You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Earbuddies should be a bigger podcast

In this tortured ep, Mat and Tim share their preliminary thoughts about Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. As you can see from the title of this ep, they found it to be lacking! They hone in on the tunes and enter into evidence their talismans and charms, etc.

SONGS PLAYED:

Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

Taylor Swift - My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys

Taylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

Taylor Swift - I Hate It Here

Taylor Swift - The Black Dog

Taylor Swift - Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

Taylor Swift - loml

Taylor Swift - How Did It End?

Taylor Swift - So High School

Taylor Swift - I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Taylor Swift - So Long, London

Taylor Swift - But Daddy I Love Him

Taylor Swift - The Alchemy

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this episode, Mat and Tim are joined by Alvin Jones, otherwise known as "The Unseen VJ" – the man who created Rap City, a long-running music video program on BET. He tells the buddies what inspired him to push for greater hip-hop representation on BET in the mid- to late-80s, and reflects on the impact his advocacy has had on the tapestry of hip-hop and rap in the decades since.

FURTHER VIEWING:

The 17th Annual Blacks In Wax: Hip Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle at The Kennedy Center, March 16, 2024

Welcome To Rap City - Three-Part Documentary on BET

SONGS PLAYED:

Excerpt from Rap City, 1990

Excerpt from Blacks In Wax at The Kennedy Center, 2024

Excerpt from Video Soul, 1987

Excerpt from Video Vibrations, 1986

Doug E. Fresh - D.E.F. = Doug E. Fresh

Excerpt from CBS News' coverage of the March on Washington, 1963

Excerpt from Rap City: The Basement

New Edition - Earth Angel

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this solo ep, Tim talks through the history – and indeed, the controversy – of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. It's one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever composed. But its origin story is a little complicated. Leave it to Timmy to sort it all out!

SONGS PLAYED:

George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue

Eddie Cantor - If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie!)

Willie "The Lion" Smith - Keep Your Temper

W.C. Handy - St. Louis Blues

Paul Simon - Crazy Love, Vol. II

Béla Fleck - Rhapsody in Blue(grass)

FURTHER READING:

Arranging Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue and the Creation of an American Icon by Ryan Bañagale

‘We must face harms done”: Béla Fleck’s defense of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

We could have had it all! In this episode, Mat and Tim get a bit, oh, idk, philosophical, about incredible vocalists. What does our love of great singers say about our entertainment preferences as a culture? Are we prioritizing the right things? Hmm. You'll know in about 59 minutes!

SONGS PLAYED:

Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM

Teddy Swims - Lose Control

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Clay Aiken - Build Me Up Buttercup (from American Idol)

John Legend - All of Me

Carrie Underwood - Church Bells

Carrie Underwood - Blown Away

Kelly Clarkson - What Was I Made For?

Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For?

Teddy Swims - Make You Feel My Love

Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey

Queen - Don't Stop Me Now

Coldplay - Fix You

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

We're bringing buddies back! In this episode, Mat and Tim pore over the life and career of Justin Timberlake – from Mouseketeer to boy band heartthrob to swagged-up solo act and beyond. But what about his gaffes?? And what does the listening public want from JT in this day and age? Folks, you know we've got the answers.

SONGS PLAYED:

The Mickey Mouse Club Theme Song

Justin Timberlake - Always In My Heart

Justin Timberlake - Selfish

Justin Timberlake - My Love

NSYNC - It's Gonna Be Me

Justin Timberlake - Señorita

Justin Timberlake - I'm Lovin' It

Justin Timberlake - SexyBack

Justin Timberlake - What Goes Around... Comes Around

The Lonely Island - D*** in a Box

Justin Timberlake - Suit & Tie

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors

Justin Timberlake - Say Something

Justin Timberlake - Play

Justin Timberlake - Paradise (feat. NSYNC)

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Come out, ye buddies fans! Matty's on the mic for a solo episode of Earbuddies in which he discusses Irish music and culture. Why do we Americans love St. Patrick's Day so much? What's going on with these tunes? Simply download and listen, and allow Mat to delight you with his signature demure wit and wry intellect!

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Oh! Say! In this episode, Mat and Tim dig deep into our nation's anthem: The Star Spangled Banner. They consider its strengths and shortcomings, and offer a patriotic prescription to make the song truly work for America.

SONGS PLAYED:

Kinsley Murray - The Star Spangled Banner

Luther Vandross - The Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner (Orchestral)

Gaither Vocal Band - The Star Spangled Banner

Lee Greenwood - The Star Spangled Banner

My Country! Tis of Thee

P!NK - The Star Spangled Banner

Jon Batiste - The Star Spangled Banner

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

We can only imagine! In this episode, Mat and Tim recall the heyday of CCM – contemporary Christian music – and bemoan the ever-narrowing sonic range found in the genre today. What happened? The answer, it turns out, is tied to money, focus groups, and someone named Becky. Oh, you guys are gonna love this ep! Get to listening!

SONGS PLAYED:

MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine

Housefires - I Thank God

Jars of Clay - Flood

Newsboys - Entertaining Angels

Newsboys - Love, Liberty, Disco

Audio Adrenaline - Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus

Chris Tomlin - Holy Forever

Phil Wickham - This Is Our God

Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah

Bethel Music - I Still Believe

Newsboys - He Lives

Newsboys - I Will Give Everything

Newsboys - Breakfast

Newsboys - Greatness of Our God

DC Talk - Jesus Freak

Elevation Worship - Trust In God

Switchfoot - Meant To Live

Rend Collective - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine

Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u

Olivia Rodrigo - brutal

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

If you're happy and you know it, subscribe to Earbuddies! In this ep, Mat and Tim are joined by Caitlin Claessens, better known by millions as Caitie from Super Simple Songs. Caitlin discusses her status as a kids' music superstar – then, they figure out what separates the great children's tunes from the rest.

SONGS PLAYED:

Super Simple Songs - There's a Monster in My Tummy

Super Simple Songs - Days of the Week

Super Simple Songs - The Bath Song

Super Simple Songs - Open Shut Them #2

Super Simple Songs - I See Something Blue

Super Simple Songs - And the Green Grass Grew

Caitie's Classroom - If You're Happy & You Know It

Super Simple Songs - With My Heart

Fred Penner's Place - Intro

Fred Penner - What a Day!

Caitie's Classroom - Healthy Smiles

Fred Rogers - What Do You Do?

Caitie's Classroom - Countdown To Christmas!

DISCLAIMER:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Turn that up in my headphones! In this episode, Mat and Tim discuss the crucial role that producers play in the creation of pop music as we know it.

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Put on your suspenders and fill your mason jars! In this ep, Mat and Tim prepare the Earbuddies Army for the coming return of indie folk – a genre that defined millennial culture 15 years ago. What are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to feel? Let the buddies figure it out for you!

SONGS PLAYED:

Noah Kahan - All My Love

Noah Kahan - Stick Season

Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

The Lumineers - Ho Hey

Phillip Phillips - Home

Phillip Phillips - Gone, Gone, Gone

One Direction - The Story of My Life

American Authors - Best Day of My Life

Vance Joy - Riptide

Noah Kahan, Post Malone - Dial Drunk

Noah Kahan - False Confidence

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

Sheryl Crow - Real Gone

Rascal Flatts - Life Is a Highway

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

Marcus Mumford & Oscar Isaac - Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)

Marcus Mumford & Tom Howe - Ted Lasso Theme

DISCLAIMERS:

Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.