Metro Monthly Music Podcast

To celebrate the Fourth of July, we pick 20 tunes that are vying for the distinctly American honor of this year's Song of the Summer. We're talkin' Iggy Azalea, Charli XCX, Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, 2 Chainz, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, Lowell, Chvrches, Royksopp & Robyn, Future Islands, Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks, Hamilton Leithauser, The Casket Girls, Nicki Minaj, Lana Del Rey, Sia, 5 Seconds of Summer, DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Ed Sheeran and many more! Actually, that's a lie. There are no more than the artists we just mentioned

Time to resurrect this star-spangled bunch of tunes! For a limited time only! Enjoy!

In this special edition of the MMMPod we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of a weird, little-known week-long residency at a small club in New York, where Bob Marley and the Wailers opened up for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Holy cow! What a special "Special Double Issue"! Big Boi talks about sex, Crazy Horse guitarist Poncho Sampedro talks about drugs, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert and Tanlines have some fun too and a whole bunch of people talking about Joe Strummer, the late leader of The Clash.

Sean Paul, Morrissey, Father John Misty, Paloma Faith, Boyz II Men, Michael Kiwanuka, the Vaccines and Miguel all play crucial roles in this podcast. There's a lot of talk of sex n' drugs, which is why we marked it "Explicit," but really, it's not that raunchy. Enjoy!

This is the third Best Of edition! And this one is all about the medleys. All of the artists you see in the photo collage here (if you can in fact see it on the device you're using) are part of these medleys (some of them are overused, frankly) and it's your duty to guess them all!

Check out these bangin' totally unabashed top 40 summer tunes! This is the explicit version. We're talking Carly Rae Jepsen, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, T-Pain, Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, Maroon 5, Flo Rida, Sia, fun., Grouplove, Janelle Monae, Karmin, Cher Lloyd, Rita Ora, The Wanted, Justin Bieber, Gotye, Kanye West, Pusha T, 2 Chainz.

BOOM-BOOM-CLAP! Roger Taylor of Queen talks about the "We Will Rock You" beat and the Queen Extravaganza, Ice-T talks about his new movie, The Walkmen talk about chilling out, Santigold talks about getting psyched up and Ian Astbury of the Cult admits freely that his band ripped off AC/DC, but he kinda blames it on Rick Rubin.

Oh my goodness! MORE talk, less ROCK! But who needs music when you have people talking about music? Those people include John Irving, Ira Glass, Regina Spektor, M. Ward, Mike Doughty and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Plus, you'll get to find out once and for all, if Sting does it in the shower! Oh, and yes, we do have a song you will dig by Star Slinger.

If you don't get goosebumps during this show at least once, you are a robot! Music and/or conversation from Alabama Shakes, Bob Marley, Youth Lagoon, Nirvana, Lower Dens, Cloud Nothings, Django Django, Kasabian, Daryl Hall and Gotye are all part of this, the Third Anniversary celebration of the very first MMMPod.

Kool & the Gang are opening for Van Halen?! We go directly to the source to figure out how this happened. That source is Kool himself. We also chat up Zola Jesus, Das Racist, Mark Ronson and of course, Naughty by Nature!

What a great show! Look at the guestlist! Bill Cosby, Mark Wahlberg, Azealia Banks, Marc Maron, Lenny Kravitz, The Do, (or The Dø) and Fred Armisen of Portlandia and Saturday Night Live all make appearances!

Forget all other holiday-themed music podcasts! This is the one to pay attention to! This program features interviews with people who made famous Christmas songs and a whole lot of music to serve as a soundtrack to decorating your tree or doing whatever you do in December to feel good about being a part of a family or the human race.

Deer Tick talk wild antics and ask Drake a few questions too. Drake also interacts with Explosions in the Sky. The Fling interact with Fitz and the Tantrums, and Peter Murphy talks about Bauhaus playing nice with Joy Division. We also have St. Vincent, and, oh yeah, Bob Freakin' Seger!

