Nevermind the Music

Is 47.5 times through a guitar riff enough? This week, we grab a ticket to anywhere with Tracy Chapman’s thoughtful 1988 ballad “Fast Car.” Nichole relates this song to people’s sense of whether they are in control of their lives, and, Here in episode #89, Mark finally starts listening to lyrics, and elaborates on how the song’s repetitiveness is actually the key to its moving storytelling. Just maybe this week it will be Nichole’s turn to secrete salty fluid from her optical sensors!Other music heard in this episode: Tracy Chapman - “Give Me One Reason”, Tracy Chapman - “Stand By Me”, Tracy Chapman - “Baby Can I Hold You”, Shelly Thunder - “Sorry,” Nicki Minaj - “Sorry (feat. Nas)”, Tracy Chapman - “Behind the Wall”, Tracy Chapman - “For My Love”, Tobtok - “Fast Car”, Luke Combs - “Fast Car”, Bob Dylan - “Hurricane”, Suicidal Tendencies - “Institutionalized”, The Eagles - “Lyin’ Eyes”, Aloe Blacc - “I Need a Dollar” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is that episode title just a joke? Mark definitely wishes it was. In this week’s Sidetrack, our hosts give their lists of songs that get the waterworks flowing. Join us for some really awesome music and some major over-sharing! See you next week for a regular, sob-free episode!Music heard in this episode: Bonnie Raitt - “I Can’t Make You Love”, Earth, Wind & Fire - “September”, Sarah Bareilles - “She Used to Be Mine”, The King’s Singers - “And So It Goes”, Billie Eilish - “The Thirtieth”, Northside Special - “A Place to Call Home”, Taylor Swift - “marjorie”, Tally Hall - “Be Born”, Beck - “The Golden Age”, Say Anything - “Alive With the Glory of Love”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When is the right note actually a wrong note? This week, we’re burning down the highway skyline to The Killers’ 2006 anthem “When You Were Young.” Mark shares how this is one of those songs where are the melody seems to almost ignore the chord progression. Nichole connects those broken expectations to the narratives of uniqueness we build in our adolescent minds, and how those might change over time. Join us and dip your feet (every once in a little while).Other music heard in this episode: Pixies - “Here Comes Your Man”, Aaron Neville - “Tell it Like it Us”, The Beatles - “A Hard Day’s Night”, Green Day - “Nice Guys Finish Last”, Soundgarden - “An Unkind”, Jimmy Eat World - “Clarity”, The Killers - “Somebody Told Me”, The Killers - “Spaceman”, The Killers - “Caution”, Bruce Springsteen - “Born to Run”, The Killers - “Human”, Snow Patrol - “How to Be Dead”, Tears for Fears - “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, Daft Punk - “Lose Yourself to Dance (feat. Pharrell Williams)”, Weezer - “No One Else”, The Killers and Bruce Springsteen - “Born to Run”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who better to judge Boomer music than a member of Generation Alpha? In this Sidetrack, Mark’s son makes a surprising and controversial proclamation about the production of the universally-acclaimed 1977 Fleetwood Mac opus, Rumours. Mark takes us through the innovations of multi-track recording that led to the immaculate-sounding albums of the 1970s, and Nichole is left to judge - is the kid right? Check us out next week for another regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Les Paul and Mary Ford - “How High is the Moon”, Stevie Wonder - “I Call It Pretty Music But the Old People Call it the Blues”, Stevie Wonder - “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, Stevie Wonder - “Living For the City”, Stevie Wonder - “Sir Duke”, Stevie Wonder - “Master Blaster (Jammin’)”, Fleetwood Mac - “Second Hand News”, Fleetwood Mac - “Dreams”, Fleetwood Mac - “Never Going Back Again”, Fleetwood Mac - “Don’t Stop”, Fleetwood Mac - “Go Your Own Way”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What’s a good way to get through a breakup? Record a hit single! In this episode, we are entranced by Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 masterpiece “Dreams.” Nichole talks through the grief that accompanies the end of a relationship, which somehow with this band led to some terrific songs. Mark then dreams about the structure of the melody, and how it is built in a way that adds to the song’s quiet tension. Other music heard in this episode: Fleetwood Mac - “Rhiannon”, Fleetwood Mac - “Landslide”, Fleetwood Mac - “You Make Loving Fun”, Prince - “When Doves Cry”, R.E.M. - “Orange Crush”, Kate Bush - “Wuthering Heights”, They Might Be Giants - “Birdhouse in Your Soul”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Would you rather make music with your grandma or your ex? In this week’s Sidetrack, Mark and Nichole create a family tree of iconic family bands and artists. From twins to parents and uncles, we talk through the superpowers these groups get through their family connections. Check out a full episode next week!Music heard in this episode: Hanson - “MMMBop”, Bee