Podcast appearances and mentions of Mike Mills

Mortgage rate cuts are back on the table — but will they actually help buyers, or just push prices higher? In this week's Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast, Mike Mills breaks down the Fed's latest signals, housing market shifts, and the AI tools Realtors can use to stay ahead. If you're a Realtor navigating 2025 chaos, this one's for you.Episode OverviewThe Mortgage Rate Cut Outlook 2025 is finally shifting, but what does it actually mean for Realtors, buyers, and sellers? In this episode, Mike Mills dives into the Fed's Jackson Hole updates, Texas housing market stats, and the impact of inflation vs. jobs data. Realtors will learn:Why mortgage rates don't always follow Fed cutsHow to frame buyer conversations around payments, not headlinesWhy sellers should price right in the first two weeksHow AI workflows can turn client interviews into personalized marketingIf you've been asking: “How can Realtors prepare clients for rate cuts?” or “What mortgage strategies still work in 2025?” — this episode has the answers.Key Takeaways1. Mortgage Rate Cut Outlook Is ComplexThe Fed may cut rates in September 2025, but mortgage rates don't always move in lockstep with Fed policy. Realtors must educate clients that affordability depends on both rates and home prices, not just one headline.2. Buyer Concessions Beat Price CutsA $10,000 price cut lowers a payment by just $65/month, but $10,000 in concessions saves real cash today. Realtors should coach buyers to negotiate concessions rather than chasing small monthly savings.3. Sellers Must Price Smart EarlyThe first two weeks on market are critical. Overpricing leads to stagnation, price cuts, and lowball offers, while sharp pricing sparks competition and higher final sales. Realtors must guide sellers to hit the market aggressively.4. Texas Housing Market Is SplinteredDFW is sliding, Houston is holding strong, Austin is still 17% below its peak, and San Antonio is affordable but cutting prices. Realtors need to tailor strategies to each local market instead of following national headlines.5. AI Can Personalize Client ExperiencesRecording and transcribing the first buyer/seller meeting allows Realtors to use AI (ChatGPT, NotebookLM) to generate presentations, follow-ups, and long-term profiles. For less than $50/month, Realtors can automate personalization like a Fortune 500 marketer.

Host: Dr. Mike Mills, Dr. JC Doornick, Dr. Lynn JohnsonTOPICS: Health Professional Q&A

Confused about when mortgage rates will finally drop? You're not alone—and this episode brings the answers. Kendall Garrison, CEO of Amplify Credit Union, joins Mike Mills to unpack what the Fed's latest decision means for interest rates, real estate professionals, and your clients' wallets.

Baxie talks with singer/songwriter/producer Chris Stamey. Chris has just released his eleventh solo album, the critically acclaimed "Anything is Possible". It's a terrific album which includes performances from The Lemon Twigs, Marshall Crenshaw, and Probyn Gregory from the Brian Wilson Band. Chris has also just finished producing the latest album by The Salt Collective (which is due out later this year). Chris talks about his early years with the dB's, playing with the late Alex Chilton, as well as with the Big Star Quintet (which includes original Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and Mike Mills from REM)! Chris will be appearing at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Massachusetts on October 28th. He'll also be at the Somerville Armory the following night. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on the Rock102 app! Brought to you by Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicopee

R.E.M. put out a multitude of hits in college, modern, and alternative rock genres in the 80's and 90's.  By the time that Around the Sun, the group's 13th studio album was released, the band was experiencing changes in personnel and struggles with focus.  Drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997 and was replaced by Bill Reiflin.  While Reiflin would be the regular percussionist for the band until their dissolution in 2011, he would not be considered a member of the band like Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass, keyboards), or Michael Stipe (vocals).  From a commercial standpoint the album was a success, going to number 13 on the Billboard 200 in the US, and topping the album chart in the UK.  However, critical reviews were more negative, and the band members would agree over time with Stipe and Mills stating that the album lacked focus.  Peter Buck was more critical, stating that the album shows that the band was bored with the material.  Many consider this the worst R.E.M. studio album the group produced. However, with the benefit of hindsight we think this album is due for a second look.  The songs are more adult-oriented than the bands hits from prior decades, yet maintain the distinctive R.E.M. sound.  There is a cleaner production on this album and clearer lyrics.Rob brings us a great debut folk rock album in this week's podcast.Leaving New YorkThe lead off track was also the lead single from the album.  It reached number 5 on the UK singles chart, making it the eleventh and last top-10 REM single in that country.  However, it was not heavily promoted and failed to crack the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first US single from an REM studio album not to chart since 1985.  It has a somber tone.WanderlustThis was the fourth and final single from the album, and utilizes a complex time signature of 4/4 time in the verses and 7/4 in the chorus.  The title references the desire to travel, and not remain in one place for very long.  "I got my signals crossed.  It's overwhelming me because I'm all alone and I cant get back - get back with my wanderlust."AftermathThe second single from the album portrays a woman living in a daze after a breakup.  Overwhelmed by ruminations, she overfeeds the cat and underwaters the plants.  It went to number 15 on the US alternative rock chart and number 41 on the UK singles chart.  around the sunThe album contains a title track - a rarity on REM albums.  It begins with a soft acoustic guitar leading into pensive lyrics.  "Hold on world, 'cause you don't know what's coming.  Hold on world, 'cause I'm not jumping off.  Hold on to this boy a little longer, take another trip around the sun." STAFF PICKS:1985 by Bowling for SoupBruce starts the staff picks with a song about a middle-aged woman thinking about how things have changed since her glory days in 1985.  It is a cover song originally done by pop punk band SR-71, but made famous by the Bowling for Soup version.  It went to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 5 on the Adult Top 40.  Float On by Modest MouseLynch brings us a track that songwriter and band founder Isaac Brock says was consciously written to feel more positive than some of his previous work.  The lyrics are stoic - not getting caught up in the bad things, because good things are around the corner.  "Alright, already, we'll all float on."I Go Back by Kenny ChesneyWayne's flips the script on us by bringing a country song into the mix, but with lyrics that talk about listening to rock songs in the past.  With references to the Steve Miller Band, Billy Joel, Sunday church, Sunday lunch, and the death of a High School friend, Chesney recounts days gone by. COMEDY TRACK:Goofy Goober Rock by SpongeBob SquarePants"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" was released around this time, and included this parody of a Twisted Sister song.   Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?NXTGen”NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Unlock the true power of AI in real estate. Learn how to automate your CRM, craft ultra-personalized outreach, and dominate local lead generation using the latest tools — all tailored for real estate pros. If you're a Realtor ready to elevate your marketing with smart automation, this episode is your blueprint.

Mike Mills on R.E.M.'s first Minneapolis show, the impact of legendary band Big Star on some of your favorite bands and why the Big Star Quintet has much fun playing Big Star's music, even when fans in the audience break down and cry in the middle of the set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a taste of summertime sadness, we look at a pick from curator Christos Nikou (Apples [2020] and Fingernails [2023]): Mike Mills's semi-autobiographical bleak comedy Beginners (2010). We get into the film's tonality of “melancholic smile,” non-human actors, is this Mills's All Fours?, Christopher Plummer's silent expressivity (and “ascot game”), aging out of the gay bar, and nightclub as metaphor for life.--The Bright Wall/Dark Room Podcast is co-hosted by⁠ Veronica Fitzpatrick⁠ and⁠ Chad Perman⁠, and produced by⁠ Eli Sands⁠. Our theme music is composed by Chad. This episode is sponsored by Galerie, a new kind of film club. Discover more at ⁠Galerie.com⁠.

Who doesn't like a good rock and pop record? Well, the family (take that, Partridges) that makes up Secret Monkey Weekend do, and their new record, Lemon Drop Hammer proves it and then some.For more information, check out their website.

Struggling to stand out in today's market?AI is transforming how top Realtors generate leads, follow up, and close deals faster than ever. In this game-changing episode, Mike Mills and Ginger Bell reveal the real estate AI strategies that smart professionals are using to work less, earn more, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.

Crashing prices, rising inventory, and Bitcoin-backed mortgages—what could possibly go wrong? The Texas housing market shift is in full swing, and it's turning traditional real estate wisdom on its head. If you're a Realtor trying to stay profitable in this madness, this episode is your new playbook.Episode OverviewIn this fast-paced breakdown of the Texas housing market shift happening in Summer 2025, host and mortgage pro Mike Mills guides Realtors and lenders through the economic turbulence hitting Texas real estate.Here's what's inside:Why Austin's inventory surge and falling home prices signal a new buyer's marketHow the latest jobs report and Fed delays are impacting mortgage rate trendsWhat the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” means for affordability, taxes, and the future of housing financeAn AI tool that might outsmart your entire CRM system (Fello, we're looking at you)And yes... there's even talk of aliens, ancient tech, and Klarna credit scoresIf you've got listings that won't move or buyers still waiting for rates to drop, this episode delivers the insight, humor, and tools you need to survive—and maybe even thrive—this summer.Key TakeawaysMortgage Rates Are Flip-Flopping AgainRates dipped, then bounced back slightly—but the Fed's indecision means volatility is here to stay. Understanding what's driving rate behavior is critical for advising buyers and timing your locks.Austin's Buyer Market Is HereInventory in Austin is up 43%, and over half of sellers are slashing prices. This means Realtors must pivot fast—buyers have power, and overpriced listings will stall out quickly.The Fed, the Bill & the BacklashMassive federal policy changes are adding fuel to the debt fire. Elon Musk's dramatic political pivot and warnings from the CBO reveal how high the stakes are for housing affordability and investor confidence.Fello: Your CRM's AI-Powered SidekickFello integrates with your CRM to score, segment, and nurture leads based on real equity and ownership data. If you're sitting on a database of “maybe someday” leads, Fello helps you turn them into real conversations.When the Market's Weird, Stay InformedBetween tech layoffs, public-sector hiring, and an interest cost crisis, staying updated is your competitive edge. This episode keeps it real—because Realtors don't need fluff, they need facts (and maybe a little sarcasm).Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Oh good! Another song about oldness! Music: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe Words, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals: SG Tuba: Timothy J. Weber Helpful suggestions: Niamh Bagnell From my new album which you should totally buy, "The Artist Eventually Known As Somebody You've Heard Of" at www.stevegoodie.com!

