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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Fool for You” (from the upcoming album, Valley of the Ureleased)

~~~~

Part 5 of my Great Producers series takes us to the 1990s, a hinge decade if there ever was one.

So much of the “old world” of music production was still in play, and for so many reasons. But the new world that was being shaped in the ‘70s & ‘80s finally took hold, and a new standard of recording quality was achieved that has been the template ever since.

As usual, I go through the technological & musical changes that helped define the decade, then discuss some of the best producers.

Are you a fan of ‘90s production? Could you hear the huge shift in sound quality from the ‘80s to then? What are some of your favorite ‘90s albums & producers? Were you aware of how much of a pivot the ‘90s was from the old ways to what we consider the norm today? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: The LOUDNESS WARS

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*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons: 1. This is a fascinating topic I'd love your opinion on; and 2. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I rank the TOP TEN POWER POP acts in history. Guaranteed you will disagree, and I'm hoping that gets us talking!

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 60+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. You can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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~~~~

Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons: 1. This is a fascinating topic I'd love your opinion on; and 2. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I rank the TOP TEN POWER POP acts in history. Guaranteed you will disagree, and I'm hoping that gets us talking!

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 60+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. You can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Patreon

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~~~~

FEATURED ART

All of Nick’s album cover designs

~~~~

One of the great joys of listening to music is absorbing the art. The visual representation of the music can tell us more about the artist’s intentions, and the statement they’re trying to make. 

I’d argue that these direct representations of the music are even more vital than music videos. And though few of us still get physical media – vinyl, cassettes, CDs – we still pay attention to the digital thumbnails, because the art still matters.

This is a history of album art, and is the first in a series on visual art connected to music (the next episode will be about band logos). I review notable album covers by decade, give you my favorites, and explain every album & EP cover in my catalog.

Are you into album art? Do you remember how checking out all the art was a necessary and fun part of your first listen to a CD, cassette, or vinyl? What are some of your favorite album covers? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Banned album art

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*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons: 1. This is a fascinating topic I'd love your opinion on; and 2. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk about ALL Western music would not be what it is today if not for the contributions & innovations of Germany.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 60+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. You can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

~~~~

In ROUND 7 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I discuss the book MOOD MACHINE: THE RISE OF SPOTIFY AND THE COSTS OF THE PERFECT PLAYLIST, by Liz Pelly. It dissects Spotify’s history and its effect on the music industry, recording artists, fans, and music itself.

We use the book as a jumping off point to finally get into exactly why Spotify has been so detrimental to music culture for all but the casual fan, and try to get to some solutions.

Are you a Spotify user? Were you aware of how poorly Spotify has treated its artists? Did you know how intently Spotify works to manipulate its users? Do you think there are any viable alternatives, aside from other streaming services? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: My chapter-by-chapter take on MOOD MACHINE

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG
NICK – “Punch Your Soul” (from the upcoming album, VALLEY OF THE UNRELEASED)

I couldn’t wait any longer. My must-hear list was growing to the point where it was stressing me out, and since January & February are slower months for work, it’s the perfect time to catch up on my listening. Gotta stay current!

I do quick takes of 23 albums & EPs from ALL KINDS OF GENRES, and end with my top 10 favorite releases. If you wanna hear selections from 19 of them, check out my 2026 playlist: 

What is a 2026?

Were any of these your favorites? Do you like how eclectic the selections were? Did you discover something you now love? Did I leave out some you wish I’d covered? Are you able to keep current with your listening? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG

REC feat. Pescelet – “Mind Repüljön” (from IT WASN’T ME!)

~~~~

This week’s episode may be one of the most important of Season 8, if not this entire show. And it might be one of the timeliest.

The US has an amazing array of music, but we don’t know everything. While we’ve often gotten crossover artists from the UK, Canada & Australia, as well as a few other non-English countries, most of what we hear is homegrown.

That means there’s a literal WORLD OF MUSIC we know nothing about. Other countries have hugely popular, legendary, million selling artists we’ve NEVER HEARD OF. This episode is my small effort to correct that, and expose us to music we SHOULD KNOW that’s every bit as good as what we DO KNOW.

I profile artists from 25 countries that never quite broke in the States, and hopefully inspire you to give them a listen.

What bands or artists from other countries come to mind that you think American listeners don’t know at all? Are you surprised that the artists I mentioned were so huge? Does any of this make you want to listen for yourself? And does it make you think differently about other cultures? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: All Western music has been shaped by Germany

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Almost Everything About You” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)

~~~~

Part 4 of my Great Producers series takes us to the 1980s. The synth & drum machine experiments of the 1970s went everywhere. Disco & punk permeated nearly every genre. And production went from midrange & mellow to bright and big. 

I go over all those changes, and discuss many of the top producers of the decade, including some you may have been missing from previous years. And I discuss how very different the production values of the first & second halves of the decade really were.

How do you feel about 1980s production values? Can you hear a clear difference between the first & second halves of the decade? Who were your favorite producers? Which production developments do you feel most shaped the music in subsequent decades? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: The 1980s production divide – recommended listening

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for THREE reasons: 1. We were just in Vegas, baby, and I needed a week to recover; 2. This is a fascinating topic I'd love your opinion on; and 3. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk about all the death clusters that seem to happen in the music world every decade or so, and I rank them from least to most impactful.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 60+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. You can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “If It Feels All Right”

(from PARTS AND LABOUR)

~~~~

This week I give you a long overdue lovefest on Fountains of Wayne, possibly the greatest power pop band ever.

Melding driving rock with hooky pop, Fountains of Wayne set the standard laid out by bands like The Beatles, Squeeze, and Big Star. Every album is full of gems that go far beyond “Stacy’s Mom”. 

I go over their history, every album, Adam Schlesinger’s untimely death, and argue that they were one of the most important unsung bands in history.

Do you know Fountains of Wayne beyond “Stacy’s Mom”? Are you a power pop fan? Are you aware of how prolific Adam Schlesinger was? Do you think Fountains of Wayne deserve more recognition? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Where does Fountains of Wayne rank in the POWER POP TOP TEN?

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Let It Wreck Your Mind”

(from SYNCOPY FOR THE WEIRD)

~~~~

Part 3 of my Great Producers series is on the 1970s, the decade when music recording realized its full sonic potential. This was due to massive expansion in both technology and creativity. 

Those developments influenced each other in ways that propelled music forward like never before. This episode will discuss that, as well as the producers who made the greatest impact on the music of this decade.

Do you agree that 1970s production values were head over heels above those of previous decades? What are some of your favorites from the decade – genres, producers, artists, albums, songs? How do you think music production from this decade influenced subsequent decades? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Sylvia Robinson – a LEGENDARY music force YOU SHOULD KNOW

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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~~~~

Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for THREE reasons: 1. It's just after the holidays & I need an extra week to get new content ready for you; 2. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon; and 3. It's a vital topic that might benefit some listeners out there, especially anyone creating new art.

In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk to MUSIC CREATORS about how NOSTALGIA might be killing both their career prospects AND their creation process, and offer tips for how to use nostalgia in ways that will reverse that.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 60+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. You can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC feat. The Drop – “You Know You’re Right (No Fun Pushy Mix)”

~~~~

To close out 2025, I’m doing a slightly premature catchup episode – your comments, my corrections & thoughts, etc. 

After I flesh out everything y’all have said in the final third of this year, I’m going to talk about what kind of music podcast you really need to be listening to, by comparing other formats with whatever it is I do.

Did I mention you? Did I miss something? How do you think Season 8 has been going so far? What do you really want from a music podcast? And what would you like me to talk about in 2026? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: What I really think of other music podcasts

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “My Xmas Wish” (from the upcoming album, VALLEY OF THE UNRELEASED)

In the sixth installment of Quick Takes from the Continuum, I wrap up my 2025 playlist, and the year itself.

I’ll sum up where my playlist was midyear, then fill it out with everything I’ve added since then. I’ll also weigh in on my favorites for the year, and the overall quality of music in 2025.

