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Switched on Pop

Switched on Pop

A podcast all about the making and meaning of popular music. Musicologist Nate Sloan & songwriter Charlie Harding pull back the curtain on how pop hits work magic on our ears & our culture. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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Episodes

Hip-hop's Sea Change at Rolling Loud

Hip-hop is in a weird place right now. Research says that the genre, in both streaming and chart performance, has declined over the last decade. And while rap artists can still get number one songs on the Hot 100, it?s a far cry from the peak of trap circa 2017, when Nielsen data named hip-hop as the most popular genre in the U.S. So what does that mean for the future of rap? To find out, producer Reanna Cruz spent all weekend reporting from Inglewood, CA, at the California edition of the world?s largest hip-hop festival: Rolling Loud. Through talking to attendees and catching the weekend?s hottest sets, they learned about the current state of hip-hop ? the good and the bad ? as well as what the future may hold. To read Reanna?s highs and lows from the festival, check out their Vulture article here.  Special thanks to Antonio Cruz for his production help on this episode. Songs Discussed: OsamaSon ? Pop Nicki Minaj ? BARBIE DANGEROUS ¥$, Kanye West, & Ty Dolla $ign ? EVERYBODY (live) ¥$, Kanye West, & Ty Dolla $ign ? BACK TO ME (live) Junior H ? Y LLORO Natanael Cano ? Pacas de Billetes Fuerza Regida ? Enculado That Mexican OT, Lefty SM ? Barrio (with Lefty SM) That Mexican OT ? Cowboy Killer (live) KenTheMan ? Not My N**** ? Extended KenTheMan ? Poppin Sh!t KenTheMan ? Keep Going (live) Kaliii ? Area Codes Action Bronson & Statik Selektah ? Respect the Moustache Drake, SZA, & Sexyy Red ? Rich Baby Daddy (live) Sexyy Red, Sukihana ? Born By the River (feat. Sukihana) Sexyy Red, Chief Keef ? Skee Yee (live) Nettspend ? shine n peace (live) Nettspend ? deftones snippet (live) Matt Ox ? Overwhelming Nettspend ? What they say SOPHIE ? BIPP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-26
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Rhapsody in Blue, Reimagined

What do Duke Ellington, United Airlines, and the K Pop group Red Velvet share in common? They've all covered George Gershwin's piano concerto, Rhapsody in Blue. First premiered in 1924, the piece became an immediate hit for the way it blended American jazz with the European symphonic tradition. Gershwin had a number of successes as a composer in his day?his aria "Summertime" from the opera Porgy and Bess is by some measures the most covered song ever?but the staying power of the Rhapsody make it a rare instrumental piece that's instantly familiar. Maybe too familiar. In 2024, there will be many centennial performances of this iconic piece, but pianist Lara Downes wanted to do something more than just the sound the notes of Gershwin's score for the umpteenth time. Downes commissioned Puerto Rican musician Edmar Colon to create a new version of Gershwin's composition, one that brought in the full spectrum of American life in 1924: fiery improvisation, Latin percussion, and dance rhythms. The resultant piece both pays tribute to an American icon while adding a new set of modern counterpoint. Nate sat down with Lara to ask her if she was nervous to rewrite such a canonic piece, why a concerto is like a musical kaleidoscope, and the surprising family connection to Gershwin's musical world she discovered while researching Rhapsody in Blue. Songs Discussed George Gershwin, Lara Downes, Edmar Colon - Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue Gershwin - 3 Preludes: II. Andante con moto e poco rubato Sarah Vaughan - Nice Work if You can Get It Sam Cooke - Summertime Chet Baker - But not For ME Louis Armstrong - Aint Misbehavin Ella Fitzgerald - Blue Skies Red Velvet - Birthday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-22
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Eternal Sunshine of Ariana Grande's Mind

Sidestep the gossip and focus on the music in Ariana Grande?s latest album Eternal Sunshine. The music is an exercise in nostalgia: 70s Disco, 90s R&B, and 00s pop and dance music. As she moves through the musical past, her lyrics tear through past relationship. But its the way her lyrics interweave with the deft melodies and harmonies that reveal the meaning of the record.  Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine, Bye, Don?t Wanna Break Up Again, True Story, The Boy Is Mine, We Can?t Be Friends, Imperfect For You Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft Barry White - Can?t Get Enough of Your Love Babe Britney Spears - Oops I Did It Again, Gimme More Brandy, Monica - The Boy Is Mine Aaliyah - Are You That Somebody Ginuwine - Pony Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend, Show Me Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-19
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How to DIY a Music Career (with Amelia Meath and David Gray at SXSW)

In a landscape where the music industry seems designed to stifle creativity and independence, Amelia Meath stands as a beacon of resistance. Through her involvement in bands like Sylvan Esso, Mountain Man, and The A's, and as a founder of label Psychic Hotline, Meath defies the narratives that label success in music. This conversation dives into the systemic challenges musicians face today?from the pitfalls of streaming economics to the trials of touring and beyond. Yet, it's not just about the hurdles; it's a conversation on solutions, embodied by Meath's multifaceted career and the inspirational journey of David Gray, whose story of grassroots success with "Babylon" serves as a case study in artistic resilience and independence. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed David Gray - Babylon, Shine, What Have I Become, Skellig Sylvan Esso - Coffee, Die Young Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-15
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Is Beyoncé's music #sponcon? And other mysteries LIVE in Brooklyn

Live from On-Air Fest in Brooklyn, Nate and Charlie investigate listeners? burning musical mysteries, such as: Is Beyoncé?s reference to Lexus in ?Texas Hold ?Em? product placement? And, could we be tuning all our music the wrong way? These stories have twists, turns, and a live parody performance that no asked for. Thanks to Steve Stoute, Lucas Keller, Samer Ghadry, Helen Zaltzman, and Phil Pappas for contributing to this episode. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed: Beyoncé ? TEXAS HOLD ?EM RUN DMC ? My Adidas Busta Rhymes ? Pass The Courvoisier Part II Taylor Swift ? Out of the Woods Outkast ? Hey Ya! Jason Aldean ? Take A Little Ride Justin Timberlake ? I'm Lovin' It Chris Brown ? Forever Pitbull ? Rain Over Me (ft. Marc Anthony) Lady Gaga ? Telephone (ft. Beyoncé) Beyoncé ? SUMMER RENAISSANCE Beyoncé ? Crazy In Love (ft. Jay-Z) LFO ? Summer Girls Aqua ? Barbie Girl Moonlight Sonata (432hz) Here Comes the Sun (432hz) Deep Focus Music with 432 Hz Tuning and Binaural Beats for Concentration - Study Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-12
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Jacob Collier unites the world

One of the most inventive and gifted musicians working today is none other than Jacob Collier. Maybe you know him from his YouTube videos, or co-writing SZA?s ?Good Days,? or even performing alongside Joni Mitchell at this year?s Grammys. Jacob is a musician with thunderous chops, proficient on multiple instruments and with a voice that ranges from bass to soprano. over the past few years, he?s managed to release several records, net collaborations with everyone from Michael McDonald to T-Pain, and become the first British artist to receive a Grammy Award for each of his first four albums. His latest album Djesse 4 is the conclusion to his Djesse quadrilogy, and it features a kaleidoscopic range of style, from Indian sitar to Colombian reggaeton to a haunting Simon and Garfunkel cover. This week, we?re going to take a look inside the work and process of a musical mad scientist ? our resident songwriter Charlie Harding sat down with Jacob to learn about his new record, his collaborators, and the beautifully unique way he sees and thinks about music. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter SONGS DISCUSSED Jacob Collier - In My Room, 100,000 Voices, A Rock Somewhere, Little Blue, She Put Sunshine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-03-05
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Beyoncé's Country