Gees - “More Than a Woman”, Fleetwood Mac - “Go Your Own Way”, The White Stripes - “Blue Orchid”, Tegan and Sara - “Closer”, The Breeders - “Cannonball”, Jackson 5 - “I Want You Back”, The Judds - “Mama He’s Crazy”, Heart - “Magic Man”, Sly and The Family Stone - “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”, The Interrupters - “She’s Kerosene”, The Beach Boys - “Surfin’ Safari”, LMFAO - “Party Rock Anthem”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when you have to replace an iconic voice? This week we rock out to Linkin Park’s 2003 hit “Numb.” Mark compares live performances of the band’s big hits across two very different lead vocalists and what changes the band had to make to keep their sound. Meanwhile, Nichole wonders whether these changes parallel identity development as a person goes from an adolescent to an adult. Join us for a packed episode!Other music heard in this episode: Dead Sara - “Weatherman”, Soundgarden - “The Day I Tried to Live”, Big Brother and The Holding Company - “Piece of My Heart”, Tool - “Forty-Six & 2”, AC/DC - “Highway to Hell”, Johnny Cash and June Carter - “Jackson”, The Eagles - “Take it to the Limit”, Hanson - “MMMBop”, Linkin Park - “Breaking the Habit”, Linkin Park - “What I’ve Done”, Linkin Park - “New Divide”, Linkin Park - “In the End”, Linkin Park - “Shadow of the Day”, Dead Sara - “Uninspired”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is this an international podcast now? This week, we dig back into the e-mail inbox for more listener feedback! From the iconic radio stations of our youths, to whether headphones make us antisocial and plastic trumpets, we chime in on the burning questions of our audience. Music heard in this episode: Bryant Oden - “The Duck Song”, Mike Battaglia - “Sweet Lorraine”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who ordered all the man candy? In this episode, we dress up for Shania Twain’s 1997 country-rock smash “Man! I feel like a Woman!” After our hosts consider this song and its video’s relation to third-wave feminism in the 1990s, Mark leads us on a journey through the centuries following one type of chord move that gives this song both its bluesy edge and its poppy sheen. Let’s go girls!Other music heard in this episode: ZZ Top - “La Grange”, Linda Ronstadt - “When Will I Be Loved”, Robert Palmer - “Addicted to Love”, Shania Twain - “Any Man of Mine”, Shania Twain - “You’re Still the One”, J.S. Bach - “Ach Herr, Lass dein lieb Engelein” from St. John Passion (Netherlands Bach Society), George Frideric Handel - “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah (Tabernacle Choir), Fisk Jubilee Singers - “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”, Blind Lemon Jefferson - “Rambler Blues”, Little Richard - “Good Golly, Miss Molly”, Dexy’s Midnight Runners - “Come on Eileen”, Guns N’ Roses - “Sweet Child ol Mine”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is it possible for a robot to sell out? This week, we welcome author and communication professor Michael Serazio to talk about authenticity in pop music, especially with the arrival of A.I.-created music. Can a machine be a tortured artist… or at least fake it better than a human? Is this the end of “real music” or is A.I. just the latest tool that makes all us old folks scared? We promise no answers but lots of human musings!Michael’s book, “The Authenticity Industries: Keeping it Real in Media, Culture and Politics” is available - go buy it!Music heard in this episode: Masato Nakamura - “Starlight Zone”, John Baker - “ToeJam Jammin’ (Theme)”, RUN DMC - “My Adidas”, Breaking Rust - “Walk My Walk”, The Velvet Sundown - “Dust in the Wind”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When should a song be not too hard, and not too soft? This week, Mark and Nichole enjoy all the Philly steaks they can eat with Boyz II Men’s iconic 1991 jam “Motownphilly.” After looking at Motown’s role in pop culture of the 1990s, the hosts do a deep dive on a classic example of the verse-chorus form… maybe. Also, tune in for some top tier Stephanie Tanner-related content!Other music heard in this episode: Josef Haydn - String Quartet in Eb Major, op. 33, No. 2, Hob. III:38, IV, “The Joke” (Doric String Quartet), Boyz II Men - “End of the Road”, Boyz II Men - “Water Runs Dry”, Boyz II Men - “Thank You”, Boyz II Men - “Sympin’”, Keith Sweat - “I Want Her”, Guy - “Don’t Clap… Just Dance”, Paula Abdul - “Opposites Attract (feat. The Wild Pair)”, Bell Biv DeVoe - “Poison”, Carter Family - “Keep On the Sunny Side”, Big Joe Turner - “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men - “One Sweet Day”, Boyz II Men - “Jezebel”, En Vogue - “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)The final analysis, for your reference:Option 1: A B C D B E C’ D B A’ E’ F B A’’Option 2: Intro, Chorus 1, Verse 1, Pre-Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Rap 1, Verse 2, Pre-Chorus 2, Chorus 3, Re-Intro, Rap 