1994 proved to be one of the most fertile years for Beatles-inspired filmmaking. The titles of cinematic classics either directly about The Beatles (“The Secret Of Roan Inish”, “Blue Chips”) or clearly inspired by their music (“Ski School 2”, “Wesley Snipes' Sugar Hill”) were '94's dominant cultural and commercial hits. (Yeah, go ahead and f off, “The Air Up There”.) Perhaps the most notable fab film from that year was “Backbeat”, which focused primarily on Stuart Stucliffe's brief but incredibly/debatably important tenure as a Beatle. What does the film get right? What does it get terribly, offensively wrong? How do Beatles (and cinema, damn it) EXPERTS Tony & T.J. feel the film holds up on its' 31st anniversary? (Forgot about that milestone, huh, Calderstone/Polydor??) The Gab Two deep dish “Backbeat”, and more, including:

Moody Movies: Dog Day Afternoon (1975), The Parent Trap (1998), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Forbidden Planet (1956)Kylie & Elliott have their expectations overturned with a 1970s banger, fall in love with a 90s classic, revisit a movie twenty years later, and see Anne Francis in Forbidden Planet (wah-ah-ah-oh-oh).Watch the Mike Mills directed music video for Talking Heads' Psycho Killer.Follow along onInstagram: @moodymovie.clubLetterboxd: kylieburton Letterboxd: ElliottKuss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Realtors, want to thrive—not just survive—in today's market? This episode unpacks the AI Real Estate Revolution, showing how smart tech can supercharge your sales and client connections. Discover the must-use tools and mindset shifts that will elevate your real estate game.

“Mortgage rates stalled, housing inventory surging, and AI taking over lead follow-up—sounds like a market meltdown, right?” This week, we dive deep into the Texas housing market and reveal the must-use AI lead conversion tool every Realtor needs. Consider this episode your playbook for navigating 2025's unpredictable real estate landscape.

Michele Lockwood is an artist, writer, photographer, clothing designer, mother, activist, and environmental scientist. She grew up in the boroughs of New York City and started sneaking out to hip-hop gigs, house music clubs, and punk shows while in high school. She hung out at the Brooklyn Banks in the late 1980s, and played the character “Kim” in Larry Clark's 1995 film Kids. The X-girl logo, designed by Mike Mills, was based on her face, which led her to becoming a clothing designer in Tokyo with her own brand, called Material. Lockwood has lived in Australia for the last 20-odd years with her partner, Andrew Kidman, on a rural property in the hills between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Recently, Lockwood has started working for a not-for-profit Indigenous organization that helps to build more resilient communities and ecosystems. In her spare time, she studies and publishes papers on a local endangered frog species. In this episode of Soundings, Lockwood sits down with Jamie Brisick at the Big Sky compound to talk about her teenage years, creativity, fashion, surfing in California, Kids, music, the artistic process, moving to Australia, and the study of frogs. 