Renaissance Act II truthers, your time has come: There?s new music from Beyoncé, and boy, is it country. Her two new singles dropped two weeks ago, and in the time since, they?ve both climbed up the chart and taken the internet by storm. There?s the barnstorming stomp and holler ditty ?TEXAS HOLD 'EM,? which just notched the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and the dark horse ?16 CARRIAGES,? a autobiographical work song detailing Beyoncé?s roots in Houston, Texas. Charlie and Nate unpack both of these two songs, highlighting their structures, inspirations, and collaborators, from Raphael Saddiq to Rhiannon Giddens. Then, producer Reanna Cruz speaks to music journalist Taylor Crumpton, whose article for Time, ?Beyoncé Has Always Been Country? lays out the cultural implications of this sonic pivot for one of the biggest artists of all time.  Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed Beyoncé - Texas Hold 'Em, 16 Carriages, Break My Soul, Formation, Daddy Lessons Dink Roberts - Georgia Buck Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit 'Em Up Style Elvis Presley - Mystery Train Unidentified African American Chain Gang - Waterboy, Run James Carter and the Prisoners - Po Lazarus Robert Randolph and the Family Band - Find a Way Vince Gill ft Justus West- High Lonesome Sound ?More Read Taylor Crumpton's article Beyoncé Has Always Been Country Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-02-27
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Adult Contemporary, but make it cool (with CHROMEO)

The Canadian Electro-Funk duo CHROMEO have made consistently funky, highly danceable music for twenty years. They?ve released five studios albums, done the Coachella festival circuit and have been nominated for a Grammy for their sound that?s been compared to Prince, Zapp and Hall and Oates. Now with their latest album, Adult Contemporary, they are challenging preconceptions of adult contemporary music by redefining its whole meaning. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs discussed CHROMEO - (I Don't Need A) New Girl, BTS, Coda, Fancy Footwork, Needy Girl, Replacements, Clorox Wipe, Six Feet Away Dolly Parton - Nine to Five Donna Summer - She Works Hard For The Money Gwen Guthrie - Ain't Nothin' Goin' on but the Rent Kenny G - Songbird, You're Beautiful Kenny Loggins - This Is It Kenny Rodgers - We've Got Tonight, You And I Michael Bolton - How Am I Supposed To Live Michael Bublé - Home Michael Jackson - Human Nature, Working Day and Night NWA - Straight Outta Compton Steely Dan - Black Cow, Ricky Don't Lose That Number, Time Out of Mind The Bee Gees - Staying Alive Toto - I'll be Over You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-02-20
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The Star Spangled Banger!

Who is the biggest Diva of them all? The U.S. National Anthem, which borrows its melody from a historic British drinking song, has undergone enormous musical change in the hands of pop music vocalists. Famously, José Feliciano, Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston each changed the meaning of "The Star Spangled Banner" by finding new approaches to the performance. Countless others have followed in their footsteps. Now every major sporting event is an excuse for pop divas to make their own creative interpretation. So who does it best? Or worst? Jan Diehm and Michelle McGhee, data journalists at The Pudding, analyzed the pitch fluctuations of over a hundred famous performances to answer these questions and more. Check out Jan and Michelle's full analysis at pudding.cool Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-02-13
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Brittany Howard's Chaos Theory (with Brittany Howard)

When it comes to powerful artistry, few can match the intensity of Brittany Howard. Over the past decade, we?ve seen her bring her signature Southern belt to the Alabama Shakes, her intimate songwriting to her first solo record, and now, her boundary-pushing genre experimentation on her new album What Now. The record, which drops on Friday, February 9th, continues to show Howard?s versatility ? the record jumps from disco pop to pared-back R&B to roaring psychedelia.  This episode of Switched On Pop, we?re giving you an early look at all What Now has to offer, as well as an interview with the woman behind it all: Brittany Howard.  Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed: Brittany Howard ? What Now Alabama Shakes ? Hold On Alabama Shakes ? Don?t Wanna Fight Alabama Shakes ? Future People Leon Bridges ? Coming Home Khruangbin ? Two Fish and an Elephant Brittany Howard ? Tomorrow Erykah Badu ? Window Seat Brittany Howard ? Stay High Brittany Howard ? Prove It To You Brittany Howard ? I Don?t Brittany Howard ? Another Day Brittany Howard ? Interlude Brittany Howard ? Red Flags Robin S ? Show Me Love Brittany Howard ? Every Color In Blue Brittany Howard ? To Be Still The Shangri-Las ? Leader Of The Pack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-02-06
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The b*tch of loving musical theater (with Bridger Winegar)

When it comes to musical theater, everyone has an opinion. And Bridger Winegar, host of the very funny podcast I Said No Gifts!, is no exception. In the paradoxical tradition of Bridger's podcast, Charlie and Nate have brought a series of gifts in the form of a sonic smorgasbord: a tour through musical theater's finest offerings, from Les Miserables to Spring Awakening. Check out Bridger's podcast I Said No Gifts! here. For more on movie musicals, check out this episode of Vox's Today Explained. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs discussed: Brian Johnson, Gideon Glick, John Gallagher Jr., Jonathan B. Wright, Jonathan Groff, Skylar Astin ? The Bitch Of Living ? Original Broadway Cast Recording/2006 Duncan Sheik ? Barely Breathing Thee Oh Sees ? The Dream Liars ? Mr Your On Fire Mr The Electric Prunes ? I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) Ariana Grande ? yes, and? Robyn ? Call Your Girlfriend Randy Graff ? I Dreamed a Dream Ali Stroker ? I Cain't Say No Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd 2023 Broadway Company ? My Friends Frank Sinatra ? Send In The Clowns Billy Bragg, Wilco ? California Stars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-30
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Kali Uchis takes on the world

Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis has cemented herself as something of a vibe curator; her signature genre fusion has brought forward everything from Latin radio mainstays to Bootsy Collins collaborations. But instead of looking to the genres of the future for her latest record, Orchídeas finds Uchis digging into genres of the past and present, creating a global soundscape across the record?s 14 tracks. On this episode of Switched on Pop, producer Reanna Cruz guides Charlie and Nate through the flowery world of Orchídeas, exploring multiple genres of the Latine diaspora (with a quick stop in South Africa) in the process. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed: Kali Uchis ? Pensamientos Intrusivos Kali Uchis ? telepatía Kali Uchis ? Te Mata Kali Uchis ? la luna enamorada José Pepe Sánchez, Irving Lara y su Orquesta ? Tristezas La Sonora Santanera ? Perfume de Gardenias Kali Uchis, El Alfa, JT ? Muñekita (with El Alfa & JT)  ROSALÍA ? BIZCOCHITO Busta Rhymes ? Dangerous Lorna ? Papi Chulo? Te Traigo El Mmmm Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma ? Igual Que Un Ángel (with Peso Pluma) Kali Uchis, KAROL G ? Labios Mordidos (with KAROL G) Toots & The Maytals ? Bam Bam Chaka Demus & Pliers ? Murder She Wrote Kali Uchis ? Dame Beso // Muevete Bad Bunny ? Después de la Playa Kali Uchis ? Diosa Trompies, Lebo Mathosa ? Magasman Tyla ? Water Amaarae, Kali Uchis, Moliy ? SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix (feat. Kali Uchis and Moliy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-23
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Soundalikes: Lil Nas X and Ariana Grande

We live in an age of musical nostalgia where artists wear influences on their sleaves. Case in point, two established artists who are drawing from established pop music history: Lil Nas X's "J. Christ" sounds like a Kendrick Lamar "Humble" type beat, and Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" unabashedly interpolates Madonna's "Vogue." So are these songs mere copies or do they actually say something new with their reference material? Songs Discussed Lil Nas X - J CHRIST Lil Nas X - Old Town Road Lil Nas X - Panini Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE. Noreaga - Superthug N.E.R.D - Lapdance Busta Rhymes - Pass The Courvoisier Part II (feat. P. Diddy & Pharrell) - Remix Kendrick Lamar - Alright Cardi B - Money Iggy Azalea - Sally Walker Cardi B - Up Anne-Marie - PSYCHO Megan Thee Stallion - Savage Megan Thee Stallion - Megan's Piano Ariana Grande - yes, and? Madonna - Vogue Marshall Jefferson - Move Your Body Derrick May - Strings of Life Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Jesse Saunders - Love Can't Turn Around Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-16
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The case of the missing vocals, and other listener questions