2, Scat, Chorus 4, OutroOption 3: (Intro), Refrain, Episode 1, Refrain, Episode 2, Refrain, Episode 3, Refrain, (Outro)Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Which songs just make you cringe? In this Sidetrack, the hosts share their top three songs with main characters that you really wouldn’t want to hang out with, whether they’re just awkward, or full-on evil. The most important rule, though: the songs have to be good! Check us out next week for a full episode!Music heard in this episode: Oingo Boingo - “Little Girls”, Toadies - “Possum Kingdom”, The Police - “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”, The Postal Service - “Nothing Better”, Ariana Grande - “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”, Bryan Adams - “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, Lily Allen - “Smile”, Bobby McFerrin - “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, Robin Thicke - “Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)”, Usher - “Confessions, Pt. II”, “Weird Al” Yankovic - “Confessions Pt. III”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Tears” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you ever glad you *didn’t* go to a show? This week, we don’t regret listening to the 2013 jam “If I Could Change Your Mind” by the sisters of HAIM. Nichole gets into the reasons our mind feels major fear of missing out, while Mark gets into how this song’s melody and harmony interact to create some expert pacing. Other music heard in this episode: HAIM - “The Wire”, HAIM - “Now I’m In It”, Savage Garden - “I Want You”, HAIM - “Little of Your Love”, Fleetwood Mac - “Everywhere”, HAIM - “You Never Knew”, HAIM - “Don’t Save Me”, Sheryl Crow - “Soak Up the Sun”, HAIM - “I’ve Been Down”, Annie Lennox - “Walking on Broken Glass”, HAIM - “Found it in Silence”, HAIM - “Cry”, “Seasons of Love” from RentSend us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Which songs will make the cut? This week we welcome Chris Fafalios from the band Punchline and the One Hit Thunder Podcast (among others!) to talk us through how a band chooses which of their songs to put on an album. Chris gets into the tough decisions and nuanced band dynamics that have been a part of Punchline’s ten-album run. How many songs is enough? When to rerecord an old favorite? Who gets to sing lead vocals? This and more in a fun conversation that would just barely fit on a CD. Check us out next week for more!Music heard in this episode: Punchline - “I Don’t Wanna Live in This World Anymore”, Punchline - “Another One”, Punchline - “Focus on Yourself”, Maggie Rogers - “Alaska”, Punchline - “Green Hills”, Punchline - “Darkest Dark” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When can a bit of nursery rhyme cost you six figures of royalties? In this episode, the hosts deep dive on Men at Work’s 1981 international hit “Down Under” and the crazy story of its authorship and accusations of plagiarism. Mark goes on walkabout through the basics of copyright law, and Nichole gets to feast on a few famous cases of plagiarism, spread on a vegemite sandwich! Tune in for an epic continent-spanning episode.Other music heard in this episode: “Spicks and Specks Theme”, Bee Gees - “Spicks and Specks”, Men at Work - “Who Can It Be Now?”, Men at Work - “Overkill”, Larry Groce - “Kookaburra”, Colin Hay - “Waiting For My Real Life to Begin”, The Beach Boys - “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, Chuck Berry - “Sweet Little Sixteen”, Led Zeppelin - “Stairway to Heaven,” Spirit - “Taurus”, Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell - “Blurred Lines”, Marvin Gaye - “Got to Give it Up”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Which critically-acclaimed albums this year do Mark and Nichole actually kind of hate? In this week’s Sidetrack, we come back once again to discuss the eight nominees for “Album of the Year” at the 2026 Grammys. Tune in to hear our hosts deep-dive on the high and low points of this year’s crop of nominees. As a bonus: our thoughts on the “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year” categories! Check us out next week for a normal episode!Music heard in this episode: Tyler, The Creator - “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, Tyler, The Creator - “Sugar on My Tongue”, Tyler, The Creator - “Noid”, Tyler, The Creator - “Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown)”, Lady Gaga - “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga - “Can’t Stop the High”, Justin Timberlake - “Like I Love You (feat. Clipse)”, Clipse - “Chains & Whips (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”, Clipse - “Ace Trumpets”, Kendrick Lamar & SZA - “Luther”, Kendrick Lamar - “Reincarnation”, Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber - “10,000 Hours”, Justin Bieber - “Daisies”, Justin Bieber - “Yukon”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Tears”, Bad Bunny - “Moscow Mule”, Bad