So So / Cool

Indie Music of the Early Aughts

podcast@sosocool.fm (Tom Gordon, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:52:16 +0000

Greetings fans! How have you been? You haven’t heard from us for a while because we’ve been in the lab preparing an exhaustive rundown of an entire genre! But now we’re back, coming in hot with a fresh new format: responding to a list we found on Reddit!

In this memerific episode we’re talking about Indie rock of the aughts and addressing the quality and comprehensiveness of one person’s definitive list of the genre/period. We’ll answer all your burning questions – what is Indie? Is Indie actually a genre? Is Len better than OMC? etc. And, in a thrilling conclusion, we’ll each unveil our own top three bands from the list! We’re joined in this adventure by yet another of our highly accomplished friends and So So / Cool superfan Tommy G (aka the Saxmurderer).

So, join us and hear Brandon extol the virtues of eighth note strumming and British accents, Matt again discuss his favorite musical subgenre, Bro-pop, Joe lament the list’s troubling dearth of sad sack Americana music, and Tom’s solemn remembrance of his childhood dog ole’ Dincubus.

And as always, be sure to support the artists by purchasing their work on iTunes or wherever you get your music:

Do You Want To by Franz Ferdinand
Prog by Pinback
Taxi Cab by Vampire Weekend
Clark Gable by The Postal Service
Dancing Shoes by Arctic Monkeys
Caring Is Creepy by The Shins
7/4 (Shoreline) by Broken Social Scene
The Party's Crashing Us by Of Montreal
This Scene Is Dead by We Are Scientists
Fine for Now by Grizzly Bear
Marching Bands of Manhattan by Death Cab for Cutie
Bryn by Vampire Weekend

Notable timestamps:

00:05:17 The bands on the list
00:08:03 What is Indie?
00:44:57 Unveiling our picks
00:57:15 Start of the listening section

Punch Brothers, "Antifogmatic"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:04:15 +0000

Okay fans, strap on your suspenders, throw back a mason jar full of moonshine, and get ready for some stomp-clapping, because this week we’re talking about Americana. More specifically, we’re listening to the bluegrass-adjacent 2010 album “Antifogmatic” by Punch Brothers. But while this record features classic bluegrass instrumentation, the band’s music stretches way beyond the genre, incorporating elements of jazz, country, and chamber music. The guys discuss the band’s unique blend of experimentation and virtuosic musicianship, mixed with dynamic and accessible songwriting. Brandon also shares his early appreciation of lead singer Chris Thile’s previous band, Nickel Creek, and hypothesizes about the fundamental role of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack in early 2000s pop culture. Plus, Joe breaks down before he can even introduce himself, and Matthew admits how much he loves big round bottoms.

This is our final episode of season 2, meaning we’ll be taking a short break. Thanks everybody for listening along with us this season. Make sure to keep following us on Instagram and we’ll be back before you know it. Stay Frosti!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Antifogmatic" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

John Frusciante, "Shadows Collide With People"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:12:55 +0000

This week we’re bringing you a pod to play to when you’re lonely, or in any other mood really, as we listen to John Frusciante’s 2004 album “Shadows Collide with People”. Matthew kicks things off by expressing a regret from his past. Then the guys play one their favorite games – “Is This Rock?” – as they discuss the eclectic combination of electronica, folk, and pop on the record. After some sober discussion, the pod goes slightly off the rails as our hosts discuss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Brandon proposes some John Frusciante-branded snack ideas, Joe crushes it with some really funny jokes, and Matthew starts talking about porkchops. So, go grab yourself a Carvel cake, reach inside your big death bag, and join us for another week of antics. And please, be anyone you want to be.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Shadows Collide With People" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

