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Advances in Care
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1 Advancing Cardiology and Heart Surgery Through a History of Collaboration 20:13
20:13
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On this episode of Advances in Care , host Erin Welsh and Dr. Craig Smith, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia discuss the highlights of Dr. Smith’s 40+ year career as a cardiac surgeon and how the culture of Columbia has been a catalyst for innovation in cardiac care. Dr. Smith describes the excitement of helping to pioneer the institution’s heart transplant program in the 1980s, when it was just one of only three hospitals in the country practicing heart transplantation. Dr. Smith also explains how a unique collaboration with Columbia’s cardiology team led to the first of several groundbreaking trials, called PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic TraNscatheteR Valve), which paved the way for a monumental treatment for aortic stenosis — the most common heart valve disease that is lethal if left untreated. During the trial, Dr. Smith worked closely with Dr. Martin B. Leon, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Chief Innovation Officer and the Director of the Cardiovascular Data Science Center for the Division of Cardiology. Their findings elevated TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, to eventually become the gold-standard for aortic stenosis patients at all levels of illness severity and surgical risk. Today, an experienced team of specialists at Columbia treat TAVR patients with a combination of advancements including advanced replacement valve materials, three-dimensional and ECG imaging, and a personalized approach to cardiac care. Finally, Dr. Smith shares his thoughts on new frontiers of cardiac surgery, like the challenge of repairing the mitral and tricuspid valves, and the promising application of robotic surgery for complex, high-risk operations. He reflects on life after he retires from operating, and shares his observations of how NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia have evolved in the decades since he began his residency. For more information visit nyp.org/Advances…
Finest Worksongs
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Innhold levert av finestworksongs. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av finestworksongs eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
Let’s discuss the great albums, they said. Let’s listen, you said.
…
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129 episoder
Merk alt (u)spilt...
Manage series 3245637
Innhold levert av finestworksongs. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av finestworksongs eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
Let’s discuss the great albums, they said. Let’s listen, you said.
…
continue reading
129 episoder
Todos los episodios
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1 129. Final Episode – The Replacements 1:07:47
1:07:47
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[sniff] For the honest-to-God final epipod ever of Finest Worksongs, Matt & Matt had the pleasure of discussing The Replacements' "Let It Be" album -- which won final our "Listener's Choice" contest. Yes, the boys delve into the music and the history of the artists -- just like they've done on the 128 previous epipods. But this final one was also a chance to reflect on five years of fun -- and to say thank you to the Finest Workfans. Stevens calls this the "Kitchen Sink Epipod." Listen and you'll hear why. Thank you to everyone who has been with us since the beginning, and for those many new friends we've met along the way. It's been a joy and an honor.…
In this final Christmas Epipod of the podcast, Matt and Matt reflect on their journey through various unique Christmas albums over the years, highlighting their favorites and the joy of discovering new music. They delve into the R.E.M. holiday fan club singles, discussing their significance and the mystery surrounding them. They also discuss the nostalgic and timeless qualities of the Charlie Brown Christmas special, exploring its music, animation, and the deeper meanings behind its themes of joy and longing during the holiday season. Matt and Matt also discuss the unique production choices that set it apart from other holiday specials and reflects on the lasting impact it has had on audiences of all ages.…
For the final “regular” epipod of Finest Worksongs, we finally tackle a subject that we’ve held off for so so long: the Beach Boys’ masterpiece “Pet Sounds.” It’s an album that was revolutionary for its time, and still sounds as such to this day. “Pet Sounds” was the creation of an inspired Brian Wilson, who dreamed, envisioned and ultimately crafted the album to his desires with the help of The Wrecking Crew (and NOT his band mates). When the rest of the band finally arrived, Brian “just” needed their vocals - and they weren’t too thrilled about it at the time. But some 60 years later, the world finally caught up to what Brian Wilson had in mind. And it’s arguably one of the greatest albums of all time.…
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1 126. Hall & Oates – Rock 'n' Soul Part 1 37:21