And since it’s the holiday season, I’ll also catch up on my Christmas playlist, and assess the overall quality of 2025’s Christmas additions. 

2025alive PLAYLIST

Christmas PLAYLIST

What’s your take on the music from this year? Any favorites? Any old music you discovered for the first time? What about holiday music? And how do you feel next year’s music will be? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG 

REC – “Fall” (from PARTS AND LABOUR)

~~~~

Life is long – if we’re lucky. The longer it is, the more we look back. If that looking back is with fondness – and maybe even a desire to return to the “good old days”, it’s called nostalgia.

As music lovers, we ALL experience nostalgia. Those songs & bands we grew up with tend to mean more to us than anything that came after, so we assume they were qualitatively better. They give us warm feelings. They’re comforting.

In this 38th MUSIC is EVERYTHING, I’m going to explain why nostalgia is detrimental the more we indulge it, how it closes our minds & hearts to experiencing and maybe even loving new things – music and otherwise, and how it prevents us from fully enjoying the life we’re living right now. 

Are you generally a nostalgic person? Do you indulge in nostalgia from time to time? Or do you mostly live in the past? How does nostalgia make you feel about the present? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: How nostalgia can kill your music career

~~~~

*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper

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~~~~

Here's yet another BONUS MxTRA for Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for THREE reasons: 1. It's a microtopic on producers, something I'm really passionate about; 2. It's the holiday season & I need an extra week to get new content ready for you; 3. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon.

In this BONUS MxTRA, I delineate the FIVE PRODUCER ARCHETYPES, name some examples, and discuss which is MY main archetype.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. Until the end of the year, you can get in for as little as ONE DOLLAR A MONTH.

Enjoy!

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Come Together Music Project Website

Connect even more with Shaka:

YouTube

iTunes

Spotify

Instagram

Shaka's Substack

BONUS MxTRA: Shaka & Nick Come Together Through Music

~~~

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*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

Nicky DeMatteo – “I’ll Be There”

The first PODFAST of Season 8 is all about Northern Soul. 

It was a movement of music fans, shops & labels starting in the North of England in the late 1960s, that centered around old American soul records with a beat you could dance to, and especially the more obscure tracks.

I go through the prehistory, history, songs & artists, legacy, and why Northern Soul still matters.

Have you ever heard of Northern Soul? Are you a fan of ‘60s & ‘70s soul music with a strong backbeat? Do you think it’s important that less successful songs and artists get recognized and appreciated? Discuss dammit! 

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hear all of Doug's music here:
www.novaandtheblackholes.com

And stay to the end to hear the FEATURED SONG: 
NovA and the Black Holes - "All Fall Down"

BONUS MxTRA: Doug Gouger and Standup Comedy

~~~

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!

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~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Sample” (from the unreleased home EP, BLACK-EYED SUSAN)

~~~~

I’m jumping right into Part 2 of my new series on great producers through the ages. This week is all about the 1960s, when multitracking became a thing pretty much everywhere.

I’ll name some prominent producers from the decade, talk about the tech, and list my favorite producers, albums, artists & songs.

Are you into 1960s music? What are some of your favorites from this decade? Were you aware of the huge leap in production values & options from the 1950s? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: The five producer archetypes

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “That Is All I Need”

~~~~

Introducing a new series – The Great Producers. I’ll be covering seminal producers decade by decade.

Producers are a vital part of the music recording process. But that wasn’t always the case. In this first episode, I go over their pre-history & origins, and the early development in the 1940s-50s of what it meant to be a music producer.

AND I give you the only definition of “producer” you’ll ever need.

When you listen to music, do you realize how important production considerations were in shaping the sound? Do you wonder who produced it? How it was produced? What decisions were made? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: The First Self-Produced Artists

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Here's the first BONUS MxTRA of Season 8! It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for THREE reasons: 1. I was psyched to dive into this topic, and equally psyched to share it with you; 2. Life gets busy & I need a schedule break, but want to make sure you still get an episode every week of the year; 3. This podcast needs your support, and I want you to know what kind of exclusive content you get when you join me on Patreon.

In this BONUS MxTRA, I review the career of SPANDAU BALLET, a band we in the US know as a one- or two-hit wonder, but were one of the all-time biggest bands in the UK.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I will guide you to finally write the song that’s been inside you for years in just six weeks, by unlocking the confidence, clarity, and craft you’ve had all along. 

Find out more, and schedule a free 30-minute call: 

https://www.nickdematteo.com/thesongcoach

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Sing Owwt”

(from SYNCOPY FOR THE WEIRD)

~~~~

In this week’s thrilling conclusion, I dive into the rest of Kool & the Gang’s career, starting with their most successful album, and continuing to this very year.

How much of their work do you know from the late 1980s and beyond? Did you check out after their success waned, or do you think there are lost songs & albums more people should know? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: My TOP 45 Kool & the Gang songs ranked!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Make Me Break Like Everyday”

(from SYNCOPY FOR THE WEIRD)

~~~~

Consider this a companion piece to the episode on the Pointer Sisters. Kool & the Gang are yet another band with a few hits in the ‘70s, and mega hits in the ‘80s, that we take for granted, because we’re unaware of how long they’ve been together & how much other great music they released. 

I aim to correct that with a comprehensive episode on their history, discography, and more. Get ready to be amazed and often surprised.

How well do you know Kool & the Gang? Are you familiar only with their big hits, or do you know more? What’s your favorite song, album or era? Did you have any idea how varied their musical output has been or how critically acclaimed they were in the 1970s? Are you excited to get into the second half of their career next week? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: ALL the SAMPLED Kool & the Gang songs

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Any Universe”

(from THE SUNSHINE SEMINAR and RECcollection: THE BEST OF REC 2007-2020)

~~~~

If you’ve been a fan of this show, you know that one of my favorite production eras is 1978-82-ish, and that many of my heart artists are New Wave.

So you can imagine how psyched I was to discover the Dylan Jones book, Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics. It’s a first-person chronicle of music’s evolution from punk to post-punk to New Wave – known in the UK as New Romantic – spanning 1975-85. 

That’s the subject of my tenth Book Talk. I describe the book in detail, give my take on some of the ideas put forth, and weigh in on whether or not it’s a worthy read.

Have you read this book? How familiar are you with music history spanning 1975-85, especially in the UK? What artists from that era – if any – are your favorites? Were you aware how different the UK fan experience is from US fans? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: The MEGAHIT Music Stars … Spandau Ballet?

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “You Make Me Wanna”

(from SYNCOPY FOR THE WEIRD and RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

~~~~

There are artists whose presence we take for granted. They had hits, and those hits define them in our memories. But we might overlook how long and rich their contributions have been, and miss out on some of their greatest music.

The Pointer Sisters are one of those artists. We all probably know “I’m So Excited” and “Jump” and all their 1980s hits. We might even know a couple of their 1970s hits. But I guarantee you’re unaware of the majority of their music and history. 

This episode will correct that. It spotlights the first of several artists I’ll cover in Season 8 who deserve to be better known.

How well do you know the Pointer Sisters? Are you familiar only with their big hits, or do you know more? Did you have any idea how varied their musical output has been? What’s your favorite song or era? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: My TOP 35 Pointer Sisters Songs

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Make Me Mic My Mouth”

(from SYZYGY FOR THE WEIRD and RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

~~~~

I’m kicking off Season 8 with YOU. Lots of you chimed in on a bunch of last season’s episodes and beyond, and you KNOW I love to chat. 

Since Season 7 started with an episode titled “Hey A$$holes…”, I considered taking a gentler approach to Season 8. And then I thought about the state of the world and said NOPE.

Expect more fire this season. I’ll go over some of the topics I’ll be doing, and I’d love to hear suggestions from YOU.

Did I mention you? Did I miss something? What topics would you like me to cover in Season 8? Discuss dammit! 

BONUS MxTRA: My take on Charlie Kirk

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk about bands & genres influenced by - and often incorporating - video game music and sounds. From 8-Bit to Chiptune to Nintendocore, music has been featuring video game sounds & styles since the late 1970s, and their influence is more present now than ever.

If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Patreon

Get some merch

~~~~

Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. 

