Podcasts about Music criticism

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!    

Welcome back to a new season of the show! On our first episode of Black History Month, I chat with pop music critic and commentator Henny all about their musical upbringing, when they began thinking critically about music, and how they got into content creation. We also discuss the use of different scales, modes, and instrumentation in pop music to elicit a sense of promiscuity, danger, or rebellion. Check out Henny's work on all the platforms! Henny's YouTube channel Henny's Substack Henny's Instagram Henny's Patreon Megan Lavengood's MTO article about timbre in 1980's pop music Why Pipe Organ Sound Scary video essay Get in touch with me at: hermusicacademia@gmail.com

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!  

We're back to tell you what we loved this year! Our end-of-the-year spectacular - where we go over our favorite pop culture and entertainment from the year - including favorite albums, movies, TV shows, and more. Thank you for listening and happy holidays!

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!  

In this episode of 'The Top 5 Podcast', hosted by Kris McPeak and  Annie Pruitt, the pair discuss their top five guilty pleasure songs, and this crazy-fun playlist includes tunes from artists like the Nelson brothers, Hanson, and wildly popular boy bands like New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys. They mention songs from Rebecca Black, Air Supply, and Ashley Simpson. They also delve into their honorable mentions, including tracks by Dead Eye Dick and Rick Springfield. The discussion also includes reminiscing over the years and the importance of some of these songs in their lives. Want the playlist?  Ya darn tootin'!  CLICK HERE to get your paws on this one - it's super-duper fun! 00:01 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 Pre-Thanksgiving Chit-Chat 02:20 Guilty Pleasure Songs Discussion Begins 03:27 Listener Engagement and Contact Information 03:49 Top Five Guilty Pleasure Songs Countdown 18:52 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts 26:19 Recap and Conclusion

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

Well, we are busting out all sorts of first's with this week's episode...Kris cried on the show for the first time, and DANG did we get all sorts of personal.  It was like group therapy, but it was just me and Annie.  And it was pretty freaking awesome. Creating a musical playlist about your life can be an incredibly fun and introspective experience. Think of it as curating the soundtrack of your life's adventures! Here's how you can go about it: Reflect on Your Life's Phases: Think about the different phases of your life - childhood, teenage years, adulthood, pivotal moments, challenges, and successes. Each phase might have a different musical vibe. Identify Key Songs: Choose songs that resonate with those phases. It could be a song you heard during a special moment, something that reflects your emotions, or simply a tune you can't get out of your head. Embrace Diversity: Don't stick to one genre. Your life is multi-faceted, so let your playlist be diverse. Include rock, pop, classical, hip-hop, or even some traditional tunes. Add Some Nostalgia: Include songs from your past, perhaps ones that remind you of your childhood or your early relationships. Nostalgia has a powerful way of connecting us to our memories. Express Emotions: Add songs that express your emotions, whether it's joy, sadness, love, or even anger. Music has a way of articulating what we sometimes find hard to express ourselves. Update Regularly: Life keeps changing, and so should your playlist. Add new songs that resonate with your current experiences and feelings. Now, why is this important? Well, music is a universal language that can evoke deep emotions and memories. Creating a playlist about your life is like creating a musical time capsule. It helps you relive moments, reflect on your journey, and appreciate how far you've come. Plus, it can be a fantastic conversation starter and a way to share your story with others. It's a celebration of you, in musical form!

Ah, the magic of music, right? Music enthusiasts have this incredible ability to connect deeply with certain albums because these albums often resonate with their emotions, experiences, or even the phase of life they're going through. It's like finding a musical soulmate! Certain albums become timeless classics because they capture universal themes or emotions, making listeners feel understood and validated. Whether it's the lyrics that speak to the listener's heart or the melodies that evoke powerful emotions, these albums become like old friends, always there to comfort, inspire, or energize. And when it comes to learning song lyrics, it's fascinating how our brains work. Music has a way of embedding itself into our memory, aided by catchy tunes and repetitive patterns. The combination of rhythm and melody forms a sort of mnemonic device, making it easier for us to recall lyrics effortlessly. Plus, when we enjoy a song, we tend to listen to it repeatedly, reinforcing those lyrics in our minds. It's almost like a fun, musical form of memory training! So, our favorite albums become a part of us, and reciting the lyrics becomes second nature, just like reciting lines from a beloved movie or quoting lines from a favorite book. It's all about that emotional connection and the magic of music!