By 1985, REM had carved out a following both in their home base of Athens, GA and at colleges and indie radio stations around the US. Their first two albums Murmur and Reckoning gave them a foothold as they learned how to craft songs and play live. But they were ready to take the next step so instead of retreating to North Carolina where they'd recorded their first two albums, they went to London to broaden their horizons and up their songwriting and recording game. Because REM had grown into a solid live band, some songs were worked out on the road like their classic travel song Driver 8. But they also sought inspiration from some of the odd characters they encountered in Athens and around the South with songs like Wendell Gee, Life And How To Live It and Old Man Kensey. They also drew from their travels to create some great road songs like Can't Get There From Here, Maps & Legends and Feeling Gravity's Pull. Guitarist Peter Buck does his jangly best here while breaking out a little banjo in spots. Mike Mills not only locks down the bass but provides harmonies and counterpoints to Michael Stipes desperate and personal lyrics. This album would portend the next two REM records - Life's Rick Pageant and Document - both favorites of The Wolf. While the band would go onto become multi-platinum international pop superstars in the 90s, this album saw the band not ready to become that big but ready to take the next step in their journey. It's a fun one to dive into as it turns 40! Check out our new website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ugly American Werewolf in London Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LInkTree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By 1985, REM had carved out a following both in their home base of Athens, GA and at colleges and indie radio stations around the US. Their first two albums Murmur and Reckoning gave them a foothold as they learned how to craft songs and play live. But they were ready to take the next step so instead of retreating to North Carolina where they'd recorded their first two albums, they went to London to broaden their horizons and up their songwriting and recording game. Because REM had grown into a solid live band, some songs were worked out on the road like their classic travel song Driver 8. But they also sought inspiration from some of the odd characters they encountered in Athens and around the South with songs like Wendell Gee, Life And How To Live It and Old Man Kensey. They also drew from their travels to create some great road songs like Can't Get There From Here, Maps & Legends and Feeling Gravity's Pull. Guitarist Peter Buck does his jangly best here while breaking out a little banjo in spots. Mike Mills not only locks down the bass but provides harmonies and counterpoints to Michael Stipes desperate and personal lyrics. This album would portend the next two REM records - Life's Rick Pageant and Document - both favorites of The Wolf. While the band would go onto become multi-platinum international pop superstars in the 90s, this album saw the band not ready to become that big but ready to take the next step in their journey. It's a fun one to dive into as it turns 40! Check out our new website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ugly American Werewolf in London Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LInkTree⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Realtors, ready to slash your workload and still close more deals? Discover how AI-driven Realtor tools are helping agents automate follow-ups, generate custom CMAs, and find their perfect niche—without lifting a finger. In this episode, tech strategist Jeff Loyd reveals how to future-proof your real estate career and start working smarter today.

On People of Note this week Mike Mills stands in for Rodney Trudgeon, and Mike's guest is three time Grammy award winning flautist Wouter Kellerman. People of Note is on Sunday at 6 pm with a repeat on Thursday at 12 noon. Brought to you by Pieter Toerien Productions

Music becomes a vessel for expressing feelings we can't put into words ourselves, as Jim recounts how he used a Beatles song to declare his teenage affection on a college radio station and how Billy Joel's lyrics helped him navigate heartbreak.• Using Beatles song "I Should Have Known Better" to woo a girl via radio dedication at age 13• Billy Joel's Glass Houses album as soundtrack to adolescent heartbreak in 1980• Live concert review of Gang of Four's recent April 29, 2025 show at Variety Playhouse• Meeting original Gang of Four members and REM's Mike Mills' surprise appearanceWhether you're nostalgic for the days of handwritten radio dedications or simply appreciate how certain albums become emotional lifelines during formative years, this episode reminds us that music doesn't just mark time—it helps us navigate life's most challenging moments while creating connections that span decades."Music in My Shoes" where music and memories intertwine.Learn Something New orRemember Something OldPlease like and follow the Music in my Shoes Facebook and Instagram pages and share the podcast with your friends on social media. Contact us at musicinmyshoes@gmail.com.Send us a one-way message. We can't answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

The Big Mates discuss and conclude their thoughts on R.E.M. and their career. They bring an 18-month journey to a close, with thoughts on the sound, story, and attitude of the band, a recap of each of their albums and moods, and a look at their impact and legacy. It's a long finale to a long season! Thank you all for joining us!Is it era or era? Do Nirvana sound like the Spice Girls? What is the true identity of Santa Claus? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out next Monday!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

This is a rebroadcast of a program that originally aired in August of 2023.  We've selected the encore to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, the turning point in the Vietnamese diaspora of which Ocean Vuong is a part.   Ocean Vuong‘s exquisitely crafted poetry and prose ask perennial and pressing questions about race, masculinity, addiction, trauma, and courage. His beloved novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, for which he recently finished writing the screenplay, tells the story of a queer Vietnamese refugee coming of age against the backdrop of violence, poverty, and addiction. Vuong is the author of the poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds and his newest, Time is a Mother, “full of concentrated, kaleidoscopic riffs on the feelings and sounds, the delirious highs and darkest lows, that make up contemporary life” (The New Yorker).On June 9, 2023, Ocean Vuong came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco for an onstage conversation with Mike Mills, a filmmaker, graphic designer, and artist best known for the films Beginners, 20th Century Women, and most recently C'mon C'mon.  

We sit down with Chad Perman (Bright Wall / Dark Room) to discuss Mike Mills' autobiographical love letter to his mom. We discuss how becoming a parent helps you become closer to your own parents, finding ourselves alienated from our own children, empaths, narratives as a source of therapy, and much more! Follow us on Blue Sky! Buy a cows shirt on Threadless!