All throughout the year, Switched on Pop gets a litany of musical questions that need answering. To kick off 2024, hosts Charlie and Nate answer some of these questions live on air! From the renewed interest in Cass Elliot's "Make Your Own Kind of Music" to the lack of multi-part harmonies on the charts, this episode takes a closer look at some listeners' musical maladies ? alongside special guest star Joe Treble. Songs Discussed: Eagles - Take It Easy Jack Harlow - Lovin On Me Cadillac Dale - Whatever (Bass Soliloquy) Tate McRae - greedy Dua Lipa - Houdini Fleetwood Mac ? The Chain Ariana Grande - shut up boygenius ? Not Strong Enough boygenius - Without You Without Them Jerry Goldsmith - Jake And Evelyn (From The ?Chinatown? Soundtrack) Terence Blanchard - Perry Sees Teddy (From HBO Series Perry Mason: Season 1) Cass Elliot - Make Your Own Kind of Music David Bowie ? Space Oddity Elton John - Rocket Man (I Think It?s Going To Be A Long, Long Time) TALK - Run Away to Mars Tommy Tutone - 867-5309/Jenny Blondie - Call Me Lady Gaga - Telephone ft. Beyoncé Rico Nasty - IPHONE R.E.M. - Star 69 50 Cent - High All The Time Beyoncé ? Crazy in Love ft. Jay-Z Britney Spears ? E-Mail My Heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-09
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Too Fast? We?re Curious: The sped-up remix phenomenon - ICYMI

In case you missed it, last January, we published this story on the rising trend of sped-up music. It seems like the tempo-shifting isn't going anywhere, so we're rerunning our history and exploration into the phenomenon. Original description below: Over the past few months, you may have heard your favorite song pop up on the Internet ? just slightly faster. You?re not alone: the phenomenon of the ?sped-up? remix has taken over social media, with everyone from Lady Gaga to Thundercat getting the tempo treatment. The popularity of the craze has led to millions of TikTok videos, Billboard number ones, and songs becoming relevant again, decades after release. Ever since the proliferation of these ?remixes,? the big questions remain: where did these songs come from and why are they here?  On this episode of Switched on Pop, we explore this exact phenomenon, tracing its roots from Thomas Edison to Cam?ron to vaporwave to nightcore. Songs Discussed: ?Dream On? ? Aerosmith (sped up) ?Escapism? ? RAYE, 070 Shake (sped up) ?Bad Habit? ? Steve Lacy (sped up) ?Miss You? ? Oliver Tree (sped up) ?Say It Right? ? Nelly Furtado (sped up) ?Bloody Mary? ? Lady Gaga (sped up) ?Heat Waves? ? Glass Animals (slowed down) ?Juicy? ? Notorious B.I.G.  ?Juicy? ? DJ Screw ?Jolene? ? Dolly Parton (slowed down) ???????420 / ???????? |? ? Macintosh Plus ?In Da Club Before Eleven O? Clock? ? DJ Rashad ?Monster [Nightcore]? ? Meg & Dia, remixed by Barren Gates  ?Concrete Angel? ? Hannah Diamond ?Witch Doctor? ? David Seville ?Oh Boy? ? Cam?ron, Juelz Santana ?Cool for the Summer? ? Demi Lovato (sped up) ?Them Changes? ? Thundercat (sped up & Chopnotslop remix) ?That?s All? ? Genesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-01-02
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Wham! Op. 84 ?Last Christmas? with Chilly Gonzales - ICYMI

In case you missed it, Wham?s 1984 contribution to the holiday cannon, ?Last Christmas,? has surprising staying power. When Grammy-winning pianist Chilly Gonzales set out to record a holiday album, ?A Very Chilly Christmas,? most of the selections were over a half century old. That?s because most of our favorite seasonal songs come from the 1960s and earlier. But in addition to Mariah Carey?s ?All I Want For Christmas,? Wham?s ?Last Christmas? reliably returns each winter. Despite the cheesy 80s synths and drum machines, the song?s harmonies are remarkable resilient, a testament to George Michael?s auteur songwriting method. Celebrated artist known for his solo piano works, collaborations with Feist and Daft Punk, and his musical masterclasses series, Chilly Gonzales?musical genius?AKA ?Gonzo,? sits down at the piano to share in the beauty of this nu-classical Christmas love song, as well as a few selections from his new album ?A Very Chilly Christmas.? Originally aired Dec 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-12-25
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"Did I mention that it's Christmas in this club?" (w Matt Rogers)

Holiday album releases sometimes have a sense of pandering to them. "I'm a pop star. Here's me singing the nineteen-millionth cover of 'Jingle Bell Rock.' Please give me money." The comedian and singer Matt Rogers understands this dichotomy of the holiday hit?part grotesque cash-grab, part unfathomably genuine cheer?better than anyone. His new album, Have You Heard of Christmas?, mines that tension for tragicomic gold. "Also It's Christmas," the album opener, announces this satirical spirit blithely, with an exhortation to "play this song seasonally!" "Rum Pum Pum" turns the little drummer's beat into a sexy club anthem: "Saw your name on the naughty list highlighted in red / Now you're up in the club in someone else's sweat." Over the course of Have You Heard..., Rogers poses questions that poke at the edges of Christmas lore: "Is it weird to hook up on Christmas day?" "How does it feel to be the hottest female in Whoville?" And, "Why does Santa needs so much lube for his sleigh?" Matt joined Nate and Charlie to share how his pop writing draws from sketch comedy rhythm, the influence he drew from both Ariana Grande and the Lonely Island, and how he accidentally created a sincere holiday hit in the middle of making a comedy album. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-12-19
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Nicki Minaj's Roman Empire

Nicki Minaj is one of the most unique rappers of all time. She?s given us numerous iconic guest verses from ?Monster? to ?Flawless (Remix),? everlasting hits like ?Super Bass? and ?Starships,? and legions of loyal fans in the Barbz. She?s also given us over twenty alter-egos in the course of her career. However, no alter-ego of hers has been more impactful than Roman. The voice at the center of Nicki?s most unhinged music, the ?Roman? persona serves a conduit for Nicki to put forward a high level of theatricality and character work in her music, from beats to bars. And to understand Nicki, you need to understand Roman.  This episode of Switched on Pop, producer Reanna Cruz takes us on a journey through the history of Roman, on the heels of Nicki Minaj?s latest record, Pink Friday 2.  Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed: Nicki Minaj ? Chun-Li Nicki Minaj ? Red Ruby Da Sleeze Nicki Minaj ? Itty Bitty Piggy Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver ? Monster Nicki Minaj ? Roman In Moscow Nicki Minaj ? Pound the Alarm Nicki Minaj ? Starships Ludacris, Nicki Minaj ? My Chick Bad Nicki Minaj, PTAF ? Boss A** B**** (with PTAF) ? Remix Nicki Minaj, Eminem ? Roman's Revenge Nicki Minaj ? Come On A Cone Nicki Minaj ? Beez In The Trap Nicki Minaj ? Roman Holiday Eminem ? The Way I Am Eminem ? My Name Is Lil' Kim ? Queen B**** Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne ? Truffle Butter Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj ? Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj) Nicki Minaj ? Barbie Dreams Nicki Minaj ? Super Freaky Girl ? Roman Remix Nicki Minaj ? My Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-12-12
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Hear the Year: The music we loved in 2023

Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter When you make a weekly podcast about pop music, there?s some things that, naturally, slip through the cracks. On this episode of Switched On Pop, our hosts ? alongside our editor, Jolie Myers, our engineer, Brandon McFarland, and our producer, Reanna Cruz ? try to course correct that by discussing our team?s (and a listener?s) favorite picks of 2023. Whether it?s something we got to in the later months or something we felt still deserved its flowers, this episode hops around genres to show the musical versatility of the Switched On Pop team. We even got some of our selections, specifically Laufey and Chappell Roan, on the show to talk about the music that made our year. Who knows: maybe you?ll find the song to top your personal best-of list! Songs Discussed: Troye Sivan ft. Guitarricadelafuente - In My Room Troye Sivan - Rush Troye Sivan - One Of Your Girls Daft Punk ft. Julian Casablancas - Instant Crush Victoria Monet - On My Mama Chalie Boi - I Look Good Victoria Monét ft. Earth, Wind & Fire + Hazel Monét - Hollywood Laufey - Bewitched Laufey - Questions For The Universe Laufey - Dreamer Laufey - From The Start Laufey - Misty Stray Kids - S-Class Sampha - Spirit 2.0 Little Dragon - Twice James Blake - There?s A Limit To Your Love Chappell Roan - Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl Chappell Roan - Casual Chappell Roan - Femininomenon Village People - Y.M.C.A. Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-12-05
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Behind the Scenes of Switched on Pop on Harman Audio Talks

