Podcasts about Music criticism

Back with another episode covering our time together at New York Comic-Con this year, plus talking over recent (and past) Tyler, The Creator controversies. And finally, Stephen melts down over Fall Out Boy trying to ruin his Christmas.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

Top Five Songs About Night - A to Z Series   Welcome back, pop culture enthusiasts! In this episode of the Top Five podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt continue their A to Z series with their top five songs about 'Night'.   From rock anthems to country tunes, and pop to classic hits, Kris and Annie share their personal favorites and discuss the stories behind each song. Tune in for a mix of musical nostalgia, fun trivia, and heartfelt moments.   Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!   OH, and the Playlist?  RIGHT HERE!!   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:18 Casual Sunday Chat 00:58 Top Five Songs About Night 01:20 Song Discussions and Memories 17:11 Honorable Mentions and Recap 18:37 Closing Remarks

Top Five Karaoke Experiences and The Karaoke Commandments   Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt as they dive into their top five karaoke experiences from A to Z.   This episode covers everything from favorite karaoke memories, songs you absolutely shouldn't sing, and an unforgettable 'I Will Survive' rule. Enjoy stories about Madonna's 'Hanky Panky,' Peyton Manning's viral karaoke moment, and a memorable 'Don't Stop Believing' performance.   Oh, and that playlist?  RIGHT HERE!   Tune in for a mix of fun, nostalgia, and some surprising song picks! 00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 00:24 Discussing Favorite Playlists 00:54 Today's Theme: Karaoke Songs 01:58 Karaoke Commandments and Personal Picks 13:40 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts 20:47 Wrapping Up the Episode

Songs About Money: From Millionaires to Broke Folk   Welcome to another fun-filled Top Five podcast episode with your hosts, Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt.   Today's theme explores songs centered around money, with each host sharing their top picks for the letter M. From classic tracks by the Bare Naked Ladies to Shania Twain, Cyndi Lauper, and many more, Kris and Annie navigate their favorite musical pieces that discuss wealth and financial struggles.   Tune in for a mix of anecdotes, musical insights, and a playlist that promises to introduce you to some new tunes while revisiting timeless classics.   And that playlist?  RIGHT HERE. Enjoy!!   00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 00:37 Songs About Money: Starting with Bare Naked Ladies 03:00 Diverse Picks: Lori McKenna and Cage the Elephant 05:51 Shania Twain and My Chemical Romance 08:43 Classic Movie Musicals and Cyndi Lauper 12:18 Unexpected Song Choices 12:43 Honorable Mentions 13:10 Classic Rock Memories 14:50 Madonna's Metaphor for Money 15:49 Top Money Songs Countdown 18:10 Empire Records and Cult Classics 21:07 Recap and Playlist 22:20 Engage with Us!

We only podcast when we're happy and we're podcasting right now! Kylan Savage and Valentine Hellman (hosts of the In Defense of Kesha podcast) guest for a special extra long ep where we experience the new Kesha album Period, which happens to be Kesha's first indie record on her own label. It's also our first crossover with In Defense of Kesha, and Nate and Kelly's first full Kesha album listen. Join us for 2025's Period, and Don't, don't, don't, don't even try to gi-give us shit. Oh and enjoy a special MouthGarf Report and another installment of I See What You Did There! Listen to Period: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxA687tYuMWiog8uIcTrsAw19EdHUGS2VListen to In Defense of Kesha: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-defense-of-kesha/id1760009078Please give us a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts! Want to ask us a question? Talk to us! Email debutbuddies@gmail.comListen to the archives of Kelly and Chelsea's awesome horror movie podcast, Never Show the Monster.Get some sci-fi from Spaceboy Books.Get down with Michael J. O'Connor and the Cold Family and check out his new compilation The Best of the Bad Years 2005 - 2025Next time: First Credit Card (For real this time! We promise!)

Songs About Luck - Letter L   Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt on The Penultimate Pop Culture Podcast as they dive into the world of songs about luck, covering the letter L. From country hits to classic punk, this episode promises an eclectic mix of tunes and entertaining discussions. Please tune in to discover their top picks and enjoy a fun-filled musical journey!   OH - and that playlist?  RIGHT HERE.  Enjoy!!   00:00 Welcome to the Pop Culture Podcast 00:31 Introducing the Hosts and Theme 01:13 Diving into the Playlist Theme: Songs About Luck 02:03 First Song Pick: Some Beach by Blake Shelton 03:37 Second Song Pick: Even The Losers by Tom Petty 05:35 Third Song Pick: Lucky Guy by The Muffs 06:49 Fourth Song Pick: Bad Luck by Social Distortion 07:59 Fifth Song Pick: Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat 09:26 Sixth Song Pick: Lucky for You by SheDaisy 11:00 Seventh Song Pick: Hard Luck Woman by KISS and Garth Brooks 13:15 Discussing 'Hard Luck Woman' by Kiss 14:09 Mary Chapin Carpenter's 'I Feel Lucky' 15:42 Black Crowes and Their Impact 17:04 Exploring Covers and Remixes 24:49 Top Songs About Luck Recap 25:58 Upcoming Episodes and Farewell

This is a music industry special episode where we dissect recent comments from Halsey, Lizzo, and others about the current state of streaming. Welcome to the new tech era where the numbers are made up and no one knows what matters.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

This episode on Post-Weird, we're catching up on everything we missed to end the summer music conversation including Sabrina Carpenter, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Bieber, and Spotify weapons investments. It's all happening, and the fall promises much more for some of our favorite alternative artists.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