Bunny - “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”, SZA - “Snooze”, Leon Thomas - “Snooze”, Leon Thomas - “MUTT”, Leon Thomas - “HOW FAST”, Doechii - “Anxiety”, Rosé and Bruno Mars - “APT.”, Huntrix - “Golden”, Bad Bunny - “DtMF”, Chappell Roan - “The Subway”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you get caught, what should you say? “It wasn’t me!” In this episode, we are lied to by the fun 2000 hit “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy and Rikrok. Nichole walks us through the ways people can use denial as a coping mechanism, while Mark paces through how rhythms can be used to help tell an engaging story…. butt naked.Other music heard in this episode: Shaggy - “Boombastic”, Shaggy - “Angel”, Sting and Shaggy - “Shape of My Heart”, War - “Smile Happy”, Pras - “Ghetto Supastar (That is What You Are)”, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - “Islands in the Stream”, Bee Gees - “Islands in the Stream”, Nelly - “Ride Wit Me”, Papa Roach - “Last Resort”, Christina Aguilera - “Genie in a Bottle”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who’s ready for a feeding frenzy? This week we are joined by podcast super-host Matt Kelly from the Geekscape network to talk about the mid-90s! For a wild few years, it seemed like the record labels were signing every quirky band they could to try to recreate the magic of Nirvana. We talk trend-chasing corporations, confusing genre labels, Mark’s deep regrets, and more in this wide-ranging conversation. Check us out next week for a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Butthole Surfers - “Pepper”, Fastball - “The Way”, U2 - “Bullet the Blue Sky”, U2 - “Staring at the Sun”, Foo Fighters - “Alone and Easy Target”, Local H - “Bound for the Floor” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever actually tried to sleep with one eye open? In this week’s episode, we rock out to Metallica’s 1991 metal powerhouse “Enter Sandman.” Mark shows us some key changes that he finds dreamy. Meanwhile, Nichole makes a dark song event darker, looking at its meaning through the lens of childhood trauma. Off to Never-Neverland, indeed.Other Music heard in this episode: Boyz II Men - “Under Pressure”, Metallica - “Dirty Window”, Metallica - “Master of Puppets”, Metallica - “Nothing Else Matters”, Metallica - “One”, Excel - “Tapping Into the Emotional Void”, Whitney Houston - “I Will Always Love You”, Bon Jovi - “Livin’ on a Prayer”, Boyz II Men - “On Bended Knee”, Michael Jackson - “Baby Be Mine”, The Beatles - “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”, Weezer - “Undone (The Sweater Song)”, Jessica Darrow - “Surface Pressure”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is it flutist or flautist? Would you want to know the setlist before you see the concert? What’s going to be our hosts next side-hustle? It’s Season 2 and time for listener questions! See you next week for our next regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Fiona Apple - “Paper Bag”, Less Than Jake - “Hows My Driving, Doug Hastings?”, Taylor Swift - “Wood”, Taylor Swift - “Wi$h Li$t”, Taylor Swift - “Fifteen”, Drive Shaft - “You All Everybody”, Bob Welch - “Ebony Eyes”, The Clash - “White Riot”, The Clash - “Train in Vain”, Seal - “Colours”, Seal - “Still Love Remains”, Bruno Mars - “When I Was Your Man”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you a responsible eldest child? A spoiled youngest? This week, there are many things that we would like to say to you about Oasis’ 1995 sing-along classic “Wonderwall.” Nichole muses on a psychological theory that might explain some of the toxic family dynamics in the band, and Mark outlines the cool melodic patterns that help make this song so catchy. And, of course, Mark’s top five 90s guitar strums!Other Music heard in this episode: Foo Fighters - “Big Me”, Blues Traveler - “Runaround”, Counting Crows - “Mr. Jones”, Soul Asylum - “Runaway Train”, Oasis - “Live Forever”, Blur - “There’s No Other Way”, Elastica - “Connection”, Oasis - “Roll With It”, The Beatles - “When I Get Home”, Oasis - “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, John Lennon - “Imagine”, Soundgarden - “Switch Opens”, Toto - “Rosanna”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can we predict the next musical revolution? We welcome Lorehounds co-host David as we unpack the Generational Music Theorem, which links major changes in popular music with the coming of age of each generation’s youth. The conversation is wide-ranging and, while we aren’t all totally sold on the theory, David brought charts so it must be true! Check us next week for a regular episode!David’s charts are here Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is it me you’re looking for? In this episode, we pine after “Hello,” Lionel Richie’s 1983 mega-hit. While Nichole falls hard for obsessive romantic delusions, Mark yearns for classic chord patterns used in interesting ways. Also, the co-hosts talk about what makes it cool to have that Jonathan Taylor Thomas poster on the wall, but not a poster of the cute boy from English class.  