This BONUS MxTRA is in honor of the long awaited sequel to THIS IS SPINAL TAP, dropping this Friday. I go over the full list of dead drummers from Spinal Tap, and talk about why it's one of the many perfect tropes from the brilliant comedy writers & actors behind this juggernaut.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I go over the history of CDs. The technology stretches way farther back than you could possibly guess. And though streaming now rules the day, no format has ever topped the market share of CDs.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Patreon

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~~~~

Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. 

In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk British invasions. You probably know the ones from the 1960s & 1980s. Did you know there were TWO MORE? And I contend we're on the cusp of a FIFTH British invasion.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Too Good To Me” (from WHAT IT IS)

~~~~

To close out Season 7, I’m doing the 18th volume of Death is DUMB. Every year sees its share of major music deaths, but some years & year clusters have more significant deaths than others. It’s looking like 2025 is one of those.

I talk about the major music deaths so far this year, focusing on a prominent handful of the hundreds who have died since January and up to August 7. 

Do you feel like we’ve lost more major stars in 2025 than in recent years? Which music deaths hit you the most? Do you believe deaths come in clusters? Did I leave out any music people you feel should have been included? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Significant Music Death Clusters in History

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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This week’s PODFAST you could call the SUMMER EDITION. Taking down the rhetoric and literally jumping into the fun.

I do a big ol’ verbal mashup of songs featuring the word “jump”, starting with its first surge in the 1930s and going right up to this year. 

I break down why this word has been so ever-present, and why that’s important. AND I rank the TOP TEN JUMP SONGS.

Have you ever noticed how there are almost always songs with “jump” in the air? Why do you think that is? What arethe ones you remember most? What are your favorite “jump” songs? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - it's been a hell of a busy year and gig season. THREE - I don't wanna leave you hanging for a week.

In this BONUS MxTRA, I rank my TOP 40 songs by The Police. Some surprises in there for sure, not the least of which is what a HUGE percentage of Police songs I rank as favorites, considering how few songs they released. You can also see my enthusiasm first hand - and what my face does when I attempt to sing these - by checking out the BONUS MxTRA video: 

VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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FEATURED SONG
REC – “Rhythm 77” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)

This week’s PODFAST is the return of Quick Takes from the Continuum, but with a twist. 

I usually give overviews of new albums, but it’s been hard finding complete albums worth talking about. Instead, I’m doing a midyear check-in on my 2025 playlist. I do one every year, and this year it’s called “2025alive”. 

You’re gonna hear about a TON of new music, from both new and legacy acts, as well as some old music I discovered this year that deserves mention. It’s already pretty damn robust & eclectic, and I guarantee you’ll be surprised more than once.

It’s only on Spotify. If enough people request it, I’ll recreate it on YouTube. 

Nick's 2025alive PLAYLIST

Anything from my playlist that sparks your interest? Anything you’re already listening to? Anything I missed? Anyone remember the fruity drink that inspired my playlist name? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG 

REC – “Linear A (five12four)” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)

~~~~

MUSIC is EVERYTHING is really making up for lost time! For #37 of the series, I throw in my 28 cents on some dos & don’ts for struggling music creators – by which I mean ALL of us who aren’t in the top 1% of earners. AND I conclude with a VERY SHORT LIST of the only things you need to do to succeed. 

I’ve been a struggling music creator my whole life, and have learned through trial and error what works & what doesn’t, what moves the ball forward and what stands in your way. I’m going to go over as much of that as possible, and hopefully leave you with some good info to act on. 

If you’re a struggling music creator – or thinking of jumping in, you’ll get a lot out of this. If you’re not after a career in music, you’ll get some insight into what we go through year after year. And some of it may apply to your situation.

If you’re a music creator, what’s your journey been like? Any common roadblocks? Or anything that always works for you? What do you wish was different? If you’re not a music creator, what have you learned? How can this apply to your situation? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Mega successful artists who were repeatedly rejected

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*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper

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Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - in the middle of tons of gigs, I went and got sick, so I really need this week break. THREE - I really want your opinion on this topic.

This BONUS MxTRA is all about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and years of issues its had finding an identity that's both distinctive and inclusive. I go through the Rock Hall's history, talk about the major issues it's had, and discuss what it's done (if anything) to fix them. Then I go through a short but impactful list of artists who should be in the Hall but still aren't. To see the video of this episode, go here: 

VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

The Song Coach

For the past several episodes, I’ve been promoting my new song coaching service. This 28th PODFAST is an introduction to that. 

It’s not just an introduction, it’s a tutorial. I lay out the basics, tell you my approach, and clue you in to what you’ll learn when you hire me to help you write that song you’ve been sitting on for years. 

Are you ready to take the step, and finally finish your song? Does this episode serve as a solid introduction to how I coach? Have any questions for me? Discuss dammit!

And then let's get to work!

The Song Coach

And stream REC's new album, Kite to Camden!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG 

NICK – “Your Sister” (from THE METROGRANDE SESSIONS)

~~~~

This is the era of back-to-back MUSIC is EVERYTHING episodes! For #36 of the series, I get real about music critics and criticism.

Music criticism has taught us a lot, and often distilled what we need or want to know into digestible forms. But like social media, it’s often filled with assumptions, errors, and biases that color that knowledge in sometimes irreparable ways.

I examine music critics and criticism – the origin and development, the different types of music writing, the pros and cons, and explain why all of it is ultimately somehow wrong, and often misses the point by a mile.

Do you read music criticism? Are you a fan of music writing in general? Have you learned something from it? Do you tend to trust critics? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: How to use music critics for good

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*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC - "Song OK" (from the album, KITE TO CAMDEN - out worldwide!)

~~~~

In my 35th installment of the MUSIC is EVERYTHING opinion series, I throw down on rockism and poptimism, two frequently opposing beliefs about what music is considered good and worthy of respect.

Both beliefs are rooted in music analysis and criticism, and are as prevalent today as they’ve ever been. I go over their history, pros & cons, connect them to common social & political beliefs, and declare which one is superior.