The Postal Service, "Give Up"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 2 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Tell me, am I right to think that there could be nothing better than listening to some dudes talking about the Postal Service? We hope so, because this week we’re breaking down the band’s one and only studie: "Give Up", from 2003. In this ep, which was definitely recorded today, March 2, our hosts debate the significance of this seminal record and elder Millennial cultural touchstone. We also toss out some fun musical micro-genres like 8-bit, Glitch, Intelligent Dance Music, Eno-Core and more! Plus, Brandon prepares for his post-apocalyptic career as the Mad Max guitar guy, Matt experiments with alternate pronunciations of Dntel, and Joe tries not to cry. And joining us for all the fun is our friend, former bandmate, and wearer of an ironic, thrift store T-shirt and sherpa-lined jacket - William Noone!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Give Up" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Coheed and Cambria, "No World for Tomorrow"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 19:11:40 +0000

Alright all you Gravemakers and Gunslingers, this week we’re running free as we listen to Coheed and Cambria’s 4th studie, "No World for Tomorrow". Our trio of hosts try to pin down exactly what genre this album fits into. Is it prog? Is it hair metal? Is it cock rock? Listen along as Joe explains why this album reminds him of Ted Nugent kicking down doors, Brandon talks about “scratching an itch” an uncomfortable number of times, and Matthew just can’t wait to get to The End Complete (and i’m not talking about the song).

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "No World for Tomorrow" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Beck, "Sea Change"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:52:00 +0000

Put your hands on the wheel, and let the weight of the world drift away, because this week we discuss Beck's 2002 album “Sea Change”. This record, a major departure from Beck’s previous work, features sparse and expressive songwriting juxtaposed with dreamlike string arrangements and production flourishes. The songs explore feelings of heartbreak, desolation, and solitude, creating a palpable sense of melancholy throughout most of the record. Matt and Joe—both experienced “sad boys”—share their nostalgic connection to this music, while Brandon wonders how many sad slow songs you can put on one record. Listen along to find out and stick around to hear compelling John Fogerty impressions and references to some previously unreleased So So / Cool content. Let the Golden Age begin!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Sea Change" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Jeff Buckley, "Grace"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 9 Feb 2023 17:05:53 +0000

I heard there was a secret pod, that a few fans played while they took a jog. But you don’t really care for music podcasts, do you? Well, then check out the Daily or something because this week we’re talking about Jeff Buckley (or is it Buck Jeffley?), and his 1994 album “Grace”. This is Buckley’s only studio album released by during his life, and it has become a seminal pop record over the last couple decades. We talk about some of the many artists that have borrowed from Buckley’s sound and the many musicians that influenced him. We also discuss the mixed blessing of his iconic cover of "Hallelujah", and highlight Buckley’s emotionally moving vocal performance, particularly his impressive wails (or is it whales?). Continuing the odd wordplay theme, we workshop some potential album titles. Also, Brandon reveals his intense love of Bob Seger, Joe tries in vain to sound like Freddie Mercury, and Matt blows our minds with a new theory of time. Join us. It’ll be so real.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Grace" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Ben Folds Five, "Whatever and Ever Amen"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 2 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Every fan gather round now, while the So So / Cool Five sings you a song. Well… actually we’re not singing, so much as bringing you another episode of selfless, cold, and composed musical analysis. And this week we’re talking about Ben Folds Five’s sophomore 1997 album “Whatever and Ever Amen.” This record was in heavy rotation for all of us in our happy high school days, so join us to see which parts of the album still hold up and which parts fall a bit flat. We talk at length about the band's virtuosic musicianship, lush arrangements, and iconic commitment to fuzz bass. We also break down how the band’s songwriting talents led to some great tunes, but left much to be desired on the lyrics front. Plus, you can hear us try to figure out if any of these songs include piano, and Joe makes a startling admission about Girl Scout cookies.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Whatever and Ever Amen" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

PJ Harvey, "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:44:33 +0000

Can you hear them? The helicopters? Well we’re sorry! We don’t have a professional podcast studio yet. At least we aren’t sitting in silence because for the second time in the last few weeks, Matthew talks us through an artist and album we were not super familiar with. This time, it’s PJ Harvey and her 2000 album, “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.”

