What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About Music

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Lifes Rich Pageant (Pt. 2) Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss bedtime routines, contact lenses, gravity, and Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis of the band's fourth studio album, released in 1986. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
They finally get stuck into the songs themselves, dissecting each one in turn, examining the intention behind them, what inspired the writing, and how they fit into the album as a whole.
What does this album sound like? How does a river catch on fire? What's the difference between dinner and supper? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday March 11th and will conclude our analysis of Lifes Rich Pageant.
Join the conversation on:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Check out the Skwiggo album here:
https://skwiggo.bandcamp.com/album/skwiggo-i
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Lifes Rich Pageant (Pt. 1) Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss BIG NEWS, Band of Brothers, animals, and Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fourth studio album, released in 1986. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
They touch on how the band changed their process again for the recording of this album, and how much of that was a reaction to their previous record. They explore the new songwriting technniques, the band's new way of working in the studio, and the relationship they formed with a new producer, before digging into the form, artwork, and themes of the album itself.
They also spend some time looking at the wider musical landscape of the mid-80s, the best selling albums of the time, and where R.E.M. fit into it all!
How did R.E.M. fit into the musical tendencies of the 80s? How many tracks are on the album? Is a bison the same thing as a buffalo? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday March 4th and will continue our analysis of Lifes Rich Pageant.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Check out the Skwiggo album here:
https://skwiggo.bandcamp.com/album/skwiggo-i
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
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R.E.M. Live on Rockpalast 1985 Commentary Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates provide lively and intellectual audio commentary for R.E.M. Live on Rockpalast in 1985.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live performance (and a whole host of other, completely unrelated things) as broadcast on German TV. They also dig into their thoughts surrounding R.E.M. this far into the season. A must!
Head to YouTube to watch along:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11GYpY1KEcI
Or don't - the episode works fine either way!
Our next episode comes out Monday February 26th and we'll begin our deep dive into Lifes Rich Pageant!
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
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Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
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Fables of the Reconstruction (Pt. 2) Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss the U.S. civil war, Foo Fighters, aliens, and Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's third studio album, released in 1985. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
They go track-by-track on the second side of the album, before wrapping up their thoughts on the record and discussing where it fits into the band's discography so far.
They also discuss the concept of "normal music," and the difference between surface level analysis and critical depth. They then look at how the album was received at the time of release, and how that perception may have changed in the decades that have followed.
What do we make of the album? What did R.E.M. make of the album? Is the album normal or weird? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday February 19th and will feature important commentary for a show on the Reconstruction tour.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/
What The Hell Is My Job? Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5GGlApUDmrjVyD1vZ5EqgN?si=1_my1Y2MR-yNN2azkLjejA

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Fables of the Reconstruction (Pt. 1) Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss Blink-182, Nick Drake, One Direction, and Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's third studio album, released in 1985. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
They touch on how the band changed their process for the recording of this album, from using a studio far from home, in a different climate, to changing their collaborators, and even changing how they write songs.
They also discuss the place that Fables has in the band's overarching discography, the deliberately confusing artwork, the tracklisting, the liner notes, and what the album may or may not be called!
How did the band face a British winter? What's the title of this album? Is the album weird? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday February 12th and will conclude our track-by-track analysis of Fables of the Reconstruction.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/

Support the show

Producing R.E.M. with Don Dixon Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Adam sits down with music producer, songwriter, and artist Don Dixon to discuss his work as part of the producing team for Murmur and Reckoning by R.E.M..
They talk about how Don became a music producer, how he met Mitch Easter, and how he started working with R.E.M.. They look at the differences between the two albums, as well as the challenges they faced whilst making them.
They also touch on the legacy of the albums, how R.E.M. went on to become a much bigger band, and what it is that Don values in music.
Our next episode is out on Monday February 5th and will begin our coverage of Fables of the Reconstruction, the third album by R.E.M..
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
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BREAKING NEWS: The Smile - Wall of Eyes Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album Wall of Eyes by Radiohead spin-off band, The Smile. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
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Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
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R.E.M. Live at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ, June 1984 Commentary Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates provide insightful and inspiring audio commentary for R.E.M. Live at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ, in June 1984.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live performance (and a whole host of other, completely unrelated things) as broadcast on MTV. It was filmed as part of a series on rock influences - this one focusing on folk rock. It features special guest appearances and R.E.M. preview some new material!
Head to YouTube to watch along:
https://youtu.be/JulR2TPAUfA?si=MuAJHLC3wUgzGSCv
Or don't - the episode works fine either way!
Our next episode comes out Monday January 29th and we'll be talking about the making of Murmur and Reckoning with producer Don Dixon!
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
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Support the show

Reckoning (Pt. 2) Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss time travel, big diving, line dancing, and Reckoning by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing and concluding their track-by-track analysis on the band's second album, released in 1984.
They talk about R.E.M. going "full country," recording songs as in-jokes, and provide some more thrilling entries into the Water Watch series, before figuring out what they think of the album as a whole, how it was received at the time, and the legacy it holds in today's musical landscape.
They also talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
How does Reckoning stack up against the debut? What kind of font does Michael Stipe sing in? Could our Dads physically lift us? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday January 22nd and will see us provide insightful commentary for R.E.M. live at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic on June 9th 1984.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/

Support the show

Reckoning (Pt. 1) Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

The Big Mates discuss foot injuries, binaural recording, the joy of knowing Jesus, and Reckoning by R.E.M.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's second album, released in 1984. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.
They touch on how the varying estimates of studio time, how the songs are structured, and they try to again define what it is that Adam likes about the band.
They also piece together the meanings of the songs, discuss whether or not they matter within the context of the whole record, and make comparisons to Murmur.
Do the band avoid "difficult second album syndrome?" What does betwixt mean? Did you mean barber coat? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out on Monday January 15th and will conclude our track-by-track analysis of Reckoning.
Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com
Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!
Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379
Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic
http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/

Support the show

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