The Big Mates watch all of R.E.M.'s music videos in one sitting. Or a lot of them, at least!You can watch along with us here:https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1BTocYjExC/Or you can just listen without watching anything - that works too!Or you could make your own playlist - scroll down to see which videos we covered!Our next episode will see us wrap-up and offer final thoughts on the whole 15-album, 31-year career of R.E.M. and is out on Monday April 28th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/The videos we watch in this episode are:Wolves, LowerRadio Free EuropePretty PersuasionSo. Central RainCan't Get There From HereDriver 8Feeling Gravitys PullLife and How to Live ItFall On MeThe One I LoveIt's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)Finest WorksongTalk About the PassionOrange CrushStandTurn You Inside-OutPop Song 89Get UpLosing My ReligionShiny Happy PeopleNear Wild HeavenRadio SongDriveMan on the MoonThe Sidewinder Sleeps ToniteEverybody HurtsNightswimmingFind the RiverWhat's the Frequency, Kenneth?Bang and BlameCrush With EyelinerStrange CurrenciesStar 69TongueE-Bow the LetterBittersweet MeElectroliteHow the West Was Won and Where It Got UsDaysleeperLotusSuspicionAt My Most BeautifulThe Great BeyondImitation of LifeAll the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)I'll Take the RainBad DayAnimalLeaving New YorkAftermathSupernatural SuperseriousHollow ManMan-Sized WreathUntil the Day is DoneMine Smell Like HoneyUberlinOh My HeartWe All Go Back to Where We BelongSupport the show

Adam talks to Bertis Downs, long-time legal advisor and manager of R.E.M. They talk about the formation of his musical tastes, his background in law, and meeting the band in the early days of their career. They also discuss what he saw in R.E.M., how he learned the job as he was doing it, how to manage a band with a clear vision of their own, how to pick singles, life after the band, and much more!Our next episode is out on Monday April 21st!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss face food, William S. Burroughs, obscure Arctic Monkeys singles, and a selection of b-sides by R.E.M..Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss some b-sides and rarities from across the band's career, discussing the content and recording process. Which songs have been included? How do you use a Scrub Daddy? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday April 14th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Adam welcomes back Ethan Kaplan, this time to discuss his work with the band during the process of Accelerate and Collapse Into Now.They talk about album promotion in the 21st Century, embracing emerging technology, the advent of social media, and the studio process for the last few R.E.M. albums. Our next episode is out on Monday March 31st!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The super-trouper of scrutiny scans this week's events and lands upon … … the man who's played on 21,000 records. … how Joni Mitchell is still stirring it up aged 81 and why we love her for it. ... the impact of the stadium circuit on rock festivals. … the longest-surviving group in the world – bowing out at Glastonbury after 66 years! … “fake indignation” on social media. … the 40th anniversary of Dead Or Alive's stunning You Spin Me Round (Like A Record). … the most unlikely looking person to have ever become a rock star.  … the serial winner of the Bass Player Who Most Resembles An Old Testament Prophet contest. … why a record untouched for four decades – eg Day Of Radiance by electronic zither master Laraaji - seems to have matured like a fine wine. … how Donna Summer's I Feel Love was a new kind of music, one that made you one want endless repetition rather than change.  … “Kevin Ayers drank a pint of Pernod then drove me down a mountain”. Plus birthday guest Avi Chaudhiri on the connection between Buddy Holly, Mike Mills and Paul ‘Bonehead' Arthurs.Find out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https:/www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The super-trouper of scrutiny scans this week's events and lands upon … … the man who's played on 21,000 records. … how Joni Mitchell is still stirring it up aged 81 and why we love her for it. ... the impact of the stadium circuit on rock festivals. … the longest-surviving group in the world – bowing out at Glastonbury after 66 years! … “fake indignation” on social media. … the 40th anniversary of Dead Or Alive's stunning You Spin Me Round (Like A Record). … the most unlikely looking person to have ever become a rock star.  … the serial winner of the Bass Player Who Most Resembles An Old Testament Prophet contest. … why a record untouched for four decades – eg Day Of Radiance by electronic zither master Laraaji - seems to have matured like a fine wine. … how Donna Summer's I Feel Love was a new kind of music, one that made you one want endless repetition rather than change.  … “Kevin Ayers drank a pint of Pernod then drove me down a mountain”. Plus birthday guest Avi Chaudhiri on the connection between Buddy Holly, Mike Mills and Paul ‘Bonehead' Arthurs.Find out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https:/www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The super-trouper of scrutiny scans this week's events and lands upon … … the man who's played on 21,000 records. … how Joni Mitchell is still stirring it up aged 81 and why we love her for it. ... the impact of the stadium circuit on rock festivals. … the longest-surviving group in the world – bowing out at Glastonbury after 66 years! … “fake indignation” on social media. … the 40th anniversary of Dead Or Alive's stunning You Spin Me Round (Like A Record). … the most unlikely looking person to have ever become a rock star.  … the serial winner of the Bass Player Who Most Resembles An Old Testament Prophet contest. … why a record untouched for four decades – eg Day Of Radiance by electronic zither master Laraaji - seems to have matured like a fine wine. … how Donna Summer's I Feel Love was a new kind of music, one that made you one want endless repetition rather than change.  … “Kevin Ayers drank a pint of Pernod then drove me down a mountain”. Plus birthday guest Avi Chaudhiri on the connection between Buddy Holly, Mike Mills and Paul ‘Bonehead' Arthurs.Find out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https:/www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Big Mates take a brief pause to discuss ratings, rankings, audience demands, and the career of R.E.M. from 1997 - 2011.Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having now covered the five records that encompass the second half of their career at Warner Bros. They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they return to each album with more experienced ears, and they talk about how they feel about them now.They chat context, albums, preconceptions, expectations, and much more before offering up their individual Top 10 R.E.M. (1997 - 2011) songs. These have been compiled into our second "Best Of R.E.M." compilation, available (alongside previous Best Ofs) here: https://bit.ly/3xVZAVfWhat makes it into the Top 10s? What's our favourite album so far? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?  Our next episode is out next Monday March 31st!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!On this week's show we mentioned Speak!Learn more at www.speaklanguageacademy.com and Use code TRAVEL10 to save 10% on your first  traveler's prep course.Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss addictive games, compilations, goodbyes, and the last few months of R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by looking at how the band ended their long and storied career.Starting with a quick commentary, they watch the final full-band performance from R.E.M. in Hansa Studios, Berlin and then discuss how the band announced that they would be calling it a day. They then examine the band's career-spanning compilation, Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage and the 3 new songs that accompanied it, before taking a look at what each band member has been up to since the disbandment, and then THAT performance in 2024.How did the band leave things? What did they go on to do? Will they every reform for a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday March 24th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!On this week's show we mentioned Speak!Learn more at www.speaklanguageacademy.com and Use code TRAVEL10 to save 10% on your first  traveler's prep course.Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

An unexpected music miracle unfolded in Athens, Georgia when all four original members of REM reunited on stage during a Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy tribute performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Fables of the Reconstruction." This rare convergence became the highlight of a music-packed fortnight in Athens, GA that I'm thrilled to share with you in vivid detail.The magic moment happened at the legendary 40 Watt Club when Michael Stipe took the microphone, joining Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry for a performance of "Pretty Persuasion." As someone witnessing this unicorn of rock reunions, I found myself torn between capturing the moment on my phone and simply absorbing the once-in-a-lifetime experience with my own eyes.My Athens immersion continued with visits to iconic landmarks like the Murmur Trestle and Weaver D's (of "Automatic for the People" fame), followed by four days at Cracker's annual "Camp in" event. This gathering of devoted fans—affectionately called "Crumbs"—featured intimate performances ranging from David Lowery and Johnny Hickman's acoustic sets to full-band experiences. A particularly moving moment was Ike Reilly's performances featuring his adult children, weaving themes of redemption and musical legacy.We dive into musical history with explorations of Depeche Mode's "Violator" album and its transformative impact on their fanbase in 1990, plus Mike Watt's collaborative 1995 album featuring members of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the Foo Fighters. "Minute with Jimmy" spotlights The Vapors' surprising return with a new album 45 years after their hit "Turning Japanese," proving great music transcends time.Whether you're a devoted fan of Athens' storied music scene or simply love discovering musical connections across generations, this episode captures those special moments when music history unfolds before your eyes—and why sharing these experiences matters now more than ever.Send us a one-way message. We can't answer you back directly, but it could be part of a future Music In My Shoes Mailbag!!!

Adam and Steve chat with Scott McCaughey to discuss the 17 years he spent playing in R.E.M. as an additional musican.They talk to Scott about his long and productive relationship with Peter Buck, how he joined the band at the height of their fame, and what it was like to jump in on a staidum tour.They also talk about the process of recording albums like New Adventures in Hi-Fi and Accelerate, the experiemtnal sessions for Up and Reveal, and how it felt recording Around the Sun. Scott also speaks on The Minus 5 and their upcoming record and tour, the recent R.E.M. tribute shows with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, how to keep multiple projects moving, and how it felt to be told he may never play music again. Our next episode is out on Monday March 17th and will explore how R.E.M. ended their career.Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!On this week's show we mentioned Speak!Learn more at www.speaklanguageacademy.com and Use code TRAVEL10 to save 10% on your first  traveler's prep course.Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The real estate and mortgage industries are facing major disruptions—are you ready? With the CFPB under Trump rolling back regulations and HUD layoffs threatening FHA loan processing, these changes could significantly impact Realtors, lenders, and homebuyers. In this episode, we break down how these shifts could reshape the housing market and what real estate professionals must do now to stay ahead.

The Big Mates discuss reality television, etymology, Austin Powers, and Collapse Into Now by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's fifteenth and final studio album, released in 2008. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They continue with their track-by-track analysis of the album and explore their feelings on each song and how they contribute to the whole record. They then look at how Collapse Into Now was received by critics and fans at the time of release and how those views may have changed now that we know it was the band's final album. What will we make of the album? Did the band stick the landing of their career? How much do the band love unlikely animals going up forms of stairs? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday March 10th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Mike Mills of R.E.M. and the Baseball Project and a new supergroup with Darius Rucker is here, and we've got questions: How did R.E.M. come to share all songwriting credits, and why did Mills initially object? What impact did the albums' producers have? Given the bandmates' senses of humor, why wouldn't R.E.M. smile in photographs? Had R.E.M. decided to call it quits before it made Collapse into Now? What songs did Michael Stipe transform in surprising ways when he added lyrics and vocals? Did Stipe complete every song handed to him by Mills, Peter Buck and/or Bill Berry, and if not, would they consider going back to any of them? Have the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy R.E.M.-celebrating live shows given Mills new perspective on any of those songs or made him want to play them again with his old bandmates? Why hasn't Mills been driven to make a solo album? And what happened when Mills joined Bruce Springsteen on stage? (Photo by Cass Bird.)

The Big Mates discuss endings, the 20th century, Moose Juice, and Collapse Into Now by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fifteenth and final studio album, released in 2011. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They discuss how the band reacted to a renewed sense of purpose following Accelerate, their goals for the album, and how early in to the process it was decided that this would be their final record.They also explore the overarching themes of the album and hunt for clues that it was the end.When did the band know the end was near? How did that affect the album? Is Michael Stipe waving goodbye? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday March 3rd and will continue our analysis of Collapse Into Now!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our Album Club show, and our themed playlist show!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Texas home insurance rates are skyrocketing, leaving homeowners and real estate professionals scrambling for answers. In this episode, Mike Mills sits down with insurance expert Brad Bingham to uncover the real reasons behind these rate hikes—from extreme weather to shifting policy structures. Don't miss this insider guide to protecting your clients, your investments, and your wallet in today's volatile insurance market.Episode OverviewTexas home insurance rates are rising faster than ever, and real estate professionals need to understand why. In this episode of The Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast, host Mike Mills welcomes Brad Bingham, a 25-year insurance veteran, to break down:What's driving Texas insurance rates through the roof? Learn how weather events, inflation, and market shifts are reshaping policies.Why many homeowners are underinsured without realizing it. Discover the hidden policy changes that could leave you or your clients financially vulnerable.How to compare home insurance policies the right way. Avoid the common pitfalls that lead to costly mistakes.Smart strategies to lower insurance costs. Find out what adjustments can actually save money—without sacrificing critical coverage.Whether you're a Realtor, investor, or homeowner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate rising home insurance rates in 2025.Key Takeaways1. Why Texas Home Insurance Rates Are SurgingInsurance premiums in Texas have increased by over 500% in the past decade, with companies requesting double-digit rate hikes year after year. Brad Bingham explains how rising claim payouts, inflation, and reduced market competition are making home insurance more expensive than ever.2. Hidden Policy Changes That Could Cost You ThousandsMany insurers have quietly reduced coverage by shifting away from full replacement cost policies—leaving homeowners with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when disaster strikes. Learn what to look for in an insurance policy to avoid getting caught off guard.3. The Dangers of Shopping for the Cheapest Insurance PolicyNot all policies are created equal! Simply choosing the lowest price can leave you dangerously underinsured. Brad shares the key questions every homebuyer and Realtor should ask when comparing quotes to ensure adequate coverage without overpaying.4. How Weather and Population Growth Are Pushing Rates Even HigherTexas is experiencing more extreme weather events than ever before, and as population growth skyrockets in cities like Dallas and Austin, insurance companies are adjusting their risk models—leading to higher premiums for everyone.5. Proven Ways to Reduce Home Insurance Costs in 2025From raising deductibles strategically to bundling policies and making smart home improvements, Brad reveals practical ways to lower your insurance costs while keeping the right level of protection.Guest BioBrad Bingham is an insurance industry expert and Allstate brokerage owner with over 25 years of experience helping homeowners, Realtors, and investors navigate complex insurance...

The market is shifting, and realtors who adapt will thrive. This week, we're covering Austin's cooling home prices, the latest mortgage rate forecast, and the best AI tools for real estate professionals looking to scale their business. Plus, our ‘Weekly Wildcard' takes a deep dive into an unexpected economic twist that could shake up the housing market.Episode OverviewThe real estate industry is evolving, and AI tools are becoming essential for realtors who want to work smarter, not harder. In this episode, Mike Mills breaks down:✅ The Best AI Tools for Realtors – How automation is transforming lead generation, marketing, and client follow-ups.✅ Austin's Housing Market Slowdown – Why home prices are dropping, inventory is rising, and what it means for buyers and sellers.✅ 2025 Mortgage Rate Predictions – Is 7% the new normal? What realtors need to know about where rates are headed.✅ Pricing Strategies for Sellers – How to price homes competitively in a shifting market to attract buyers.✅ Weekly Wildcard Segment – A surprising economic twist that could impact real estate trends—stay tuned for the unexpected!If you're a realtor, investor, or mortgage professional, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate today's unpredictable market.

Ed Templeton is a professional skateboarder, contemporary artist, and photographer. A teen skate prodigy from Orange County, California, Ed turned pro in 1990, just before graduating high school. He did a lot of touring for skate demos, along the way picking up a camera and documenting the scene around him. He painted and drew, and later incorporated his artwork and graphics for Toy Machine, the skateboard company he founded in 1994, which he continues to own and manage. Templeton's visual artwork first gained recognition in the late 1990s as part of the Beautiful Losers collective loosely gathered around Aaron Rose's Alleged Gallery on Manhattan's Lower East Side. He and his wife Deanna—also a photographer—are the subjects of the 2000 Mike Mills film, Deformer. Templeton's subject matter focuses on the ethos of suburban and street life, which sometimes includes beach culture, surfers, and surfing. He has published over thirty books and zines of his photographs and artwork, including one of his most famous titles, “Teenage Smokers.” His work has been shown in galleries and museums around the world, most recently at the Long Beach Museum of Art, in an exhibition titled: Wires Crossed: The Culture of Skateboarding, 1995-2012. In this episode of Soundings, Templeton and Jamie Brisick talk about crafting a sustainable career as a skateboarder, capitalism, skateboarding's DIY ethos, documenting skate culture, becoming a painter, identity, individualism, and Mark Gonzalez. 

The Big Mates provide nice and good audio commentary for some footage from the 2008 R.E.M. World Tour.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss a couple of videos from the final R.E.M. tour, and also talk about how the band undertook this tour, the kind of setlists they played, and Adam talks about seeing them for the last time! Here are the two videos we watch, if you'd like to watch along:Fan Club Footage:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGUNU7M5Eg4R.E.M. Live in Mexico City 2008https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF5AxcGCkW4Or don't watch along - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday January 24th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss commercial pressure, word sandwiches, revenge fantasies, and Accelerate by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's fourteenth studio album, released in 2008. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They continue with their track-by-track analysis of the album and explore their feelings on each song and how they contribute to the whole record. They then look at how Accelerate was received by critics and fans at the time of release and how those views may have changed over time.  What will make of the album? Is there a tension between creativity and expectation? Is this album by R.E.M.? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday February 17th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss modern rock music, digital promotion, tiny umbrellas, and Accelerate by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fourteenth studio album, released in 2008. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They discuss how the band reacted to the perceived failure of Around the Sun, the rules and restrictions put in place for recording their "back to basics" album, and how they changed their approach to the artistic process. They explore the overarching themes of the album, compare it to the rest of the musical landscape at the time, and dig in to some the novel ways that R.E.M. promoted the record. How did the band react to Around the Sun? What's the coolest nickname? What is a man-sized wreath? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday February 10th and will continue our analysis of Accelerate!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our Album Club show, and our themed playlist show!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss introductions, bullies, beef, and Live at the Olympia, a live album by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by deviating from the timeline and exploring the document of the band's "public rehearsals" in Dublin in 2007. They talk about what R.E.M. did after Around the Sun, the time they spent apart, and how they went about preparing for their next recording sessions. They look at the 2006 Best Of Compilation And I Feel Fine..., the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band's one-off recording session with Bill Berry, and their plan to rehearse in front of a live audience.  They explore that rehearsal process, talk about the songs they play and what they have in common, and then run through the tracklist of the Live at the Olympia album, stopping to give first impressions on the new material, and reminisce about the old material.  What do we think of the new songs? What does the whole collection represent in terms of the new album? How will we get back to the sacred timeline? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday February 3rd!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our Album Club show, and our themed playlist show!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates provide fun and cool audio commentary for R.E.M. Live, the live video release by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live album and film as originally presented on CD and DVD and also dig into how it was made, how R.E.M. performed the songs from Around the Sun, and explore the whole 2005 World Tour.Dig out those official DVDs to watch along...Or don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday January 27th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

The Big Mates discuss death threats, protest songs, milk toast, and Around the Sun by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's thirteenth studio album, released in 2004. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They continue with their track-by-track analysis of the album and explore why the record is often considered the band's weakest. They then sum up how they feel about Around the Sun, how it was received at the time of release, and how that perception may have changed in the intervening years.What do we think of Around the Sun? Why is it different to Everybody Hurts? Is it a melodica? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday January 20th!Join the conversation on:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatismusicpod.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including our album club and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show