Join us as we share our initial impressions of Harvey’s music and bob our heads along with her subtle but frequent use of odd meters. We also dive into topics such as her elusiveness when it comes to genre, her distinct songwriting that leans heavily into dynamics and expression, debate whether we would describe this album as melodic, and look at how this record was distinctly 90s while simultaneously forging new ground and anticipating many alternative/indie music trends to come later in the decade. Because we know you love it, we also spend way more time than usual figuring out (or attempting to but failing) the time signatures. See if you can spot the 7/4 we totally glossed over. And make sure to listen closely to hear Joe and Brandon show off an alarming exuberance for Harrison Ford trivia.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Primus, "Frizzle Fry"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000

We are gathered here today in the majestic halls of old to honor an album called “Frizzle Fry.” That’s right fans, despite being plagued by insecurity, and having minds numbed by too many puppies, our overaged hosts will attempt to analyze Primus’ 1990 debut studio album. We dig into a band that truly defies the laws of tradition in their sound and approach, and yet still managed to become shockingly popular throughout the 90s. Join us as we call old Swamp up on the telephone and sift through their difficult to pin down music—borrowing liberally from 70s funk, prog rock, and metal—and discuss how their unique eclecticism was embraced by jam band stans while also influencing an array of alternative and metal bands of the late 90s/2000s. We also talk about how their ability to appeal to diverse music communities can create interesting sonic bedfellows. Finally, listen along to find out if Joe can suppress his exuberance for Primus and successfully eat a carrot. But be warned, this episode is a crusade only of the brave.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Frizzle Fry" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Fiona Apple, "When the Pawn …"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000

We are doing this on purpose, but we hope we’re not making a mistake by dedicating this week’s episode to Fiona Apple’s 1999 album, “When the Pawn …”. While this album is relatively new to two of our hosts, we’re doing way more than scratching the surface—analyzing Apple’s unique songwriting and vocal style, and the innovative production and instrumentation of her sophomore record. Then join us as we do another detour to talk about which era of the Beatles a particular guitar solo sounds like, whether we hear cabaret influence, and the many ways we can relate this album to Chumbawamba (a couple, surprisingly). Finally, if you listen closely, you can hear the exact moment Matt and Joe’s fingers turn to fists, when they think of Brandon’s suggestion of dedicating an episode to his favorite band (Limp Bizkit).

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "When the Pawn …" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Jurassic 5, "Power in Numbers"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 5 Jan 2023 20:27:00 +0000

Happy new year fans! This year, the So So / Cool saga continues with more candy for your ears. We’re dropping our first episode of 2023 on Jan. 5 about J5 (see what we did there?). That’s Jurassic 5, if you’re not a Rhodes Scholar for the dollar. Specifically, we’re discussing their 2002 album “Power in Numbers.” Join us as we unlock the alpha and omega code of J5’s versatile rhymes, the distinct styles of their two DJs/producers, and the group’s deep commitment to taking rap back to its primitive state. We also talk about seeing J5 back in the early aughts, the strengths and weaknesses of four-person unison choruses, and the virtues of flute samples. And stick around until we make our final judgement and answer the question: have we mistaken them for some corny-ass crew?

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Power in Numbers" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

A Merry Podmas Gift for You from So So / Cool

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Matthew Ferry, Joe Basile) — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! To get in the spirit, we’re striking the harp, joining the chorus, and donning our gay apparel, but unfortunately our blazing yule was turned off prematurely by a grumpy podcast Grinch. In this very special Holiday episode, we’re getting festive, talking about our favorite seasonal tunes, some of our guilty pleasures, and a few of those songs we may have heard one too many times.