Nate and Charlie were recently featured on Harman Audio Talks. While our team takes the week off, we wanted to share that conversation with you as we pull back the curtain on how we make the show and select songs for the podcast. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-11-28
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Noah Kahan?s Folk Pop Revival

Noah Kahan is having a banner year. Between his Best New Artist nomination at the Grammys, his debut SNL performance, and collaborations with everyone from Post Malone to Hozier, the Vermont singer-songwriter has transcended the confines of New England to become one of the harbingers of the 2023 stomp-clap revival. This episode of Switched on Pop, host Charlie Harding sits down in person with Kahan to find some secret magic chords, opine on car commercial music, and talk about all things Stick Season.  Songs Discussed Noah Kahan - Stick Season Noah Kahan - You?re A Mess Paul Simon - Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard James Taylor - Sweet Baby James Cat Stevens - Father & Son The Avett Brothers - Live and Die Lumineers - Hey Ho Olivia Rodrigo - Stick Season Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license Noah Kahan, Hozier - Northern Attitude Noah Kahan - Homesick Sam Fender - 17 Going Under Phoebe Bridgers - Moon Song Simpler Times - Roll in my Sweet Baby?s Arms Noah Kahan, Post Malone - Dial Drunk Taylor Swift - Mean Olivia Rodrigo - Logical Noah Kahan - Young Blood Noah Kahan - Catastrophize Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-11-21
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Why Country Music Dominated 2023's Charts

Country music's had a massive year. Seriously, not since 1958 have we seen so many country tunes topping the Hot 100 in a single year ? and it's not been without its share of controversy. Leading this country music revival? Morgan Wallen, for starters. He bounced back from being shunned for dropping a racial slur with his number one single ?Last Night.? Then there's Jason Aldean with ?Try That in a Small Town,? a song and music video that which unsubtly lynching references. Next up, newcomer Oliver Anthony Music dropped ?Richmond North of Richmond,? weaving in QAnon references and welfare shaming into a track largely about government distrust. On a lighter but still contentious note, Luke Combs covered the mega 90s hit ?Fast Car,? turning Tracy Chapman into the first black woman with a number one country hit. And let's not forget Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves' beautiful duet ?I Remember Everything? about a past romance, which also climbed to the top. Many of these songs have just been nominated for Grammys, including ?Last Night,? ?Fast Car,? and ?I Remember Everything.? When all this started happening, we were scratching our heads. Country songs topping the Hot 100? Sure, but not this many in quick succession. Something felt different. And we think we've finally figured it out after diving into Chris Molanphy's new book: Old Town Road. Chris, a music and charts critic, author of Slate?s Why Is This Song No. 1 column, and host of the excellent music podcast Hit Parade, explores country music's chart history in his latest book ?Old Town Road,? part of Duke's Single Series. He zeroes in on Lil Nas X's 2018 ?Old Town Road? and its 2019 Billy Ray Cyrus-amped remix as a case study. So, to get the lowdown on 2023's country chart toppers, we've got to rewind to 2018 and re-examine ?Old Town Road? with Chris Molanphy's insights. SONGS DISCUSSED Lil Nas X - Old Town Road Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus - Old Town Road remix Morgan Waller - Last Night Jason Aldean - Try That In A Small Town Oliver Anthony Music - Rich Men North of Richmond Luke Combs - Fast Car Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves - I Remember Everything  Lil Nas X - Sonic Shit Nine Inch Nails - 34 Ghosts IV Billy Ray Cyrus - Achy Breaky Heart Luke Bryan - Light It Up Morgan Wallen - Thinking? Bout Me Jason Aldean - Burnin? It Down  DeFord Bailey - Fox Chase Carter Family - Can The Circle Be Unbroken  Bill Monroe - Mule Skinner Blues  Hank Williams - Wealth Won?t Save Your Soul  Ray Charles - You Are My Sunshine Pine Ridge Boys - You Are My Sunshine Patsy Cline - Crazy  Lionel Richie - Stuck On You  Blano Brown - The Git Up  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-11-14
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The Beatles: "Now and Then" and Forever

When Paul McCartney announced that he and Ringo Starr had produced a new Beatles song with the aid of AI, many music pundits were skeptical. Was this new song be another gimmick like the fake Drake hit "Heart on My Sleeve"? No. Instead, the Beatles simply used AI voice separation technology to repair a well-worn John Lennon demo tape.  Back in the '90s, Yoko Ono gave shared a collection of unfinished John Lennon demos with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison (who died in 2001) as part of a final recording session that resulted in the singles "Free As a Bird" and "Real Love." However, the third song, ?Now And Then" was marred by hissing and humming, and the piano was overly loud. Harrison called it rubbish, and after a few hours of tracking a rough song they left it on the cutting room floor.  But now in 2023, using film maker Peter Jackson?s latest restoration technology created for his "Get Back" documentary, the Beatles were able to create one last song together, though in three different eras. Lennon tracked his vocals in the '70s, Harrison's parts were lifted from the '90s sessions, and McCartney and Starr added their parts in 2022. The band is filled out by a string arrangement by Giles Martin (Beatles cataloger and son of the late Beatles producer George Martin) and Ben Foster, in addition to reused backing vocals from earlier Beatles tracks.  So, did the Beatles successfully bring this worn-out recording back to life? Does this AI song sound like Beatles, let alone human? Find out on Switched On Pop. SONGS DISCUSSED The Beatles - Now And Then The Beatles - Free As A Bird The Beatles - Real Love The Beatles - Taxman The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps The Beatles - Two Of Us The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby The Beatles - Because The Beatles - Here, There And Everywhere The Beatles - The End The Beatles - Penny Lane The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows The Beatles - In My Life The Beatles - You Won't See Me The Beatles - When I'm Sixty Four The Beatles - Hello, Goodbye The Beatles - Blackbird The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-11-07
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Rerecording Taylor Swift's 1989, Dark Side of the Moon, and Demi Lovato

Three big artists have rerecorded their most hallowed musical material. Taylor Swift, Roger Water and Demi Lovato each have different intentions in painstakingly putting their old songs onto new proverbial tape. On 1989 (Taylor's Version), Taylor Swift seeks control of her master recordings. On Dark Side of the Moon Redux Roger Waters explores his most vaunted work from his youth now with from perspective of an octogenarian. And Demi Lovato Revamped pivots their old pop hits into a hard rock aesthetic. Switched On Pop listens back to all three albums to see how they hold up to the original and to uncover new musical discoveries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-28
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Chartbreakers: Mitski tops the TikTok chart

It?s time for another edition of our series Chartbreakers, where we take a look at the trends and shakeups happening on the Billboard Hot 100. This week, however, the chart has been dominated by Drake and his album For All the Dogs, which takes up a grand total of 23 spots on the Hot 100. So, rather than do a story on that, Charlie and Nate take a look at the brand new TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, established only last month. This chart ? which measures the most popular songs on the platform through each song?s number of videos, views, and user engagement ? perhaps best shows the things that are popular and pervasive among a contingent of younger music listeners. Here, there?s room for everybody from Mitski to Sexyy Red to J. Dash, highlighting that the music that?s popular isn?t necessarily what hits the radio. SONGS DISCUSSED Drake - First Person Shooter (feat. J. Cole) Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine Elvis Presley - Blue Moon SUICIDAL-IDOL - ecstacy (slowed) SUICIDAL-IDOL - ecstacy SUICIDAL-IDOL - ecstacy (super slowed) J. Dash - Wop (Official Version) CeeLo Green - I'll Be Around (feat. Timbaland) - Club Mix Paul Russell - Lil Boo Thang The Emotions - Best of My Love Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It Sister Sledge - He's the Greatest Dancer - 1995 Remaster Will Smith - Miami The Whispers - And the Beat Goes On Will Smith - Wild Wild West (feat. Dru Hill & Kool Mo Dee) - Album Version With Intro Stevie Wonder - I Wish Will Smith - Men In Black - From "Men In Black" Soundtrack Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots - Remastered Sexyy Red - SkeeYee BabyTron - Crocs & Wock' Ice Spice - In Ha Mood Tyla - Water Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-24
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How Talking Heads reinvented the concert film (with Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz)