Other Music heard in this episode: Rihanna (feat. Calvin Harris) - “We Found Love”, Commodores - “Easy”, Faith No More - “Easy”, Lionel Richie - “All Night Long (All Night)”, U.S.A. for Africa - “We Are the World”, Gloria Gaynor - “I Will Survive”, Johann Pachelbel - “Canon in D,” P 37, Vitamin C - “Graduation (Friends Forever)”, Green Day - “Basket Case”, The Beatles - “You Never Give Me Your Money”, The Chordettes - “Mr. Sandman”, The Strokes - “15 Minutes”, Jonas Brothers - “Sucker”, Adele - “Million Years Ago”, Maroon 5 - “This Love” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is Thanksgiving week already too late to start talking about Christmas music? In this Sidetrack, Nichole and Mark put on their festive sweaters, spike the eggnog, and share the greatest holiday songs. What’s the laziest holiday banger? Which Jewish songwriter wrote the best Christmas song? Does Nichole finally understand what “new wave” means? Tune in to find out, and catch us next week for a normal episode!Music heard in this episode: Fugees - “Ready or Not”, Ohio Players - “Jive Turkey”, Punchline - “It’s a New Year (Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself)”, Hannah Waddingham and Jason Sudeikis - “(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home”, Danny Elfman - “What’s This?”, The Civil Wars - “Tracks in the Snow”, Taylor Swift - “Last Christmas”, Bing Crosby - “White Christmas”, Peter, Paul and Mary - “Light One Candle”, Bruce Springsteen - “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, Earth, Wind & Fire - “December”, Mykola Leontovych - “Carol of the Bells”, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber - “All I Want For Christmas is You (Superfestive!)” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, the team nod their heads to The Chainsmokers’ catchy dance hit “Don’t Let Me Down” from 2016. While Mark shows off some shifty rhythms, Nichole is let down by all-or-nothing thinking… and some therapists. And who’s more motivated to be at school, psych majors or music majors?Other Music heard in this episode: The Chainsmokers - “Closer”, The Chainsmokers - “Something Just Like This”, Marshmello - “Summer”, Daya - “Hide Away”, Christina Aguilera - “What a Girl Wants”, The Eagles - “Life in the Fast Lane”, Charli XCX - “Talk Talk”, HAIM - “Walking Away”, Taylor Swift - “Karma”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When is it punk to be kind and rebellious to be optimistic? We welcome Lorehound and Wool-Shift-Dust co-host Elysia Brenner to do what she does best: deep dive on pop culture through angles nobody else is taking. Using the new Superman film as a starting point, we talk the literary movement “hopepunk” as a new form of counter-culture, and wonder at the musical aspects of this unique way of looking at stories. Be sure to check out the Lorehounds podcasts and catch us next week for a regular episode!  Music heard in this episode: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - “Heads Will Roll”, Led Zeppelin - “Ramble On”, Janelle Monae - “Crazy, Classic Life”, Frank Turner - “Punches”, Billy Bragg - “The Milkman Of Human Kindness”, The Mighty Crabjoys - “The Mighty Crabjoys Theme”, Teddybearts (feat. Iggy Pop) - “Punkrocker”, The Stooges - “Loose”, Public Image Ltd. - “Public Image”, Joy Division - “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, The Verve - “Bittersweet Symphony”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why write both a melody and a chord progression when just one will do? Here our hosts follow along with the 1978 punk anthem “One Way or Another” by Blondie. Mark marvels at the simplicity and unity between the song’s tune and chords, while Nichole wonders if the modern world has lost all its toughness. And, Mark declares war on all Baby Boomers (or something). Other music heard in this episode: Blondie - “X Offender”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Blondie - “Rapture”, Blondie - “The Tide is High”, Blondie - “Maria”, Bobby McFerrin - “The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother)”, Hildegard von Bingen - “Ave Generosa”, Handel - “‘Lascia ch’io Pianga”, Pearl Jam - “Better Man” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who is the MVP of the best baseball teams? The ballpark organist! Our guest on this episode, Steve Hogan, is musically responsible for three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants. We talk with Steve about the way music plays an important role in sporting events and, of course, we have to get deep into the details. Celebrate this year’s Fall Classic with a fun conversation on the unique blend of tradition and newness that is ballpark music. Next week: a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Steve Hogan - “Woodson by Night” from ‘Elements’ by Mark Popeney, Steve Hogan - “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, Rihanna and Calvin Harris - “We Found Love”, Europe - “The Final Countdown”, Steve Hogan - “The Star-Spangled Banner”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why can’t Mark keep the Batman films straight in his mind? This week, the light hits the gloom on Seal’s 1994 baroque pop gem “Kiss From a Rose.” Mark is fascinated by the clashes between major and minor in this song, and Nichole likens that to Jung’s shadow self that lurks in all of us.Other music heard in this episode: Seal - “I Put a Spell on You”, Seal - “Crazy”, Seal - “Prayer for the Dying”, Push - “Lay it on the Line”, Tomás Luis de Victoria - “O Magnum Mysterium”, John Dowland - “Flow My Tears”, Alice in Chains - “Down in a Hole”, Gnarles Barkley - “Crazy”, TLC - “Waterfalls”, Sublime - “Same in the End”, Weezer - “Holiday”, Taylor Swift - “Betty”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When should “Crazy Mariah Carey Girl” be the first line on your resume? Music and tech executive-turned professor Bree Nguyen will tell us! On this Sidetrack, we talk with Bree about the crazy story of how one Mariah-obsessed teen was put in charge of online marketing for one of the greatest performers of all time, and turned it into a full career. Our conversation touches on wholesome fan communities, what Mariah likes to do in an elevator, and more. Our first guest is one you won’t want to miss! See you next week for a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Dani California”, Mariah Carey - Fantasy (feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard)”, Mariah Carey (ft. Jay-Z) - “Heartbreaker”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions (MTV Unplugged)”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can a song be a hit when everyday people aren’t good enough to sing along? In this episode, we embarrass ourselves following along with Mariah Carey’s 1991 classic “Emotions.” Nichole goes deeper than she’s ever dreamed of about how we’re just meat puppets whose emotions are caused by a bunch of funny-sounding chemicals floating in our brains. Meanwhile, Mark is really into how Mariah goes higher than the heavens above. Also, our hosts have their monthly therapy session about imposter syndrome. Other Music heard in this episode: Tim Storms - “Lonesome Road”, The Emotions - “Best of My Love”, Alessandro Moreschi - “Hostias et Preces”, Spandau Ballet - “True”, Tears for Fears - “Change”, HAIM - “The Steps”, Third Eye Blind - “Semi-Charmed Life”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What songs explain the twisted minds of our co-hosts? In this sidetrack, Mark and Nichole share the soundtracks to their own life stages. What toys was a young Mark obsessed with? Just how evil were Nichole’s middle school bullies? Tune in to feast on our exposed guts, and check us out next week for a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Dire Straits - “Money for Nothing”, Another Bad Creation - “Iesha”, Spin Doctors - “Two Princes”, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - “No Treaties”, Dishwalla - “Counting Blue Cars”, UB40 - “Red Red Wine”, Sublime - “Scarlet Begonias”, Blink-182 - “Going Away to College”, The Reindeer Section - “Where I Fall”, Moxy Früvous - “Michigan Militia”, The Flaming Lips - “Do You Realize??”, The Beatles - “Something”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why did it take us so long to get to Taylor? Welcome to season 2 of Nevermind the Music! Here, we look under someone’s bed and pickup that old “Cardigan,” Taylor Swift’s vibey hit from 2020. Mark has found a dreamy rhythmic trick that Taylor and producer Aaron Dressner use to weave the music forward. Nichole looks backward, talking about different kinds of memory and how they make this a great COVID-era song and album. Also, obviously, hear Nichole’s well-informed pick of the greatest NFL tight end of all time!Other music heard in this episode: Taylor Swift - “Peace”, Taylor Swift - “Invisible String”, Taylor Swift - “The 1”, Nickel Creek - “To the Airport”, Smash Mouth - “All Star”, Bare Naked Ladies - “One Week”, Prince and the New Power Generation - “Diamonds and Pearls”, Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee - “Despacito”, Taylor Swift - “Mad Woman”, Taylor Swift - “Seven”, Taylor Swift - “Cassandra”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What were the best moments of NTM Season 1? In this finale podcast, Nichole and Mark rate their favorite songs, funniest moments, deepest thoughts, biggest misses, and more. Come back next week as we start Season 2!Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has Mark finally gone too far? In this episode, we finally turn to Nirvana, with their iconic 1994 anthem “Lithium.” Mark writes a term paper on mic, putting his music theory skills to use for the forces of… good, or evil? Nichole takes things in a totally different but equally fancy direction, musing on solipsism, and how Kurt Cobain seems to have been exceptionally ego-dystonic for a rock star. Tune in to learn what the heck we’re talking about!Other music heard in this episode: Arnold Schoenberg - “The Book of the Hanging Gardens”, Pierre Boulez - “Le Marteau Sans Maître”, Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can we nap to heavy metal? Did Evanescence save a plane full of people? Did we really miss the mark with Weezer? In this super-sized episode, we hear one last batch of listener questions for Season 1! Come back next week for the last regular episode of our first season!Music heard in this episode: Luciano Berio - “Sinfonia: III - In ruhig fliessender Bewegung”, Evanescence - “Bring Me to Life”, Sugar Ray - “RPM”, LL Burns - “Don’t Call Me at Home”, Bonobo - “Recurring” Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why do we always keep coming back? Here we break down Post Malone’s 2019 summer jam “Circles.” Mark has some thoughts about how the melody feeds on itself, but Nichole would rather talk about what it would be like to “check out” and completely disengage from society. We dare you to DOOOOOO something!Other music heard in this episode: Post Malone - “White Iverson”, Post Malone - “Rockstar”, Post Malone - “Psycho”, Post Malone - “I Like You”, Aaron Neville - “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, Adriana Caselotti - “Someday My Prince Will Come”, Taylor Swift - “I Knew You Were Trouble”, Huey Lewis & The News - “Stuck With You”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did either of us ever think we’d have an episode about psychics? For some reason, we have a fun conversation about paranormal mental abilities, what exactly we believe, and how it all connects to psychology. Come on back next week for a full episode!Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Don’t you just love a good beat switch? Here we pray to Dionne Warwick’s sneaky-fancy hit from 1967, “I Say a Little Prayer.” While Mark wants to marvel at the changing time signatures in this song, Nichole is most interested in what the song shows about the life situations of military families. Are these ideas related? Nichole certainly makes a good stab at explaining how they might be!Other music heard in this episode: Aretha Franklin - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Lou Johnson “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”, Dionne Warwick - “That’s What Friends are For”, Tennessee Ernie Ford - “Sixteen Tons”, Diana King - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Outkast - “Hey Ya!”, The Bee Gees - “Jive Talkin’”, Hozier - “Take Me to Church”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Little Richard - “Tutti Frutti”, Pat Boone - “Tutti Frutti”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do pop stars and 19th-century opera composers have in common? Some of them are awful people! After avoiding it for months, we finally have the conversation about what it means to love music created by potentially terrible people. There’s a whole lot of Michael Jackson talk. No answers are found but a whole lot of interesting questions are raised. Tune in next week for a full episode!Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When is one note actually a bunch of notes? Here we listen closely to Green Day’s rock radio earworm “Waiting,” from 2000. Mark quite literally pulls apart some notes to figure out whether a chord is major or minor. And Nichole talks about why waiting is so hard in our modern age, and wonders if there is a better way. Also, does Nichole have perfect pitch? Other music heard in this episode: Green Day - “When I Come Around”, Green Day - “Good Riddance (The Time of Your Life)”, Green Day - “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, Green Day - “J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)”, Green Day - “Scattered”, Green Day - “Whatsername”, The Kinks - “You Really Got Me”, Puddle of Mudd - “Blurry”, Huun-Huur-Tu - “Aa-Shuu Dekei-oo”, Sarah Hopkins - “Past Life Melodies”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Which one of us broke the most laws for the sake of seeing a great show? In this sidetrack, we reminisce about some of our favorite concerts, some from years ago and some much more recent. Check us out next week for a full episode!Music heard in this episode - The Flaming Lips - “She Don’t Use Jelly”, The Rise Against - “Give it All”, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - “Teach Your Children”, Gin Blossoms - “Hey Jealousy”, My Morning Jacket - “One Big Holiday”, Steve Reich - “Music for 18 Musicians”, Fiona Apple - “Criminal”, Nickel Creek - “Rest of My Life”, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When we all fall asleep, where do we go? In this episode, we dig up Billie Eilish’s mysterious 2019 gem “Bury a Friend.” Mark shows how the song gets its creepy vibe in part by