We’re also bringing you our second trivia challenge – Yuletide edition! Find out if Matthew can avenge the stinging defeat from our last showdown. But be careful, even though it's December, there may be a spooky Spector lurking in this trivia. And join us for our listening session to find out: can Brandon convince Matt and Joe to like Michael Bublé? Will Brandon finally accept his true love for Bruce Springsteen? Can Joe successfully explain what he means by “Non-Holiday Holiday song”? All that and more!

We hope you enjoy this special episode. Thanks for taking time out of your holidays to listen, and thanks for listening all this year. Happy Holidays and Stay Frosti fans!

And as always, be sure to support the artists by purchasing their work on iTunes or wherever you get your music:

Notable timestamps:

00:14:50 Yuletide Music Trivia
00:21:50 Start of the listening section

Portishead, "Dummy"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Nik Hartman, Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:50:56 +0000

Fans, nobody loves us, not like you do. That’s why this week we’re putting you all on a pedestal, for it's such lovely day to have to always feel this way about Portishead’s 1994 debut album, “Dummy.” In this episode, we talk about the origins of, and Portishead’s place in, the popular 90s genre, trip hop, and we try to nail down when we all actually heard of this band. Then join us as we listen to and discuss the album’s unique film noir sonic character, the bands distinct approach to sampling, and their creative instrumentation. We also muse about a potential Taylor Swift/311 collaboration, and Matthew shares his own personal “sour time” with a disturbing childhood anecdote of excessive candy* consumption. As an added bonus, Brandon finally stops being polite and truly tests whether we’re nice now. Joining us in all this fun is our first ever returning guest, and proud owner of a giant Massive Attack poster, Nik Hartman.

*Note: we recorded this the weekend after Halloween, so you may hear a lot of out-of-context references to candy.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Dummy" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Grüvis Malt, "Maximum Unicorn", Part 2: Listening discussion with Gavin Castleton and Brendan Bell of Grüvis Malt

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 8 Dec 2022 18:05:58 +0000

Jump in your blood-red Blade Razoredster, activate the SECRET TIRES, and throw on your patent leather sweater vest because we got an episode that is packed with monster dance party-worthy jams! You won’t need Ritalin-kid-like focus this week as we bring you the second half of our conversation with Gavin and Brendan of Grüvis Malt – this time listening to and discussing their final album “Maximum Unicorn,” released in 2005. The guys share background on the making of the album and talk about some of its musical and non-musical (Muppets, being chased by bees) influences. Plus, Brandon finally confirms his long-held suspicion about the origin of one is his favorite lyrics on the album, as he had sworn he'd do several times during lunch period.

This conservation was so much fun and quite educational. Thanks to Gavin and Brendan for being such good sports. Now get out your Maximum Unicorn storybook reference guide, flip over that cassette and enjoy! And if you haven’t yet, check out Part 1 of this interview, and our episode on their album “…With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam.”

BOOOBBBBBYYYYYYY!!!!!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Maximum Unicorn" from iTunes or wherever you get your music. And also check out what Gavin and Brendan are up to:

Gavin Castleton's solo work
Brendan Bell's work under Belll and Jonny Classic
Ebu Gogo which features 3 Grüvis members: Gavin, Brendan and Justin
And follow The Grüvis Malt archive on Instagram

Grüvis Malt, "Maximum Unicorn", Part 1: Interview with Gavin Castleton and Brendan Bell of Grüvis Malt

Thu, 1 Dec 2022 18:29:18 +0000

It’s no use to fight The Blaze, fans… This week’s episode is gonna drive you wild, but hopefully you don't lose your wallets. Join us for Side A of The Maximum Conversation with Gavoon Castleteen and Brondin Beal – founding members of the band Grüvis Malt. Wait wait, sorry, that's Gavin Castleton and Brendan Bell. We'll get it right eventually. You may remember our in-depth discussion on the Grüvis Malt album “…With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam” all the way back in episode one. If not, check it out if you want two more hours of context setting.