Talking Head's concert film Stop Making Sense first came out forty years ago, and it?s just been rereleased in theaters in a 4k remaster by A24. The film finds the band ? Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, David Byrne and Jerry Harrison ? at the height of their powers over three successive nights at the the Hollywood Pantages Theater. As Chris and Tina remembered it when they spoke to producer Reanna Cruz, "We'd reached a state in our career and our lives when we felt, 'we've gotten pretty good at this now. We can show the world.'" Director Jonathan Demme spliced the band's performances into an eighty-eight minute odyssey beginning with Byrne solo on the stage and gradually bringing in the rest of the band and a cast of stellar guest musicians: vocalists Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, percussionist Steve Scales, and guitarist Alex Weir. The film introduced landmark moments like Byrne?s big suit, Demme?s cinematic approach to concert cinematography, Chris's and Tina?s Tom Tom Club performing the perennial sample flip "Genius of Love," and a theater-rocking version of "Burning Down the House." Stop Making Sense broke the mold of concert films and created a new paradigm for artists to follow ever since. Nate, Charlie, and Reanna take insights from Reanna's conversation with Tina and Chris on the legacy of Stop Making Sense as a guide to think through our own favorite concert movies ? the Band's The Last Waltz, Madonna's Truth or Dare, and Beyonce's Homecoming ? to identify the musical and visual choices that make them so indelible. Songs Discussed Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Live Talking Heads - Burning Down the House - Live Beyoncé - Diva - Homecoming Live Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) - Homecoming Live Madonna - Express Yourself Madonna - Live to Tell The Band - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - Live The Band - I Shall Be Released (Finale) - Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-17
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Feeling Fine with Faye Webster

The past two episodes of the show have been in Atlanta, and this week, we?re staying there with a look at singer-songwriter Faye Webster. Her music defies genre and convention: over the course of four albums, her sound has come to contain both pedal steel and indie rock as well as soft vocals and R&B sensibilities, all the while embodying the city of Atlanta. On this episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the work of Webster and how she builds her anomalous sound ? even talking to the artist herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-11
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Metro Boomin Wants Some More

Few producers have had such a demonstrated impact on the the last decade of music as Metro Boomin. Described by GQ as the ?architect of Atlanta rap,? Metro has netted collaborations as far-ranging from Coldplay to Gucci Mane, garnered three #1 projects on the Billboard 200, and is credited with bolstering trap music?s presence both in and out of the South. From ?Jumpman? to ?Bad & Boujee? to ?Creepin?,? we?ve been hearing his productions for years ? all of which manage to capture the ear due to his penchant for eerie soundscapes and light and dark dichotomy.  This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a closer look at Metro Boomin?s career, highlighting what makes his production style so versatile.  Songs Discussed: Metro Boomin, John Legend ? On Time ILOVEMAKONNEN, Drake ? Tuesday (feat. Drake) Future ? Radical Drake, Future ? Jumpman Kanye West ? Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 Big Sean ? Bounce Back Migos, Lil Uzi Vert ? Bad and Boujee (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, Future ? X (feat. Future) Future ? Wicked Future ? Mask Off Metro Boomin, 21 Savage ? Don't Come Out The House (with 21 Savage) Metro Boomin, J Balvin, Wizkid, Offset ? Only You (feat. Wizkid, Offset & J Balvin) Thompson Twins, Metro Boomin ? Hold Me Now (Metro Boomin Remix) Solange ? Stay Flo James Blake, Moses Sumney, Metro Boomin ? Tell Them (feat. Moses Sumney & Metro Boomin) The Weeknd ? Heartless Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage ? Creepin' (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) Mario Winans, Enya, Diddy ? I Don't Wanna Know (feat. Enya & P. Diddy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-06
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In Defense of Crunk

Twenty years ago, the song "Get Low" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz and Ying Yang Twins was released; in the years since, the song has managed to stand the test of time, becoming the paragon of what we know as crunk music. In this episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at crunk ? from its roots in Memphis and Atlanta to its sonic successors, and give flowers to the man behind it all: Lil Jon himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-10-03
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Made In America: Jay-Z & Toby Keith ICYMI

In case you missed it rerun from 2016. Back in 2011, two pop songs dropped with the same patriotic title: "Made in America." But the similarities pretty much end there. Toby Keith's country smash and Jay Z, Kanye West and Frank Ocean's soulful hip hop anthem have little in common except a firm conviction that each song knows what it really means to be American. Five years later, these tracks have a lot to tell us about the role music plays in shaping our national identity, and begs the question: does music truly bring us together? Music Discussed Toby Keith - Made In America Jay Z and Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean - Made in America Sisqo - Thong Song Usher - Yeah! Beyoncé - Daddy Lessons Jimmie Rodgers - Blue Yodel No. 9 Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys - Ida Red Likes to Boogie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-09-28
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The Art of Flow (with DJ Jazzy Jeff) ICYMI

In hip-hop, what draws us to an artist is not just the content of their lyrics but how they deliver them. Along with tapping your foot to the rhythm, understanding something called ?flow? is essential to understanding hip-hop as a whole. In this episode of Switched On Pop, we interview genre icon DJ Jazzy Jeff on the concept of flow: what it is, how it applies to all music ? not just hip-hop ? and how any rapper?s flow can be analyzed under his guidelines. Taking his word for it, we put our magnifying glasses on to look at the bars of our favorite rappers, from Megan thee Stallion to Babytron. Songs Discussed: The Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa Mary J. Blige - Family Affair A Tribe Called Quest - The Hop Danger Mouse, Black Thought - Aquamarine BabyTron - Crocs & Wock?  RXKNephew - Take Three JID - Better Days (feat. Johnta Austin) Megan Thee Stallion - Not Nice Megan Thee Stallion - Cocky Af Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-09-26
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Doja Cat?s Satanic Suite

For the first time in 2023, a rap song is at number one on Billboard's Hot 100: Doja Cat's ?Paint the Town Red.? It?s her second number one single after the disco inspired ?Say So.? But the ubiquitous and lighthearted bop didn?t accurately reflect Doja?s divisive persona, an extremely online meme lord, and sometimes troll, with a history of riling up internet controversy.  Doja Cat recently called out her fans for their parasocial obsessiveness, losing 250k instagram followers in the process. Simultaneously, religious conservatives have accused her of Satanism for her playful use of illuminati imagery at her 27th birthday bash. But rather than recoil, Doja Cat is clapping back at criticism by embracing the devil.  On ?Paint the Town Red? she?s following the playbook of Lil Nas X?s ?Montero (Call Me By Your Name)? and Sam Smith and Kim Petras? ?Unholy,? all of which use demonic imagery to spark religious controversy while also commenting on artists? indiscretions and the hellish nature of the attention economy. In her satanic suite ? ?Paint The Town Red,? ?Demon,? and ?Attention? ? Doja Cat?s turns online flame wars into musical gold.  More Listen to The Allusionist with Helen Zaltzman, the best and funniest podcast about language Read the history of the loon sample on Pitchfork by Philip Sherburne Songs Discussed: Doja Cat - Paint The Town Red Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Sam Smith - Unholy (feat. Kim Petras) Doja Cat - Say So Doja Cat - Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) Doja Cat - Woman Doja Cat - Demons Daddy Yankee - Gasolina Kelis - Milkshake Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE. Bernard Herrmann - A Narrative for String Orchestra (From "Psycho") [Arr. J. Mauceri] John Williams - Main Title/John Williams/Jaws - From The "Jaws" Soundtrack Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) Doja Cat - Attention 808 State - Pacific 202 Nicki Minaj - Anaconda Calvin Harris - Prayers Up (feat. Travis Scott & A-Trak) Dionne Warwick - Walk on By Doja Cat - Paint The Town Red - Slowed Down & Sped Up Doja Cat - Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) Beyoncé - Naughty Girl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-09-19
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Jimmy Buffett: Next Year in Margaritaville