using some very simple and clever melodic tricks. Nichole talks about the monster under the bed and how nightmares can actually play a useful role in treatment. Also, why are lullabies so creepy?Other music heard in this episode: Billie Eilish - “Ocean Eyes”, Ariana Grande - “Problem”, System of a Down - “Hypnotize”, Justin Timberlake - “Mirrors”, Meghan Trainor - “All About That Bass”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey, who ordered the nipple gong? In this sidetrack we celebrate the unusual instruments that grace us in pop music. From the hurdy-gurdy to the musical saw, underappreciated instruments, we salute you! Tune in next week for some normal instruments in a full episode!Music heard in this episode: Kate Bush - "The Dreaming", Earth, Wind & Fire - "Evil", The Beach Boys - "I Know There's an Answer", Depeche Mode - "Everything Counts", The Troggs - "Wild Thing", Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away", Neutral Milk Hotel - "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea", Buddy Holly - "Everyday", Korn - "Shoots and Ladders", The Rolling Stones - "Lady Jane", Donovan - "Hurdy-Gurdy Man", Metallica - "Low Man's Lyric", Soundgarden - "Spoonman", Incubus - "Aqueous Transmission"Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you do it? Here we meet in outer space with Incubus’ 2000 rock radio staple “Stellar.” Mark can’t get enough of how rhythmically confusing the song is, with different possible ways to count the beat. Nichole tries to figure out why that kind of thing tickles us so much, and how we change our attitudes and identity over time. Listen close and learn something about how stupid Mark was in high school…Other music heard in this episode: Incubus - "Drive", Incubus - "New Skin," Incubus - "Pardon Me," Incubus - "Redefine", Mike Einziger - "Wake Me Up", Wynonie Harris - "Good Rockin' Tonight", Queen - "We Will Rock You", The Beach Boys - "Slip on Through", 311 - "Loco", Chris Thile - "On Ice", Coldplay - “Clocks”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who’s your favorite female trombone player? Male flautist? Here we talk about how some instruments are weirdly gendered, find out which girly instrument Mark tried to learn, and hear a bit from Nichole about the brain differences between the biological males and females. Is all this nature or nurture? See you next week for a full episode!Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did I hear a music major alert? Grab your college degree and geek out with us about Lizzo’s 2019 soul/hip-hop hybrid “Cuz I Love You.” Mark can’t stop crying thinking about the musical foreshadowing that occurs in this song’s bombastic hook, and how that fits perfectly with its genre blending stew. Nichole brings it all together through cognitive biases, especially that pesky hindsight bias.Other music heard in this episode: X Ambassadors - "Renegade", The Flamingos - "I Only Have Eyes For You", The Specials - "Ghost Town", The Beatles - "Help!", Styx - "Renegade"Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do artists owe the audience? In this sidetrack, we talk about when fans only want to hear an artist’s old material, even when they keep making new great music. The hosts share some artists they think haven’t received enough attention of late, and ponder what it means to be a “real fan.” Lastly, when is it OK to be “that guy” at a concert?Music heard in this episode: Fiona Apple - “Criminal”, Fiona Apple - “Shameika”, Nickel Creek - “The Lighthouse’s Tale”, Nickel Creek - “Holding Pattern”, The Beach Boys - “‘Til I Die”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What’s a better introduction to an artist, a ballad or a bop? With all due respect to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” we’d rather overthink Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 hit “Time After Time.” Mark has something to say about the relationship between syncopated rhythms (big word alert!) and the song’s themes, while Nichole shares the psychological take on whether people’s personalities can change or stay the same (time after time). Importantly, the hosts end by considering which The Breakfast Club character they most embody.Other music heard in this episode: The Hooters - "And We Danced", Dire Straits - "Money for Nothing", Bonnie Tyler - "Total Eclipse of the Heart", Scott Joplin - "Maple Leaf Rag", Louis Jordan - "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie", Daft Punk - "Around the World", Aretha Franklin - "Chain of Fools", Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What are all these hashtags all over my sheet music? In our final music review session, Mark and Nichole talk sharps, flats, scales, and chords. Get your head on straight with all things pitch before the class withdrawal deadline! Another full episode next week!Music heard in this episode: Coolio - “Gangsta’s Paradise”Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy