PODCAST · music
UMM: The Unifying Medium of Music
by Steve Lively
We begin each episode talking about a random song on the 2021 Rolling Stone Best 500 Songs of All Time list and then just wing it afterwards. We demonstrate flashes of intelligence and a severe amount of forgetfulness/ignorance. Good times.
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Episode 57 - Song #371: "Benny and the Jets" by Elton John
We are SO BACK!The link below will only make sense if you listen to the whole episode, fellow nerds...https://www.amazon.com/s?k=metal+up+your+assshirt&adgrpid=1331511094032417&hvadid=83219722441148&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=49583&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=b&hvtargid=kwd-83220599941196%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=11364_13596534&mcid=06e4d63898d337ccbe68578add8b4d6a&msclkid=6a3d029800c71b37efb96898a1029c8d&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_9ecu9k3mxf_b
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Episode 56 - Song #149: "Rocket Man" by Elton John
We're back this week with another nonsensical discussion over Sir Elton, his legacy, and the story told in this classic 70s megahit. Rob goes way overboard on covers, and Steve obsesses about luggage.What better way to spend approximately sixty-nine minutes and twenty-one-point-seven seconds?Time stamps!Jerk Reaction 02:56Deets 06:36Roman Numerals 16:29Trivia 21:21Sandwich Time 24:27Covers 29:46Lyric Analysis 38:39
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Episode 55 - Song #108: "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure
We here at UMM are, more or less, caretakers at heart. We want to help you navigate through this cold and flu season. Thus, at a safe distance, we offer you...The Cure.We have a long trivia question, an enormous amount of cover information, and we gush about the genius of Robert Smith and chip away (unsuccessfully) at the narrative of the song that summarizes the early days of Smith and his spouse's relationship. *updated Feb 26 with 2 correctionsa) rob's phone call and info removedb) CHVRCHES clip added
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Episode 54 - Song #142: "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones
Wow! You clicked the FULL description? Nice! I need to make this one count! So, this week, we have George Jones, and for obvious reasons, we cover the 1980 cult classic POPEYE, starring Robin Williams, before eventually role-playing: one of us as the titular character from that film, and the other, his nemesis, Olive Oil. JK. It's "Bluto."Anyway, in short, we bring the HEAT and really immerse ourselves in the controversial lyrics of this quote-sad-unquote song.NOTE: No spinach was consumed during this, or any, episode.
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Episode 53 - Song #262: "American Tune" by Paul Simon
In this second, and admittedly sloppier, episode with Rob in studio, we again demonstrate our rudimentary understanding of American politics in the 1960s and 70s, and we very clumsily attempt to articulate the subsequent impact of that era in today's culture. And we fixate on the song's opening word and suggest that the use of another word in the song is not used in any other songs on the Rolling Stone list or the entirety of whatever music platform you have on this lovely phone/tablet/laptop of yours.
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Episode 52 - Song #106: "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones
We recorded this during a holiday visit. While the sound quality is markedly better, we still have no idea what we're talking about. But, we think we're amusing, so...yeah. Enjoy!Time Stamps!01:49 - Song clip02:17 - Jerk Reaction04:13 - Deets17:19 - Roman Numerals23:47 - Sandwich30:58 - Rob Talks Covers39:09 - Lyric Analysis
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Episode 51 - Song #178: "bad guy" by Billie Eilish
It's 2026, which means...well, probably lots of stuff. But most importantly, of course, we're back with SEASON 3!! This week's episode includes a guest host AND an average amount of under-developed thoughts and perspectives. Sadly, just as we were digging into the lyrics toward the end, the recording abruptly stopped. We've salvaged what we could because, c'mon...we're not going to, like, do it all over again. That's crazytalk.In short, a Millennial, a Gen-Xer/Millennial, and a Boomer attempt to make sense of the worldwide appeal of the incredible Billie Eilish. We're sorry.
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Episode 50 - Song #174: "Radio Free Europe" by R.E.M.
We conclude Season 2 this week with the debut single from one of the most iconic and influential artists of the last 50 years: The B-52s! That'll make sense when you listen. Anyway, we hope you enjoy, like, love, adore, share, blah, blah, blah this with anyone within a 50 mile radius. We will be back in 2026 with a whole new season!!
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Episode 49 - Song #176: "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks
Strap in/on for a doozie, fam! We're comin' at ya with a killer sandwich, covers galore, and WAY more personal information and perspective than any episode--or entire podcast--should. That's just how we do...
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Episode 48 - Song #167: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
Eminem, perhaps better known as Marshall Mathers, is notorious for spitting both rhymes and truth. During this episode--our 48th shot--we bring in a Midwest fan club's president to assist us with understanding the nuances of Em's artistic style and ankle-breaking lyricism. Go 'head and grab some spaghetti and listen to us drop bombs on the internet wavelengths....or something...
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Episode 47 - Song #338 : "Believe" by Cher
Ready to return to the good ol' days of deciding between having MySpace or Facebook and unsure which platform was best for you to...share...your life?Do you believe in life after social media?Do you believe in life after auto-tune?We answer none of these and more during this so-so episode.But please like, subscribe, and....share...
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Episode 46 - Song #295: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who
Can you guess Who will be the first artist to make a second appearance on this beloved radio program? It may not be Who you think, but it could also very well be Who you think because the answer is above this description. Ironically, some might argue that many people actually *were fooled again...IYKYK
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Episode 45 - Song #166: "All the Young Dudes" by Mott the Hoople
We're back...again! This week we talk mostly about a song we all know by a band we've never heard of. Combinations such as these are why podcasts were invented.Enjoy, Boogaloo Dudes!*Edited with correct Roman Numerals segment. My bad, fam...
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Episode 44 - Song #376: "Mama Tried" by Merle Hagard
We've missed you, TOO! We won't make excuses about the absences, but trust us: we absolutely deserved it. As most podcasters do when covering country music, we devote a lot of time to homicidal tendencies and whether birth order is related to incarceration in the US. Enjoy this episode. Tom Hanks makes an appearance*. *not the real Tom Hanks. We just mention him randomly.
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Episode 43 - Song #258: "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott-Heron
Civil Rights. Media Corruption. Toothpaste Ads. Tongue Twisters. Yep. All right here. Enjoy this audible quest through American history and music from two guys who should have been in bed when they began recording.We dare you. Oh, and listen closely for the tongue twister toward the end. Confounding? Yes. Confusing? Also, yes.Committed to the bit? Sure.
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Episode 42 - Song #34: "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" by James Brown
We've been out shopping the past few weeks, but we're back now and we're very pleased to report that we have each purchased new satchels! I'm obviously lying. They're used. Anyway, this week's episode features more of our ignorance and confusion. Oh, and some totally authorized Eddie Murphy stand-up clips from the 80s. Now you're definitely gonna listen, right? Be sure to threaten the lives of everyone around you if they don't subscribe. It might lower the chances of us being sponsored by a funeral home, but we think the good outweighs the bad on this one...
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Episode 41 - Song #56: "Work It" by Missy Elliott
You there! Put that thing down, flip it, and reverse it because it's time to chillax and listen to two white idiots try to discuss the intricacies of Missy Elliott's absolute BANGER from 2002.We have yet another new feature, a favorite Mitch Hedberg joke, an impromptu Eminem song summary, and a display of ignorance toward top-shelf alcohol.tsacdop skeew siht yojne uoy epoh ew
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Episode 40 - Song #86: "Tumbling Dice" by The Rolling Stones
It's our first REPEAT ARTIST episode, so we celebrate by talking about French words getting Americanized, magazine covers, under-appreciated music genre of bossa nova, Linda Ronstadt and feminism, and the horrors of addictionNothing but laughs here, gang!
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Episode 39 - Song #493: "Stronger" by Kanye West
Back this week with a 'sode that's longer,but we don't think it'll kill ya. We're one-point-five our normal size, and didn't even take a pill, yeah... If you're into music sampling, Monopoly, the Mandela Effect, Steve Carrell, and/or working out, you will find something earther-shattering about this episode. Trust us...we're never wrong. Nor are we ever wronger...
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Season 2 Mid-season Break (Repeat Episode 13 - "Hotel California")
"Inspiration is the result of hard work." That's a quote I just made up to distract you from the fact that this week's episode is a repeat.But fear not, friends. We will (probably) be back soon with all new content for your earholes.For now, find someplace with AC, shove in your preferred earbuds of choice, and (re-?) listen to this stellar episode.Fun fact: "stellar" is an anagram of "lazy podcasters."
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Episode 38 - Song 276: "Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) by Buzzcocks
Yes, double contractions are a thing, and in this week's episode, we probably spend too much time dwelling on that. We tease a future segment. We insert more completely legal pop culture clips. Marlon Brando makes a cameo. Steve gets triggered. Another thrilling episode, no doubt....
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Episode 37 Song #247: "River" by Joni Mitchell
It took us almost a calendar year and 36 episodes, but we did it: we figured out how to be in the same room as we recorded.This is nothing short of historic.We'd like to thank the academy, of course; our amazing fans, and of course, our families for their undying support.Anyway, aside from the vastly improved audio, this episode covers the essentials: naughty puns, inaccurate historical information, Rob rapping, Steve venting, and Tom Hanks references.
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Episode 36 - Song #347: "Dynamite" by BTS
Like COVID-19, this song is catchy AF, and we definitely do not get sidetracked on things like baseball stats, Jimmy Walker, and deserted island music genre preferences. We would LOVE to see where you are when you're listening! Tag us on ye ol' IG (@ummpod4u) and, though we couldn't say this five years ago....Lets Get Viral Together!
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RIP Brian Wilson (Repeat: Ep. 19 - "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys)
Rest in Peace, Brian Wilson. June 20, 1942 -- June 11, 2025FYI, RIP does not stand forRepeat, Inappropriate PodcastRaunchy, Inarticulate PodorRob Is Proud (that I'm doing this without a production meeting)
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Episode 35 - Song #363: "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Did you press PLAY already? If not, just do that because nothing I write here could preview this episode better than the critically acclaimed cold open that you've either already heard by now or are listening to as you try to read this. That's probably difficult. You know what, just go ahead and go back 30 seconds or whatever and re-listen. It's Poddy™* worthy. This description is almost over.We love you.xoxo -UMM Industries*If Podcast awards aren't called "Poddys" or "Poddies," then we respectfully decline consideration.
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Episode 34 - Song #66: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel
Boy howdy do we have a show for you this week! If this episode's feature song is the musical form of the "Just Because..." greeting card, then consider us the Forever stamp and the trained calligraphy on the sharply crafted envelope in which it is carefully placed and mailed without the concern or need for the optional tracking code attached to it.
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Episode 33 - Song #299: "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins
It's not everyday that you get to spend time talking with your only sibling about a song neither of you know but eventually figure out a way to segue into things we do like to discuss.But this was that day.Anyway, here's "Free Bird"But seriously...we dabble in the potentially sus context of this song, then get to baseball movies, and, of course, end with a potentially sus category we create that you'll just have to listen to know...
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Episode 32 - Song #489: "Cannonball" by The Breeders
Who's a big deal? UMMWho's a bigger Deal? KIM!We start off your week in the only way we know how by publishing a recorded conversation that begins with some chatter about early 90s alt rockers The Breeders. Then--and you're not going to believe this--we discuss some other things of interest.If you like, or are aware of, Tom Hanks, you're going to want to listen to the whole episode. Even the post-credits easter egg.Good times.
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Episode 31 - Song #468: "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
Okay, fanz...slide into that cushy booth at your favorite locally owned coffee shop, close your eyes, and return to the early 1990s with us as we start this week's chat with the one, the only, Mazzy Star. That's not her name. That's the name of the group. It's okay if you didn't know that either. We have some classic bits, dip our toes in the shallow end with some Dixie Chicks talk, and debate whether or not "Stranger Danger" is an effective way to scare the living hell out of all parents and young children. In short, another weekly treat! So, live a little and get that scone as well!
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Episode 30 - Song #471: "The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals
BUM diddily da DUM da da BUM diddily da da....No, it's not the Skatmaster 2000, it's a nameless assistant from UMM Enterprises writing the very catchy opening to this classic...in word form!This week, the guys bring it on a CONVOY with 80s movies references, etymology aplenty, and a very awkward (and time consuming project, according to our underpaid editor) to bring you a clip from "Walk on the Wild Side".No, not that one.The one by Jimmy Smith.Just listen. You'll see...
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Episode 29 - Song #253: "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Willie Nelson
This is by far the most recent episode we have ever published. Somehow, the "hosts" of this PNOAF* end up talking about Alan Jackson, 80s synth pop, Hee-Haw, hand gestures, the afterlife, and Valentine's Day. Just hit play...and enjoy having your day made!*podcast no one asked for
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Episode 28 - Song #59: "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
The guys (I'm gonna write in third person for this one) take on this absolute CLASSIC BANGER and delve into another topic about which they know shockingly very little.That's right. These two brothers from the same mutha (RIP) get into it THICK with trivia, memories, anecdotes, thoughts on public urination, etc.And Rob raps.Need I (the unnamed narrator) say more?
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Episode 27 - Song 289: "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen
Some may call him the "Beck from Colt's Neck" but we call him simply, THE BOSS.Our irreverent conversation starts with the topic any two middle-aged Midwestern brothers know well: the Philadelphia Mafia of the early 1980s.Steve gets a little liberal with the sound effects (SFX)...Rob investigates exactly how one creates a nail bomb. He claims he can't find one at Lowe's.Anyway, you've read this much, might as well press PLAY!
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Episode 26 - Song #193: "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones
We're back, y'all! And we are better than... we'll let you decide. As we kick off Season 2 (And Mom didn't think we'd ever amount to anything!), we bring you a freaking PARADE of new features and bits! Rob gauges Mick Jagger's sexiness...Steve postulates on the continued use of the term "horsepower"...It's a podcast listener's DREAM!!
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Announcing... Season 2!!
Just listen. Mondays are fun again!
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Special Announcement (S1-->S2)
Omg, it's like 77 seconds of information and at least one attempt at humor before the theme song at the end. You need a description for THAT? Lemme guess: You have also dumped freshly dried laundry onto your bed, put that all away, looked down, and discovered some underwear on the floor. You can't bring yourself to determine its state of cleanliness nasally, so you just wash it again, right?Oh...I'm sorry.I really thought that happened to a lot of people.
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Episode 25 - Song #117: "I Say a Little Prayer for You" by Aretha Franklin
Yes, QUEEN!! This week, we bring Season 1 to a close by discussing the angelic--and arguably diaristic*--voice of Aretha M-F'in Franklin!And, as one might expect, we also touch on the following: the Vietnam War, the original (Dudley Moore) movie Arthur, emotional rollercoaster(s), women's shelters, Eminem, the inexplicable gendering of colors, makeup, and like maybe one or two more things. *see Episode 24 (and also 1-23 when you get a chance)Beg your friends to subscribe. To this podcast. Life is short. This podcast is even shorter. Stop reading and click PLAY, already!
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Episode 24 - Song #267: "Kill Bill" by SZA
Is this great timing or what? SZA will be performing at Super Bowl 59 this Sunday (that's Feb. 8, 2025 if it's like 2031 as you're reding this and are somehow JUST NOW learning about this podcast. But more importantly, what is life like in the 30s? We all thought it was gonna be so cool to "live in the '20s' or the '2020s' or whatever, but so far...not so much...) Anyway, you're probably reading this during one of Rob or Steve's monologues. You think YOU have problems? Try editing these two slack-jawed MFers week after week. For God's sake, guys....TALK FASTER!It's the SZA episode, so the guys discuss the following: Roman numeralsItalian education requirementsMary Chapin Carpenter"Old Town Road"The Czech RepublicBjorkThe St. Louis Cardinals 1989 season/rosterFilms directed by Quentin TarantinoWalton Gogginsand very little more! For requests, contest information, and confident though unreliable life advice, email UMM at [email protected]
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Episode 23 - Song #333: "Umbrella" by Rihanna (feat. Jay-Z)
Writing these descriptions often feels unnecessary because our listeners can very likely predict what we will talk about when a MEGAHIT such as this one is randomly chosen. Yep. You guessed it. We talk camera angles, Steve Zahn, the US Postal Service, interacting with six-foot-seven individuals, the importance of TikTok, and crude terms for human body parts. This. This is why we are the leading podcast in all things random AF.
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Episode 22 - Song #488: "House of Balloons" by The Weeknd
Don't mind us while we....blow up....The Weeknd's popularity with our "discussion" of the song that solidified this artist's place in MULTIPLE genres.A very special (and...relatable) guest appears again and shares his millenialistic viewpoint of this song, as well as insightful information on other performing arts!Take whatever you think of when you hear the word "balloons" (e.g. clowns distributing them at birthday parties, clowns twisting them into animal shapes, clowns hiding illicit drugs inside them...) and, ya know, stop. That's toxic.Instead, just listen to this nonsense.
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Episode 21 - Song #123: "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" by Talking Heads
If you're reading this, it's already too late
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Episode 20 - Song #201: "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
"Ring...(of Fire)" in 2025 as your favorite dynamic duo bust through the invisible doors of your mobile device with an ALL NEW episode!Rob and Steve discuss three crooning titans during Sandwich time before examining various theories of this song's origin and meaning. We love subs and likes, so please stick to your resolution and SHARE THIS MUTHAF***IN' podcast!email: [email protected]
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Episode 19 - Song #53: "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
Our final episode. Of 2024. Nice try! We're not going ANYWHERE!! Except into hibernation with our respective families for the festive holiday season for all who celebrate or exercise their Santa-given right not to celebrate.It's super cold in our part of the world, so we had to warm up to this sizzler from the boys from the beach, aka The Beach Boys. We can't wait to learn how to do this better and bring 50 or so episodes in 2025. 2025: The Year of UMM.We're callin' it...
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Episode 18 - Song #369: "Just What I Needed" by The Cars
This week, we go under the hood of this debut from Ric Ocasek and his game-changing band, The Cars.While the tempo and radical synthesizers suggest a series of light-hearted flirtations, we question the narrator's real feelings toward the person to whom these lyrics are directed.Steve floats the idea that Fountains of Wayne may have borrowed the opening lick, and Rob describes this week's song's album cover in eerie, and somewhat uncomfortable, details.We tease the legendary Axis of Awesome viral video from forever ago, but since Rob hasn't seen it, we say no more.Like this.
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Episode 17 - Song #404: "Rock and Roll All Nite" by KISS
History buffs: Are you befuddled by an obscure faction of US culture? For example, have you always wondered--but never learned--the preferred pastime activity of 1970s face-painting musicians from the Empire State?Wonder no longer, friends.We have our answer!In this week's episode, Rob dispels his above average knowledge of KISStory (I just made that up), and Steve leads an examination of the ambiguous second-person pronoun usage throughout this classic rock anthem.If you like this episode, we're happy to have made your day; however, we will never know for CERTAIN that you liked it unless you find the time in your busy schedule to click the star or heart or bagpipes icon on your favorite podcast platform. People, we have advertisers BREATHING DOWN OUR NECK about the sluggish numbers. What's worse: we aren't sponsored by Listerine!
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Episode 16 - Song #173: "Marquee Moon" by Television
This week, we navigate uncharted waters because neither of us had any recollection of this song or its artist. Luckily, that doesn't stop us from attempting to sound authoritative when it comes to lead singer Tom Verlaine's lyrics and the alleged dawn of punk rock for which this particular song is often credited!Steve went a bit wonky on sound effects, and Rob apologizes for something no one--including Steve--noticed. So yeah. A typical episode....
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Episode 15 - Song #250: "Purple Haze" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Are you experienced? This week we begin by demonstrating how little we know about Jimi Hendrix and/or The Experience before dwelling on the greatest sandwich-time segment to date. UMM Trivia: This is the first episode where we offer a cover of a sandwich song in addition to the regular "top and bottom bun" songs. Then, the chaos begins as we debate the meaning behind this classic Hendrix banger. With whose interpretation do you agree? (We'll wait...)Really? I knew it!We would love you feedback! Are there not enough jingles? Should we lengthen the newest one that introduces Rob's "Jerk Reaction"? Should we ask more questions in this portion of the description? @ummpod4u
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Episode 14 - Song #199: "Dream On" by Aerosmith
You want music chit-chat? Flawless segues? Professional editing?Same.But until we do any of that, we talk about the first of Aerosmith's hit songs.There may be* a new jingle or two, as well.*there are like four new ones ell oh ell
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Episode 13 - Song #372: "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt
This devastatingly sad song required a guest host for this one, fam.We explore the possible implications of what the narrative voice of this classic is REALLY saying.We did zero research here. Like, absolutely none whatsoever.We are unsure if this trend will continue.
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Episode 12 - Song #311: "Hotel California" by The Eagles
Yeah we really just slammed this one together last-minute. Won't disrespect you with a thorough preview, other than to tease that this song may not be about what you THINK it's about....(Did that work?)
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We begin each episode talking about a random song on the 2021 Rolling Stone Best 500 Songs of All Time list and then just wing it afterwards. We demonstrate flashes of intelligence and a severe amount of forgetfulness/ignorance. Good times.
HOSTED BY
Steve Lively
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