37:21
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Very few duos - sorry, they told us they don't like to be called that!-- have achieved as much commercial success as Daryl Hall and John Oates. (Don't even THINK of referring to them as "Hall & Oates, by the way.) With a run really beginning in the mid-1970s through the '80s, these two Philly natives ruled the airwaves with their "Blue-Eyed Soul"-infused brand of pop and rock. Their "best of" compilation, the optimistically titled "Rock 'n Soul Part 1," is an essential addition to anyone's music collection. All the hits are here - and man, did they have hits: "Sara Smile," "She's Gone," "Maneater," "Private Eyes," "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)," and on and on and on.…
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1 125. Summer Jamz – San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) 9:08
9:08
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Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
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1 121. Summer Jamz – Don't You (Forget About Me) 10:07
10:07
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Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Our theme song is by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Our theme song is by Medium Heat
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1 114. Summer Jamz – Midnight Train to Georgia 8:24
8:24
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Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Our theme song is by Medium Heat
It’s hard to imagine, but there was a time when Bruce Springsteen wasn’t “The Boss.” In fact, there was a time where he was on the verge of being just a nobody, just another regional musician, trying to make it around New Jersey and New York. But like so many things orbiting Springsteen, there’s a legend to the story. With his breakthrough album “Born to Run,“ Springsteen won over the critics and the fans alike. In the process, he unleashed onto the world perhaps his most seminal song— the album title track. The world was primed and ready for Bruce Springsteen — and the world would never be the same. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs
Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs
The casual music fan may not immediately recognize the name Kevin Parker. But say "Tame Impala," and it's a different story. Sure, there have been band "members" (ie., collaborators) in Tame Impala, but the band is really all Parker's creation and doing. And nowhere is that more evident than on 2015's "Currents" album. Parker holed up in his Fremantle, Australia, home (taking some breaks to swim in the ocean) to record, mix and perfect the album. The result is a more dance-heavy take on Parker songs (especially compared to previous Tame Impala joints), and an album also heavy on the breakup theme. But don't think it's a downer; the album has hooks and flourishes and so much dance-ability – especially on the 8-minute-long lead track "Let It Happen," as well as on "The Moment," "The Less Know the Better" and the oh-too-short "Disciples." Parker was influenced by cocaine and mushrooms for "Currents" --and it shows. The album is trippy and funky. In other words, it's Tame Impala. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 108. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little pill 46:53
46:53
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Alanis Morissette's 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill" was ripe for mid-90s success -- and it more than delivered. Morissette -- previously a child actor and dance-pop artist -- dug into her soul, and (with the help of songwriter Glen Ballard) released an album of angry, frank and catchy post-grunge rock hits. To say these songs struck a nerve is an understatement. Six singles came off this album with five of them becoming bonafide radio and MTV hits: "Hand in My Pocket," "Ironic," "You Oughta Know," "You Learn" and "Head Over Feet." Alanis was able to unleash her inner emotions and thoughts in a raw offering assisted by some of the biggest musicians from that era -- and it showed. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
In an era of iconic music (and fashion) superstars, Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene in the 1980s with a flash of neon-infused female-forward pop. She was perfect for the MTV generation, as her look took the pop culture world by storm. But “She’s So Unusual” was not just a vehicle to get her on TVs. The album is packed with timeless classics like “Time After Time,” “All Through the Night” and the VERY progressive for its time “She Bop.” But with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Lauper delivered a female anthem that resonates 40 years later. And she looked so … “unusual” doing it. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