When Jimmy Buffett died on the first day of September, 2023, musicians from Paul McCartney to Pitbull mourned the death of the "Margaritaville" singer. This surprised Nate and Charlie, because frankly, they had never listened deeply to Buffett's work before, and viewed him more as a branding genius than a great musician. How wrong were your faithful podcast hosts. Jimmy Buffett was no novelty act or one-hit wonder. He found a precise combination of yearning lyrics, hip modulations, and singable melodies that produced a collection of songs that questioned the fantasy of Island Life as much as they celebrated it. Journey with us across the seas of Buffett's artistry as we listen for everything we might have missed about this unique musical icon. Songs Discussed Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Why Don't We Get Drunk, Come Monday, Fins, A Pirate Looks at 40, My Gummie Just Kicked In Harry Belafonte - Will His Love Be Like His Rum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-09-12
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Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' Era ICYMI

In case you missed it, Beyoncé?s new album Renaissance is one of her most ambitious albums yet. On this week?s episode of Switched On Pop, we discuss Renaissance with beloved guest Sam Sanders, host of the new Vulture podcast Into It. In Sanders? words: ?it?s trying to do a lot? ? but in the best way. The album incorporates seemingly every decade of contemporary popular dance music from Chic?s ?Good Times? to Right Said Fred?s ?I?m Too Sexy.? Much of the early discourse surrounding the album was marred by a confusing controversy over a small sample (we try to resolve the issue musicologically) ? but the references on Renaissance are worth listening closely to, acting as a guide through essential dance music. The album is an homage to the black and queer innovators of dance; with samples and interpolations of songs both niche and mainstream flying by, like a DJ set curated by house music pioneers.  On Renaissance, Beyoncé goes out of her way to cite, credit and compensate her influences, resulting in a triumph of musical curation. Just look at ?Alien Superstar?: the song credits twenty-four people, largely due to Beyoncé?s musical nods, rather than an exercise in boardroom style songwriting. Sanders says ?the liner notes themselves are showing you that this woman and her team have a PhD in music history.? Listen to Switched On Pop to hear how Renaissance honors dance music innovators and finds new modes of expression in the genre.  Subscribe to Into It with Sam Sanders Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vE4jqf Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3bB7Vmf Listen elsewhere: https://bit.ly/3BI0Nz0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-09-05
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Olivia Rodrigo?s Good Ideas

Everyone seems to be getting Olivia Rodrigo wrong. She's one of the few pop stars who has made it big in the current era of fragmented music streaming, but so much of the narrative has been about whose songs she's stealing from, whether it be Taylor Swift, Elvis Costello or Paramore. Rodrigo's new album Guts arrives next Friday: while we wait patiently, we take a close listen to her new singles "vampire" and "bad idea right?" to subvert the narrative. These songs show that she isn't stealing from pop music, but rather uses a deep repertoire of musical predecessors to write very crafty music. Songs discussed: Olivia Rodrigo ? vampire Olivia Rodrigo ? bad idea right? Olivia Rodrigo ? driver's license Olivia Rodrigo ? brutal Elvis Costello & The Attractions ? Pump It Up Olivia Rodrigo ? good 4 u Paramore ? Misery Business Olivia Rodrigo ? deja vu Taylor Swift ? Cruel Summer Radiohead ? Creep Scala & Kolacny Brothers ? Creep Lana del Rey ? Get Free David Bowie ? Space Oddity Elvis Presley ? That's When Your Heartaches Begin Roy Orbison ? Oh, Pretty Woman Talking Heads ? And She Was The Breeders ? Cannonball Liz Phair ? Supernova Wet Leg ? Chaise Longue The Beatles ? Twist And Shout Rage Against The Machine ? Killing In The Name Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-29
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Wonders: "Stacy's Mom" and Adam Schlesinger

In 2003, amidst a bunch of bleak alternative rock bangers like ?Numb? by Linkin Park and ?Bring Me To Life? by Evanescence, a rock song stood out on the charts for its fantastic hooks and juvenile sense of humor. ?Stacy?s Mom? turned the New Jersey band Fountains of Wayne into MTV mainstays and Grammy nominees. But while they continued to release music, tour the country, and maintain a devoted fanbase, they never reached the same level of fame again. Most people never looked further than the raunchy music video, but Fountains of Wayne released six albums across two decades, each filled with tracks of quirky, clever, and undeniably catchy power pop. And the writer of that song, FOW bassist Adam Schlesinger, had a rich and fascinating career behind the scenes in film, TV, and more. In this episode of Switched on Pop, we explore the history of ?Stacy?s Mom?, a perfectly crafted pop song that stands as a testament to the brilliance of a musician whose career was cut tragically short. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-22
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The mid-career crises of Travis Scott and Post Malone

Right now, the two biggest records in the country come to us from two of hip-hop?s biggest superstars: Travis Scott and Post Malone. Both artists have been releasing mainstream records for nearly a decade; their records UTOPIA and AUSTIN, respectfully, sit at number one and two on the Billboard 200. But going further than the numbers, these albums signify a shift in these artists? sounds, moving them out of their usual genres into previously uncharted territory in both of their careers. And as this is Post Malone?s fifth record and Travis Scott?s fourth, we also must ask: what does it mean to be a mid-career artist? Songs discussed: Travis Scott ? HYAENA Post Malone ? Mourning Travis Scott, Teezo Touchdown ? MODERN JAM Post Malone ? Chemical Madonna ? Borderline Madonna ? Ray of Light Madonna ? Don?t Tell Me Kendrick Lamar ? m.a.a.d. city Kendrick Lamar ? For Free? ? interlude Travis Scott, Swae Lee, Chief Keef ? Nightcrawler Travis Scott, Yung Lean ? PARASAIL Travis Scott, Kid Cudi ? LOOOVE  Kanye West ? I Am A God Gentle Giant ? Proclamation Travis Scott, Beyoncé ? DELRESTO (ECHOES) Post Malone ? White Iverson Post Malone, 21 Savage ? rockstar Post Malone ? Overdrive Pixies ? Where Is My Mind? Semisonic ? Closing Time Post Malone ? Something Real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-15
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Song Camp 2: Electric Boogaloo! (with Alex Tumay, Wolftyla, Nicholas Petricca, Grace VanderWaal)

Part two of the secret world of song camps looks at the different roles in a songwriting session. There are producers who sit behind a console desk or computer and record, arrange and craft the instrumental and track the vocal. Often they double as engineers who use their technical knowledge to select mics, set up signal chains, and ensure the best recording. Then there is the topliner, a singer who generates melodies on the fly, throwing ideas at the instrumental, looking for the best hooks. Often the top liner is also a songwriter who crafts chords and lyrics to fit the topline melody. And then there is of course the artist who performs the piece.  These roles aren?t always clearly divided - most musicians have multiple skills. But for the sake of understanding how each role is essential to creating a song, we asked four musical luminaries to embody one of these roles and break it down: producer/engineer Alex Tumay, topliner Wolftyla, Songwriter and Walk the Moon frontman Nicholas Petricca and Artist Grace VanderWall. This conversation happened live at the College of Performing Arts at The New School as part of Anti Social Camp 2023, the largest song camp in the world that is working to revive to the NYC songwriting scene.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-11
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The secret world of songwriting camps

Beginning in the nineties, pop songwriters have traveled to a 13th-century castle in the south of France for what?s come to be known as a ?song camp? ? a place where songwriters and collaborators can hunker down and spend a week together writing the next big hits. The castle?s owner Miles Copeland, former manager of The Police, brought songwriters to this far-flung location for a dose of creativity, and yielded massive success through the process: artists like Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Miranda Lambert have all benefited from songs stemming from these retreats. Over the last fifteen years, song camps have exploded in popularity from Peter Coquillard?s Bali Invitational, to Rihanna?s $200k LA camp, to the Anti Social Camp: a NYC-based event and the world?s largest songwriting retreat. This episode of Switched On Pop, we take a look at the secret world of song camps, and even manage to be a fly-on-the-wall in a camp with songwriter Nicholas Petricca of Walk The Moon, Julia Cumming of Sunflower Bean, engineer Will Campbell and producer Andrew Maury.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-08
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Your cursive singing is tearing this family apart!