Do you prefer rock to other forms of music? If so, would you say you’re a rockist? Do you prefer pop, hip hop, electronic and other more currently chartable genres over rock? And does that make you a poptimist? Or are you somewhere in the middle, and believe divisions like this are useless? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: What’s wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

~~~~

*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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In ROUND 6 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I dissect college radio. It’s often seen as a haven for new, diverse, and obscure music, and thus more inclusive than mainstream radio. That may be true, but does it have its own gatekeeping issues?

We get into that, as well as its history, current state, how it compares to other forms of independent and online radio, and where it might be going.

Are you a fan of radio in general, or do you exclusively stream your music? Have you ever listened to college radio? What do you think of the health of independent radio? Discuss dammit!

Check out Steve's show, RADIO NOT RADIO, on Mixcloud!

BONUS MxTRA: College radio charts comparison - 1978/84

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - I'm in the middle of a busy gig season. THREE - I had SO MUCH FUN with this topic that I had to share it sooner than later.

This BONUS MxTRA is all about art pop. I give a more accurate definition than any found online, go through the origins & history, genre offshoots, and major players. And I argue that art pop is the MOST IMPORTANT GENRE EVER. Yep, you heard me right. To see the video of this episode, go here: 

VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

The Drop – “Outerloper” (from LONG HELD GRUDGES)

Welcome to MxG’s 10th catchup episode! 

I run down fan comments, mention things I missed, get into some heated disagreements, and talk about why MxG has not just pushed the envelope in Season 7, it’s broken it altogether.

I have only one question for you: What should I talk about next? Discuss dammit!

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

We love drama. We’re constantly looking for scandals, fights, and in general are enticed more by division than harmony.

This PODFAST is an antidote to that. It’s about songs made hits by women that were written mostly or entirely by men. It highlights how well people with clear differences of perspective can work together, and further proves there’s far more cooperation among music creators than there is disharmony.

How many of these songs did you know were written by men? What other hit songs can you think of? Does this change your opinion or feelings about any of these songs? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Linear B (otherside)” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)

ALT FEATURED SONG 

REC - "Eat Salvation" (from KITE TO CAMDEN) 

Twice in the last month, someone has brought up Tears for Fears. One fan compared one of REC’s new songs to them. Another wondered why I’ve done an episode on Duran Duran and not them. They were one of my favorite art pop bands, and are still going strong.

So here it is – a history of Tears for Fears, including their origin, and all solo and side projects. PLUS stay tuned for my ranking of their seven primary albums. I guarantee you will disagree!

Are you a Tears for Fears fan? Do you just know their hits? What are some of your favorite Tears for Fears songs? How about your favorite albums? And how much of their recent music do you know? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Why ART POP is the MOST IMPORTANT GENRE EVER

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" 

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FEATURED SONG

REC (feat. Leslie Baroness) - "Eat Salvation (LR Remix)"

I’ve done 10 episodes on the Beatles, and mentioned them in countless other episodes. Every time I did my research, I’d bump into people who can’t stand Yoko Ono. You can probably guess why.

I’m not one of those people, for so many reasons. I go over all those reasons while diving into Yoko’s history and discography, and explain why she deserves far more respect than she’s ever received.

Are you a Yoko hater? Do you begrudgingly respect her, even if you don’t like her and/or her music? Or do you feel Yoko is an incredibly accomplished artist in her own right? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The films of Yoko Ono

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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FEATURED SONG

REC - "Suddenly" (from IT WASN'T ME !)
 

Last week I heard an old hit song and looked it up. Turns out it was a cover. Moreover, it turns out MANY hit songs were actually the second or third version.

I dig up a bunch of these, some of which I was aware of, and quite a few that surprised me. I have a feeling they’ll surprise you too.

What hit songs were you already aware were covers? Which ones didn’t you know? Which ones did I miss? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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And stay to the end to hear the FEATURED SONG: 
Jass Bianchi (feat. Tal Heller) - "Say No More"

More about Jass:

• Grow With Jass
• Color In Sound (Agency)
• Official Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Jass's human rights & mental health advocacy

~~~

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*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Here's ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for two reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - MxG Daddy needs a break this week!

This one is a walkthrough of a hip hop recording session. It was the bonus for a Season 6 episode on the history of hip hop production. I go through various clips, explaining why I did what I did, and then play the whole song. To SEE the session, go here: 

VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

The Drop – “Flunky Fesh” (from LONG HELD GRUDGES)

This season has been a real stretching experience (country & Christian pop music?!?), and it continues with my take on smooth jazz pop icons Steely Dan. They were the dominant antidote to rock music in the 1970s. Some might say they pioneered yacht rock (insert comment here). 

They’re back in vogue with the younger generations, and I don’t know why. I explore their history, the music, why they’ve been love/hate anti-rebels since they started, why people are into them now, and why they ever were. And I sort through ALL of my hugs and ughs.

Are you a fan of the Dan? Do you just know the hits? Can you not stand them? Do you think they deserve a place in the pantheon of great 1970s artists? And why do you think they’re so popular again? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The best songs that sampled Steely Dan

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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I'm starting a new song coaching service! I have decades of writing and producing hundreds of songs for dozens of artists in dozens of genres, and I'd love for you to be one of those artists.

I work with you at whatever part of the process you’re in, and take you as far as you’d like to go. Have a vague idea, one line, a few chords, half a song, a full song that needs shaping, a song you already love & want recorded, I meet you where you are and help you realize YOUR vision for YOUR song, from conception to recording & even distribution, or any stop in between. 

My rates are simple. Pay for as much or as little time as you want, and I also have discounted package deals. Check out the details on my song coaching page (nickdematteo.com/songcoaching). And then if you’d like to hire me as your song coach, or if you aren’t sure & have more questions, send me a message either way and let’s get started!

SONG COACHING

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And stay to the end to hear the FEATURED SONG: 
Laura Sawosko - "Not What I Do"

More on Laura Sawosko

See the "Rhinestones for Pearls" video!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Laura's 49-year-old family restaurant!

~~~

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*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Guest host Meat gives his take on the complete history of music. Plus a bit of his recipe for cacio e pepe.

Passion beats precision any day of the week.

No questions asked. None answered. Stay silent, dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Meat's Famous Balls

~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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More on Don Cusic

Check out Don's Books!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Don wrote a musical about Minnie Pearl!

~~~

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~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Here's a surprise gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for two reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - MxG Daddy needs a break this week!

This one is tells the truth about vinyl. Yes, we all like to romanticize it. But is the audio quality really better than digital or CDs or cassettes? I lay down the cold, hard facts, and weigh in on my favorite music listening formats.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

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Q Music Co.

Q's coaching

Press Play on Your Music Career

Music Production for Women

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: talking shop with Q on REC's new single

~~~

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!

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~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Listen You People” (from the album LISTEN YOU PEOPLE)

Protest music has been around far longer than the 1960s, far earlier than America’s history of slavery, and far beyond even the history of the USA. Some might say that protest music has been around as long as people have lived in groups and put words to melodies.

Every era has its own versions of protest music – including right now, and all of them are vital. I go through protest music’s long history, its multiple reasons for being, whether or not it’s effective in bringing about change, and how it relates to today’s sociopolitical climate.

Are you a fan of protest music? If so, which songs and from which eras? Do you think protest music does anything beyond giving people a voice? Or do you think politics and social issues should stay out of music? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Do artists have a responsibility to speak out?

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Higher Ground Again” (from the unreleased demo, BLACK-EYED SUSAN)

Christian music has a loooooooooooooong history, likely as old as the religion itself. But it’s only been in the last 70 years or so that Christian music entered pop culture. Since then, it’s been a wildly successful sect of popular music that encompasses a growing number of subgenres, from rock to country to hip hop and beyond.

I kneel down and get serious about this often precisely understood form of music, starting with the ancient prehistory, its birthing into the modern music world, its growth and expansion, and even reveal some artists you had no idea were doing Christian music. And I decide once and for all if it’s any good.

Are you a fan of Christian music? If so, what kind and which artists? Do you like when popular music gets religious? Or would you rather those worlds remain separate? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Mainstream artists who were actually Christian

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Intercept Music

Intercept on Instagram

~~~~

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~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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LISTEN TO THE ALBUM

REC – Kite to Camden
 

Cathryn Lynne is back! She and I get granular with REC’s epic new album, Kite to Camden. We dig into all 14 tracks. Lots of insight, backstories, musical breakdowns, clips from every song, and yet another appearance by our dog, Olga.

Have you heard the album yet? Do any of our revelations surprise you? Do you have different interpretations of the songs? What are your favorite tracks? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA: Listen to the KTC ONE-SHOT – all 14 tracks sequenced together in one 54-minute wav file!

~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Sense Of” (from Listen You People)

Get Pete’s book: THE POLICE: EVERY ALBUM EVERY TRACK

It’s rare that a band that existed for only a few years could have such a huge impact. Sure, the Beatles, but they’re the exception to almost every rule. So are the Police.

The Police were together only nine years (not counting reunions), and released their five albums in just six years. Scant output, but those five albums quickly made them massive, and changed the world of music.

I go into their history, discography, and band dynamics, and also discuss my good friend Pete Braidis’ recent book, THE POLICE: EVERY ALBUM EVERY TRACK.

Were you a fan of the Police? Which era of theirs do you prefer? Did that fandom continue on to Sting’s solo career? How do you think they impacted music? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I rank my 40 favorite Police songs

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Scroll Out” (from Sympathy for the Weird)

Culture Club in the 1980s was both very of its time and head of the times. In many ways, they created much of the 1980s aesthetic, both in music and fashion. They also brought forth cultural issues, a musical amalgam, and an overall mode of expression that were far ahead of the times.

I go through their history and discography, with special focus on their second album, COLOUR BY NUMBERS, as per Patreon supporter Amelia Ray’s request.