Pop Culture & Music: Songs About Idiots   Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt as they continue their epic music series, rolling through songs from A to Z. This week, the letter is 'I', and they dive into songs about idiots, stupidity, and foolishness. The episode celebrates over 100 podcast episodes and features a diverse mix of tunes from the 80s to contemporary hits, with a special shared number one song. Get ready for a fun and eclectic playlist filled with pop culture insights.     00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 Charlie Sheen's Documentary 01:52 Epic Music Series: A to Z 02:13 Celebrating 100 Episodes 02:54 Songs About Idiots 03:52 Rick Springfield's 'What Kind of Fool Am I?' 05:30 Cinderella's 'Nobody's Fool' 08:34 Juliana Hatfield's 'Dumb Fun' 10:26 Harvey Danger's 'Flagpole Sita' 12:09 Tom McDonald's 'People So Stupid' 14:16 Discussing Offspring's 'Why Don't You Get a Job?' 16:16 Quarterflash's 'Find Another Fool' 17:45 Green Day's 'American Idiot' 18:24 Madonna's 'I'm So Stupid' 20:18 Shania Twain's 'Don't Be Stupid' 26:14 21 Pilots' 'At the Risk of Feeling Dumb' 28:36 Recap and Conclusion

While we usually don't cover the pre-show in the podcast description, here's a link to the Sleepers show at the Takoma Park Folk Festival this past weekend. https://youtu.be/mshuwyTpHEc?si=3qasvm-B9sfM9YKvWe kick things off with a News with Nick. Mark Volman, of the Turtles, Flo & Eddie, and a tenure with Frank Zappa and the Mothers in the early 70s, passed last week. Apple now lets you import playlists from other services, Radiohead announces a European tour, and Tay-Tay's engaged.Song: Frank Zappa & The Mothers - “Call Any Vegetable (Live)”Greg caught the last show of Oasis's reunion tour in L.A. and he is pumped to deliver a Tales from the Concert. The Rose Bowl was sold out, with approximately 90,000 in attendance, and the crowd was electric. Oasis never had a Number 1 hit in the U.S. and never played venues like this, but they were received as rock n' roll royalty and Greg thinks they've earned it.Song: Oasis - “Wonderwall (Live in Dublin)”Jay shares an article by Kelefa Sanneh of the New Yorker called “How Music Criticism Lost Its Edge” which explores the rise of poptimism and the decline of the snarky critic. The guys revisit a conversation they've explored in past episodes, what do we lose when music criticism loses its edge?Song: The Cure - “Cold”

Join Kris McPeak and co-host Annie Pruitt in this episode of the Top Five Podcast as they dive into the letter 'E' in their A to Z song series. This week, they discuss songs that evoke a range of emotions including happiness, sadness, jealousy, and loneliness. Featuring tracks from artists like Avril Lavigne, Kelly Pickler, Jimmy Eat World, Nina Simone, Travis Tritt, and many more, Kris and Annie share personal anecdotes and explain why these songs made it to their top five lists. Don't miss their interesting picks and delightful banter about music's powerful role in capturing our feelings.   Tune back in later for THE PLAYLIST    00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:32 Exploring Songs About Emotions 01:31 Jealousy: Avril Lavigne's 'Girlfriend' 02:42 Sadness: Kelly Pickler's 'I Wonder' 04:09 Depression: Jimmy Eat World's 'The Middle' 05:38 Happiness: Nina Simone and Travis Tritt 07:18 Heartbreak: REM's 'Everybody Hurts' 10:16 Loneliness: Cowboy Junkies' 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' 11:58 Feeling Groovy: Simon and Garfunkel 13:02 Empathy and Courage: Coldplay and Sara Bareilles 15:26 Indecisiveness: Scissor Sisters' 'I Can't Decide' 16:39 Anxiety: Pat Benatar's 'Get Nervous' 18:13 Recap and Conclusion

On the Season 17 premier of Discologist, Eduardo and Kevin catch up after a long Summer, ponder the role of critics in the modern music landscape, and discuss the wonders of Pleaser, the latest (and AOTY-contender) from Washington, D.C.'s Pretty Bitter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top Five Songs About Friendship In this episode of the Top Five Podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt dive into their favorite songs about friendship, encompassing good, bad, and cheeky types of friends. From classic rock anthems and iconic pop hits to Disney soundtracks and contemporary Christian melodies, Kris and Annie reveal their top picks, including some surprising and nostalgic choices. Please tune in to discover their recommendations and possibly reminisce about some of your friendships along the way.   And - of course - don't forget about the EPIC PLAYLIST!!   00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 00:32 Introducing the Friendship Theme 01:05 Annie's First Pick: Garth Brooks 02:50 Kris' First Pick: Joan Jett 04:22 Annie's Second Pick: Edie Brickell 05:54 Kris' Second Pick: Wilson Phillips 07:53 Annie's Third Pick: The Beatles 08:55 Kris' Third Pick: Lady Gaga 10:31 Annie's Fourth Pick: Disney's Aladdin 12:09 Kris' Fourth Pick: Michael W. Smith 13:45 Annie's Fifth Pick: Bon Jovi 15:57 Kris' Fifth Pick: Spice Girls 17:27 Annie's Top Pick: 21 Pilots 18:30 Kris' Top Pick: Tenacious D 20:05 Recap and Conclusion

Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt for the 'Top Five Podcast', the beloved pop culture series where each episode explores songs from different letters of the alphabet. This week's episode dives into the letter 'H,' featuring songs themed around Heaven and Hell. From Avril Lavigne to Meatloaf, and from Kenny Chesney to The Cure, discover their top picks and learn some fun backstories along the way. The hosts also share their playlists, including honorable mentions and nostalgic concert memories. Tune in for a musical journey that promises both discovery and delight.   AND:  that playlist?  ooohhhhh....HERE IT IS.  You're Welcome.   00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:50 Series Overview: Songs from A to Z 01:28 Today's Theme: Heaven and Hell 01:55 Song Picks: What the Hell by Veil Levine 03:01 Song Picks: Bat Outta Hell by Meatloaf 05:10 Song Picks: Something Happened on the Way to Heaven by Phil Collins 06:48 Song Picks: Say Hello to Heaven by Temple of the Dog 08:06 Song Picks: Raise Hell by Brandy Carlisle 09:27 Song Picks: Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars 10:41 Song Picks: Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven by Kenny Chesney 11:33 Song Picks: Just Like Heaven by The Cure 13:08 Honorable Mentions 19:19 Recap and Closing Remarks

We're back with another round up of music news and album releases that we want to talk about, including an album that continues Tyler, The Creators run as one of our most consistent artists working today. Stick around for some Happy Gilmore talk at the end. New Tyler the Creator album "Don't Tap the Glass"New Hayley Williams song dropThe Dirty Nil release “The Lash”Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

n this episode of the Top Five Podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and her sister Annie Pruitt dive into their epic A to Z series, focusing on their favorite breakup songs for the letter B. They discuss the origins and significance of each song on their list, share personal memories tied to the tunes, and enjoy some lighthearted banter along the way. Whether it's iconic tracks from the 80s, early 2000s hits, or more recent anthems, this episode covers an eclectic range of music sure to resonate with any pop culture aficionado. OH - and that playlist??  It's RIGHT HERE!!! 00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 00:47 Pickle Talk and Family Moments 02:52 Epic Series Introduction: Favorite Songs from A to Z 04:02 Breakup Songs: Robin's 'Dancing on My Own' 05:27 Breakup Songs: With Confidence's 'Without Me' 07:15 Breakup Songs: Kim Wilde's 'You Keep Me Hanging On' 08:25 Breakup Songs: All American Rejects' 'Gives You Hell' 09:44 Breakup Songs: Natalie Imbruglia's 'Torn' 11:32 Breakup Songs: Kelly Clarkson's 'Since You've Been Gone' 13:03 Breakup Songs: Glee's Memorable Covers 13:21 Darren Criss and Matt Bomer's Stunning Duet 15:21 Elvis Presley's Heartfelt Classic 17:35 Janet Jackson's Emotional Ballad 18:57 Motley Crue's Rock Anthem 21:14 Alanis Morissette's Iconic Breakup Song 23:09 Miley Cyrus' Trio of Breakup Anthems 26:01 Recap and Final Thoughts

We're back with another episode, this time talking about the fun we had with the new 'Superman' movie and the new Clipse album. Also, Justin Bieber surprise released a new album and it's...fine? We discuss.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt are back with another exciting episode of the Top Five Podcast! As part of their new 'Songs A to Z' series, they explore songs that have colors in the title. Please tune in to hear their top picks and personal stories linked to each song. Be ready for some fun music trivia and nostalgic memories. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! And don't forget about that playlist!  It's right HERE. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:30 Upcoming Pop Culture Plans 01:00 Songs A to Z Series Overview 01:35 Today's Theme: Songs with Colors 02:26 Chris's First Pick: Orange Crush by REM 04:39 Annie's First Pick: Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt 05:52 Chris's Second Pick: True Blue and Blue Kiss 07:26 Annie's Second Pick: Red-Eyed Troll by The Muffs 09:28 Chris's Third Pick: Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett 10:59 Annie's Third Pick: Tie A Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando and Dawn 12:57 Chris's Fourth Pick: Band of Gold by Belinda Carlisle 14:18 Annie's Fourth Pick: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John 16:09 Chris's Fifth Pick: I Saw Red by Warrant 18:10 Annie's Honorable Mention: Back in Black by Amy Winehouse 19:21 Chris's Number One: Pink by Aerosmith 20:38 Annie's Number One: Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance 23:28 Recap and Conclusion

In this episode of the Top Five podcast, hosts Kris and Annie dive back into their pop culture discussions. Inspired by the High Fidelity movie, the duo brings a fresh list each week.   This time, they continue the series 'Songs from A to Z' with the letter 'D,' focusing on songs about dreams. They share their top five dream-themed tracks, recalling memories and anecdotes about each one.   From 60s classics to TV show covers and even Broadway hits, the episode promises a nostalgic and diverse musical journey. Please tune in for their energetic banter and stellar song insights.   And, oh yeah...that playlist?  RIGHT HERE.   00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 01:05 Introducing the Theme: Songs About Dreams 01:54 Top Five Dream Songs: Starting with Number Five 05:11 Diving into Number Four 07:44 Revealing Number Three 10:16 Counting Down to Number Two 13:15 Honorable Mentions and Final Picks 19:58 Wrapping Up and Teasing Future Episodes

  In this lively episode of the Top Five podcast, Kris and Annie kick off an exhilarating new series where they explore their favorite songs from A to Z.   This week's theme is 'songs about animals,' and the challenge is to select tracks that mention animals without any overlap. From fun and quirky tracks to serious ballads, the hosts share their top five picks, along with some interesting backstories and honorable mentions.   Tune in to discover new music and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Kris and Annie.     Oh - and the playlist?  RIGHT HERE.   00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration 00:35 Introducing the New Series: A to Z Songs 01:04 Songs About Animals: Starting with the Letter A 02:25 First Picks: Rock Lobster and Sheep Go to Heaven 04:55 Diverse Animal Songs: From Horses to Stray Cats 07:18 Karaoke Stories and Beatles Covers 10:10 Wacky and Weird Animal Songs 14:11 Honorable Mentions and Final Picks 19:50 Recap and Conclusion