Recently while scrolling twitter we saw a clip from American Idol of judge Katy Perry admonishing an auditioner on the show to ?Enunciate!? The video went viral because of Perry?s incensed reaction, but also because the contestant?s performance of Amy Winehouse?s ?Valerie? offered a crystalline example of a popular style of singing that has produced reactions of love and?like for Perry?hate.  It?s a style that features elongated vowels, clipped consonants, and runaway phrasing associated with contemporary singers like Halsey, Jorja Smith, and Shawn Mendes, and like many things in the 21st century it got its name from a tweet?specifically by the user @trackdroppa who boasted in 2009, ?Voice so smooth it?s like i?m singing in cursive? In this episode we speak to vocal coaches and journalists to to ask: Where did this cursive style come from? What are the vocal techniques used to create this sound? And why does cursive singing create so much backlash? Songs Discussed Shawn Mendes - Stitches Zooey Deschanel, M. Ward - Winnie the Pooh Mick Jagger - Strange Game Selena Gomez, A$AP Rocky - Good For You Frank Zappa, Moon Zappa - Valley Girl Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse - Valerie benny blanco, Halsey, Khalid - Eastside  Jorja Smith - Teenage Fantasy Tones And I - Dance Monkey Sia - Cheap Thrills Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On Blink-182 - All The Small Things SZA - Kill Bill More Ashaala Shanae https://www.themahi.com/founder Jumi Akinfenwa https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/jumi-akinfenwa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-08-01
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Barbie and the plasticity of pop

This past week, the film Barbie opened nationwide to massive success ? and with it came a soundtrack, executive produced by Mark Ronson. Functioning as both a companion to the movie and a stand-alone collection of hits, the album features everyone from Dua Lipa to reggaeton star Karol G to K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY. This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the singles from the soundtrack and see how well they embody the ethos of Barbie: plastic and all.  Check out our 2021 interview with Mark Ronson (about Ginuwine?s ?Pony?) here. We reference ?vibe snatching? in this episode. Take a listen to our episode breaking down the phenomenon here. For more on Billie Eilish?s ?No Time to Die,? check out our Bond episode from October 2021 here. Songs Discussed:  Dua Lipa ? Dance The Night Billie Eilish ? What Was I Made For? PinkPantheress ? Angel FIFTY FIFTY, Kaliii ? Barbie Dreams Janet Jackson ? Together Again FIFTY FIFTY ? Cupid The Cardigans ? Lovefool Charli XCX ? Speed Drive Billie Eilish ? No Time To Die Aqua ? Barbie Girl Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua ? Barbie World Karol G, Aldo Ranks ? WATATI Jul ? My World Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih, Cashmere Cat ? Party Girls Ava Max ? Not Your Barbie Girl Ava Max ? My Head & My Heart A Touch Of Class ? Around the World (La La La La La) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-07-25
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How Louis Armstrong invented the modern pop star

In 1964, Louis Armstrong knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts with his recording of ?Hello, Dolly!? becoming, at age 62, the oldest artist to ever hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Sixty years later, Louis Armstrong remains a beloved cultural figure, his oft-imitated voice still instantly recognizable. But Armstrong is more than a source of levity ? his artistry and innovations when he made his first recordings a century ago in 1923 set the template for the modern pop star. On this centennial episode, hear Armstrong as you?ve never heard him: a defiant, pathbreaking musician whose voice resonates in every hit record.  Songs Discussed Louis Armstrong - Hello, Dolly! King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band - Dippermouth Blues Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra - Sugar Foot Stomp Louis Armstrong & His Hot Seven - Potato Head Blues, West End Blues, Big Butter And Egg Man, Heebie Jeebies Louis Armstrong - Ain't Misbehavin', Dinah, I'm a Ding Dong Daddy (From Dumas), Black And Blue, Swing That Music Bing Crosby, The Mills Brothers - Dinah The Boswell Sisters - Heebie Jeebies Ella Fitzgerald - Mack The Knife - Live At The Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, 1960 Joey Ramone - What a Wonderful World Ghostface Killah - The Forest Jon Batiste - What A Wonderful World More Read Terry Teachout?s brilliant biography of Armstrong, Pops Visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, NY Listen to Lil Hardin Armstrong?s 1968 interview with Chris Albertson for Riverside Records Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-07-18
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Speak Now (about Taylor's versions)

Taylor Swift is currently the most streamed artist in the world as she?s commandeered the media as she embarks on her Eras tour around the globe. It's likely to be the highest grossing tour of all time, crossing $1B in sales. What?s more, she?s just released her 6th studio album since 2020, and her 3rd re-recording of her older material called Taylor?s Versions. She famously got in a spat with the new owner of her master recordings. She decided to take back control with her own hands and voice, creating mostly true-to-the-original updates alongside a smorgasbord of bonus material. First there was Fearless from 2008, then Red from 2012 and now Speak Now the last of her more country leaning albums having originally arrived in 2010. Switched On Pop listens to Speak Now (Taylor?s Version) for whats is and isn?t working musically, how the re-recordings are fairing, and where this ambitious project may go next. Joining the conversation is Lauren Michele Jackson American cultural critic, assistant professor of English and African American studies at Northwestern, author of White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation and a contributing writer to the New Yorker in her review of Taylor Swift?s midnights said ?I?ve always maintained that Swift is incapable of writing a bad song.? MORE Pop Pantheon: Checking in on Taylor Swift's Re-Recordings So Far (with Charlie Harding, Larisha Paul & Nora Princiotti) SONGS DISCUSSED Taylor Swift - Fearless, Red, Speak Now, Never Grow Up, The Story Of Us, Sparks Fly, Mine, Mean, Superman, Karma, Better than Revenge, Electric Touch, Castles Crumbling, When Emma Falls in Love, I Can See You, Back, To December, Last Kiss Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-07-11
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My Beyoncé Ticket Cost $4,000: Why the Touring Industry Might Be Broken ? Into It with Sam Sanders

Us at Switched On Pop are off on vacation, but don't fret ? this week we're still bringing you an episode, courtesy of the Vulture podcast Into It with Sam Sanders. If you've openly wondered why concert tickets seemingly have gotten more confusing and expensive, this episode's for you. ? Content creator and head of the Beyhive Kalen Allen is more than OK spending four thousand dollars on one ticket for Beyoncé?s Renaissance tour. 2023 feels like a big year for huge stadium tours for artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and more. But why are tickets so expensive, and how much are fans willing to put up with in order to go? Sam talks with music journalist Nate Rogers about why the touring industry might just be broken and what lawmakers and some artists are trying to do to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-07-04
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What makes a gay anthem?

Vulture might have killed the song of the summer back in 2016, but if you?re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it?s hard to argue against ?Padam Padam? by Kylie Minogue. The track, released this May, has taken the queer community by storm, quickly becoming ubiquitous and inescapable ? it's hard to even scroll on Twitter without a well-timed meme about the "padam-ic" popping up on the timeline. However, Minogue's song hasn't even cracked the Billboard Hot 100; instead, its status has morphed into that of a "gay anthem," a song widely celebrated inside the community but unable to garner longstanding success outside of it. This episode of Switched on Pop, producer Reanna Cruz tackles a question that the LGBTQ+ community has debated over for decades: what makes a gay anthem? Through talking with everyone from academics to their close friends, the answer takes us from Judy Garland to 1920s cabaret to, of course, "Padam Padam." Songs Discussed: Kylie Minogue ? Padam Padam Édith Piaf ? Padam padam Kylie Minogue ? Supernova Mischa Spoliansky ? Das lila Lied (The Lavender Song) Queen ? I Want To Break Free Lady Gaga ? Born This Way London Philharmonic Choir ? Amazing Grace Traditional ? God Save The King Queen ? We Are The Champions Tom Robinson Band ? Glad to be Gay Diana Ross ? I'm Coming Out Judy Garland ? Alone Together (Live At Carnegie Hall/1961) Countess Luann ? Chic C'est La Vie Judy Garland ? The Trolley Song Lady Gaga ? La Vie En Rose Bronski Beat ? Smalltown Boy Village People ? Y.M.C.A. Sylvester ? You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) Miquel Brown ? So Many Men, So Little Time Depeche Mode ? Never Let Me Down Again The Weather Girls ? It's Raining Men Gloria Gaynor ? I Will Survive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-06-27
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Switches Brew: blink-182, Kate Bush, BewhY, The Pointer Sisters, Saint Levant

Another installment of Switches Brew the show where you get to hear from the larger team Switched On Pop team and community about what we're listening to old and new. With recommendations from editor Jolie Myers, producer Reanna Cruz, and listeners Micah Salkind and JT. ?Songs Discussed Saint Levant - Nails BewhY - Adaptation The Pointer Sisters - Dare Me, I'm So Excited, Jump Junior Jack - Stupidisco blink-182 - Man Overboard, What's My Age Again? All The Small THings White Poppy - Orchid Child Odyssey - Native New Yorker Kate Bush - The Morning Fog Spencer Zahn, Dave Harrington, Jeremy Gustin - A Visit To Harry's House Cicada Ensemble - Murmuration Clip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-06-20
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Chartbreakers: Mexican regional y más

As summer comes upon us, it?s time for some Billboard shake ups. On this week?s edition of Chartbreakers, we?re looking at the recent iterations of the Hot 100 and a trend that has slowly been creeping up in popularity over the past few months: the influx of regional Mexican music. The past two years have seen many songs by Mexican artists making their way onto Billboard, all managing to highlight different scenes and sounds from the different states in Mexico.  We?re joined this week by the cohost of the NPR Music podcast Alt. Latino, Anamaria Sayre, who says that Mexican regional, or simply, regional, is a marketing ?bucket term? that encompasses different Latin genres including everything from norteño to corridos, all genres that are comfortably finding a home in the top 20 of the Hot 100 in 2023. Of course, there?s more happening outside of Latin music. Much of the chart has been stagnant since our last iteration of Chartbreakers, but, as always, there?s been some shake ups thanks to the world of the TikTok sped-up remix, the legacy artist, and on some occasions, a mix of both (we?re looking at you, Miguel). Songs Discussed: Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma ? Ella Baila Sola Bizarrap, Peso Pluma ? Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55 Grupo Frontera, Bad Bunny ? un x100to Fuerza Regida ? TQM Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida ? Bebe Dame Los Tigres del Norte ? Prisión De Amor Chalino Sanchez, Banda Brava ? Alma Enamorada Chalino Sanchez, Los Amables Del Norte ? El Crimen De Culiacán Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte ? Solo Una Patada Grupo Firme, Junior H ? Tronando Ligas Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga ? Que Bendición DannyLux ? Mi Otra Mitad Natanael Cano ? Pacas De Billetes Miguel ? Sure Thing FIFTY FIFTY ? Cupid Lana del Rey ? Say Yes to Heaven Taylor Swift, Ice Spice ? Karma (ft. Ice Spice) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-06-13
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Listening 2 Daft Punk: Random Access Memories

In the song "Touch" from Daft Punk's final studio album, 2013's Random Access Memories, featured artist Paul Williams sings a line that augured the end of an impressive collaboration: "I need something more." With RAM, Daft Punk pulled out all the stops, going the opposite direction of their previous albums, to "give life back to music" and bestow hearts and souls upon their robotic doppelgängers. RAM features almost no samples or programmed digital instruments, instead leaning into extensive collaborations with legendary studio musicians, iconic producers like Nile Rodgers, and modern mavens such as Pharrell. The making of RAM followed the blueprint of classic albums from what Daft Punk called "the golden age" of recording?Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Pink Floyd. The duo spent over a million dollars, held five years of studio sessions, and painstakingly crafted each track. The result was a record that helped usher in a retro disco-funk revival across pop music and generated a smash hit in "Get Lucky." The band had perhaps crafted their magnum opus?but did it also represent the conclusion of their epic narrative of the battle between human and machine? Songs Discussed Daft Punk - Give Life Back to Music Daft Punk - Lose Yourself to Dance (feat. Pharrell Williams) Daft Punk - Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers) Daft Punk - Giorgio by Moroder Eagles - Hotel California Daft Punk - Contact The Sherbs - We Ride Tonight Daft Punk - The Prime Time of Your Life Daft Punk, Paul Williams - Touch (feat. Paul Williams) Thomas Bangalter - Mythologies: X. L'Accouchement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-06-06
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Listening 2 Daft Punk: Human After All / Alive 2007

Throughout their legendary career, Daft Punk continued to prove that the more robotic their music became, the more human they sounded. This dichotomy came to a head on their third album, aptly titled Human After All. Where their past two records wired their circuits and gave the robots a voice, on Human After All, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo gave Daft Punk sentience. On Human After All robots rock, but they also question their rigid programming. The record's ensuing tour and resulting live album, Alive 2007, furthered the narrative by ushering in a new age of live electronic performance. The impact of these two records range from the development of EDM to everlasting hits like ?Technologic.? On episode three of our Listening 2 Daft Punk series, we take a look at these two records, and how both Alive and Human After All imbued the robots with super intelligence. Songs Discussed Daft Punk - Human After All Daft Punk - The Prime Time of Your Life Daft Punk - Robot Rock Breakwater - Release the Beast Daft Punk - Steam Machine Daft Punk - The Brainwasher Black Sabbath - Iron Man Daft Punk - Technologic Daft Punk - Emotion John Williams ? Wild Signals Daft Punk ? Touch It / Technologic Daft Punk ? Oh Yeah Daft Punk ? Technologic Busta Rhymes ? Touch It Daft Punk ? Around the World / Harder Better Faster Stronger Daft Punk ? Face to Face / Short Circuit Daft Punk ? Da Funk / Daftendirekt Kanye West ? Stronger Kanye West ? On Sight Daft Punk ? Human After All / Together / One More Time / Music Sounds Better With You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-05-30
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Listening 2 Daft Punk: Discovery

Daft Punk?s first album laid the groundwork for their robot personas, with four to the floor beats, programmed drum machines, and sequenced synthesizers. On their second album Discovery, Daft Punk fully lean into the artificial ? singing through robotic vocoders that correspond with their now-iconic robot helmets. But in there is a paradox, explored on episode 2 of Listening to Daft Punk: the more machine the robots become, the more human the music sounds. Songs Discussed Daft Punk - One More Time Daft Punk - Teachers Daft Punk - Aerodynamic Sister Sledge - Il Macquillage Lady AC/DC - Thunderstruck Laurie Anderson - O Superman Daft Punk - Revolution 909 Kraftwerk - Autobahn Kraftwerk - The Robots Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove Herbie Hancock - I Thought It Was You Zapp - More Bounce to the Ounce Stevie Wonder - 1-2-3 Sesame Street Cher - Believe Kid Rock - Only God Knows Why Barry Manilow - Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed Daft Punk - Superheroes Edwin Birdsong - Cola Bottle Baby Electric Light Orchestra - Evil Woman Daft Punk - Face to Face Daft Punk - Something About Us Daft Punk - Voyager Daft Punk - Veridis Quo Daft Punk - Superheroes Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams - LYTD (Vocoder Tests) [feat. Pharrell Williams] Daft Punk - Digital Love Daft Punk - Crescendolls Eddie Johns - More Spell On You George Duke - I Love You More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2023-05-23
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