This conversation with Gavin and Brendan was a huge honor and a real delight! We were truly obsessed with this band, and they were incredibly fun and generous with their time. In part 1, we ask their thoughts about our hot takes on Traffic Jam, talk about some of the virtues and challenges of their unique songwriting style, and discuss some of the context around their final album “Maximum Unicorn.” You can also hear the earth-shattering moment when we learn we’ve been mispronouncing the names of multiple members of our favorite band for two decades. We also welcome listeners to write in to help us figure out what exactly “letting the dog out” is a euphemism for. And make sure to stay tuned for part 2 next week where we’ll listen to and discuss “Maximum Unicorn.”

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Maximum Unicorn" from iTunes or wherever you get your music. And also check out what Gavin and Brendan are up to:

Gavin Castleton's solo work
Brendan Bell's work under Belll and Jonny Classic
Ebu Gogo which features 3 Grüvis members: Gavin, Brendan and Justin
And follow The Grüvis Malt archive on Instagram

Squirrel Nut Zippers, "Hot"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:21:27 +0000

Hey all you hepcats, this week we’re listening to Squirrel Nut Zippers’ 1996 album, "Hot". Join us as we talk about that unusual period of the 1990s—when a significant chunk of America was enamored with zoot suits and lindy-hop—and how Squirrel Nut Zippers sort of did and sort of did not fit into that cultural moment. Then we discuss the eclectic mix of genres and skillful performances on the album (44:20), while debating some of the problematic elements of the band’s retro approach. Plus, you may find out which host holds the distinction of being the swing revival trivia champ, why Joe’s microphone sounds so bad, and whether this band actually appears on the soundtrack of an Arrested Development episode.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Hot" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Grand Buffet, "Five Years of Fireworks"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Do you smell something? You know what that reminds me of? That smells like… a fresh pod ep! This week we’re talking Pittsburgh-based rap duo Grand Buffet and their 2005 compilation, "Five Years of Fireworks". Please don’t bust our chops after hearing us breakdown the virtuosic, syncopated rhymes of Grape-A-Don (aka Nate Kukla) and the lo-fi, Casio-inspired beats of Lord Grunge (aka Matt Kukla). We also pick up where the California raisins left off by delving deep into 80s/90s nostalgia and early aughts political satire.

So, borrow a pair of Umbros and pan-fry yourself a mean 12-eggwhite omelet because this ep is gonna be double crazy. And make sure to listen all the way through to find out, did Brandon actually crap his pants? SPOILER ALERT: You bet!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Five Years of Fireworks" on Bandcamp or wherever you get your music.

Weezer, "Weezer" (The "Blue Album")

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:28:43 +0000

Hey fans! How we doin', fans? It’s been a while, fans. Life's so rad. But here we are, back from our digital garages to bring you a brand-new season of fresh content and lukewarm takes! This podcast's my favorite, don't you love em? We’re so glad we’re all back together and stuff. It's gonna be the best. Yeah. Aw man, you wanna break out your horn-rimmed glasses and put on your favorite sweater? Alright. Well this is great, because we’re kicking off this season talking about Weezer’s 1994 self-titled debut (aka the Blue Album).

While some of this episode has been heavily redacted to ensure we keep our Pepsis out of unwanted hands, we’re so stoked for you to hear us talk about Weezer’s influences and some of our favorite bands from high school. We’ll also hit on our favorite 90s topics of authenticity and selling out, before we figure out the last time this band made a good record. Aww man, it’s gonna be the best! Take it easy, brah.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Weezer" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Rage Against the Machine, "Rage Against the Machine"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Thu, 4 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Mic check, one two, one two. Yeah, we're coming back with another bomb cast this week with Rage Against the Machine's self-titled 1992 classic. This band was a pretty big part of our early formative years, as evidenced by our vivid memories of rocking out with broom handle guitars, air drums, and screaming the lyrics of "Bullet In the Head" maybe a little too loudly—at least for Joe's dad. Join us as we talk about their influence on music and politics, seeing them perform live, and debate whether Tom Morello should've shredded a whole lot more.