We're back to talk about a variety of rap related topics including Cardi B's album announcement, the Clipse beef rollout, and the use the lazy use of AI going on. Plus, new release talk regarding HAIM, Hotline TNT, and the upcoming Lorde album. Thank you for listening!Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

We can't get enough of Turnstile's new album, NEVER ENOUGH, but first, we have to wade into some album cover discourse and other pop news. Then, we induct our first bunker albums, the Post-Weird answer to a desert island pick. Thanks for listening!Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

Kris McPeak hosts a solo episode of the Top Five podcast, where she shares her top five wishlist of guest hosts she would love to have on the show.   Despite a recording mishap, Kris outlines her choices, starting with Adam Corolla, Tina Fey, the hosts of the Ruthless Variety Program, Kevin Smith, and finally, Jimmy Fallon. She also includes an honorable mention for Brian Koppelman and David Levine of the show 'Billions.'   Kris discusses why she admires these individuals and how their unique qualities would add to her podcast. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitch 00:29 Solo Show Explanation and Memorial Day 01:13 Top Five Wishlist of Guest Hosts 05:46 Honorable Mention and Number One Guest Host 07:52 Recap and Conclusion

Yes, we have dared to pod about Taylor Swift. She recently bought her master recordings back, bringing to an end a six year period where her re-recordings to subvert the original sale were one of the biggest stories in the music industry. We bring in our friend Sydney, an Apex Swiftie and OG Post-Weird supporter, to walk us through what this means for Taylor and what might be next.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller. Featuring Sydney, special guest.

We're a music podcast now! Welcome back to our Post-Weird pod summer. We discuss the current state of the charts and the sense that this year has been a boring year for pop music, especially compared to last year. Plus, thoughts on the upcoming Lorde and Turnstile albums, some reflection on the new Kali Uchis record, and more.Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

Steven and Ian open today with a quick TV-cast on the latest episode of The Rehearsal, which is some of the finest Evanescence-related content you will ever see. (0:13) (They also pivot briefly to a Movie-cast about Sinners.) (10:20) From there, they update the Fantasy Album Draft to talk about the great new album by Billy Woods, Golliwog, which is wowing critics. (14:00) They also briefly touch on the new Arcade Fire record, which Ian has not heard yet so the longer conversation is tabled for next week. (18:56) Then they pivot to a talk about two inside-baseball music criticism topics — a recent IG post by the band Tennis railing against the treatment of their records from critics, (26:31) and Steven's interview this week with top YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano. (40:13)In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about aughts-era band The Ponys upon the passing of drummer Nathan Jerde, and Steven stumps for the Portland band Alien Boy. (50:57)New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 238 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Lake of Decibel Magazine joins for a discussion on the role and importance of music criticism. Mainstream journalism vs underground blogging: different paths or open hostility? Is it fair as a music critic to have an agenda? Can music criticism have a real impact in the scene? How to deal with hate: when the responses to music criticism are negative.

Super Bowl LIX was amazing, but not because of the football, or the commercials. It was the 13-minute half-time tour de force of political theology and protest art, brought to you by Kendrick Lamar. Acting like a parable to offer more to those who already get it, and to take away from those who don't get it at all, the performance was so much more than a petty way to settle a rap beef.But what exactly was going on? Today's episode is an introduction to the political theology of Kendrick Lamar. Evan Rosa welcomes Femi Olutade, arguably the living expert on the theology of Kendrick Lamar. A lifelong fan of hip hop and student of theology, he's deeply familiar not just with music Kendrick made, but the influences that made Kendrick, as well as Christian scripture and moral theology. Femi has written incredibly nuanced theological musicological reflections about Kendrick Lamar's 2017 album DAMN., which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music.Femi joined Dissect Podcast host Cole Cushna as lead writer for a 20-episode analysis of DAMN., offering incredible insight into the theological, moral, and political richness of Kendrick Lamar.About Femi OlutadeFemi Olutade is the lead writer for Season 5 of Dissect, an analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. He's arguably the living expert on the theology of Kendrick Lamar. A lifelong fan of hip hop and student of theology, he's deeply familiar not just with music Kendrick made, but the influences that made Kendrick, as well as Christian scripture and moral theology. Femi has written incredibly nuanced theological musicological reflections about Kendrick Lamar's 2017 album DAMN., which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music.Femi joined host Cole Cushna as lead writer for a 20-episode analysis of DAMN., offering incredible insight into the theological, moral, and political richness of Kendrick Lamar.Show NotesFemi Olutade's Theology of Kendrick LamarKendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX Half-Time Show (Video)Kendrick Lamar's Half-time Show Lyrics (Full)Season 5 of Dissect: Kendrick Lamar's DAMN.Kendrick Lamar's Political Theology as a Diss Track to AmericaSuper Bowl LIX was amazing, but not because of the football, or the commercials. It was the 13 minute half-time tour de force that Kendrick Lamar offered the world.Uncle Sam introduces the show, the quote “Great American Game.” A playstation controller appears. Is the game football? Video game? Or some other game? Kendrick appears crouched on a car—dozens of red, white, and blue dancers emerge, evoking both the American flag which they eventually form, as well as the gang wars between bloods and crips—or as Kendrick says in Hood Politics, “Demo-crips” and “Re-blood-icans”And what ensues is an intricately choreographed set of layered meanings, allusions, hidden references and Easter eggs—not all of which have been noticed, not to mention explained or understood.You can find links to the performance and the lyrics in the show notes.Femi Olutade on the Theology of Kendrick LamarToday's episode is an introduction to the political theology of Kendrick Lamar. And joining me is Femi Olutade, arguably the living expert on the theology of Kendrick Lamar. As a lifelong fan of hip hop, he's deeply familiar not just with music Kendrick made, but the influences that made Kendrick. Femi has written incredibly nuanced theological musicological reflections about Kendrick Lamar's 2017 album DAMN., which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music.And I became familiar with Femi's work in 2021, while listening to a podcast called Dissect—which analyzes albums line by line, note by note. They cover mostly hip hop, but the season on Radiohead's In Rainbows is also incredible. Femi joined host Cole Cushna to co-write a 20-episode analysis of DAMN., offering incredible insight into the theological, moral, and political richness of Kendrick Lamar, which repays so many replays. Forward, AND backward. Yes, you can play the album backwards and forwards like a mirror and they tell two different stories, one about wickedness and pride, and the other about weakness, love, and humility.If you want to jump to my conversation with Femi about Kendrick Lamar's Political Theology, please do, just jump ahead a few minutes.Not Just a Diss Track to Drake, but a Diss Track to AmericaBut I wanted to offer a few preliminaries of my own to help with this most recent context of the Super Bowl halftime performance.Because almost immediately, it was interpreted as nothing more than one of the pettiest, egotistical, and overkill ways to settle a rap beef between Kendrick and another hip hop artist, Drake. Some fans celebrated this. Others found it at best irrelevant and confusing, and at worst an offensive waste of an opportunity to make a larger statement before an audience of 133 million viewers.In my humble opinion, both get it wrong. Kendrick Lamar simply does not work this way.If it was the biggest diss track of all time, it wasn't aimed merely at Drake, but America. And if it was offensive, it was because of its moral clarity and force, striking a prophetic chord operating similar to a parable.Jesus and Kendrick on Prophecy and ParablesParables, according to Jesus, are meant to give more to those who already have, and take away from those who already have nothing (Matthew 13:13). Because, as the prophet Isaiah says, “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand” (Isaiah 6:9).At this point, it's possible that you're entirely confused, and if so, I'd invite you to hang with me and lean in. Watch it again, listen more closely. Because rap, according to Jay Z, is a lean-in genre. You can't understand it without close examination, without contextual, bottom-up, historical appreciation, or without a willingness to be educated about what it's like to be Black in America.But I guarantee you that in Kendrick Lamar's outstanding choreographed prophetic theatre, there's much more going on—”there's levels to it”—to quote Lamar.You Picked the Right Time, but the Wrong GuyAnd if you want it clearly spelled out for you—a cleaner, smoother, tighter, more palatable, less subtle social commentary that can be abstracted from history, circumstance, and the genre of rap itself so that it can be rationally evaluated—well, you're occupying the exact position Kendrick is critiquing, which he prophetically predicts in the very performance itself. As he warns us:The revolution 'bout to be televised You picked the right time, but the wrong guyStill, what was that?? First, it's public performance art, so just let it land. Watch it again. Notice something new. Submit yourself to it. Let it change you.The Black American Experience in Hip Hop and Kendrick LamarAnd if you really want to understand it, you need to be open to the possibility that some social commentary can only be understood in light of certain lived experiences. In this case, at least the Black American experience. And then, rather than demanding that Kendrick explain it to you in your own vernacular, listen to what he's already said. Lean in an listen to his whole body of work, learn his story, expertly rendered in jaw-dropping lyrical performance. Drive with him through his childhood streets of Compton on Good Kid M.A.A.D. City. Journey with him from caterpillar to butterfly on To Pimp a Butterfly, look in the mirror presented before you in the Pulitzer-prize winning DAMN., hear out his messy psyche laid bare in Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, take a ride with him in GNX…In the days following Kendrick's super bowl performance, J Kameron Carter, Professor of African American Studies, Comparative Literature, and Religion at the University of California at Irvine, called for a more in-depth study of the 13-minute performance, noting that:“[B]lack performance carries within it an interrogation of the question of country as the problem and question of US political theology and the legacy of Christian empire.”This episode isn't meant to close any books or offer a full explanation of Kendrick's performance, let alone his music, but just to lean in, and to quote Kendrick, “salute truth and the prophecy.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Femi OlutadeEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge, Alexa Rollow, Zoë Halaban, Kacie Barrett & Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

It's the most wonderful time of the year for... lists, lists, and more lists! We're back to tell you what entertainment we loved in 2024 - including favorite albums, movies, TV shows, and more. Thank you for listening and happy holidays!Hosted by Stephen Williams and Zack Miller

In this entertaining episode of the Top 5 Podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt dive into their favorite 'bad day' songs. The duo discusses the key songs that help shake off a bad day, detailing why each tune uplifts their spirits. They share personal stories, ranging from concert shirts to dog antics, all while keeping the conversation light and fun. From Broadway hits to country tunes, this episode promises a varied and emotional playlist. Tune in for Kris and Annie's eclectic choices and their delightful off-topic rants.

Top Five Road Rage Songs In this episode of the Top Five Podcast, host Kris McPeak and her sister Annie Pruitt discuss their favorite road rage songs. They share personal anecdotes and delve into the cathartic power of music for channeling frustration while driving. Each gives their top five picks, along with honorable mentions, creating an energetic playlist that's both entertaining and therapeutic. Along the way, they touch on other topics like TV shows, and concerts, adding a lively and personal touch to the discussion. THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST IS EPIC!  Get it HERE!! 00:00 Introduction and Veterans Day Greetings 00:31 Catching Up and TV Shows 02:11 Music Series Introduction 02:47 Top Road Rage Songs 04:04 Kris's Picks 05:15 Annie's Picks 16:48 Honorable Mentions 23:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Top 5 Songs from Our Birth Years: A Musical Journey   In this week's episode of the Top Five Podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt discuss their top five favorite songs from the Billboard Hot 100 charts of the years they were born. Kris was born in 1968, and Annie in 1974, and they delve into the pop culture significance and personal memories tied to the songs from those years.   The episode also features some lively banter about peculiar flavors of ketchup, spring cleaning, and fond recollections of old records.   And don't worry - a playlist is coming!  Stay tuned for the updated show notes in the days ahead.   Tune in for a nostalgic and entertaining musical journey through the late 60s and early 70s.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 Ketchup Controversy 01:38 Billboard Hot 100 Series Overview 02:17 Top Five Songs from the Year We Were Born 03:05 Annie's Top Five Countdown 04:56 Chris's Top Five Countdown 16:41 Honorable Mentions 22:48 Recap and Upcoming Episodes

Kicking off the season is a super-sized seasonal episode about fall!First up - the second album from rap group De La Soul. We'll talk about the variety of styles across the album, threaded together by the signature De La Soul charm and wisdom. This self-aware and self-referential group was a big part of Julius's back-to-school fall world, and now Danny has become a dedicated customer of the De La Donut Store.Then we go back into the Willie-verse and play around amongst the stars. This vibey album is something Danny always spins when the weather gets cooler. We'll get into Willie's inspirations that helped shaped this album and what it was like releasing an album of old standards in the middle of the outlaw country craze.Songs featured in this episode:Superfast JellyfishAfro Connections at a Hi 5Millie Pulled a Pistol on SantaMy Brother's a BaseheadOn the Sunny Side of the StreetI Can See Clearly NowCheck our Season 2 preview episode description to see what music we'll be discussing next!Send us a text message!You can follow us here: Instagram Twitter Tiktok Send us a message, we'd love to hear from you! Email is thegmspod at gmailLeave us a rating and review if you want to!Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Top 5 podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and her sister, Annie Pruitt, dive into their favorite pop culture hits from the Billboard Hot 100 during the year they each turned 21. Kris reminisces about the hits of 1989, while Annie shares her top picks from 1995. The episode includes engaging discussions about memorable concerts, fun summer activities, and iconic music videos, all while ensuring an entertaining walk down memory lane with their unapologetically right opinions. Enjoy this cleverly curated playlist celebrating the best songs from their milestone years! And stay tuned:  playlist is coming!!!!

In this episode of the 'Top Five' podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt dive into their favorite Billboard Top 5 hits from the years they attended their first concerts. Kris recounts her experience from 1978, including memories of her Shaun Cassidy concert, while Annie reflects on her 1987 Kenny Loggins concert. They share a mix of songs from iconic artists like Queen, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Huey Lewis, highlighting how these tracks have influenced their lives and maintained relevance in pop culture. Join the hosts for a nostalgic trip through the music that defined these pivotal years. And don't forget to check out this week's Top Five Podcast PLAYLIST on Apple Music!! 00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 01:21 Introducing the Billboard Hot 100 Series 02:33 First Concert Memories: Kenny Loggins and Sean Cassidy 04:12 Top 5 Songs from Our First Concert Year 04:24 Dolly Parton's Pop Crossover and White Snake's Iconic Hit 07:49 Disco Divas and Queen's Rock Anthems 14:20 Huey Lewis and the News: Pop Culture Impact 17:54 Copyright Rights and Disagreements 18:57 Karaoke Favorites: You Light Up My Life 20:17 Madonna's La Isla Bonita 22:32 Linda Ronstadt's It's So Easy 25:13 Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now 27:13 Sean Cassidy's Hey Deanie 30:18 Bon Jovi's Rock Anthems 33:01 Recap and Closing Remarks

Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt as they countdown their top five favorite songs from the Billboard Hot 100 list of 1999 on this exciting episode of the Top Five Podcast. They dive into a year marked by a notable country music presence and share nostalgic personal anecdotes tied to hits from bands like Backstreet Boys, Sixpence None the Richer, Smash Mouth, Pearl Jam, and Matchbox 20. Discover lesser-known gems, discuss enduring classics, and enjoy some playful banter, all while reminiscing about a memorable year in music. Tune in for a fun, music-filled trip back to 1999!   And a playlist?  Yup, I got your playlist RIGHT HERE.     00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 00:43 Introducing the Billboard Top 100 Series 01:27 Diving into 1999's Billboard Top 100 02:59 Chris's Number Five Pick: Backstreet Boys 04:16 Annie's Number Five Pick: Sixpence None the Richer 06:38 Chris's Number Four Pick: Len 08:12 Annie's Number Four Pick: Smash Mouth 10:07 Chris's Number Three Pick: Red Hot Chili Peppers 11:57 Annie's Number Three Pick: Pearl Jam 13:53 Rediscovering Pearl Jam Through TV Shows 14:32 1999 Grammys: A Historic Year for Female Artists 15:40 Shania Twain's Impact on Country Music 18:11 Fastball: The Two-Hit Wonder 19:39 Honorable Mentions and Nostalgic Hits 22:38 Britney Spears: The Pop Icon of 1999 26:34 Matchbox 20: A Retrospective 28:53 Recap and Final Thoughts      

This could be my FAVORITE series EVER.  Maybe. In this episode of the Top Five Podcast, hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt dive into their favorite Billboard Hot 100 singles from the years they graduated college, 1991 and 1996. They continue this series of exploring landmark years in their lives by highlighting music that defined these periods. They share their top picks, reliving the music that defined their college days. Tune in for a nostalgic trip and engaging discussion about the hits and memories from two distinct college eras. And playlist - holy crap, are you gonna LOVE this playlist!!!  Here it is: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/top-five-podcast-hot-100-series-the-years-we/pl.u-4JomK2NF1oqjK  00:00 Introduction to the Top Five Podcast 01:05 Billboard Top 100 Series: College Graduation Years 02:39 Annie's Top 5 from 1996 05:02 Chris's Top 5 from 1991 19:28 Honorable Mentions and Final Picks 27:13 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of the Top Five Podcast, sibling hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt delve into a nostalgic exploration of the Billboard Top 100 hits from the years they got married, 1994 and 2009, respectively. They discuss their top five songs from each year and provide interesting anecdotes about their personal connections to these tracks. From Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face' and Pink's 'So What' to 10,000 Maniacs' 'Because the Night' and Lisa Loeb's 'Stay,' join Kris and Annie as they reminisce about their weddings and share their favorite musical memories. Oh, yeah - and a Playlist?  We've got your playlist RIGHT HERE. 00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast 00:37 Introducing the Billboard Top 100 Series 02:21 Annie's Top Five from 2009 04:08 Chris's Top Five from 1994 05:52 Lady Gaga and Salt-N-Pepa 10:39 Miley Cyrus and Madonna 15:23 Melissa Etheridge and Katy Perry 19:35 Rediscovering Tom Petty's Timeless Music 22:09 Celebrating Pink's Empowering Anthems 26:02 Lisa Loeb and the Sentimental Journey 29:28 Reflecting on Reality Bites and 90s Nostalgia 31:52 Green Day and the 90s Rock Scene 34:14 Recap and Final Thoughts

Top 5 Songs from Our High School Years | Billboard Top 100 Series Join hosts Kris McPeak and Annie Pruitt on the Top Five Podcast as they dive into a nostalgic journey through the Billboard Top 100 hits from the years they graduated high school. In this episode, they each share their top five picks, discuss the impact of these songs, and reminisce about their favorite tunes from 1986 and 1992. Expect a fun discussion filled with memories, laughter, and surprising choices. Don't miss out on this musical trip down memory lane! And - oh yeah - did you want the Playlist?  Darn Tootin - here it is! 00:00 Welcome to the Top Five Podcast! 01:31 Introducing the Billboard Top 100 Series 03:49 Kris' Top Five from 1986 05:10 Annie's Top Five from 1992 19:37 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts 27:57 Recap and Sign-Off

The other day a friend of mine asked me if I liked being a music critic. “Music critic?” I asked. “I'm not a music critic.” And I really meant that. Yes, I write about music. Yes, I give you my opinion on certain things. Yes, I recommend songs that I enjoy. But I don't think I'm a critic in the same way that or Jessica Hopper or or are critics. I don't think I'm giving you deep insight into particular pieces of music. I mostly write about trends.Nevertheless, I love music criticism. So, when I came across a huge database of reviews from the last two decades, I knew I had to start crunching some numbers. As always, this newsletter is also available as a podcast. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or click play at the top of this page.As a reminder, this is the podcast version of the newsletter Can't Get Much Higher. Click here to read the newsletter. It contains charts, graphs, and pictures that will color your listening. Click here to listen on Apple or Spotify. For a playlist of every new song that I've recommended, click here. For a playlist of every old song that I've recommended, click here. If you want to here songs and their answer songs, check out this playlist that I made on Spotify. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisdallariva.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic welcomes, Christopher Dawes, a veteran worship leader and musician in Canada.  Chris discusses the challenges and pressures faced by church musicians and the unique role they play in worship. The conversation also explores the individuality and isolation experienced by church musicians and the need for better relationships between musicians and ministers. The conversation delves into the role of music in churches, the challenges faced by church musicians, and the significance of the Summer Institute of Church Music. It explores the power and pastoral potential of music, the overvaluation and undervaluation of music in churches, and the impact of music on the future of Christianity.  Christopher Dawes is a Toronto-based performer, conductor and consultant.  A three-decade fixture of the Toronto music community and frequent collaborator with many of its top institutions, he currently serves as Organist and Director of Music to Rosedale Presbyterian Church, and Artistic Director of the 18-voice a capella Marion Singers of Greater Toronto.  For two decades he has served as Collaborative Pianist and Coach to the graduate and undergraduate instrumental and choral conducting programs of the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, and as a Director of Canada's Summer Institute of Church Music.  Since 2018 he has also chaired the Executive of the Southern Ontario Chapter (SOCHS) of the Hymn Society of the US and Canada.  Chris's graduate work in the area of Music Criticism and musical genre has led to occasional blogging and podcasting under the banner “Ideas About Music,” speaking at conferences, and eventually founding the Celtic-crossover band Chroí in 2013. Web - http://ideasaboutmusic.ca, and on Facebook. For more than 50 years, the Summer Institute of Church Music (SICM) has been helping church music to flourish by hosting a week-long transformative professional development program in July at Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby ON. Church musicians, worship leaders, clergy and choristers study under the direction of world class faculty, and participate in daily worship, workshops, and discussions of current issues facing churches and their music.  Students of all skill levels and denominations are welcomed.   Recently re-located to All Saints' Anglican Church in Whitby, in 2024 SICM is debuting a 3-day, 12-hour program running in-person and online from 12pm-4pm Eastern Time, and will also feature the Final Round of the 26th biennial Osborne Organ Competition.  It remains the only program of its kind in Canada. Web - http://sicm.ca, and on Facebook.   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.   Theology Beer Camp https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer Danny Burton - Producer Dennis Sanders – Producer  

The KC crew is BACK. After lying dormant for seven lunar cycles, Alex and Chris have emerged with a renewed sense of purpose… AND a brand-new single. In their triumphant return, the Cuzzins talk about their just-released 2024 track - their first collab in 11 years - “Treat Yourself.” They discuss the impetus for the song, why they felt compelled to rap once again, and - along the way - weigh in on the Kendrick/Drake/Cole beef. Join us? Stream “Treat Yourself” by Kissing Cuzzins wherever you stream music. Follow Keef on X @keefherbin. Follow KC on Instagram @kissingcuzzins.

Here's a little taste of other stuff we do about other stuff Kidz Bop does! This is mostly us talking about trying desperately to not be absolutely horrible men. Allies!!! Adam alphas.  Alex burns.  Join the Discord!!!! It's quite fun.  Support Our Show on Patreon   Follow Childz Play on Instagram  and follow R. Alex Murray right now! Check Out our Merch and Keep On Boppin!    

Who's your Mother? Well...it might be Meghan Trainor, but it also might be Adam H. Phillips. The boys are back and talking about God Complexes, playground strength, the jaws of life, the girl scout of death, Medieval pump up anthems, and poor sweet Kyle's deep erotic love of snowmen. Just another day in KB HQ.  Alex pines.  Adam promises some patriarchy.  We're still Underground. We're making new friends, but the danger does indeed seem to be mounting. Alex can't stop playing BGIII, and it's leaking into the show.  Join the Discord!!!! It's quite fun.  Support Our Show on Patreon Check out our partner shows on the Missing Sock Network! And follow the Network on Instagram too. Follow Childz Play on Instagram  and follow R. Alex Murray right now! Check Out our Merch and Keep On Boppin!    

Like the rest of the increasingly small world of music criticism, we were shaken by the news that Pitchfork had not only been more-or-less gutted by publisher Conde Nast, but pulled into GQ. Gentleman's Quarterly. Of all possible things. G-freaking-Q...? We're not gonna lie—this one feels grim. But, what kind of grim? Events split the team, with Saxon spinning out a narrative of corporate confusion and brand-based failure, while Sam tried to pull some (desperate) fragments of sense from the seemingly nonsensical plan. Is music criticism lifestyle reporting? Is there an economic base for the record review? Will a thousand newsletter flowers bloom? This week we have questions, not answers. And definitely no good vibes. Insert your own "Wintour is the cruelest season" joke here.   Subscribe to our newsletter! Follow us on Twitter!

Chicago shaped the early years of Pitchfork, a music review site that laid off half its staff last week. We caught up with the original Pitchfork crew: Ryan Schreiber, founder of Pitchfork, Chris Kaskie, co-founder of Pitchfork Music Festival and former co-owner of Pitchfork, and Amy Phillips, ex-executive editor of Pitchfork to hear the history of the pillar of music journalism. And talked about the future of music criticism with Alejandro Hernandez, freelance music journalist and Britt Julious, music critic for the Chicago Tribune.

We're still Underground. We're making new friends, but the danger does indeed seem to be mounting. Alex can't stop playing BGIII, and it's leaking into the show.  Adam lifts his name on high.  Alex heads to the playground.  Join the Discord!!!! It's quite fun.  Support Our Show on Patreon Check out our partner shows on the Missing Sock Network! And follow the Network on Instagram too. Follow Childz Play on Instagram  and follow R. Alex Murray right now! Check Out our Merch and Keep On Boppin!  

Welp. We went back down the stairs. We're a lil deeper into the Underdark and things are predictably...funkier. Join Adam and Alex for cafeteria conspiracies, preteen romance inceptions, soccer shame, and moonlit exsanguination. Beware the pale children.  Alex sucks.  Adam sucks but different.  Come hang out with us on Discord!! Support Our Show on Patreon Please!! If you have a second, fill out this very short survey to help us define our demographic for potential advertisers. We haven't mentioned it in a while, but it would be truly awesome of you. Also, bonus points for reading this far in the show notes.  Check out our partner shows on the Missing Sock Network! And follow the Network on Instagram too. Follow Childz Play on Instagram and Twitter, and follow R. Alex Murray right now! Check Out our Merch and Keep On Boppin!  

Ho. Ho. Ho. They boys are back to fill stockings with questionable liquids and stack lil joke gifts under the tree. It's holly. It's jolly. It's sticky. Ed Sheeran is here. It's a Childz Play Christmas yet again, and we're so glad you all made it home.  Alex does some baking.  Adam grumps.  Holy Smokes we've got a Discord!!! Come hang out with us more on the internet.  Support Our Show on Patreon Please!! If you have a second, fill out this very short survey to help us define our demographic for potential advertisers. We haven't mentioned it in a while, but it would be truly awesome of you. Also, bonus points for reading this far in the show notes.  Check out our partner shows on the Missing Sock Network! And follow the Network on Instagram too. Follow Childz Play on Instagram and follow R. Alex Murray right now! Check Out our Merch and Keep On Boppin!  

A conversation about the history — and future — of album reviews in an increasingly fraught environment for music journalism and criticism.