Billy Corgan talks Smashing Pumpkins set lists, Simon Le Bon talks about how Duran Duran are gentle with his fragile voice, Peter Wolf talks about hanging with Lou Reed and David Lynch. Mary Timony of Wild Flag talks about joining an alt-rock supergroup, and asks Pharrell Williams a very personal question. The Dum Dum Girls talk Oldies on Drugs and George Thorogood says that he may or may not be bad to the bone!

We wish Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" a happy 20th birthday, and have a very interesting guestlist for the birthday party. They include Jonah Hill, Matt Pinfield, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes and Stephen Malkmus. We also talk with Malkmus about his new album. And Peter Hook talks about joy, division and Joy Division as well as his known displeasure with the new New Order. Colin Blunstone of the Zombies says "This Will Be Our Year," and No Flash have an arresting tune called "Officer."

This is The Best of MMMPod Volume II: The Interviews, featuring Lemmy Kilmister, Rivers Cuomo, Odd Future, Clarence Clemons, Howard Zinn, Ozzy Osbourne, Nick Hornby, Julian Casablancas, The Breeders, Gary Numan, The Walkmen, Vampire Weekend, Robert Pattinson, Paul Stanley, Al Green and Girl Talk. You never know when something unexpectedly demonic might happen!

The favor that the late great Clarence Clemons did for host Pat Healy. Plus, if "Pumped Up Kicks" is the song of summer, what is the song of summer for Mark Foster of Foster the People? Janelle Monae asks Robin Pecknold of the Fleet Foxes a question, and he in turn asks one of Cass McCombs. Chris Cornell clarifies his 2005 statements about Soundgarden never getting back together and we treat you to a song by Locksley.

These are the songs from our Summer's Hottest Songs story. They go from club bangers to super indie. Check out the story online at www.metro.us/mixtape. BTW, how psyched am I about the Britney/Bruno Mars transition? Answer: Really psyched! Have a great summer!

Brian Johnson of AC/DC talks about the first time he met the band, Keren Ann jokes about killing all her fans, and James Blake admits that he is a dub addict! We also have features with Cults, Eilen Jewell and Noah & the Whale.

Hey, MMMPod subscriber. Here is this supplement to the Metro Monthly Music Podcast. It's something I've been working on for a while where I have extended parts of songs to somewhat outrageous lengths. I offer more explanation on the website www.metro.us/mixtape. Anyway, enjoy! -Pat

Ozzy Osbourne releases a killer 30th Anniversary edition of his classic solo debut, and he speaks about the message of peace and love behind "Crazy Train." Oscar the Grouch shares some family memories, the Submarines talk about fighting with each other, and Peter Bjorn and John talk about fighting journalists. We kick off the proceedings with Papas Fritas. And oh yeah, Lady Gaga tells us she's going to be our guest editor on May 17th.

Odd Future talk about their own odd future, the Black Lips ask Kurt Vile about Jay Reatard, Destroyer lets host Pat Healy know he shouldn't be ashamed about sharing embarrassing anecdotes with Duran Duran, Scala and Kolacny Brothers talk about swearing in their choral arrangements and Sharon Van Etten picks this month's Holy Craft. We kick it all off with a weird T.S. Eliot quote and a great tune by Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside.

Phil Collins is retiring? Then what drummer/singer can fill those casual tennis shoes? How about MichaelBenjamin Lerner of the band Telekinesis? We also talk with Rural Alberta Advantage, and have them ask their fellow Canadian Bryan Adams a question in the Artists-Asking-Artists segment. The MMMPod also comes down with a bad case of SXSW fever, as we talk about some of the artists who will be there, including Telekinesis and RAA and Linda Perry's new project, Deep Dark Robot. Perry has a lot of great cussing for you too! And so we subject her to our Moment of Truth test. Spoiler alert: She passes. We also speak to tin whistle player Spider Stacy about the Pogues' farewell shows. Long live the Pogues!

Girl Talk is the headliner of sorts for the February MMMPod, and the rest of the program is as diverse as one of Gregg Gillis' mash-ups. April Smith and the Great Picture Show do a pretty little song for you, Lemmy from Motörhead talks about his movie and then we subject him to the Moment of Truth™. Speaking of rockumentaries, we also speak with Michael Azerrad and AJ Schnack for their movie "Kurt Cobain: About a Son." Chromeo choose the Holy Craft®. And you'll just have to listen to see why we have an image of Huey Lewis on the makeshift artwork here.           

In this episode, our daring host gets weirder, singing in autotune and wishing the Breeders sang about Mexican food. Aside from that, all is normal and great within the MMMPod. Rivers Cuomo of Weezer talks about the deluxe edition of "Pinkerton," and an upcoming book, Big Boi talks about what surprising song he believes was co-written by a higher power, Carrie Brownstein talks about mixing comedy and music on the new show "Portlandia," and the experimental duo Buke and Gass ask opera sensation Andrea Bocelli a very important question. We also hear from Eli "Paperboy" Reed and Hands and Knees. If you can see that photo, Hands and Knees are up top in the way background, with one dude on the floor. The "Pinkerton"-era Weezer is front and center, Big Boi is on the right, blocking Fred Armisen, who is dressed like Carrie Brownstein. Buke and Gass are next to them, with Bocelli underneath them. And that's Eli Reed on the far left. There, that should do it. Enjoy!

Free Energy feed your ears with twin guitars (also known as guitarmony) and rock writer Stephen Davis shares one of the most meaningful songs to him. We press synth legend Gary Numan about a certain lyric to a classic song of his, and we formally introduce you to Eternal Summers, Oberhofer and Brian Bonz. We also challenge you to guess who's giving thanks in the MMMPod medley! If you can see the image associated with this episode, that's Bonz thinking about Free Energy, Oberhofer rocking out below Eternal Summers, who are watched over by a trio of Gary Numans, and Stephen Davis chats about the Lizard King.

Everyone is in on the October MMMPod. It all starts with a spooky song from First Aid Kit, who are a pair of sisters from Sweden. Then Scott Avett speaks about singing with his sibling Seth in the Avett Brothers. After that, Hamilton Leithauser from The Walkmen asks Scott Avett a question. Craig Finn from the Hold Steady talks about a future episode of “Glee” based at Boston College where a Hold Steady song would be a perfect match. 3D from Massive Attack talks about his band’s AntiShrug™ show and we play a live cut from Ghostface Killah to bring it all back to that Halloween-y feel.* Oh yeah, and Sheryl Crow suffers through the new Moment of Truth segment!*= Yes, the MMMPod administrators acknowledge that the name Ghostface Killah has very little to do with All Hallow’s Eve, and that it means something else entirely. Just go with us on this one!  

Lots of good talk and tunes here. Paul Stanley from Kiss talks about why he's immortal. Bob Nastanovich from Pavement talks about losing his shirt by breeding horses. Best Coast gets busted by the Song Sleuth, and we also talk with Gene Ween, the drummer from Dungen and Brian Fallon from the Gaslight Anthem, the latter of whom selects a Bob Dylan tune as this month's Holy Craft. We kick the show off with a kickin' song by Bodega Girls and we have a MMMPod Medley that will kick your ass.

Due to some computer difficulties, MMMPod takes August off and reminds you why you want to get psyched about the September edition. Featured in this first "Best of" compilation are Harlem, Girls, Best Coast, Lady Gaga, Nirvana, M.I.A., and a medley about your mother. There's a lot more too, including Titus Andronicus talking about poop. Doesn't that make you almost as happy as this photo of Lyndon Johnson with a beagle?

Young Veins talk about breaking away from Panic! at the Disco, Keith Lockhart talks about Buckwheat Zydeco throwing the Boston Pops for a loop, Zooey Deschanel talks about how Roy Orbison inspired a She & Him song, Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells talks about how awesome Funkadelic is, and we talk about how awesome Jimmy Cliff is, who in turn talks about Sam Cooke and divine intervention. An explosive show for July! Oh yeah, and we also test your knowledge of America songs in the MMMPod medley.

The June MMMpod features conversation with Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit and Jordin Sparks. We also look into an odd tradition that M.I.A. recently became a part of, by opting not to write a letter to the editor, but a song to the editor. We celebrate graduates in the MMMPod Medley and Nick Drake in the Holy Craft segment.