Note: We will be taking a short break for a few weeks to plan our next season of episodes. We'll see you all again soon with a brand new season.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Rage Against the Machine" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Elliott Smith, "Xo"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Matthew Ferry, Joe Basile, Brandon Kisner) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Put on your baby blue polos and pop those collars cause this week we're talking about bro pop icon, Elliott Smith, and his 1998 classic "Xo". Wait scratch that, we got that wrong. Let's start over… Powder your wigs and dust off your petticoats cause this week we're talking Baroque pop. Or is it broke pop? Better play it safe and dump out your wallets, too. Well, whatever pop genre it is, it's a delightful sonic journey into one of indie music's most influential talents.

Join us as we dive in, discussing the unique blend of sounds, instrumentation, vocal affectation, and influences that define Smith's music. Will Matthew and Brandon agree on any of their likes and dislikes of this record? Probably not. But the one thing we can all agree on: the Wolverstains were definitely the Wolversteins when we were kids.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Xo" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Everclear, “So Much For the Afterglow”

podcast@sosocool.fm (Patty Gone, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the Christmas card! We might not want to hear about your new job or about your swinging new place, but we definitely do want to hear and discuss Everclear’s 1997 smash hit, “So Much For the Afterglow”. This week, we are joined by trans poet, multimedia artist and our old friend Patty Gone, who might just be Everclear’s fan zero.

Will we figure out what song features toy piano? Will we remember to call our fathers back on Father’s Day? No one will ever know. But in the meantime, get ready to sing along with a few “millennial whoops” and travel through time with Art Alexakis’ stories as heard through some really catchy songs. Or is it just one song? Yeah. Oh yeah.

You can find out more about Patty Gone’s work at pattygone.com.

Support the Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network at linktr.ee/transasylumsupport.

And as always, be sure to support the artists by purchasing "So Much For the Afterglow" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

No Doubt, "Tragic Kingdom"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Matthew Ferry, Joe Basile) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Hey You, this week we’re walking into spiderwebs and munchin' on some old decoy cheese while we discuss No Doubt’s 1995 smash hit "Tragic Kingdom". Brandon gets in touch with his ‘90s ska kid roots, Matthew has some thoughts about the drumming and Joe draws distinct lines between disco and funk. After you hear our critiques, you may think “Excuse me mr, you’ve got things all wrong.” But ya know, we're all Different People, so join us as we make The Climb together and relive this 90s icon.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Tragic Kingdom" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Herbie Hancock, "Head Hunters"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

This week we are coming down from the upper atmosphere and tethering ourselves closer to the earth with the seminal 1973 Herbie Hancock album, "Headhunters". If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz-funk, this episode is for you! Join us as we try to figure out how many arms Herbie Hancock has (definitely more than two) and reminisce about the good ole days of grocery store CD purchases, marching band "stand tunes", and lifetime warranties from now-defunct music stores. In order to suss this all out, we brought on a very special guest—our friend, trombone extraordinaire and amateur jazz scholar, Dr. Nathan James. Don’t forget to let us know if you’re on #TeamOverdubs!

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Head Hunters" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Mr. Bungle, "California"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 20:07:10 +0000

This week we're surfin' the waves of funhouse mirrors and air-conditioned nightmares with the sounds of Mr. Bungle's 1999 album, "California”. Get ready for some spritely genre shapeshifting that’ll surely keep you on your toes. But be careful—it just might rot your brain like a catchy tune. At least it sure did for us. How else could you explain Matthew believing that Terry Gilliam directed the iconic 1927 silent film Metropolis? Or continually calling instruments by the wrong name (apologies to güiros, Clavinets, and English horns)?

