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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. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

Make way for the Princess of Pop. Genuflect at the throne of 2000s bubblegum. Bow to Britney Spears.
Oops!...I Did It Again cemented Britney as an icon. Her story is complicated, public, and influential. The tracks on this album show us the vision of Britney Spears perhaps at its most effective. A conquering hero who just so happened to make another #1 record. As if she fell backwards into superstardom.
No, this album and its success were hard-won, the cost of which would come due further down the road. But that's what makes Britney Spears so compelling. We want to see how she defies the odds, the pressure, and the immense expectations put upon her. We want her to do it again, and on this record, she did!

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. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food? Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

Masks, mystery, and Mm...Food? EarWax dives into your favorite rapper's favorite rapper MF DOOM!!
The story of DOOM is partially rooted in the story of Doom (the comic, not the video game). Reborn from a former group, MF DOOM established himself as one of the most iconic underground emcees.
MF DOOM built an entire universe in which he could play, and this record is arguably at the zenith of his most prolific period. Mm..Food? is crafty in its wordplay, generous with its samples, and tasty with its beats.

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. 66(6): The Cramps - Songs the Lord Taught Us Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Shine up your pompadours and put on your best spooky mask, this is a Halloween episode!
The Cramps are the perfect band for the season, and Songs the Lord Taught Us has scares aplenty. Whether talking about the perils of braces on fangs, a zombie dance, or how cool sunglasses in the dark are, The Cramps effortlessly show us their influences while putting their unique spin on them.
Songs the Lord Taught Us is a great gateway to rockabilly, psychobilly, early rock and roll, and trash culture. The Cramps are never anything but themselves, and that's just what we love about them!

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. 65: B.B. King - Live in Cook County Jail Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

The King of the Blues (or one of them, anyways) is the focus of this week's episode of EarWax!
Hilary and Cody discuss the circumstances that led to B.B. King performing at Cook County Jail in 1971. Along the way, they touch on B.B.'s journey to that point, the infamous reputation that Cook County Jail had (and still has), and what it means to use your voice to shed light on legitimate grievances.
A sharp, slow-rolling affair, Live in Cook County Jail shows B.B. King at arguably his most bluesy - playing for inmates who needed a bit of humanity.

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. 64: Dolly Parton - Jolene Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

We're covering a legend among legends this week. You're in rarified air when you are known by one name. It's Dolly!
Cody and Hilary marvel at the story of Dolly Parton, who consistently defied the odds and the wishes of those who sought to keep her playing second fiddle.
But Dolly wasn't having any of that, and wrote a smash hit to let her professional partner know it was over. Years later, that track became a smash hit for another legend in a totally different context. And that isn't even "Jolene!"
This record is Dolly in full force. You get the songwriting, the singing, the guitar playing, the magnificent hair, and all of her personality and attitude. Dolly bet on herself, and in hindsight we wonder how it could have been any other way!

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. 63: Cheap Trick - In Color Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

New friends and old are featured on this week's dive into Cheap Trick's "In Color."
Cheap Trick are the fellas from your hometown that just so happened to become one of the biggest rock bands of all time. "In Color" was their second swing (and mostly miss) in the US, but boy did it lead to bigger things. Cheap Trickmania took off in Japan, leading to their breakthrough live record that cemented their legacy.
Years later, the group's take on the album was such that they decided to give it another go, this time with legendary producer Steve Albini (whaaaaa?!)
"In Color" is a group's raw edges being rounded off, bringing forward the pop while pushing back the power. Whether or not the band may agree, it's hard to argue with the results!

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. 62: Nick Drake - Pink Moon Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Here come all the feels, this week we're covering Nick Drake's "Pink Moon."
Cody and Hilary discuss the life, enigma, and myth of Nick Drake. Sifting through the legend to grab hold of the person is a difficult task, and one that nobody seemed to really be able to do even during his life.
Nick Drake's career was tragically short, but "Pink Moon's" legacy is indisputable. The story of how this record - and this artist - finally found the spotlight is truly fascinating.
"Pink Moon" is the perfect autumn record, the perfect rainy day record, and the perfect record to put on and think about yourself. Nick Drake's deceitfully complex guitar work meshes with lyrics that could either be the work of someone deep in depression, or someone who has found a moment of respite.

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. 61: Neil Diamond - Hot August Night Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

A legend among legends, a performer among performers, or you might just know him as...His Neilness!
Hilary and Cody travel the Neilverse, going through the concert and album that made him the pop god that he is known as. "Hot August Night" was recorded at the amazing Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and everything you want from Neil Diamond is on display.
A brilliant songwriter with a grounded sense of self-awareness, Neil Diamond's biggest charm is his willingness to go for it - vocals, spectacle, banter, songs about pretzels, etc.
"Hot August Night" is the quintessential Neil Diamond record for many reasons; it's loaded with hits, and bursts at the seams with personality...Also his immaculate hair!

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. 60: X - Los Angeles Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Punk royalty is the topic of conversation this week on EarWax!
X were (and are) punk legends, but their album "Los Angeles" is so much more than just punk. With rockabilly guitar and some psych harmonies, this record flip-turned the rules every which way.
Produced by the always-been-cool Ray Manzarek of the Doors, "Los Angeles" recalibrated the city's music scene, putting punk and X squarely at the forefront.

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. 59: J Dilla - Donuts ft. Christian Dueñas Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Put the headphones on and plan to keep your head nodding for the whole time, this week we have J Dilla's "Donuts!"
Christian Dueñas - host of the podcast Primer - drops by to chop it up about a record whose full story took a long time to be told. "Donuts" was made as Dilla was in between and during hospital stays. While the popular account is the stuff of legend, there is another, more grounded story that is as beautiful in its humanity.
It's impossible to see "Donuts" outside the context of J Dilla's death; his passing three days after its release is forever tied to this album. The result is what many see as a meditation on mortality, and a producer whose musical identity was continuing to evolve even as his body was failing him.
Thank you to Christian for sitting in!
Check out Primer!
@primerpod
Follow Christian!
@buttsonabutt

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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