Explore every episode of EarWax: An Amoeba Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for EarWax: An Amoeba Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Title
Duration
20 Jul 2023
Introducing EarWax: An Amoeba Music Podcast!
00:00:31
Introducing EarWax, Amoeba Music's first podcast!
Hosts Hilary and Cody chat about new releases and in-store events, so you are always up to date on the goings on of the world's largest independent record store.
Each week, we tell the story of one particular album. How was it made? Where does it exist in our history? What effect did it have then, and how does it affect us today?
EarWax is two longtime record store clerks doing what we do best - learning about and sharing the stories behind the albums we love.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
27 Jul 2023
Ep. 1: Donna Summer - Bad Girls
00:57:05
"Take me on a journey..." Oh, we're about to do just that!
On the inaugural episode of EarWax, hosts Hilary and Cody give the rundown on who we are, the framework for the show, and what we hope to accomplish with Amoeba Music's very first podcast.
For our first Album of the Week, we're looking at Donna Summer's "Bad Girls." Full of bangers and ballads, this record is a window into a turning point in both musical history, and our culture at large.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
27 Jul 2023
Ep. 2: DEVO - Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!
00:49:19
We're back for round two! Cody and Hilary examine the beginnings of DEVO and their inimitable first album - "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!" (Cody fumbles the title in the intro. Don't worry, we're pointing and laughing too!)
DEVO's debut put the world on notice of something uncompromisingly different. From a wild Stones cover to crashing a Sun Ra show, DEVO has always - unapologetically - been themselves. We'll peek a bit behind the curtain to see how this record was rooted in a pivotal event in U.S. history.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
03 Aug 2023
Ep. 3: John Prine - John Prine
01:05:01
"I don't know where he comes from, but I've got a good idea where he's going." - Kris Kristofferson about John Prine
Let us fill in those blanks on our third episode! Hilary and Cody dive into John Prine's debut, self-titled record. From losing a staring contest to oatmeal to an unflinching look at the reality for many soldiers returning from combat, Prine tapped into an unassuming gentleness and empathy far beyond his years.
Come listen to what we have to say about a true Amoeba darling, the Singing Mailman John Prine!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
10 Aug 2023
Ep. 4: Missy Elliott - Supa Dupa Fly
00:56:21
"Beep beep, who got the keys to the jeep?...Vrooom!"
Our first venture into hip-hop covers a true titan of the genre. With her debut solo record "Supa Dupa Fly," Missy Elliott's confidence and willingness to bet on herself paid off many times over.
Hilary and Cody discuss Missy Elliott's partnership with Timbaland, the groundbreaking music videos, and how they forged their own lane in a time when hip-hop was coming off its most polarized era.
Missy Elliott is an innovator and originator. "Supa Dupa Fly" put the world on notice, and we are stoked to tell a bit of this album's story!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
17 Aug 2023
Ep. 5: Deafheaven - Sunbather
00:55:32
What makes a genre...a genre? When does an album move from one genre to another? Or, more importantly, does any of that really matter?
Cody and Hilary delve into Deafheaven's "Sunbather" in our fifth episode. An album exploding with self-reflection, frustration, and power, it catapulted Deafheaven into the spotlight. Ten years after its release, its blast beats and washing guitars continue to spark conversations about classification, "tradition" within genre, and fandom in general.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
24 Aug 2023
Ep. 6: George Michael - Faith
01:02:52
"It's almost required with major artists that there's some duality. And I've got duality everywhere." - George Michael
Some folks have an otherworldly ability to craft pop music, and George Michael undoubtedly has a seat at that table. In this episode, Cody and Hilary explore the record that served as his most complete artistic statement.
Meticulously crafted, the making of Faith is George Michael elbowing his way into the pop auteur conversation alongside the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.
It is rife with controversy, vulnerability, and sex. George Michael relaunched his image, wielded absolute authority during its making, and produced a pop monster. Its critical and commercial success are forever cemented, but the cost at which they came is also undeniable.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
31 Aug 2023
Ep. 7: Duke Ellington - Ellington at Newport
00:59:53
"I was born at Newport." - Duke Ellington
The power of a single performance can alter any artist's trajectory, even for the most legendary musicians. This week, Hilary and Cody flash back to Newport, Rhode Island, in 1956. Duke Ellington and His Orchestra are gearing up for a make or break headlining show.
That night's set, and the record that followed, would change Ellington's fortunes and set him on track for a historic third act in an career whose influence is difficult to quantify.
"Ellington at Newport" is the first live record we've touched on, and you'll see why after just one listen!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
07 Sep 2023
Ep. 8: Siouxsie and the Banshees - Juju
01:00:42
This week's record is packed with venom, darkness, and plenty of ass-kicking - Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Juju."
Siouxsie and the Banshees' influence is irrefutable, and their fingerprints are all over the advent of goth rock (whether or not they dig that idea is another story haha).
Cody and Hilary discuss the addition of two key members, bringing the Banshees to arguably their most formidable lineup. From their thoughts on the idea of voodoo, to a track revolving around a serial killer, Siouxsie has never shied away from speaking her mind on topics that others may dance around.
"Juju" is a record that proudly shows its teeth, and we are amped to share some of its story.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
14 Sep 2023
Ep. 9: The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole
01:00:37
We are back with another one of those block rockin' beats!
This week, Hilary and Cody charge head first into a nonstop jam. The Chemical Brothers' second album is a force to be reckoned with.
Boasting appearances by Noel Gallagher and Beth Orton, drum tracks twisted and warped into club beats, and plenty of electronica and hip-hop influence, this album will leave you totally spent.
From DJ Kool Herc to Ringo Starr, this record wears its influences on its sleeve. We're excited to share some of its story.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
21 Sep 2023
Ep. 10: Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill
01:06:12
We have made it to ten episodes! Let's celebrate with some of the cleanest grooves and smoothest jams you're gonna hear in rock - Steely Dan.
Cody and Hilary dive into the Dan's debut, and chat about everything from a Thin Lizzy soundalike track, to a song that maybe-but-not-definitely-although-most-likely was a scathing criticism of a member of the Fab Four.
"Can't Buy a Thrill" sets the table for the Steely Dan to come - esoteric, cynical lyrics backed with their smooth version of rock.
Long live dad rock, and long live the Dan!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
28 Sep 2023
Ep. 11: Robert Johnson - King of the Delta Blues Singers
01:10:14
Let's head to the Mississippi Delta for episode 11! Hilary and Cody peel back the curtain on one of music's most mythological figures - Robert Johnson.
Behind the legends and stories existed a very real, very human musician. With a spirit that drove him to roam, and a vision on achieving greatness, Robert Johnson developed a style and sound that would influence generations of rock, blues, and soul players for decades to come.
Many a rock titan owes their legacy in no small part to the blues, and to Robert Johnson. King of the Delta Blues singers gives us a snapshot of a guitarist, songwriter, and performer whose talent speaks for itself, and whose true legacy is greater than any myth can make him out to be.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
05 Oct 2023
Ep. 12: Black Flag - My War
01:09:42
"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud." - Henry Rollins
Brace yourself, we're headed into the hardcore scene this week. Hilary and Cody keep their heads on a swivel as they navigate the early 80s, and Black Flag's "My War."
Anger, defiance, and intention coarse through this album's veins. Two years of turmoil explodes from the title track and carries through to the brutal Sabbath-esque closer, Scream.
Black Flag went out of their way to confront and challenge their audience, refusing to adhere to the "rules" of a scene they helped build. A pivotal album for hardcore punk, sludge, stoner metal, and grunge, "My War" takes no prisoners.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
12 Oct 2023
Ep. 13: The Chicks - Home
01:02:37
*Please imagine the following description being in crisp, three part bluegrass harmony.
The Chicks are the focus of this week's episode, and wow is it a ride. Riding the success of two monster records, "Home" was poised to keep pace, or even outpace, everything they had done to that point. However, their momentum was brought to an abrupt halt on the opening night of the tour for this record, when lead singer Natalie Maines spoke out against the looming US invasion of Iraq.
Listen as Cody and Hilary discuss the fallout, the bravery, and the way these fairly traditional songs take on a fuller meaning when they're being played by three women who are unafraid to say what they feel, regardless of the backlash.
The release of "Home" went from a victory lap, to a statement of defiance.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
19 Oct 2023
Ep. 14: Ennio Morricone - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
00:59:25
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: those with loaded guns, and those who dig."
Maaaan have we got one for you all this week. Our first venture into soundtrack territory, and you know we were gonna swing for the fences. How about some Morricone mixed with some Clint Eastwood to make everyone feel like a badass?
Hilary and Cody talk about the depth of collaboration between Sergio Leone and Morricone, the way the music brilliantly functions as its own character, and the innovations that went into making a score that continues to inspire awe to this day.
Special thanks to the Academy Museum for having us attend a screening of this fantastic film! Go check them out, they absolutely rule.
Instagram: @academymuseum
X: @AcademyMuseum
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
26 Oct 2023
Ep. 15: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads
01:01:00
We've made it to our 15th episode, and our spooky season selection is frightfully good.
Cody and Hilary tackle "Murder Ballads" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. An album full of betrayal, mayhem, and plenty of murder, it also has a sense of humor about itself. The total body count is into the dozens, and we had a great time trying to keep a running tally while listening.
"Murder Ballads" provides a fairly contemporary gateway into a realm of songs that have been around for hundreds of years. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds bring the past to the present in a record loaded with history, darkness, and legend.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
02 Nov 2023
Ep. 16: Rick James - Street Songs
01:01:20
Get yourself right for this one, we're headed into the wild world of punk funk, the 80s, and Rick James.
Hilary and Cody wade through the legend of Rick James, touch on the storied history of Motown, and chat about an album that is simply a masterclass in groove.
Street Songs is the album most representative of Rick James's vision. Bombastic, opulent, and pretty much every superlative that can be applied to him, you can apply to this record!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
09 Nov 2023
Ep. 17: Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
01:06:00
What have we here? A two...or one and a half-for one deal this week!
Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine" is a masterclass in melody and weaving styles together. With folks such as Jon Brion, Questlove, and Mike Elizondo contributing, this album really shows us an artist stepping into and owning their artistry.
Cody and Hilary explore the story behind this record's genesis, death, and rebirth - thanks in large part to a fanbase that would not take no for an answer!
"Extraordinary Machine" illustrates the power of resilience, and how projects never totally turn out as intended. Fiona Apple held fast to her principles, and the resulting album is as described - extraordinary!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
16 Nov 2023
Ep. 18: Eric B. & Rakim - Follow the Leader
01:01:53
Hurry, hurry, step right up and follow us into an episode filled with beats, bars, and the God MC himself.
This week's episode sees Hilary and Cody marveling over the second album from Eric B. & Rakim. We flip out over the exquisite samples (shout out Bob James!) and Rakim's mastery of flow and rhymes. Studios get blacked out, there's a feud over cereal...it gets in tense.
This is a landmark record in the evolution of hip-hop. "Follow the Leader" put everyone on notice that these guys had not only had claimed the throne, they had zero intention of letting it go any time soon. Eric B. & Rakim elevated the art form and established the template from which every modern hip-hop artist has taken more than a few pointers.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
07 Dec 2023
Ep. 19: The B-52s - Wild Planet
01:13:00
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:
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
14 Dec 2023
Ep. 20: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - It's A Holiday Soul Party
01:09:31
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:
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
21 Dec 2023
Ep. 21: Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas
01:14:17
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:
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
28 Dec 2023
Ep. 22: Beck - Midnite Vultures
01:06:19
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:
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
04 Jan 2024
Ep. 23: Judas Priest - Stained Class
01:01:33
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:
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
11 Jan 2024
Ep. 24: TLC - CrazySexyCool
01:05:09
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:
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
18 Jan 2024
Ep. 25: Selena - Amor Prohibido
00:56:43
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:
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
25 Jan 2024
Ep. 26: Traveling Wilburys - The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1
01:02:26
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:
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
01 Feb 2024
Ep. 27: Grace Jones - Nightclubbing
00:55:45
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:
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
08 Feb 2024
Ep. 28: Bad Brains - Bad Brains
01:07:41
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:
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
15 Feb 2024
Ep. 29: D'Angelo - Voodoo
01:09:31
Light some candles, turn off the lights, and slip into something a bit more...comfortable. We've got a whole vibe this week.
Hilary and Cody break down the funk, the grooves, the voice, and the poetry that is D'Angelo and his second album - Voodoo. Chock full of absolute stars, this album's personnel is a who's who of 90s soul, with D'Angelo at the helm.
A bit of Sly, a bit of Hendrix, a bit of Dilla, and a whole lotta bits of Prince, Voodoo did exactly what it set out to do. D'Angelo was rocketed to fame, and along the way became a sex icon. But what does it mean when the image starts to supersede the music?
Voodoo is a masterpiece, an achievement of soul music, and a benchmark to chase for those who came after it. We had a blast covering this album, and are hyped to share it with you all!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
22 Feb 2024
Ep. 30: Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes
01:05:53
Everyone get real serious...now throw that all away and gear up for a total vibe of an album - Flying Lotus' "Until The Quiet Comes."
Cody and Hilary talk about floating bathtubs, lucid dreaming, and Adult Swim. All of these are integral to Flying Lotus, a true master whose talents are on full display on this record.
A seamless blend of jazz, hip-hop, psych, and electro, "Until the Quiet Comes" knows exactly when to punch it up, and when to pull it back. This is an album that flirts with pop while thumbing its nose at both pop, and what initially put Flying Lotus on the mainstream's radar. It is deeply personal, remarkably ambitious, and endlessly listenable.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
29 Feb 2024
Ep. 31: Alice Coltrane - Ptah, the El Daoud
00:54:35
What better way to usher in the Leap Year than to cover an artist who is arguably even more unique?
Alice Coltrane is one of the most dynamic names in jazz history. Cody and Hilary explore her journey to this record, and Ptah's journey from ancient Egypt to 1970.
This lineup is absolutely stacked with jazz legends, and they are all locked in and taking their cue from the person at the helm - Alice freakin' Coltrane.
Spiritual, ethereal, inquisitive, and intentional, Ptah the El Daoud is a transitional record for Alice Coltrane. We are lucky to have such a brilliant marker of her exploration of spirituality and universality.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
07 Mar 2024
Ep. 32: Shania Twain - Come On Over
01:01:38
Okay...so you need a 32nd episode. Well, let us impress upon you how much we loved covering Shania Twain's ridiculously influential album "Come On Over."
Cody and Hilary weave through the career path of the Queen of Country Pop, and all of the struggles and successes that culminated in the making of this album.
You want catchy? Got it. Songs built for live performance? Boom, got it. How about commercial numbers? Psh, got it 20x platinum.
A record rich in pop hooks, stadium rock, and Shania's pristine vocals, Come On Over is the template for contemporary country stars crossing over into the pop world. Shania Twain blazed a trail through Nashville into our ears, and we are forever indebted to her for giving us something as kickass as Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and every other monster single on this album.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
14 Mar 2024
Ep. 33: Le Tigre - Le Tigre
01:04:42
Let's dismantle systemic oppression with post-riot grrrl!
Hilary and Cody dance and groove to the infectious, crackling first album by Le Tigre. Fronted by the legendary Kathleen Hanna, Le Tigre is a response to the implosion of a movement she championed.
Le Tigre talks about all of the stuff you're gonna hear in the riot grrrl scene, but it candy-coats them and makes them accessible for those not deeply affiliated. With endless energy and topics that range from Rudy Giuliani being a jerk to a statement from Rothko about art, this record is jam-packed with jams...and a message that you can't help but nod your head to.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
21 Mar 2024
Ep. 34: The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go
01:02:16
Tease your beehive hairdo waaaaaaay up, and put on your most gorgeous flowing dress, the GOAT girl group makes their EarWax debut!
Our first 60s record is Motown perfection, although the Supremes' rise to the top was anything but perfect. Ultimately, they became standard bearers for both the label and the genre, and the hits from this record are absolute staples of the revolutionary culture of the 1960s.
Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross took the songwriting of Holland-Dozier-Holland, the musicianship of the Funk Brothers, and the rest of the Motown machine and put it all together to make a record with three #1 hits.
They're more than classic, they're more than legendary, they are the Supremes!
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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
28 Mar 2024
Ep. 35: Rilo Kiley - The Execution of All Things ft. Jeremy Bolm
01:03:32
Worlds and genres collide as the EarWax crew welcome our first guest onto the show!
Post-hardcore meets indie rock as Jeremy Bolm (Touché Amoré, The First Ever Podcast) joins Cody and Hilary to dive into Rilo Kiley's indie masterpiece "The Exection of All Things."
This album is where LA meets Omaha, where success meets sustainability, and where Rilo Kiley cemented themselves as the indie legends that they are.
Remarkably vulnerable, anthemic, and catchy, "The Execution of All Things" will find a place in your rotation and your heart, and it will stay there.
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
04 Apr 2024
Ep. 36: Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
01:19:54
Are you having a wonderful day? Full of joy perhaps? Just really, fully, live/laugh/loving life? Welp, good luck!
Hilary and Cody careen through Nine Inch Nails' magnum opus, "The Downward Spiral." Trent Reznor was fully in his bag on this one, and it pushed him into places that would take a good long while to rebound from.
What does it say about us that a record of such pain and darkness not only found a foothold but is commonly referenced as one of - if not the most important - record of a generation?
An album that has brought so many people so much catharsis, The Downward Spiral is an uncomfortably unflinching look at the worst parts of our society. What Nine Inch Nails accomplished sonically is immensely impressive, but it somehow takes a backseat to the message being conveyed.
The result is an artistic statement of staggering profundity. There are few, if any, albums with this much edge, and its place in the legendary stratosphere it occupies is well-earned.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
11 Apr 2024
Ep. 37: Vince Staples - Summertime '06
01:32:52
Looking for a breezy jam to cruise into the summer season? Nah, we're hitting you with beats, bars, and Vince Staples' debut album.
Cody and Hilary talk about our responsibilities as fans, how to respectfully engage with weighty material, and how in the pocket Vince Staples is throughout this whole record.
Weaving together a tapestry of matter-of-fact stories with a seamless display of flows, Summertime '06 tells us about a loss of innocence. The ability to deliver such a weighty message in such an accessible way is a testament to his immense talent.
Vince Staples is one of the best in the game currently, and this record was an announcement of his arrival on the national stage.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
18 Apr 2024
Ep. 38: Muddy Waters - At Newport 1960
01:17:35
We are heading into familiar territory this week as EarWax revisits the Newport Jazz Festival!
Cody and Hilary pick up four years after we last left Newport to tell the tale behind Muddy Waters' incredible live album "At Newport 1960." This record is an absolutely scorching set of blues set against a weekend that was marred by capacity limits, Bermuda shorts-wearing hoodlums, riots, and a Mingus-led rival festival.
With tracks written by giants like Willie Dixon and Langston Hughes, "At Newport 1960" is a fascinating look at one of the luminaries of the blues in his prime. Muddy Waters and his band are on absolute fire, and this album beautifully captures what happens when you let the blues cook.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
25 Apr 2024
Ep. 39: Carly Rae Jepsen - E•MO•TION
01:10:27
We love our shiny, glossy pop albums here on EarWax, and this week we've got one that is among the shiniest and poppiest - Carly Rae Jepsen's "E•MO•TION."
After rocketing to the top of the charts with the monster single "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen needed to take some time to figure out where she fit in the pop landscape, and more importantly, how to fit in a way that was comfortable for her.
The time "away" included a stint on Broadway, a scrapped album, and taking control of her creative direction. The result is an album that embraces her influences, but is resoundingly Carly Rae Jepsen. "E•MO•TION" is more than just incredible hooks and infectious grooves, it is a reintroduction to an artist ready to step back into the limelight on her own terms.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
02 May 2024
Ep. 40: Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club
01:03:28
Come on now, you know we got geared up for this one. One of the heaviest hitters in the world music conversation, Buena Vista Social Club's self-titled debut is this week's focus on EarWax!
Let's head to Cuba (by way of Mexico, if you're Ry Cooder), find some legendary Cuban musicians, get them in the studio and see what magic unfolds. After their initial idea broke down, this is how Nick Gold and Ry Cooder pivoted, and man did it work out.
These are songs that have been around Cuba for decades, nearly intrinsic to the country. The folks on this album love this music, they love to perform, and the result is a record that flows effortlessly. Truly beautiful in its scope and execution, Buena Vista Social Club is a reminder that music is bigger than politics, and that a great song will find a home in any era.
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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
09 May 2024
Ep. 41: Justice - †
01:16:14
Hunker down, because we've got a record full of absolute bangers this week.
Part electronic, part disco, part hard rock and all teeth, this duo found their footing with a series of remixes, before heading into the basement of an old club and chapel to record what would be their first studio album.
Justice's debut album † (Cross) brings the heat. With over 400 albums sampled (and micro-sampled), the influences are as present as the originality. Are you going to be able to catch all 400? Not a chance, but you'll want to keep playing this record over and over again to try and find them.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
16 May 2024
Ep. 42: Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
01:14:57
How many power chords do you have? Because this week we've got plenty to spare!
Thin Lizzy had been more or less given one final shot to break big. Despite big creative differences, perhaps a little too much "hydration," and maybe not enough discipline early on, the crew behind Jailbreak all recognized the stakes.
Packed with rock radio staples and incredible deep cuts, Jailbreak secured Thin Lizzy's future on the recording front. Driven by Phil Lynott's vision and supported by exquisite drumming and twin guitar work, the band turned in an absolute classic.
Jailbreak is simply some of the purest rock you will ever hear.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
23 May 2024
Ep. 43: Louis Prima - The Wildest!
01:18:12
Get prepped to jump, jive, and wail from start to finish, the EarWax crew is covering The Wildest, Louis Prima!
With Keely Smith, Sam Butera, and the Witnesses alongside him, Louis Prima set Las Vegas on fire, five sets a night between 12 AM - 6 AM. The template that Vegas lounge acts would follow, Prima and his crew were going to give you a pro's show every time they hit the stage.
This album is the closest they came to recapturing that energy in the studio. Proto-rock and roll, hot jazz, jump blues, and just a hint of New Orleans horns all mesh together to lay the foundation for the Vegas acts we see today.
A special Thank You to Anthony Sylvester, Trustee of the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, for taking the time to chat about this record. Check out the great work they do supporting jazz education!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
30 May 2024
Ep. 44: PJ Harvey - Rid of Me
01:25:18
Make sure your mouthguard is in, because we're trying to kick some teeth in this week!
PJ Harvey had risen to fame rapidly, and that had taken its toll. Having taken some time away to get right, she charged back onto the scene with her second record.
With Steve Albini behind the boards, Rid of Me packs all of the punch of peak 90s rock, with the added bonus of having PJ Harvey's songwriting to go along with it.
PJ Harvey has a catalogue that is the envy of the vast majority of musicians, and Rid of Me is among her heaviest stuff. Uncomfortable and ugly, this album is, above all, authentic.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
06 Jun 2024
Ep. 45: Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis
01:24:14
We've got the silky smooth Swingin' Sixties coming your way this week!
Dusty Springfield was a staple of the era, with hits in both the US and the UK. A fixture on the charts and on TV, Dusty's pop vocal stylings ran perpendicular with the rock zeitgeist. But she had a finger on the pulse, and could sense the tide turning in the late 60s.
"Dusty in Springfield" is an album that, by many accounts, was tedious (at best) to make. A laundry list of factors played into the sessions in Memphis and New York, but the end result was crystal clear to everyone involved - this was a bonafide classic.
The years have been extremely kind to this album, giving it a well-deserved second life as the staple of late 60s pop/R&B that it is. Dusty Springfield and the Memphis Boys are all magnificent, and this record is Exhibit A of that wealth of talent.
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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
13 Jun 2024
Ep. 46: Pet Shop Boys - Actually
01:30:43
Nothing like a healthy dose of synth pop and British government, and that's just what we have this week!
Pet Shop Boys' "Actually" is 80s perfection, tackling big issues using outrageously smart songwriting and catchy hooks.
The content of "Actually" is still extremely relevant, and this record has aged as well as the Boys themselves.
Clever, earnest, and powerful, "Actually" is distilled talent with confidence to spare.
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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
20 Jun 2024
Ep. 47: Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid
01:21:24
An R&B record whose scope is bigger than most prog rock epics, this week's episode covers Janelle Monáe's debut studio album "The ArchAndroid."
Cody and Hilary talk about the influence of sci-fi in music before diving into this epic - in a very literal sense - of an album. The love and collaboration that went into this album is apparent not only from the gorgeous tracks on it, but from listening to the folks who made it speak about the process. The fandom for each other's talent, the sense of community, and a self-assurance in direction drive this album to live up to its lofty aspirations.
Jam-packed with lush melodies, dancefloor-ready grooves, and a Big Boi feature, "The ArchAndroid" uses the framework of the future to address the present.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
27 Jun 2024
Ep. 48: The Shining OST ft. Mia Lee Vicino
01:32:13
Classic film? Yup. Soundtrack with a weird backstory? Yup yup. Siiiiiick guest spot? Three times the yup!
West Coast Editor for Letterboxd Mia Lee Vicino drops by the show to tackle the leviathan that is Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."
A score that is also a soundtrack, this film uses original music by electronic music pioneers Wendy Carlos and Rachael Elkind, along with a host of avant garde classical composers whose work was retrofitted throughout the movie.
The amount of detail in the cues makes the music serve as the perfect background character. Ever-present and looming, it adds to the relentless unease throughout the film.
A huge thank you to Mia Lee Vicino for chatting with us!
Find Mia on Instagram @miavicino Check out what Letterboxd has to offer as well! @letterboxd
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
04 Jul 2024
Ep. 49: The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo
01:10:26
Change out your granny glasses and paisley shirts for cowboy hats and bolo ties!
Hilary and Cody talk bout The Byrds' 1968 "Sweetheart of the Rodeo." A different direction for a very different-looking Byrds, this record took the group to Nashville, where they received a...less than warm reception from the local media.
Gram Parsons' influence on this album cannot be overstated, and the result is one of the templates from which country-rock developed.
The reputation and influence of "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" has only grown over time. Whether it's one of the Dylan covers, or the gorgeous Hickory Wind, this record in all of its lap steel glory will have you reminiscing around a campfire that suddenly appears in your living room.
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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
11 Jul 2024
Ep. 50: David Bowie - Station to Station
01:15:01
EarWax ushers in the 50th episode by pulling down a true heavy hitter off the shelf - David Bowie's "Station to Station."
This record's story is full of unbelievable stories and adversity, both of which were largely self-imposed. Bowie's drive for reinvention is present throughout his discography, and Station to Station is arguably his most pivotal record.
Leaving the spaceman firmly in his rearview and with his eyes on Berlin (whether or not he knew that), Bowie marked this transition point in his career with one of his most stunning works.
Station to Station is an art rock masterpiece that maintains its commercial appeal. Despite extraordinary odds against, David Bowie rose to the challenge and delivered something truly legendary. Hard to think of a better album to celebrate 50 episodes!
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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
18 Jul 2024
Ep. 51: Curtis Mayfield - Curtis
01:10:09
Let's get funky, smooth, and our heads in the game. Curtis Mayfield is coming in hot!
Cody and Hilary discuss the scope of Curtis Mayfield's work, and how much his thumbprint is all over the Civil Rights movement.
Mayfield's growing voice and subject matter was personal enough for him to step away from the Impressions, setting the stage for a solo career that would see him launched into even greater superstardom.
"Curtis" is one hell of a stepping stone. It simultaneously captures past and present, while looking hopefully toward the future.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
25 Jul 2024
Ep. 52: Melvins - Houdini
01:09:45
Bolt down anything that might shift due to the crushing weight of the heaviness, EarWax is going sludge!
Hilary and Cody discuss Melvins' legacy through the lens of arguably their most famous record. The story behind Houdini is a little sad, but ultimately this record serves as a fantastic gateway into a band that casts an extremely large shadow.
A great mix of heavy and slow with a few speedier tracks for balance, Houdini has just a hint of Kurt Cobain's presence throughout.
Turn up your speakers all the way and prepare yourself for the glory that is Melvins, and for the ass-kickery on Houdini.
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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
01 Aug 2024
Ep. 53: The Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
01:21:38
Pack your bags and get ready to take a trip to a world of wonderful weirdness!
Hilary and Cody immerse themselves into the universe of the Pharcyde. Filled with in-jokes, yo mama jokes, and jokes just because, this record occupies a very specific, very important part of West Coast hip-hop.
Rarely does an album feel so lived-in, so loved, and so unabashedly fun. The Pharcyde don't take themselves too seriously, but are without a doubt serious musicians with ideas and charisma to spare.
Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is clever, funny, and crisp. An absolute classic, and many goofy crews that followed owe them a substantial debt.
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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
08 Aug 2024
Ep. 54: Françoise Hardy - La question
01:12:43
We're getting cultured af this week. EarWax goes French!
Françoise Hardy's "La question" is a gorgeous statement made by an artist intentionally transitioning into a new phase in her career. In partnership with guitarist and songwriter Luca, Hardy made a record drenched in yearning, love, and poetry.
"La question" took Françoise Hardy away from pop icon and into new territory - a place where she had control of the direction of her career. The result is a magnum opus.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
15 Aug 2024
Ep. 55: Charli XCX - Charli
01:16:37
As we cruise through the tail end of #bratsummer, EarWax takes a look at one of the records that helped Charli XCX dominate the conversation this year.
"Charli" comes on the heels of her rise to fame, at a time when she was about to break even bigger than she already was. Dealing with pop stardom, ravenous fans, and a devastating hack that leaked her work had all taken their toll.
"Charli" is the response to all that, defiant in its glitch and trap influence while still maintaining more than enough pop identity to serve as a stepping stone on a career whose trajectory we continue to measure as an incline!
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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
22 Aug 2024
Ep. 56: Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters
01:11:44
Make sure you do your neck stretches, because you will be nodding along with us this week.
The EarWax squad took a trip to the Hollywood Bowl to see this week's episode performed live by the OGs who played on it.
By 1973, Herbie Hancock had hits, chops, and a resume that elevated him into rarified air. Searching for that next thing, he took inspiration from James Brown, Sly Stone, and of course Miles Davis.
The result: "Head Hunters," a disgustingly groove-laced record whose track list may be short, but whose legacy casts a huge shadow.
Herbie Hancock is one of the coolest dudes in music, and we were absolutely honored to have seen him perform one of the coolest-sounding records of all time.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
29 Aug 2024
Ep. 57: Massive Attack - Mezzanine
01:12:30
Pressure can make diamonds, but too much pressure and you get an explosion. And this week, we have both!
Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" is a standard-setter in electronic music. While the band was consistently at odds during its making, the resulting record crackles with energy.
Cody and Hilary talk about near death, a major embarrassment involving a pop icon, and how the band worked through (or around) the tumult to create a brilliant album.
"Mezzanine" is dark, tense, and cool. The story behind it, maybe even more so!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
05 Sep 2024
Ep. 58: Toots and the Maytals - Funky Kingston
01:05:42
What's reggae without a little (a lot) of soul? We wouldn't know, because this week's episode has soul to spare!
Toots and the Maytals were the people's champs of Jamaica; a sound whose roots represent the common man. Toots won a national song contest three separate times!
Funky Kingston is a strange mish-mash of two previous albums, with a single thrown in for good measure. It's got a tried and true rock cover, some Americana adapted for Jamaica, and plenty of fantastic vibes.
This record is a brilliant snapshot of a country in transition. Toots was able to dictate some of that cultural movement by churning out an album that continues to inspire today.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
12 Sep 2024
Ep. 59: J Dilla - Donuts ft. Christian Dueñas
01:24:26
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:
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
19 Sep 2024
Ep. 60: X - Los Angeles
01:13:47
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:
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
26 Sep 2024
Ep. 61: Neil Diamond - Hot August Night
01:19:09
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:
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
03 Oct 2024
Ep. 62: Nick Drake - Pink Moon
01:24:03
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:
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
10 Oct 2024
Ep. 63: Cheap Trick - In Color
01:17:24
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:
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
16 Oct 2024
Ep. 64: Dolly Parton - Jolene
01:21:04
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!
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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
24 Oct 2024
Ep. 65: B.B. King - Live in Cook County Jail
01:21:13
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.
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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
31 Oct 2024
Ep. 66(6): The Cramps - Songs the Lord Taught Us
01:10:48
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!
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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
07 Nov 2024
Ep. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food?
01:11:49
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.
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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
14 Nov 2024
Ep. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again
01:24:22
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!
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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
21 Nov 2024
Ep. 69: Sade - Diamond Life
01:06:08
The eighties were a time of maximalism, so of course one of the biggest records was...a smooth jazzy pop affair? Sade's "Diamond Life" right in your earballs this week on EarWax.
Sade is NOT a brand, but we are comfortable saying they are a whole mood. And it starts front and center. Elegant vocals that seem effortless, basslines that add more than a dash of funk, and a songwriting chemistry that brought us a record that stands out in its simplicity.
"Diamond Life" is the launching point of a career brilliantly navigated by a group who are more than comfortable operating on their terms.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
28 Nov 2024
Ep. 70: Motörhead - Ace of Spades
01:17:27
Make the necessary preparations, we're talking Motörhead this week...
Hilary and Cody try and hang on as they talk about the pure fuel that is Ace of Spades. Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Phil were three dudes who knew exactly what they were after, and they pursued those things with great fervor.
Ace of Spades is undiluted rock and roll made by a band who were unrepentantly themselves. Motörhead was a freight train, and you either hopped on board, got out of their way, or got run over.
Hell yeah.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
05 Dec 2024
Ep. 71: Kraftwerk - Computer World
01:15:34
No B.S., let's get to business. Kraftwerk. EarWax. Computer World.
Hilary and Cody discuss the group, the music, the theory and ideas around one of Germany's finest exports - Kraftwerk. Computer World is relevant today because it touches on so much of the conversation that has risen to dominate our culture.
Data. Computers. Numbers. Travel. People. Money. This is the record that addresses how these all interact, and what we are to make of them.
Kraftwerk saw the future in the present, and this record illustrates just how efficiently they can comment on it.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
12 Dec 2024
Ep. 72: Björk - Homogenic
01:03:17
The EarWax crew takes on one of the most brilliantly enigmatic artists out there this week as we cover Björk's "Homogenic."
Made during a time of personal strife, this record is an homage to her home in Iceland, a place where she needed to leave for a time.
Homogenic mixes traditional influences with sounds far ahead of its time. It feels fresh, sounds fresh, and is fresh today. Björk is a true innovator and artist, and this record is one of the best examples of what she has to offer.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
19 Dec 2024
Ep. 73: A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector
01:13:26
We are holly, jolly, and bright after covering the amazing artists and songs on this classic Christmas album - "A Christmas Gift for You..."
This album features some of the premiere vocal groups (The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, etc.), as well as LA's legendary Wrecking Crew.
Reimagined classics, an original that became a classic, and a whole host of talent is what makes this album feel so warm. Also maybe because it was recorded in August...
"A Christmas Gift for You" captures the essence of the holiday season, and we should celebrate the talent that it showcases. (And remember, Phil Spector was a loser!)
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
26 Dec 2024
Ep. 74: Boyz II Men - II
01:02:02
Now that you're properly stuffed on holiday goodies, let's keep the vibes chill, smooth, and immaculate.
Cody and Hilary cruise through Boyz II Men's "II". An album of two halves, separated by a truly thoughtful, heartbreaking interlude, "II" gives all of the dance floor energy before hitting you with the epic feels.
The group was soaring after their first record, and this follow-up put them firmly at the head of their class. With legendary producers galore, "II" is the perfect album to throw on when you need something that is as cool as the other side of the pillow.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
02 Jan 2025
Ep. 75: T. Rex - Electric Warrior
01:12:39
Glitter, vibes, and jams. EarWax grooves and bops into the new year with one of the pioneers of glam rock - T. Rex's "Electric Warrior".
Cody and Hilary go back and forth over exactly how great Marc Bolan is as a vocalist (spoilers, he's AMAZING), and weave through the wandering story that brought us this album.
At a time when people were looking around for what would come after the 60s, Marc Bolan stepped up, shook the lethargy out of the rock scene, and reminded folks just how fun and easy rock and roll could be.
"Electric Warrior" ain't nothin' but pure sexy.
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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
16 Jan 2025
Ep. 76: Parliament - Mothership Connection
01:12:46
Well alright, welcome to Groove U. This week's lesson is brought to you by the EarWax crew!
Parliament's "Mothership Connection" is far out, in your face, uncut, from outer space, in the groove, and it'll make you move. With a cast of characters and lore galore, this record has cool to spare.
George Clinton and Bootsy Collins are the most well-known of the P-Funk collective, and while their hands are absolutely all over this record, it is quite obviously a group effort.
So let the funk wash over you, and climb aboard the Mothership!
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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
23 Jan 2025
Ep. 77: Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison
01:16:08
Johnny Cash - the Man in Black - was almost more myth than man. But what it is undeniably true is the power of this week's record: At Folsom Prison.
With his career hanging in the balance, Cash delivered a performance that deftly walked the line (pun fully intended) of addressing the harsh realities of his audience with moments of levity.
Cash and the Tennessee Three are on fire, and the set lists contained timeless classics from his catalog to that point. And yet, the most storied track may be one that isn't his, but from an inmate at Folsom...
Check out the episode, and like, subscribe, and share the show with folks who should know the story behind this iconic album!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
30 Jan 2025
Ep. 78: Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
01:20:19
It's quite simple, really. Challenge authority, refuse to back down, and never be complacent. Dead Kennedys brings all of that to this week's episode of EarWax!
Cody and Hilary discuss San Francisco's charged political history, and how folks who don't like power structures and institutions there are more than willing to turn out and turn up. In the middle of all the turbulence is the punk scene, and Dead Kennedys are the standard-bearers.
Brash, uncompromising, and sharp as tacks, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a force of nature. It will blow the doors off your apartment, and put you out on the streets marching in protest, right where we all belong.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
06 Feb 2025
Ep. 79: Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin
01:14:29
We all stand on the shoulders of giants, the ghosts of those that came before. But some shoulders carry more weight than others. Billie Holiday is a foundation upon which decades and generations of music has been built.
Hilary and Cody discuss Lady Day's penultimate album "Lady in Satin." In many ways, it feels like this record is a metaphorical retelling of her own life. Struggle, hardship, perseverance, and victory, all blended up and poured out through that voice. She sounds different than we're used to, but unmistakably Billie Holiday.
On "Lady in Satin," you can feel Lady Day rise to the occasion once more to give us this testament to determination and sheer talent.
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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
13 Feb 2025
Ep. 80: Digital Underground - Sex Packets
01:19:22
Peace, and humptiness forever! A mantra we should all do well to abide by. How about a little lumpy oatmeal and sort-of concept album this week?
Digital Underground is just one of those groups that are okay being a little weird, a lot goofy, and very (oh so very) phonky. Shock G and dudes like Schmoovy Schmoov, Chopmaster J, and Money B all brought Parliament into hip-hop.
Sex Packets is hyper horny, major vibes, and only kind of actually about sex packets, which may or may not be real. Ask NASA, but maybe NASA lies?!
Check out the episode to hear Cody and Hilary break down this classic!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
20 Feb 2025
Ep. 81: William Onyeabor - Who Is William Onyeabor?
01:04:41
Mysteries abound this week on EarWax! Never has "the man, the myth, the legend" rang truer than when we dive into "Who Is William Onyeabor?"
A bizarre mix of funk, soul, and porto-techno, this record is a collection of songs pulled from Onyeabor's brief but prolific discography. His life and career remain largely enigmatic, due in no small part to his own efforts.
We ask "why" and "how," because we want so badly to understand the context for which such forward-thinking music sprang. Ultimately, "Who Is William Onyeabor?" provides very little answers to those questions, but it serves a greater purpose - it grooves.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
27 Feb 2025
Ep. 82: Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman
01:17:24
The greats seize the moment, and Tracy Chapman did exactly that right after the release of her self-titled album, and the subject of this week's episode!
Cody and Hilary discuss Tracy Chapman's journey to reluctant stardom. Never seeking anything more than to have her songs heard, this debut reflects the quiet confidence that draws so many to her work.
"Fast Car" is legendary, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" was a theme song for a literal revolution, and "Behind the Wall" is a devastating, gorgeous piece.
When Wembley Stadium called, Tracy Chapman was ready for the moment. No frills, just music, and a message.
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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
06 Mar 2025
Ep. 83: Blondie - Parallel Lines
01:08:15
"Blondie is a Group" was a pin campaign put together by Blondie's manager as a way to cover his own screwup by picking the iconic photo for this week's album - "Parallel Lines." (PS: It didn't work and he was fired shortly after. Oops.)
We all know Blondie is a group, and we also know the core of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry have given us some absolute bangers. After two records, the label wondered how they could put this group of meddling kids (loosely defined) on the top of the charts.
Their solution was producer Mike Chapman. Does he come across as a bit of a jerk? Yes, resoundingly. Did the band turn in their most critically and commercially successful album to date under his production? Also, yes, resoundingly.
With classics such as "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass," it would be hard for the label to go wrong picking a single...Find out how they did just that, and a ton more about "Parallel Lines," on this week's episode of EarWax!
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
13 Mar 2025
Ep. 84: BLACKPINK - The Album
01:18:31
Look at you, now look at us. How you like that? EarWax is going K-pop this week, and I don't know if we'll ever go back. Hilary and Cody cover BLACKPINK's appropriately-named "The Album."
The system that has produced some of the biggest music in the world - the South Korean idol system - is a fascinating study in manufacturing celebrity. At its apex sit four women who have conquered the world, and this record was their international announcement that the top of the pops runs through South Korea.
Twenty-four lean minutes of non-stop bangers, "The Album" is a party record released at a time when everything else looked awfully bleak. BLACKPINK made sure that we had something to dance to, and we have not stopped since.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
20 Mar 2025
Ep. 85: Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
01:10:35
Bow at the feet of the Queen of the Divas - Mariah Carey!
Cody and Hilary discuss "The Emancipation of Mimi," an album that was made after Mariah had taken a few personal and professional body blows.
Being the champ she is, she took it all in, and spat it back in her critics' faces with a record that is equal parts vocal gymnastics lesson and absolute party.
"The Emancipation of Mimi" is Mariah Carey shrugging off all the baggage, and deciding it's time to have fun while letting the haters know that she isn't going anywhere.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
27 Mar 2025
Ep. 86: Garbage - Garbage
01:10:48
We're only happy when...we're covering a kick ass band and record like Garbage's self-titled!
Hilary and Cody discuss the fascinating chemistry that was initially pitched (derisively) as "three producers and a girl." Hey, maybe that is true, but man does that combo rock. Granted, it helps when that girl is Shirley f'n Manson.
Garbage crafted, or uncrafted, pop music. Deconstructed hooks pieced together to create a brilliant noise.
Oh, and their first live show has a connection to Gwar...
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
03 Apr 2025
Ep. 87: Black Sabbath - Master of Reality
01:06:26
*cough cough cough cough* Bow down to the Lords of Darkness and the Gods of Heavy Metal - Black Sabbath!
Cody and Hilary try and fail to approach Sabbath's "Master of Reality" with some semblance of restrain, but what are we really talking about? This record crushes from front to back.
From the opening riff to the finality of Into the Void, Black Sabbath's third record set the template for stoner metal, doom metal, sludge metal, (insert adjective) metal.
They are gods. They are Black Sabbath.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
10 Apr 2025
Ep. 88: Willie Nelson - Shotgun Willie
01:14:15
Whiskey River take our minds right into one of the most consequential country records ever made!
Cody and Hilary dig into "Shotgun Willie," the album that Willie considered as him "clearing his throat." With the man and the legend already firmly established with a handful of country standards under his belt, here the myth began.
Nashville didn't understand him, so Willie headed to Austin to hang out with the weirdos and the hippies. There he found his place, got cozy, and proceeded to spearhead a movement that would rewrite the book about what country music is.
Willie Nelson is an American legend, and "Shotgun Willie" is where we get our first glimpse of him fully in his comfort zone.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
17 Apr 2025
Ep. 89: The Roots - Things Fall Apart
01:10:27
Lock in to a groove and turn the vibes up to "Immaculate," this week the EarWax crew dives into The Roots' "Things Fall Apart."
Cody and Hilary touch on the Soulquarians, and the sessions that resulted in some of the most stunning work of this era. "Things Fall Apart" was the result of two batches of sessions - one a host of Philadelphia community members and friend so the group. The next at Electric Lady Studios, with folks like Lady B, Mos Def, and J Dilla in the room.
"Things Fall Apart" is one of those records that you've heard, even if you haven't. Its thumbprint is all over contemporary hip-hop, soul, jazz, and R&B. With the group ready to break through, they created something that did more than break them, it locked them in as legends.
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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
24 Apr 2025
Ep. 90: Stereolab - Dots and Loops
00:55:10
Pop meets pretension (and we mean that as a positive) this week on EarWax!
Hilary and Cody dissect Stereolab's deceptively catchy "Dots and Loops." Beneath the pop coating lies lyrics warning about the modern age, loneliness, and wars of many iterations.
Stereolab's ambition is their calling card, and it is on full display on this record. Never ones to shy away from marrying catchiness with headiness, they bask in both elements to create something both as functional and memorable as "Dots and Loops."
Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:
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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