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "California" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Blackalicious, "Blazing Arrow"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Matthew Ferry, Joe Basile) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Make your disc and play this tape in your Camero because this week we’re talking about the 2002 Blackalicious album Blazing Arrow. Join us as we take a journey through music with the encyclopedic sample collection of producer Chief Xcel, have our collective domes blown by the fire breathing, rhyme heathen, Gift of Gab, and try, after two decades, to finally figure out who cut the provolone. Spoiler alert: it’s Matt! Plus, we evaluate the rapping of a certain Harry Potter actor, Joe and Matt talk about their big day out, and Joe provides a much needed PSA to the kids of America.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Blazing Arrow" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

The Mars Volta, "De-Loused in the Comatorium"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Joe Basile, Brandon Kisner, Matthew Ferry) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

It’s time to put down your half-eaten corneas, prepare the flinched cocooned meats, and dress the tapeworm as pets because this week we’re getting lost in the uncanny dream world of The Mars Volta’s 2003 album, "De-Loused in the Comatorium". Join us as we journey back to the early 2000s revival of prog rock. Were our pants too tight back then? Was Joe in fact Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s doppelgänger? What was a prog rock band Matthew didn’t realize was a prog band at the time? Yes, yes and Yes. Things get more heated though as we discuss whether the opening track is as cool as we remember it. We even recruited our first special guest, a world-renowned physicist, to help us try to decipher the mysteries of the comatorium, including the meaning of Ectopic Shape-shifting Penance-propulsion.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "De-Loused in the Comatorium" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Björk, "Vespertine"

podcast@sosocool.fm (So So / Cool) — Thu, 2 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Who would've known that some boys like us would stay going nowhere? Well, if it means hanging out to talk about Björk's 2001 album, "Vespertine", count us in! This week, we discuss the soundscapes and microbeats that craft an intimate, sonic glimpse into new love. But could a discussion about musicals mark the end of love between Joe and Brandon? Tune in to find out.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Vespertine" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Foo Fighters, "The Colour and the Shape"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 26 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder, “what have we done with innocence?” Well, we have, too. So this week we decided to look for answers in Foo Fighters’ 1997 album, “The Colour and the Shape.” Spoiler alert: we’re not gonna give you any useful insight. But join us as we delve into this question and more, such as the meaning of our recurring dreams involving rock stars, why Christopher Nolan’s movies have such convoluted plots, and whether or not it’s possible to sing the bridge of “Monkey Wrench” in one breath.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "The Colour and the Shape" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Cake, "Fashion Nugget"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Matthew Ferry, Joe Basile, Brandon Kisner) — Thu, 19 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Awww no!! Break out your vibraslaps. This week we reluctantly crouch at our desks to talk about the four-letter band Cake and their 1996 album "Fashion Nugget". Join us as we dig into which iteration of the band was our favorite, realize in-the-moment which tracks are covers, and call out the band for ruining a marriage proposal plan involving fake email accounts, Twitter DMs and public zoos.

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing "Fashion Nugget" on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Grüvis Malt, "…With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam"

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Fri, 13 May 2022 00:29:46 +0000

Get ready for a lot of fun and excitement as we discuss Grüvis Malt's 2002 album “…With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam”. This is a band we were absolutely obsessed with in high school. It all started one fateful day when they filled in for Hoobastank as the opener for Incubus at their show in Hershey, PA. Join us as we share our memories of that show, another show we saw them perform, and try to answer such questions as "is Gruvis Malt just a garage band?" and "can Matthew conceive of something new like 'Bitches Brew'?" (Spoiler: it's all lima beans to us)

Be sure to support the artists by purchasing …With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam… on iTunes or wherever you get your music.

Introducing So So / Cool

podcast@sosocool.fm (Brandon Kisner, Joe Basile, Matthew Ferry) — Thu, 12 May 2022 23:59:08 +0000

Introducing the So So / Cool podcast! The guys introduce themselves, discuss Month Python and the Holy Grail, their favorite Beatles album, and try to figure out how to be professional podcasters.