"And as we wind on down the road ..." of Season 10 of Finest Worksongs, we turn our attention to perhaps the original Monsters of Rock: Lez Zeppelin. Their fourth album (sometimes called "IV," sometimes referred to as "ZoSo") was released in 1971 and was an immediate and longstanding success. "IV" became one of those albums that everyone seemingly had thanks to the might of muscle of "Rock and Roll," "Black Dog," the marathon majesty of "Stairway to Heaven," and the mystical and mysterious "Battle of Evermore" -- not to mention the pounding of "When the Levee Breaks." It's an album that showcases the best of Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones, and it truly stands the test of time -- more than 50 years later. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Sure, it's been 20 years since Usher's "Confessions" album was unleashed on the world and solidified Usher Raymond IV as one of the biggest musical and entertainment artists of his generation. But an artist like Usher is timeless, and his pick to rock the Super Bowl halftime in 2024 speaks to that. "Confessions" is the second best-selling album of the 2000s decade, and it spawned a number of (consecutive) No. 1 songs, including the iconic "Yeah!" But it wasn't just the music that made Usher a sensation. His charisma and physics-defying dance moves left people in awe. "Confessions" would go on to sell more than 15 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling R&B album of the 21st Century (so far) by a male artist. You can listen to Confessions by Usher on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and also he's playing the Super Bowl, y'all!! Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
For our season-ending "Listener's Choice" epipod, we dive into Billy Joel's fifth album, his 1977 offering, "The Stranger." The album made it to No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 thanks to singles such as "Just the Way Your Are," "Only the Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman," but it has long since become critically appreciated (especially by fans) due to Joel's ability to capture the Big Apple via tunes "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," along with "Vienna." You can listen to The Stranger by Billy Joel on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and those little juke boxes in the booths of those old school pizza restaurants in New York. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
The boys are back with another special Christmas epipod! For the fifth annual edition, Matt & Matt are bringing you something fresh. One offering is a brand new (as of Thanksgiving 2023!) holiday album from Jim James and the boys from My Morning Jacket. The other is a serious deep cut: the early-80s funky and wacky album "Merry Christmas to You" by Joseph Washington Jr. Both albums are memorable in their own right, and we hope you enjoy the discussion this season. Merry Christmas from Finest Worksongs! Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 102. The Sundays – Reading, Writing & Arithmetic 45:09
45:09
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If it seemed like England's The Sundays came out of nowhere in the early 1990s it's because, well, they sorta did. The dreampop quartet didn't start out with the idea of being major music stars -- they just wanted to have a little fun and make some music. But there were a couple problems with this: Harriet Wheeler and David Gavurin. Harriet's lilting, songbird voice made her one of the most distinctive female voices in pop music; and the gorgeous guitar work by David made The Sundays alternative rock gold. Their 1990 debut, "Reading, Writing and Arithmetic," was released in 1990 -- less than two years after they formed. "Here's Where the Story Ends" made them massive indie stars in the United States, while "Can't Be Sure" (their first single) was lauded in the UK. The Sundays would go on to create two more beautiful albums before settling into a more normal life. They are still missed. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Few artists have had as much crossover success as Garth Brooks. The Okie not only took the country world by storm in the early-to-mid-1990s, but he was a certified mega pop star as well. And in doing so, Brooks redefined how country music was perceived -- and performed. Brooks made country music arena-friendly. His songs were radio friendly as well, as his 1991 album "Ropin' The Wind" proved. The album would go on to sale more than 14 million copies and produced hits (and Brooks standards) like "Rodeo," "What She's Doing Now," "The River" and "Shameless" -- a Billy Joel tune that showed that Brooks knows a great song when he hears it. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Long before there was a TV singing competition called "The Voice," there was Whitney Houston -- aka "The Voice." But there really was no competition. Houston's power and range was second to no one else of her generation. In fact, the term of "The Voice" was something of an insult; it suggested that she was given a gift of singing from above, that it had little to do with talent. But to those who heard "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" or "Greatest Love of All" Or "I Will Always Love You" or any of the other chart-topping hits, it didn't matter where the voice came from. It was magical. Houston sadly died in 2012, but not before gifting us all with a gorgeous legacy. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Early computer animation. Sports bloopers. Pastel sport coats. And "I want my MTV." On the surface, it's hard to get more "1980s" than Dire Straits during their "Brothers in Arms" era. But peak MTV era was also quite superficial, and with Dire Straits, there was always more just below the surface. Even with mega radio and music video hits like "Walk of Life" and "Money For Nothing," 1985's "Brothers in Arms" is yet another album with frontman and guitar god Mark Knopfler weaving stories about the world's castaways, about blue collar workers, and war. (In fact, almost all of side 2 is about war.) For those for whom the big "hits" were an entry point to the band were probably surprised at the depth of Dire Straits' music and lyrics. You can listen to Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, and Amazon, although it's probably best on vinyl. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 98. Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road 43:51
43:51
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Lucinda Williams' fifth album, released in the summer of 1998, not only cemented the artist as a bonafide songwriting juggernaut, but it solidified her place among America's best storytellers. "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" would go on to be named The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop (critics) Album of the Year, and to date it is among Rolling Stone's top 500 albums of all time. And for good reason. Williams bemoans (and even moans) about love and loss in songs like "Right In Time," Lake Charles" and "Can't Let Go." And she brilliantly illustrates pain in the title track and also on tunes like "Drunken Angel," "Concrete and Barbed Wire" and more. Williams also captures the Deep South about as good anybody before or since. And because of that, this album is truly "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
In 1994, heavy metal and hard rock were on the way out and grunge ruled supreme. But that mattered not to a young, quick-witted songwriter named Rivers Cuomo. Raised on KISS, Iron Maiden and the rest, Cuomo and his band Weezer brought forth an amalgamation of rock that embraced the angst of grunge with the chops of metal -- all framed by the disposition and perspective of a loner. Weezer's self-titled debut (aka "The Blue Album") set the music world on fire with radio and MTV hits "Buddy Holly," "Say It Ain't So" and "Undone - The Sweater Song." But beyond the veneer of those hits was an album that spoke to the rockers and the geeks alike. And it proved -- like Weezer -- that they two can live in harmony. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
How does a young songwriter come back from releasing a mega hit that EVERYBODY knows? For Van Morrison, he followed the success of "Brown Eyed Girl" with two different approaches. First came "Astral Weeks," an album built on and around Morrison's jazz upbringing. Next came "Moondance," which bridged the gap (eventually) between his love of various genres of music with a nod to a more pop-friendly format. It worked. Like "Brown Eyed Girl," the title track has since become a standard, but the album is so much more than that. "And It Stoned Me" tells the nostalgiac story of a trip when he was younger -- in a way that only Van could tell it. "Crazy Love" is a blueprint for how a love song should be written. "Caravan" fused Morrison's love of blues and soul to create a timeless tune. And "Into the Mystic" is among Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time. And that's just side 1 of the album. With "Moondance," Morrison further established himself as one of his generations' great troubadours. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 95. Listener’s Choice – The Allman Brothers 44:55
44:55
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"With the help of God and true friends, I come to realize / I still had two strong legs and even wings to fly." Those are among some of the first lines of the first song ("Ain't Wastin' Time No More") from "Eat a Peach," the double album by the Allman Brothers Band, which was released in early 1972. The lines and the song -- heck, SEVERAL of the songs -- underscore a lot of what the Allman Brothers were all about throughout their career -- but perhaps never more so than at this point. They were a brotherhood -- but one that was shattered by the 1971 death of leader Duane Allman in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Ga. But the band soldiered on, finishing an album of Allman classics like "Blue Sky" and "Melissa" (which Gregg Allman performed at his big brother's funeral). "Eat a Peach" also showcases the Allman Brothers' true magic: on stage. Live versions of "One Way Out," "Trouble No More" and the epic (33+ minutes long!) "Mountain Jam" give us still today a taste of why they were considered one of the best live bands of all time. Tragedy and loss would continue to follow the Allman Brothers, yet they found a way through it. "Bearing sorrow, having fun" as Gregg sings on "Melissa." Sounds about right. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Few musical genres have the level of deep-seated appreciation for its forefathers (and mothers) like rap and hip hop. And Missy Elliott's 2002 album, "Under Construction" is a wonderful homage to "the good old days" when it was about "British Knights and gold chains," as Elliott raps on "Back in the Day." But for all the looking back, this was also an album where Elliott continued to put her stamp on music. While the single "Work It" continues to be one of the Virginia-born Elliott's biggest and best-known hits, the album itself remains an important one from the early 2000s. "Under Construction" was up for a Grammy for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album of the Year, and has sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. alone. It also further established Elliott as one of the most important female artists of her generation. You can listen to Under Construction by Missy Elliott on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, and Amazon, although it's probably best on vinyl. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 93. Rage Against The Machine – self-titled debut 44:51
44:51
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Sure, prior to 1992 there had been combinations of rap and rock. But they were mostly of the novelty variety - a way to offer a safe crossover of different genres and audiences. When Rage Against the Machine unloaded their debut album in 1992, they kicked the crap out of the novelty and drew a line in the sand that told the world that playtime was over. This wasn't "Walk this Way" or "I'm the Man." Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford laid down some of the heaviest, grooviest music around -- which was perfect for Zack de la Rocha's growls, screams and diatribes against oppression, racism, authority -- and anything else on his mind. "Bombtrack," "Killing in the Name," "Take the Power Back" and the rest take the spirit of 1960s protest songs with the added element of a world where everyone can see that the revolution was televised. Rage provided the uncensored and unfettered soundtrack. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Perhaps no band benefited from the beauty of the mix tape better than the Violent Femmes. However, you could argue that no other band led to the proliferation of the art form of creating a mix tape more than the Femmes. The simpleness of song structure (and production) and the adolescent lyrical content (one reviewer calling it "uber-elementary sing-alongs") were absolutely {chef's kiss} to represent frustrated, angsty teenagers of the 1980s and '90s. It makes sense -- chief songwriter Gordon Gano began writing much of these tunes when he was 15, after all. Their debut 1983 album includes classics like "Blister in the Sun," "Gone Daddy Gone," "Kiss Off," "Add It Up" and more -- all songs that hit the nerve of what it means to be a young person. It's no surprise that the Violent Femmes can still be heard on "mix tapes" (aka playlists) even today. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Few artists have enjoyed a resurgence in appreciation over the past decade like Dolly Parton. But in the 1970s, she fought against the perception that she was just a sidekick to Porter Wagoner ... or just a pretty face. It also goes without saying that a lot of people think of other things first when thinking about Dolly, instead of thinking about her talents as a songwriter, singer and musician. But Dolly has remained true to her roots and to herself, and in recent years, she has begun to enjoy an elevated level of respect as an icon, a musician and an unbelievable person. But she's been crushing it for a LONG time. No better example than 1974's album "Jolene," which includes the title track and "I Will Always Love You." Perhaps you've heard of them? While the rest of the songs may not reach the level of those two, other tunes are elevated by Dolly's lilting, east Tennessee voice, her ability to bring emotion to a story, and her songwriting prowess. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
With his 1971 album, "What's Going On," Motown staple Marvin Gaye turned the R&B world -- and the pop music world for that matter -- upside down, smashing conventional ideas about pop songs, album topics and even song themes. It's an album -- and one you really should listen to from start to finish -- about a Vietnam vet returning from war to find an America weighted down by racism, drugs, hatred and injustice. Not surprising, Gaye had to fight hard to have his vision come to life. It was deemed to be a concept album without any radio hits. It was too dark -- especially coming from the voice of such hits as "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and so many more. But in the end, Gaye got his way -- and our world is better for it. He even had the last laugh as the title track went to No. 2 on the Billboard Soul charts, and "Mercy Mercy Me" and "Inner-City Blues" both charted in the top 10. Oh, and in 2020, Rolling Stone listed it No. 1 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. "Right On." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 89. Matchbox Twenty – Yourself Or Someone Like You 39:50
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"And I said baby ... it's 3 a.m., I must be lonely." If you were anywhere within earshot of a radio or MTV in the mid-to-late 1990s, that little slice of earworm was no doubt getting stuck in your head. The culprits? Rob Thomas and his band mates in Matchbox Twenty, whose debut album, "Yourself or Someone Like You," took pop radio by storm. Hits like the aforementioned "3AM," "Push," "Real World" and more pushed the sales of this album upwards of MILLIONS of copies. (It sold just over 600 copies in its first week; today, it has sold more than 15 million.) And while the songs (and the band) may get dissed nowadays for being too vanilla, you can't deny the pop sensibilities of Thomas, who not only as a golden voice, but also a golden ear for hit-making music. (As we would, unfortunately, find out when he gets introduced to one Carlos Santana.) Is "Yourself" a classic album? Depends on your definition of "classic." But you can't deny that many of these songs are just so damn catchy. And isn't that sometimes good enough? Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 88. Elvis Presley – From Elvis in Memphis 44:46
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First, let's get something out of the way. This is an album podcast. It always will be, first and foremost. Therein lies some limitations around how to talk about some of the early pioneers of rock and roll and pop music. Many of them "released" albums that were nothing more than a collection of disparate singles. Or they loosely put together a collection of songs, threw a cover on it and called in an "album." Elvis Presley was no different. However, with "From Elvis in Memphis," The King had an opportunity to present a new version of himself -- one buoyed by his recent comeback TV success. And instead of crooning for screaming fans, Elvis instead sang for himself, eschewing soundtracks and going back, in many ways, to his roots. This "Memphis sound" Elvis is full of soul, country, gospel and blues -- all the things that made him HIM. The results are a gutsy album of perhaps Elvis at his best. And the last song on the original release was a heartfelt ode to the disenfranchised that was – and still is – perhaps his greatest song: "In the Ghetto." You can listen to From Elvis in Memphis on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, and Amazon. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 87. Pulp Fiction: Music From the Motion Picture 46:57
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"Hooray for Hollywood / That screwy ballyhooey Hollywood ..." Just in time for this year's Academy Awards, Finest Worksongs is offering up our first-ever Oscars Edition where we feature a movie soundtrack. And what a doozy. The &#%!@ album we chose is so &#%!@ good, so innovative and clever, that we just had to &#%!@ talk about it. "Pulp Fiction" was such a game-changer of a film; however, you can't talk about the movie without talking about how methodical the song choices were for the soundtrack. Quentin Tarantino's choice of surf music, funk, country, love songs and more – not to mention the decision to include dialogue from the movie itself on the soundtrack album – not only extended the lasting power of the movie, but also ingrained so many of the lines, scenes and characters into our psyche some three decades later. It is, as is said in the movie, some serious gourmet &#%!@. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 86. Oasis - (What’s The Story) Morning Glory 44:45
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No one knows you quite like a sibling. That can result in a familiarity and a closeness that results in beautiful things. It can also result in sibling rivalries and infighting -- as in the case of the Gallagher brothers in Oasis. Noel and Liam, the creative centers of the British band, aren't exactly the closest of brothers these days. But back in their peak, they created some music magic that still resonates to this day -- even if their relationship doesn't. On "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?," Oasis took over the pop world with an album full of sonic, bombastic, pop-laden hits like "Wonderwall," "Champagne Supernova" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." And in the process, they introduced a whole new generation to British power pop -- and laid an uppercut to anyone who stood in their way -- including each other. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Smack dab in the middle of the decline of hard rock and the rise of grunge (and in the rising tide of hip hop), Tracy Chapman threw a folk music haymaker on mainstream music beginning in 1988. And boy did she land the punch. Chapman burst on the scene with her huge hit single, "Fast Car," which painted a picture of desperation, of longing for more from a world of loss, darkness and despair. (Spoiler alert: We never really find out if the protagonist gets to experience anything more in life.) With really just a guitar and a voice that spoke for millions, Chapman's debut album, "Tracy Chapman," enjoys the ethos of 1960s folks rock with the burdens of 1980s America factored in. But this isn't just "Blowin' in the Wind"; Chapman pulls no punches, which is impressive for a relative newcomer -- particularly a female African-American folks singer in the mid-80s. Think about "Talkin' About A Revolution," the title track from the album: "Poor people gonna rise up / And get their share \ Poor people gonna rise up \ And take what's theirs." She then warms those in power: "You better run." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 84. Listener’s Choice – Dave Matthews Band 50:56