Were you a Culture Club fan? Do you feel their cultural impact was as significant as their music? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: a remix mash-up of “Church of the Poison Mind” and Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Deal” (from The Metrogrande Sessions)

In this 25th PODFAST, I get personal.

Longtime fans might be aware that I’m from Philadelphia, and while I’ve been a New Yorker for a couple of decades, Philly is still my favorite city. My third favorite city in the US is New Orleans, which as a musician and music lover makes a ton of sense.

A few years ago, I started noticing a bunch of connections between those two cities. Inspired by watching this year’s Mummer’s Parade (look it up), I decided to finally flesh out these parallel worlds, in music and beyond.

Are familiar at all with either city? Are they among your favorites? Do these connections ring true to you? Are there other connections I missed? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry?”

(from the unreleased country demo co-produced by Mike Farber)

Loyal fans of this podcast might be aware that I’m not a huge fan of country music. But some of it I do like, and I’m willing to bet there’s more I haven’t yet heard that I’d also be into.

In the true spirit of MxG, I’m dedicating this entire episode to country music – the origins, a decade by decade history, and as many subgenres as I can tackle. Along the way we might both discover some great artists and songs.

What’s your relationship with country music? Are you a huge fan? Do you like some things here and there? Or do you hate all of it? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The longest running country music act in history

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Me Happy” (from Kite to Camden)

Life is weird and uncomfortable, full of acres of disappointment strewn with moments of pure fun, love and joy. I’m working to have more gratitude for the good things, because MOST things are good or at least working.

That includes YOU. You have consistently engaged with this show, regardless of the madness going on behind the scenes. You have supported me time and again, despite my moaning. I can’t thank you enough.

This ninth catch-up episode is dedicated to you.

Did I mention you? Did I miss something? What topics would you like me to cover in 2025? Discuss dammit! 

REC on YouTube

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED MUSIC:

Nick's Holiday Playlist

Enjoy this MxG REPLAY from the 2023 holiday season, and enjoy your holidays too!

We hear non-Christmas holiday music all the time – such as non-denominational winter songs like “Let It Snow”. And there other song collections specific to holidays celebrated by fewer people, though no less cherished & important.

There’s about a 100% chance I’m missing some songs, and possibly even some holidays. What do you think I should have included? And is any of this music as special to you as Christmas music? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

FEATURED PLAYLIST

NICK'S HOLIDAY MIX

Okay so I lied. THIS is the holiday PODFAST for 2024.

When I make ranked lists, I often qualify them by saying the numbers are arbitrary and ever shifting. NOT THIS TIME. In fact, for this episode, I don’t need a list at all.

I’m going to name the single BEST holiday song – the one that holds up the best, and which seemingly any artist can cover well and not ever ruin. I’ll also name the absolute WORST one, which no artist can bring to life in a way that overcomes its rudimentary composition and plodding pace.

Do you agree with my choices? What holiday songs would you nominate as best? Which ones can you just not stand? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Almost Everything About You” (from Kite to Camden)

What is the amalgam effect? There are artists whose influences come from multiple sources. Those artists are always listening to something new, or something old they’ve never heard before. They’re insatiable. That hunger shows up in their music, which blends all kinds of sounds and styles into several genres and/or one new genre that defines their career.

I talk about this effect, many of those artists, and the difference between them and artists who generally stay in one or two lanes. I also talk about how both staying to strictly in one lane, OR veering into a whole new genre disingenuously, are often what derails an artist’s career, and I mention some of those artists.

What artists can you think of who do an amalgam of sound? Do you agree with my picks? Who did I miss? Do you prefer these kinds of artists, or ones who do one thing very well? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I break down the influences of The Beatles and Prince

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Sunburn” (from THE SUNSHINE SEMINAR)

https://www.nickdematteo.com/recthesunshineseminar

This is sort of a holiday PODFAST for 2024. We could all use a little relaxation, and what better sound to have on in the background than ambient music. I get into the precursors, the origins, the history, the genres and subgenres. Some of it keeps you engaged by its subtle variation. Some of it lulls you into relaxation or even sleep – by design or by accident.

Are you into ambient music of any kind? What’s your favorite? Does some work for you while other kinds get on your nerves? Or do you find it all too slow and dull? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Way Too Rough” (from the epic new album, Kite to Camden)

In the final part of my albums series, I review what’s been going on this decade, and look ahead to what’s next.

Pop music has been dominant for years, and the same has held true for the 2020s. But as we’re about to enter the back half of this decade, changes are coming. Voices are returning to the dynamic range of the 2000s and early 2010s. Rock music is starting to bubble under like it did in the late 1990s. The sound of the 2020s is finally starting to take shape, and is bringing with it a new interest in albums as distinct works of art.

Because this episode takes us to 2024, it will also include the best albums of this year, as well as my favorites.

What have been your favorite albums of the 2020s so far? Do you feel like music is as strong and diverse as it’s ever been, or are you done with it? What do you see coming in the second half of this decade? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: My favorite albums of 2024

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

Pescelet - "Mind Repuljon" (from the album, IT WASN'T ME !)

In ROUND 5 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I talk about fake music artists. So many have been created for film, TV and beyond. And while most of them don’t measure up to the real thing, some do, and a few have even transcended their original medium to become stars in their ow right.

We also get into how AI has affected the creation of fake artists and fake music over the last 10-20 years.

What fake bands or artists do you remember being better than expected? Do you like when a show or movie inserts a fake band into the story? Or do you find most of them to be pale imitations? Discuss dammit!

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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KITE TO CAMDEN on Bandcamp

KITE TO CAMDEN - THE ONE-SHOT on Patreon

~~~~

FEATURED SONG:

REC – “Eat Salvation” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)

My band REC’s album, KITE TO CAMDEN, dropped on November 8. To celebrate that, Cathryn Lynne interviewed me. She asked me all about KTC – where it came from, why I made it the way I did, what it means, and where it’s going next.

The interview features song clips from the album, gets into why it’s called KITE TO CAMDEN, and tells you exactly how you should listen to it for maximum effect.

Have you heard the album yet? Is there something we didn’t cover in this interview? What do you want to know? And how much did our dog Olga figure into this conversation? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The OTHER interview about the OTHER UNIVERSE

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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REC's new album, KITE TO CAMDEN, is here! You can hear it ONLY on Bandcamp and Patreon.

KTC ON BANDCAMP

KTC ON PATREON

Electro. Pop. Rock. Hip hop. Funk. Ambient. Straight-ahead-ness. Weirdness. All seamlessly sequenced.

BEST EXPERIENCE? Listen non-stop. ALT EXPERIENCE? Check the track listing and start with whatever title piques your interest.

TRACKS:

1. Linear A (five12four)

2. Linear B (otherside)

3. allcaps

4. All On Me

5. Almost Everything About You

6. Way Too Rough

7. Rhythm 77

8. Porch Step

9. Song OK

10. Twist My Kite

11. Eat Salvation

12. You Know You're Right

13. Me Happy

14. The Mad Philosopher

~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/wake-up-high

~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

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For more about Alex:

The Rock-N-Roll Show Podcast on YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Did Alex write and co-produce the movie Road House 2?

~~~~

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~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC - "The Mad Philosopher" (from the album, KITE TO CAMDEN, dropping November 8)

In the 34th installment of my highly opinionated subseries, MUSIC is EVERYTHING, I dissect audiophiles.

While there are clear benefits to listening to and creating music with optimal production values, in the “best” format, on a top-notch system, and in an ideal setting, there are also clear downsides that disrespect the experience of music – and even the music itself. I break all this down from both the listener and creator sides.

Are you an audiophile? If so, are you able to enjoy music that doesn’t meet your standards? If not, does it bother you at all when music doesn’t sound as good as it could? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The TRUTH about VINYL

~~~

*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “One Minute Shy of Forever” (from WHAT IT IS)

Oasis is reuniting. The response has been 100% ‘90s. Yay. Whatever. They were great. They were overrated. I’m ready to set the record straight.

I go through their music album by album, and talk about what their actual place in history is, including how they spearheaded the THIRD British Invasion, one the record books seem to have overlooked. 

Are you an Oasis fan? Did you think they were as great as people (and they themselves) claimed to be? What do you think about their reunion? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: There were actually FOUR BRITISH INVASIONS

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Me You & Everyone” (from THE SUNSHINE SEMINAR)

We’re almost at the end! In Part 7.2 of my albums by decade series, I tackle the second half of the 2010s. The continued fracturing in and out of the music world was creating more diversity than ever. But the industry in general was shrinking. Far fewer albums were being released by record labels, and far more music was being posted everywhere online, making self-releases like mixtapes more influential than ever before.

While the power to create and share was more than ever in the hands of artists, the power to succeed and make any kind of profit or living was diminishing rapidly. Things were great. Things were horrible. No one knew what the hell was going on.

All those outer pressures of industry and format changes, and the inner pressures of artists having to rethink what it meant to release music people would actually hear and to somehow make any money on it, meant that the concept of “album” was being deconstructed and somewhat reformed.

What were your favorite albums of the second half of the 2010s? Were you still listening to full albums at that point? Did you have any idea how chaotic things were becoming? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: How businesses, artists and fans can help musicians earn more

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

The Drop – “Rocket Trip, Man”

(from LONG HELD GRUDGES and the soundtrack to the motion picture, DEALeR)

In Part 7.1 of my albums by decade series, I tackle the first half of the 2010s. Physical sales had already started dropping in the 2000s. By the mid 2010s, all physical formats were well under half the market share of digital and streaming, and it was only the beginning.

We might forget, though, that until later in the decade, physical sales were still a force. Despite the 2000s being seen as the turning point from physical to digital, it’s really the 2010s where the changeover happened. As it did, the definition of what an album is started to change as well, with packaging and sequence becoming far less important than singles and whatever would get music to sell online.

What were your favorite albums of the first half of the 2010s? Do you think albums still had cultural influence? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: How the physical/digital crossover left musicians behind

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC - "You Know You're Right" (unreleased, from the upcoming album, KITE TO CAMDEN)

When I encounter a critic, podcaster, musician or fan who acts like they’re the authority, like their opinion is law, I kinda go ballistic. You already know I believe discriminating based on genre is at best personal bias, and at worst thinly veiled social prejudice.

This Season 7 debut episode will go into how generational bias may be the worst bias of all. I’ll also preview some of this year’s topics, and what else might be in store.

Whether you believe all music from all eras has about the same mix of quality, regardless of your preferences, or you think today’s music sucks compared to some made-up golden era you wish you were still in, this episode is for you.

I’m ready for the love. And I’m ready for a fight. Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I NAME NAMES

~~~

*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Please consider supporting MxG. This podcasts exists only because of generous listeners & supporters like you.

MxG on Patreon

Subscribe to MxG on YouTube

Official Website of Nick DeMatteo

And here's where you can find the music that inspired my creation of MxG, from my band REC:

REC on Bandcamp

Subscribe to REC on YouTube

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~~~~

Here's the final gift BONUS MxTRA episode.

This one is on the history of zines. Paper or digital, they've been around for almost a century. They've covered just about everything, and music of all kinds has been a huge part of that.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

~~~

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~~~~

Here's the third of four gift episodes I call the BONUS MxTRAs.

This one is on the history of the digital music format. Once again, it's a MUCH LONGER history than anyone could guess.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

~~~

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~~~~

Here's the second of four gift episodes I call the BONUS MxTRAs.

This one is all about the women of 1990s music, in every genre. It's arguably the decade when women broke from the pack, and began their ascent to the domination they've achieved in the last ten years.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

~~~

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~~~~

With Season 6 over, and a hopeful Season 7 in prep, I'm gifting first of four BONUS MxTRA episodes.

This one is all about the history of the cassette, and goes back way farther in history than you could ever guess.

If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.

Enjoy!

~~~

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~~~~

Season 6 FINALE - The FREEWHEELING CATCH-UP MACHINE #8 – LIVE CHAT with YOU

This is the final episode of Season 6, and it’s all about YOU. In fact this time, YOU are actually THERE.

I catch up with fan comments LIVE with some actual fans and show contributors, and close with a real-time conversation.

Were you one of those commenters? Would you be up for joining in the discussion next time? What do you want to see for Season 7? Discuss dammit!

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

The Drop feat. Nick DeMatteo – “Ponmela” (Voltio cover - from IT WASN’T ME !)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

In this penultimate Season 6 episode, I swim around in a topic I’ve been reluctant to get back to: people who have created amazing and often iconic work, yet whose behavior and/or beliefs make them reprehensible to one degree or another.

I lay out the premise, and then use musicians and others as examples to further discuss. And, unlike in my Michael Jackson episode, this time around I come to some very concrete conclusions.

What’s your take on all this? We’ve all consumed works by heinous people. Which of those do you still appreciate? Which if any have you shunned? Do you think it’s possible to respect a person’s work without respecting them? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Responding to your comments (coming soon)

~~~

*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"

https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/in-your-dreams-tonight-remastered-2022

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/outerloper

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 34 - BackTalk with Steve Erickson – ROUND 4: Charli XCX

In Round 4 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I discuss Charli XCX. We unravel her history and get into her new album, Brat.

We make the case that she's consistently been one of the most idiosyncratic and innovative pop stars of the 21st century. And we somehow get to comparing her to both Drake and Post Malone.

Do you know Charli XCX's music? Have you heard Brat? How do you think she compares to other pop stars? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Outtakes!

Find out more about Steve:

http://steeveecom.wordpress.com

http://callinamagician.bandcamp.com/

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Just About to Die” (from Parts and Labour)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

In Part 6.2 of my history of albums, I tackle the second half of the 2000s. It was chaotic and ever shifting, growing and metastasizing all over the place, yet we had no idea where it was headed.

Album releases peaked, but by the end of the decade singles ruled again, and sales of CDs and downloads were about even. The internet staked its claim on revenue, distribution, and especially creativity, morphing and expanding albums and music in general in unexpected ways.

What are your favorite albums from the last half of the 2000s? Did you listen to them mostly on CDs or as downloads? How did you handle the rapid switch from physical to digital music? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Did the “singles culture” destroy music?

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

NICK – “On the One” (from The Metrogrande Sessions)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Season 6 Episode 32 - What’s an ALBUM?? And WHY?? – Part 6.1: The 2000s – EXPLOSIONS EVERYWHERE

In Part 6.1 of my history of albums, I tackle the first half 2000s. It was a volatile decade full of incredible music and incredible changes. Some of the greatest albums were released, while album sales themselves exploded and then rapidly dropped, upending the industry. In short, the 2000s were explosive in every direction – good and bad.

What are your favorite albums from the first half of the 2000s? Do you remember the explosion of music in every direction? Did you feel like you knew where things were going, and were you right? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: A brief history of digital music

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

PODFAST #22 - PATREON EXCLUSIVE: The TRUE History of Rock n Roll

Welcome to a very special PODFAST #22. I bring you EXCLUSIVE CONTENT from MxG on Patreon.

This is the BONUS MxTRA episode I shared with my supporters for Season 6 Episode 30 on Elvis, and it's all about the TRUE history and origins of rock n roll. You may think it started in the 1950s. You might guess it's origins are in the 1940s. You're right ... and you're SO WRONG.

This is the kind of content I provide on Patreon. Please consider joining me there: https://www.patreon.com/MUSICisnotaGENRE/membership

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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Both of us had a similarly diverse mix of tastes and influences. We get into how that happened, what it did to us, and where it went. We also break down the creative process, and what part economics plays in it. 

Find out more about Amelia:

Amelia Ray Official

Join Amelia's Fan Club!

Amelia on Instagram

Amelia on Facebook

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Jellyfish?!?

FEATURED SONG

Amelia Ray - "Orderville" (from the forthcoming soul-rock opera, Scenes from an Icelandic Novel)

~~~~

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~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

Nicky DeMatteo (Dad) – “Suspicious Minds” (Elvis cover – previously unreleased)

Season 6 Episode 30 - Death is DUMB Volume 17: Elvis – All He’s Crackered Up to Be?