The May MMMpod features conversation with Johnny Rotten and Josh Ritter (not together, of course). We go through the neglected CD collection of author Steve Almond, whose latest book,  Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life is out now on Random House. We also celebrate the music of dearly departed Mass.-born rapper Guru.

The April MMMpod features conversation and music from Titus Andronicus and Best Coast. The latter band is part of a trend piece on the sensation that is taking over the nation in a very mellow way that we call Oldies on Drugs. We also feature conversation and music from Girls and Harlem. We also celebrate the music of dearly departed Alex Chilton and talk to Damian Kulash from OK Go.

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.

The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

The January MMMpod features conversation from performers who helped define the first decade of the new century. One of those people is Julian Casablancas, who we also talk to about his brilliant new album. The Song Sleuth does bust him for borrowing a guitar part from a ‘Flashdance’ song though. We also dig up old interviews from bands who are reuniting in 2010. It’s funny to hear them say they’ll probably never get back together again. In preparation for the Grammys, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry talks about sharing the stage with Sly Stone at the Awards show a few years ago.

The December MMMpod features interviews and Christmas music from the Killers and Darlene Love. The Song Sleuth busts Lady Gaga for ripping off the Offspring, who ripped off Nirvana, who ripped off Boston. We also delve into what makes Shakira great, and examine what she has in common with David Bowie, David Lee Roth and Sting. And December's other religions are celebrated in the MMMPod medley.

The November MMMpod features interviews and music with a band called Girls, a band of girls called Supercute, and a supercute vampire (Yes, we have Robert Pattinson), and a tune from the XX, who may or may not be vampires. What ties all of this together? Huey Lewis, of course.

So many killer interviews that it's scary! The October edition of MMMpod features conversation with Al Green, Drew Barrymore, Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, author Nick Hornby and Big Man Clarence Clemons (who is also an author, in addition to his sax duties with Springsteen). We also let Ms. Barrymore choose this month's HOLY CRAFT, and possibly confused her a little bit. We also have music from Sean Bones. You think that's a scary name? The MMMPod medley is all about ghosts!

The September edition of MMMpod features conversation with The Walkmen, The Cult, Perez Hilton, and music from Hilton's 1st signing on his new label. It's a dude named Slimmy. There's also other new tunes from AA Bondy, The Horrors, Mayer Hawthorne and classics from LCD Soundsystem and The Concretes. The MMMPod Medley laments the passing of summer.

The August edition of MMMpod features special guest hosts Drug Rug and a selection from this Boston band’s brand new “Paint the Fence Invisible.” New music from K’Naan and Wye Oak, and there’s also conversation from the Breeders and Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray. And Drug Rug gives me a hard time for admitting I like Sugar Ray. Drug Rug also digs Taj Mahal, The Band and Glen Campbell. We also raid the MMMpod medicine cabinet for the Medley.

Long Live the King (of Pop). We celebrate the late Michael Jackson in the Holy Craft segment, Titus Andronicus tells you your life is over and Jay-Z sings for the Death of Autotune. Metro hip-hop writer G. Valentino Ball explores whether or not Jigga's new song will really mean the end of this weird vocal trend, and we have funky music from Bodega Girls and Tom Jones. Oh yeah, Dexter Holland of the Offspring talks about album titles.

Ed Helms, from the new movie, "The Hangover" talks about his real-life experience in a capella groups. Perry Farrell talks about the Jane's Addiction reunion and what it takes to get into the mindset of the person he was when he first started the band. The Holy Craft mourns the passing of Jay Bennett and does a low-impact mashup of Wilco and Peter Laughner. Lots of cool music too, including Booker T and the MGs and Magic Magic.

We speak with Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls about her Neutral Milk Hotel-inspired new play, which is taking place at a high school! We also highlight the tunes of artists playing in town this month, including Woodhands, Slick Rick, Lemonheads and Leonard Cohen.

The inaugural edition of MMMPod! Kings of Leon talk about their sex being on fire. We feature music from Japanther, Kissy Sell Out, Drug Rug and of course, the Allman Brothers, which is used for slightly evil purposes!