So we're here this week to close out the country music series - we think, anyway - and as a Belated Labor Day show, we are honoring the World of Work.   this little episode  features songs that honor the work day, but even though the term "working class hero" does refer to blue-collar, Annie and I reflect on our own hourly-worker experiences as well as job transitions, etc.  I think y'all will enjoy these songs! Yes, there is a playlist, but it's not complete due to a certain country artist's big-time streaming deal...but no worries.  I'll try to get Annie to make us an Amazon Music Playlist, too! Enjoy!!!  

SPOILER ALERT:  Yes, absolutely, someone DID put "Islands on the Stream" on their Top Five List.  Now we can all relax. This is the second-to-last (I think) episode in our Country Music Series, and we do hope y'all have enjoyed these.  At the very least, you might have heard a new(er) country song that you hadn't heard before or even discovered an artist that you think you kind of like now.  I know that for sure happened to me - Annie and I have some very different tastes in this arena, although we DID have a bit of overlap.   If you're thinking that country music duets have been around forever, you are absolutely right!  Male and female country artists began recording duets together as early as the 1930s. Artists like Jimmie Davis and Kate Smith recorded "Beautiful Texas" in 1933, setting a precedent for cross-gender duets in country music. This practice became more common in the following decades with various artists collaborating on duets. The Country Music Association (CMA) began awarding the Vocal Event of the Year category in 1988. This category recognizes special collaborations or featured performances in country music. While many of the winners are duets, not all of them are exclusively male/female duets. The category has included a variety of collaborations, which can involve multiple artists or groups coming together for a single performance.  The first winner of the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 1988 was the song "Streets of Bakersfield," a duet by Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens. And, uh....DUH.  Of course there's a playlist!!! Enjoy!

Notes and Links to Adam Vitcavage's Work      For Episode 200, Pete welcomes Adam Vitcavage, and the two discuss, among other topics, Adam's early reading and writing and the spark provided by writers like Jesmyn Ward, his early writing in the world of music criticism and literary criticism, the background on his penchant for working with debut authors, a lot of sports analogies, dream guests he's worked with and still hopes to work with, The Babysitters Club, and shared experiences in the world of literary podcasting.        Adam Vitcavage is the founder of Debutiful, a website and podcast where readers can discover debut authors. The podcast was named one of the Best Book Podcasts by Book Riot, Town and Country, and Los Angeles Review of Books in 2022. His criticism and interviews have also been featured in Electric Literature, Paste Magazine, Literary Hub, Phoenix New Times, among others. He currently lives in Denver.  Listen to Debutiful   Debutiful Website   “A Mix of Paean and Elegy: The Millions Interviews Jamel Brinkley” by Adam   For Electric Literature: "Is Iceland the Most Literary Country in the World?" At about 4:30, Adam responds to Pete's questions about his early relationship with the written word   At about 6:15, Adam gives background on his studies of literature, and how he began to compile bylines    At about 7:45, Adam talks about covering bands in his early writing career   At about 8:30, Adam talks about formational and transformational reading, like Salinger, Roth, and Salvage the Bones and how changed he was after reading it, and Jesmyn Ward as his “favorite living writer”   At about 11:30, Pete and Adam fanboy about Brandon Taylor   At about 12:20, Pete and Adam talk podcast shop, editing and what they leave in and take out   At about 14:55, Adam talks about how his writing/criticism is informed by his podcast, and vice versa   At about 16:40, Pete asks Adam to describe his podcast and about its seeds   At about 21:55, Adam provides interesting feedback received from learners   At about 23:55, Pete wonders why Adam chose to home in on debuts, and Adam responds   At about 24:30, Pete makes the analogy involving one's first book/sports championship and asks Adam about “hunger”   At about 26:10, Adam discusses what it's like to read for pleasure/business/the podcast and then poses the same question to Pete   At about 29:45, Pete asks Adam which genre is his favorite and how he would handle one last episode; he shouts out Jesmyn Ward    At about 31:00, The two discuss dream guests   At about 31:50, The two discuss interview guests of Adam's, including George Saunders and his telltale book blurbs, and a vast array of non-literary guests    At about 35:20, Adam shouts out his two favorite NBA players of all-time   At about 37:00, Some love for Alanis Morrisette!   At about 38:25, Pete asks Adam about any plans for his own writing and any future projects/formatting   At about 41:40, Adam gives out social media and contact info    You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow me on IG, where I'm @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where I'm @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch this and other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both my YouTube Channel and my podcast while you're checking out this episode.    Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl     Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting my one-man show, my DIY podcast and my extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    NEW MERCH! You can browse and buy here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChillsatWillPodcast    This is a passion project of mine, a DIY operation, and I'd love for your help in promoting what I'm convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.    Please tune in for Episode 201 with Erica Berry, a writer and teacher based in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Her essays appear in The Guardian, Wired, Outside, The Atlantic, Guernica, and others. Winner of the Steinberg Essay Prize and Kurt Brown Prize in Nonfiction, her book Wolfish came out in Feb 2023 to great acclaim.     The episode will air on August 29.