In the 17th volume of my Death is DUMB series, I finally get to Elvis. We know his tragic death, but when was the last time we considered his complete body of music?

I survey his career from beginning to end – all the highs and lows, and weigh in on whether or not he deserves the praise on both a cultural and especially a musical level.

Are you an Elvis fan? Rabid? Casual? Love/hate? Or just plain hate? Which period(s) do you prefer, if any? How do you feel about his legacy? Do you think he was truly the King of Rock n Roll? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The true origins of rock n roll

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

FEATURED SONG

REC – “all caps” (unreleased, from the upcoming album, KITE TO CAMDEN)

Season 6 Episode 29 - BOOM BAP - The History of Hip Hop Production

Hip hop has been a favorite world of mine for decades. I’ve been listening to and creating it since I was a pre-teen, and I’m endlessly fascinated by how it’s evolved.

This week’s episode goes over the history of hip hop production, from its start at live shows using drum breaks and other DJ loops, to its use of live disco-ish instruments, to the incorporation of drum machines and synths, and well beyond. I break it down by decade, note key changes and eras, and predict where it’s going next.

What’s your favorite era of hip hop production? Do you prefer old school, golden age, or something more specific or contemporary? Where do you think hip hop production is headed next? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Walkthrough of a hip hop production session

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

PODFAST #21 - Top 10 Albums FACEOFF

FEATURED ALBUM

REC – Parts and Labour (2007)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

In PODFAST #21, I pit Rolling Stone’s 2023 top 10 albums ever picks against Apple Music’s 2024 picks.

Ranking lists are always subjective, and are best consumed as a collection of recommended picks that you can put in any order you want. That said, they’re hella fun to consider.

Which top ten list do you favor? Do you agree with either one? What would be your top ten albums ever? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Peggy’s Eyes” (from LISTEN YOU PEOPLE)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Season 6 Episode 28 - What’s an ALBUM?? And WHY?? – Part 5.2: THe '90s Album SUPERNOVA

In Part 5.2 of my history of albums, I do the back end of the 1990s. This decade was the peak for albums – both in sales and in size. CDs quickly rose and sold more albums than any other format in history. And they allowed artists to balloon their albums from the decades-long standard of around 40 minutes, to as much as 75 minutes.

Albums morphed in a way that eventually obscured their importance as a standalone work of art. At the same time, some of history’s greatest were released in the 1990s. The ‘90s were maybe the most volatile mix of new & retro ever.

What are your favorite albums from the second half of the 1990s? Do you feel this was a strong time for albums in general? Can you see how albums – and music culture in general – were changing and dissembling rapidly towards the end of the decade? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Top 10 singles 1988-2002 – where was the rock?

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Zuzu’s Petals” (from Your EP and 96/95)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Season 6 Episode 27 - What’s an ALBUM?? And WHY?? – Part 5.1: '90s DIVERSITY or Whatever

In Part 5.1 of my history of albums, I go through the first half of the 1990s. This decade was the peak for albums – both in sales and in size. CDs quickly rose and sold more albums than any other format in history. And they allowed artists to balloon their albums from the decades-long standard of around 40 minutes, to 75 minutes or longer. Albums morphed in a way that would eventually obscure their importance as a standalone work of art. At the same time, some of history’s greatest albums were released in the 1990s.

I take us through 1994, and show how the explosion of album releases and diversity gave us some of the most iconic music ever, but also started the fracturing that would come to define the music scene – and the world – in decades to come.

What are your favorite albums from the first half of the 1990s? Do you remember how diverse music was becoming? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Women in 1990s music

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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FEATURED SONG

NICK – “Behind the Shadow (original version)” (from Listen You People)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Season 6 Episode 26 - King's X - ADVENTING the '90s

This week’s episode is a fan pick! I’m profiling King’s X, the legendary progressive metal funk band. I go through their whole history and catalog. I knew next to nothing about this band, so the discoveries have been exciting.

I also dive into their connection (or not) to Christian rock, and how they evolved in ways that to me are far more humanist, and emblematic of a true spiritual path, than artists (or people) who stay devoutly in the full-faith Christian lane.

Do you know anything about King’s X? Are you a fan? How did/do you feel about their non-Christian rock status? Can you hear how they influenced so much of hard rock in the 1990s? Discuss dammit!!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The many parallels between King’s X and Faith No More

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

PODFAST #20 - Weird Band Names

FEATURED SONG:

The Drop feat. Buttered Rollins - "Doin' It in My House" (from IT WASN'T ME !)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

The topic for PODFAST #20 comes from Patreon supporter, Julie. She suggested I do an episode on weird band names. Weird, like beauty and porn, is subjective. My wife thinks all band names are weird.

I believe some rise above the rest. I list a bunch of those through history – famous and not so much. I also point out some naming trends that have come and gone and often returned. And I talk about some weird band names I’ve come up with and actually made real.

What are some of your favorite weird band names? What are some names I missed? Which names I mentioned do you think aren’t weird at all? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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FEATURED SONG

REC – “Twist My Kite” (new single from upcoming album, KITE TO CAMDEN)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Season 6 Episode 25 - The Freewheeling Catch-Up Machine #7 – Fan Economics

Get ready for the seventh catch-up episode. More and more of you have been commenting lately, so I gots to do more of these.

Lots of talk about Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and others. And a large chunk of comments on economics.

There’s a good chance you’re mentioned in this episode. If you haven’t commented yet, what are you waiting for? Discuss dammit!

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Season 6 Episode 24 - Music Videos – Do They Matter??

FEATURED SONG

REC – “Final Call” (music video)

(from Sympathy for the Weird and RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

SEE ALL REC MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s MxG goes over the history of music videos. They stretch back way farther than you’d guess.

I talk about their development, their significance through the eras, and whether they matter at all in relation to consuming, understanding, and enjoying music.

Are you into music videos? What are some of your favorites? Do you prefer to consume music this way, or would you rather just listen? Discuss dammit!

BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Porn!

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Season 6 Episode 23 - BackTalk with Steve Erickson – ROUND 3: Tierra Whack and Kim Gordon

In Round 3 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I discuss new albums by two solo female artists: Tierra Whack's WORLD WIDE WHACK, and Kim Gordon's THE COLLECTIVE.

Though Whack and Gordon come from very different backgrounds, it's surprising how many parallels there are between these two albums.

Have you heard them yet? Which do you like, if any? Can you find the parallels between the two? Discuss dammit!

Find out more about Steve:

http://steeveecom.wordpress.com

http://callinamagician.bandcamp.com/

~~~

*music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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It's pretty dang short, so listen if you can (hell, do it on 2.0). Once you have, please consider visiting any of these links:

GoFundMe - I desperately need your support

MxG & REC on Patreon

REC on Bandcamp

Thank you!

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~~~~

PODFAST #19 - Why YOU Deserve $50,000

FEATURED LINKS:

Get the "Give me $50,000" shirt!

Get the "Give me $50,000" mug!

Read the full manifesto!

~~~~

FEATURED SONG:

REC – “Make Me Mic My Mouth” (from Syzygy for the Weird and RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

When we last PODFASTED, I read you my treatise, The $50,000 Manifesto, and discussed each part. The response was underwhelming.

This is a topic that deserves more airtime and deeper connections. So I’m dedicating PODFAST 19 to expounding, explaining, & extrapolating the ideas the treatise contains.

What I want from you is NOT $50,000. Unless you have it to spare, then fork it the f*ck over! What I do want are your thoughts, questions, protests, cheers, and anything else you’d like to contribute. I’d also love it if you spread the word, either by getting a shirt or mug, or sharing this episode.

And if you’d like to donate just a pinch of dough, try one of these links:

PATREON

BANDCAMP

GOFUNDME

Let me have it – discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 22 - TWO-Hit Wonders

FEATURED SONG:

NICK – “Scream” (from The Metrogrande Sessions)

SCREAM IT EVERYWHERE

You’ve heard of one-hit wonders, and you probably know at least a couple dozen of those songs. What you might not know is that many of those bands actually had more than one hit.

