; from the storybook way they came together to the brilliance of their songwriting. But mainly, they talk about how much they love Roy Orbison. Because who doesn't?!
With a musical pedigree that covers Sun Records, Greenwich Village, Liverpool and peak British Invasion, and everything in between, this album shows what we all already knew. These dudes can write catchy songs.
Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 is a testament to iron sharpening iron, and the spirit of collaboration for the sole purpose of having a good time with your friends.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 25: Selena - Amor Prohibido Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

We found 1994 so cozy last week that we're staying right there for our twenty-fifth episode! How about a trip down to Texas to visit an absolute icon - Selena!
Amor Prohibido is a flashpoint for Tejano music, and a huge influence on Latin music's injection into the pop consciousness. Hilary and Cody talk about the value of "crossing over" onto the pop charts, as well as Selena's ability to weave her vocals throughout the mesh of styles found on this album.
A feast of sounds, songwriting, and instrumentation, the music on Amor Prohibido provides the rich backdrop for Selena to show out and establish herself on the list of music icons.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 24: TLC - CrazySexyCool Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Put on your comfiest baggy pants and unopened-condom-as-accessories, we are talking 90s slo-jams this week!
Cody and Hilary weave through the history of one of the top girl groups of all time, and the album that simultaneously solidified their place in the R&B lineage and almost put them out of business.
TLC is a group whose collective voice shines as bright and grooves as hard today as it did when CrazySexyCool first dropped. Their resounding success lies not exclusively in their legal victories, but also the ability of everyone in the world to recognize "Waterfalls" within the first five seconds.
CrazySexyCool is a perfect blend of musicality and message.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 23: Judas Priest - Stained Class Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

Put on your leather jacket, chaps, hat, vest, and anything else that has studs - EarWax is going metal once again!
Hilary and Cody headbang their way through Judas Priest's unbelievably charged record "Stained Class." Acting as the bridge between the godfathers and the new wave of British heavy metal, this album showcases proto-thrash riffs, towering Rob Halford vocals, and kick drums for days.
The story of this record extends beyond its undeniable influence on metal. Indeed, the controversy surrounding the lyrics (existent and nonexistent) resulted in a court decision that is generally considered a major victory for artistic freedom and expression.
Judas Priest refused to kowtow to or settle with those who sought to take away their seat at the table. "Stained Class" is a scorching template of kickass metal from start to finish.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 22: Beck - Midnite Vultures Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

We are back and getting crazy with the Cheez Wiz! This week we are taking on the smorgasbord of sounds and genres contained within Beck's "Midnite Vultures."
Hilary and Cody jump headfirst into this amalgamation that somehow sounds like the weirdest party album you'll hear. Beck is in full control of the show, and the result is a fascinating look into the mind of a musician feeling themselves.
This album wears its influences on its sleeves, relishing in them, and sometimes chuckling at them too. Midnite Vultures is all of those ear candy sounds from all the genres you love, mixed, meshed, and distilled through the very particular lens of Beck.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 21: Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Ho-ho-holy good grief, we have a truly special one this week!
Hilary and Cody unwrap the story behind a legendary holiday album - A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Ever wonder who those kids are on the recording? They're just kids, of course! Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson understood the necessity for authenticity. This soundtrack has transcended beyond just the music to a classic television special; many would put this as the definitive soundtrack to their holiday season.
Full of quiet reflection, this record still finds space to swing. The Vince Guaraldi Trio has been the background music to many special holiday moments for over 50 years.
To quote a great blanket-toter: "And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 20: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - It's A Holiday Soul Party Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Holy buckets and holly jolly everyone, we made it to episode twenty!
Sharon Jones & tTe Dap-Kings usher in our first holiday season with their brilliant, groove-filled album "It's A Holiday Soul Party."
This album is set in a very specific, interesting period of time for the group, and for Miss Sharon Jones personally. The result is a record full of life, soul, and joy that encourages us all to let the goodwill flow toward our fellow man.
Hang the big bulbs on the tree, string the lights, and tune in to hear Cody and Hilary chat about one of the most unique, special holiday records out there!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 19: The B-52s - Wild Planet Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Surpriiiiiiissssse!!! We are back with a fury, and there's hardly a better album to get back into the swing of things than this absolute groove. Cody and Hilary dive into the B-52s second album, and man does it go in.
"Wild Planet" takes no prisoners, tackling topics from a poodle abandoning its owner for another dog, to tips on how to save a flailing party, to the happenings on a dirty back road.
The B-52s are a staple for relishing in yourself, owning the parts of you that others want to ignore, and embracing life as a weird party that sometimes goes awry. And that's okay!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Instagram: @earwaxpod
TikTok: @earwaxpod
Amoeba on Instagram:
Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

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