This episode was fun, but it wasn't as easy as you might think! You know already that Annie and I are a bit "koo-koo" over cover songs.  We have our very favorites and we have ideas of cover songs we would like to see created someday...but we also have some that we completely and unapologetically despise and we plan to tell you about that in today's episode.   Remember, a good cover song often adds a unique twist or interpretation to the original, showcasing the artist's individuality while maintaining respect for the source material. It should evoke emotions and offer something fresh to listeners. A bad cover might lack originality, feel forced, or fail to capture the essence of the original. Ultimately, it's about striking a balance between homage and innovation. Some notoriously awful cover songs include William Shatner's rendition of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," Limp Bizkit's version of "Behind Blue Eyes," and Madonna's take on "American Pie." These covers often received criticism for deviating too far from the original's charm or not adding anything valuable to the song. However, opinions on cover songs can be subjective, and what one person dislikes, another might enjoy.  For example, I actually liked the Madonna cover of American Pie, but I do appreciate why others detest it.  For me, it brings back memories of Karaoke Night in the Chicago Suburbs back in the early 2000's.   And, yes, there's for sure a playlist - but you're not getting the shitty cover songs...you're getting the originals because they were JUST FINE...some were even perfect.  So enjoy those instead of having to listen to the crap that we are fussing about in this episode.  ENJOY!

This is it, folks. In the action-packed SEASON FINALE of the Kast, we are discussing the very last song on KC's final album. It's a track called "Puft Up," and in addition to some wild and drugged-out rhymes, it features none other than DJ Ray on the cuts.  Join us as we reflect on what (SPOILER ALERT) may be our most successful all-around track. We'll also talk about how rapping is like caulking a bathtub... the time Proxy went to an acoustic Everclear concert and was very disappointed... and much more. One last time... join us? Follow us on Twitter: @KastingCuzzins / @KeefHerbin Follow Chris on TikTok: @wontkeefdoit

Maybe it's because both Annie and me didn't really get into country music until our adult years - and in both cases, that was around the late '90s and early 2000s - but we still feel compelled to continue the country music series AND the concept of our favorite "whatever" in The New Millenium...but that is the theme for today's Country Music Series Episode.   Although Annie and I didn't just stumble on country music.  There are, indeed, a wealth of factors that brought country music into mainstream musical/pop culture: Crossover Success Country artists like Shania Twain and Faith Hill gained widespread popularity by crossing over into mainstream pop music, attracting a larger and more diverse audience. Bro-Country The emergence of the "bro-country" subgenre, characterized by party-themed lyrics and a fusion of country and rock elements, led by artists such as Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line, contributed to a new wave of listeners embracing country music. Digital and Online Platforms The rise of digital platforms and online streaming allowed country music to reach a global audience more easily, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering the growth of new artists and fan communities. And then there's the Country Concert Experience: Country music concerts provided fans with an opportunity to experience their favorite artists and songs in a live setting. The energetic performances and interactions between artists and fans helped create a strong sense of community and connection. Many country artists embarked on extensive tours during the 2000s, often collaborating with other artists for joint tours or music festivals. These tours not only showcased the individual talents of artists but also exposed audiences to a variety of country music styles. The 2000s saw the rise of country music festivals, such as the CMA Music Festival and Stagecoach Festival. These events brought together a diverse lineup of country artists and attracted attendees from all over the country, contributing to the genre's visibility and popularity. Successful country music tours and concerts served as effective marketing tools for artists and their albums. They helped boost album sales, increase radio airplay, and elevate the overall profile of country music. and, of course, the Apple Music Playlist can be found HERE.  ENJOY!!!!

We're back. It's a reboot? Plus there's a bonus/post show? Either way, it's far too jizzy and we try to kill god like four times. So, same old same old here at KB HQ.  Alex blasts off.  Adam chills.  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!  

I am quite surprised that it took us more than a year to get down with Country Music, but I'm really glad that we have, AND that we're starting this special "mini-series" with our favorite Drinkin' Songs. Annie and I both went to high school in rural Arkansas, and the first thing we ever learned about country music (having just moved from Chicago) was that there were three subjects covered:  My Truck, My Momma (or My Grandma), and My Beer, or whatever other liquor you had around.  Now that's about as simplistic as country music can get but shoot...who doesn't love a country song about drinkin'? Country Music Duets and our favorite tunes in the 2000's are coming next - and if you have any suggestions for country music Top Five LIsts, just shoot us an email:  hello@thetopfivepodcast.com  And you are seriously a big old fool if you don't fall in LOVE with this playlist!  it's pretty freaking epic if I do say so myself!  Check it out HERE.

Welcome back to another fun show!  Sorry that we've sort of been hit-and-miss since Annie returned from Europe.  Working this whole 4/10 schedule usually means I'm home by 6 pm and that's a little late for my Central-Time Co-Host Sibling to get started recording.  But don't you worry - the 4/10's will be ending SOON! Meanwhile, you're going to hear Annie and I talk alot about "New Millenium" things in the next few episodes.  Yeah, we know - that was, like, 23 years ago...but the good news about that is there was incredibly good music being cranked out during those early years.  The early 2000's were my years living in Chicago, Arizona, and Nashville all before moving to California - I hosted a karaoke show in Chicago, discovered country music in Arizona, and you can bet your ass that I loaded up on a TON of musical influences during my 18 months living in Nashville. Regardless - as Annie and I were kicking up new show ideas, this whole "Our Fave Cover Songs of The New Millenium" seemed an obvious choice and I do hope that you'll enjoy our selections.   And is there a playlist?  OMG - you're darn tootin' there is!  You can find that bad boy RIGHT HERE.   ALTHOUGH - there are three of our songs that you can't find on Apple Music (BIG TIME SAD FACE).  But not to worry - we have links to them here! BETTER MAN - Sugarland 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover - Miley Cyrus Can't Help Falling in Love - 21 Pilots ENJOY!!!

Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if two guys who've never been in a fight wrote a song about fighting? Well, prepare to have your curiosity satisfied... sort of. In this week's episode of the Kast, Alex and Chris discuss yet another of their novely rap songs. Is it more successful than the time they rapped about stealing from a museum? You be the judge. (But the answer's no.) Join us? Follow us on Twitter: @KastingCuzzins / @KeefHerbin Follow Chris on TikTok: @wontkeefdoit