In this episode, I bust the myth of one-hit wonders by using my criteria to show that most of those artists charted at least twice, if not more. I also talk about other well-known artists who had just a couple of hits. And I discuss how many of these artists had longer & more successful careers than you might think.

Which songs or artists come to mind when you think of one-hit wonders? Can you recall those artists having another hit, or does that come as a surprise to you? What non-one-hit wonders did I miss? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Live acoustic original song and cover of a song by The Romantics

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Pete is a high school teacher in Haddon Township, NJ.

He's also the founder, guitarist and principal songwriter of the seminal South Jersey "alt" band, The Ape Cafe, for which I was the lead singer and keyboardist.

Listen to Ape Cafe music

And Pete is the author of three music books, including the forthcoming The Police: every album, every song, which you can preorder now. Get all his books here:

The Police: every album, every song

Asia: every album, every song

Unstrung Heroes: Fifty Guitar Greats You Should Know

FEATURED SONG:

The Ape Cafe – “Granny"

BONUS EPISODE - Outtakes!

~~~~

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~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

PODFAST #18 - Give Me $50,000

FEATURED LINKS:

Read the full manifesto!

Get the "Give me $50,000" shirt!

Get the "Give me $50,000" mug!

~~~~

Lately I’ve been talking more about how all music careers involve a cost-benefit analysis. Whether a superstar, making a living, or barely making any money at all, every musician must assess and reassess whether it’s worth it to continue, and if so, how.

The bottom line is … the bottom line. All artists need money. Money to create. Money to live. Most of us don’t make much, and have to supplement our incomes. Or worse yet, we’re urged to ask for money from fans, friends & family – people who often have as little as we do.

I gave this a lot of thought, and realized there’s a solution. I called it THE $50,000 MANIFESTO, and published it on social a couple of years ago. To our ears it might sound radical, even outrageous. But it’s not unprecedented. Plenty of countries and eras have implemented it.

So on PODFAST 18, I’m going to read my manifesto in full. I’ll then explain why & how it connects to a podcast about music, and what if anything you can do about it. It’s an episode like no other.

Thoughts? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 20 - What’s an ALBUM?? And WHY?? – Part 4.2: The 1980s

FEATURED SONG:

REC – “In Your Dreams Tonight”

(cover of the Agent Orange song, from Syzygy for the Weird and IT WASN’T ME !)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

In the exciting conclusion of Part 4 of my history of albums, we close out the 1980s.

We’ve already seen how quickly music changed in the first half of the decade. In the second half, popular music absorbed more of the underground sound and style, creating an even deeper divide that gave even more power to the industry, and drove indie scenes even deeper underground.

And as the megastar machine became more and more top-heavy, the underground was preparing for a takeover that even they didn’t see coming.

How do you feel about the second half of the 1980s as compared to the first half? Do you prefer it? Does it sound more ‘80s to you? Can you hear how the divide between the super popular and the indie was setting up a major shift in the next decade? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: The history of the CD!

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Season 6 Episode 19 - What’s an ALBUM?? And WHY?? – Part 4.1: The 1980s – Indie Vs. Pop | MxG - Season 6 Episode 19

FEATURED SONG:

Business of Ferrets – “Komputers & Kognac”

(feat. Nick DeMatteo & Pete Braidis, from IT WASN’T ME !)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

In Part 4 of my history of albums, we’ve made it to the 1980s. The 1980s are considered a big decade for singles, so we often forget that some of the greatest and biggest selling albums were released then.

I talk about those albums, as well as lesser known notable albums, and how technology influenced their crafting. As synths and recording became more and more affordable, artists were able to take more control over how an album was produced and crafted. This created the first true underground scenes, and split music and album development between the big stars of the industry pop machine and smaller artists of the indie label scenes.

NOTE: Because I know more about the 1980s than previous decades, I’m splitting this episode into two parts. This week’s episode will go to 1985.

What are your favorite albums from the first half of the 1980s? Do you think these albums hold up to the greats from other decades? How do you feel about 1980s production values in comparison to the 1970s and 1990s? When you think of the 1980s, do you identify more with the first or second half of the decade? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Cassettes! Their history, and their significance in different eras.

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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Jed has composed music for Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go. He’s also the founder and songwriter for the band Joy Buzzer, whose new album, Pleased to Meet You, is coming out on Wicked Cool records later this year.

Jed is currently accepting students in Brooklyn. If you want lessons in piano, guitar, electric bass, ukulele, Pro Tools or GarageBand, contact Jed here:

https://www.beckersongs.com/

For more on Jed and his music:

https://jedbecker.com/

https://joybuzzerband.com/

FEATURED SONG:

Joy Buzzer – “Judy, Judy, Judy” (from the forthcoming album, Pleased to Meet You)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jggVSqkutzY

BONUS EPISODE - Outtakes!

~~~~

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~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

PODFAST #17 - Nick’s VIBEMATIC: 1. Playlist Jan 2024

FEATURED LINKS:

Nick's January Playlist on Spotify

Nick's January Playlist on YouTube

GET THE SHIRT!

~~~~

For PODFAST 17, I’m starting something ELSE new. A playlist review.

Every year I make a playlist of songs I like that I can imagine putting on at a party. Last year’s list was too huge to appreciate in any enjoyable way. So this year I’ve decided to make MONTHLY playlists instead.

This PODFAST is all about my January 2024 playlist. I make it on Spotify, but for you I’ve also recreated it on YouTube. It’s NOT A MIX. There’s no flow to the sequence. It’s just a collection of songs I like this month, meant to be played on shuffle.

As with all my playlists, it’s not just about stuff that recently debuted. It’s anything I ran across that I wanted to hear more than a few times. And it’s always hella eclectic. You’ll be surprised how much discussion this generates.

Anything on my playlist that grabs you? What’s on your playlist this month? Discuss dammit!

~~~~

*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 17 - The Kinks – The BIGGEST INDIE BAND in HISTORY

FEATURED SONG:

NICK – “Just the Same” (from 96 / 95)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

This week’s episode is on the Kinks, the most overlooked and underrated of the big four 1960s British Invasion bands.

They have been acclaimed by critics and musicians, and have influenced disparate styles and bands in every decade since they formed. Punk, metal, chamber pop and Britpop are just a few of the genres they helped shape, and in some ways pioneered.

I go through their history, their albums, make the case that they might have been more quietly influential than even the Rolling Stones, and argue that it’s possible they’re the biggest indie band in history.

Are you a Kinks fan? Where do they fall for you in the British Invasion hierarchy? Do you think they deserve more recognition? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Live acoustic versions of a Kinks song and an original

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 16 - Bleep Boop – Video Game Music is SUPER EPIC LEGEND

FEATURED SONG:

REC – “Korean Pop Song” (from The Sunshine Seminar)

STREAM IT EVERYWHERE

Video games have been a part of our lives for almost 50 years. Almost all of those games have had music associated with them. Some of that music has become iconic, even to non-gamers.

This week’s MxG is all about video game music. Where it came from. How it developed. What it has inspired. I go into the full history, and name check a bunch of legendary & favorite songs & soundtracks.

What are some of your favorite video game songs? Can you hum one right now, even though you haven’t heard it in years? Do you think video game music can be as good as “regular” music? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Genres Inspired by Video Game Music

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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~~~~

Season 6 Episode 15 - Death is DUMB Volume 16: Death is DRUM

FEATURED SONG:

REC – “All On Me (lo-fi)” (from the upcoming album Kite To Camden (lo-fi))

https://www.nickdematteo.com/recsingleallonme

This volume of Death is DUMB is dedicated to drummers. There have been way too many tragic drummer deaths over the decades.

I go over as many of them as I can, including some recent deaths tragic or not, and do my best to pay tribute to these great musicians.

Were any of these drummers your favorites? Which deaths hit you the most? Are there drummers I totally missed? Discuss dammit!

BONUS VIDEO: Spinal Tap's many dead drummers

~~~

*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

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