Cory and Noah discuss the role of music criticism, explain why they're not huge fans of rating music, and explore what they look for instead when it comes to music journalism.Hear new episodes a month early on Nebula: https://nebula.tv/ghost-notes12tonehttps://twitter.com/12tonevideoshttps://nebula.app/12tonehttps://www.youtube.com/c/12tonevideoshttps://www.patreon.com/12tonevideosPolyphonichttps://twitter.com/WatchPolyphonichttps://nebula.app/polyphonichttps://www.youtube.com/c/Polyphonichttps://www.patreon.com/polyphonicSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: ⚡ Speak Now (Taylor's Version) features a rewrite of “Better than Revenge.” While the song is laced with 2010s teen girl misogyny, we discuss why Taylor's decision to rewrite “she's better known for the things that she does on the mattress” wasn't necessary in the context of modern feminism.  ⚡ ️Keke Palmer faces blatant misogyny from her boyfriend claiming that she dressed too risque in public. In stark contrast, Jackson Wang says that while he wants to have kids, it's ultimately his wife's decision, and that finding a soulmate is more important than his desire to have kids.  ⚡ ️ Recently music critics Tom Breihan and Laura Snapes have revisited past pop releases, providing a new perspective on their original music criticism of Katy Perry's 2010 “Teenage Dream” and Charli XCX's 2016 Vroom Vroom EP. We look at how and why publication bias and personal bias play a role in music criticism. Fangirl Nonsense: Mikey Way joins Fall Out Boy on stage on the weekend of July 4th, calling back to years of Mikey x Pete lore in the mid 00s. Jungkook dropped concept photos for his upcoming single. Tomorrow x Together and Jonas Brother release their collab song and music video (Jomorrow x Brogether, if you will.) Dua Lipa interviews Amelia Dimoldenberg, sharing her story of meeting Harry Styles.  Enjoy this episode? Join our Patreon community or leave us a tip on PayPal!  Want to talk more? Find us: @name3songs | @sara_feigin | @jenna_million Check out all the sources for this episode at name3songs.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get these fellas to the casino! In this super-sized episode of the Kast, Proxy and Keef welcome yet another Chris to the show to discuss “Brilliant Banter,” a pass-the-mic that manages to reference everything from Bob Probert to Octoroks. Along the way, we talk Rain Man, Raine Maida and whether Frankenstein's monster *really* sang “Puttin' On the Ritz” at the end of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel. Join us? Follow us on Twitter: @KastingCuzzins / @KeefHerbin Follow Chris on TikTok: @wontkeefdoit

Let us remind you up front, again, that this is a RAP podcast. Got it? Good. Okay. So, in this week's episode, we talk about the 2003 Thomas Jane vehicle Dream Catcher... that time Mark Wahlberg said he would've prevented 9/11... and whether Big Pun really needed all those rulers. Oh, and we also discuss some terrible rap we made (which is, once more, the usual foocus of this podcast). Join us? Follow us on Twitter: @KastingCuzzins / @KeefHerbin Follow Chris on TikTok: @wontkeefdoit

Hey Mini Minnows! It's H. Adam Phillips and Alex R. Murray comin at ya with another classic review of Mini Pop Kids songs! Totally normal. The thing we do every week for sure.  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!  Sounds by zapsplat.com 

Well. He did it. Adam found something worse than Kid Rock.  If you wanna watch this garbage, here's a link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxJtX081jj4 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!  

Prepare your brain for rot. Adam and Alex are talkin video games and sick drum fills. Also, they remember the greatest film of all time.  Watch the video along with us you will not regret it. Click this big dumb link to witness true rock and roll.  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!  

The publishing industry has changed drastically over the past five decades, and publishing executive Stephen Rubin has had a front row seat to it all! In this conversation, Liz & Ariel chat with Stephen about the shifting weight of platform and celebrity in acquisitions, the importance of a great proposal, the role of politics in publishing, trends in the industry, and why he considers himself an optimist.Stephen Rubin joined Bantam Books in 1984 after a decade-plus career in journalism. Named president and publisher of Doubleday in 1990, he remained there until 2009, interrupted by a three-year stint in London as chairman of Transworld Publishers. He served as president and publisher of Henry Holt until 2020, and currently he is a consulting publisher for Simon & Schuster. Rubin sits on the board of the San Francisco Conservatory for Music and is the founder of the Stephen and Cynthia Rubin Institute for Music Criticism.Buy Stephen's book, Words and Music.Learn more about Publishing Industry Terms & Definitions.

The Madness begins with one of the oddest family bands of all time. Don't wet the bed about it.  The Pee Pee Song Fell in Love with an Alien  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!