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Once again, we close out our season with the “Listener’s Choice” epipod. And once again, Finest Workfan Kyle Hipp comes out on top with this year’s submission of Dave Matthews Band’s “Busted Stuff.” This album rose from the ashes of the now legendary “Lillywhite Sessions,” of which the band was not happy. So Dave and his band regrouped and re-recorded the tunes (and added a couple others), resulting in “Busted Stuff,” the stripped-down 2002 album that spawned the hit “Where Are You Going?” and a number of other fan faves like “Bartender,” “Grey Street” and “Grace Is Gone.” Despite being something of a “throwaway” offering, “Busted Stuff” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, speaking to the power of the DMB. But what do Matt & Matt think about this album? Listen to our “Listener’s Choice” epipod to find out. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
It’s our fourth annual Christmas epipod! And we’re getting mellow this year with two beautiful albums. The syrupy soft rock of The Caepenters’ “Christmas Portrait” has become holiday radio staples thanks to Karen Carpenter’s voice and brother Richard’s orchestral arrangements. Equally poignant is Hiss Golden Messenger’s 2021 “O Come All Ye Faithful,” which is almost like a non-traditional prayer for the lost and seeking. The album is a mix of standards, traditional songs and even holiday-esque covers … including CCR. All in all, these are two albums that could tug at the holiday heartstrings. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 82. Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse 47:18
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With his band Frightened Rabbit, Scottish songwriter Scott Hutchison created anthems for the lonely and the cynical -- yet they were songs of hope. Hutchison took his own life in May 2018, yet his legacy -- and impact -- lives on. The band's 2013 album, "Pedestrian Verse," captures the essence of what made the group so spectacular. (It was also the first offering by the band to include songwriting efforts by all of its members.) Songs like "Backyard Skulls" and "Late March, Death March" continue to tackle darker themes -- but with Hutchison's knack for cheekiness and cleverness, while "Nitrous Oxide" and "State Hospital" (among others) speak to the pervasive darkness and escapism that seemed to envelope him. "How can I talk of life and warmth?" Hutchinson sings on the final track, "The Oil Slick." He adds: "I've got a voice like a gutter in a toxic storm." That's a tad harsh, but that's how self-deprecating he was. Hutchison's voice gave hope -- and community -- to many. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
It's exceedingly rare to enjoy the 1-2-punch of creating an album that is instantaneously both a critical and commercial success, but in 1997 Radiohead accomplished such a feat with OK Computer. To create something so different, so .... "odd" yet so beautiful -- especially in the midst of such chart-topping offerings as the Spice Girls, LeAnn Rimes and Mariah Carey -- speaks to what a pivot OK Computer truly was. The album has remained a critical favorite -- and even one that seemed to predict a future of humans beholden to technology while drifting away from one another. The songs are weird; the videos were weirder, but it all worked -- and still does today. Wrote one reviewer after having a couple decades of reflection: "Each decade has its own 'Sgt. Pepper'; a record that comes along and breaks with tradition to change the trajectory of music entirely and OK Computer was it for the 90s." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
For decades people have debated over who had the best crossover. While Allen Iverson's NBA crossover may have been lethal, it was nothing compared to Tina Turner's iconic crossover into the pop mainstream. After years in partnership with an abusive and overbearing Ike Turner, Tina stepped out on her own to find her own voice. And boy, did she ever. Ike could only sit back and watch Tina step right over him as she created some of the most monstrous hits of the 1980's. And like Tyronn Lue, Ike never saw it coming. And we're still talking about it to this day. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
For as famous as Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" is -- and it IS -- just as famous was the drama and infighting that was going on between band members when it was recorded. The inter-band dynamics were insane at the time: band members divorcing and breaking up from one another, "diss" track after diss track recorded -- and directed at one another, and drugs. SO many drugs. For better or worse, the result is one of the most widely revered albums of all time. The 1975 album boasts Mac classics like "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," "Don't Stop," "The Chain" and even "Second Hand News." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Boasting arguably the most famous midriff of the 1990s, Shania Twain rose out of Canada (and poverty) and reinvented country music and even the notion of what constitutes a female superstar. And she did it on her (and her producer-husband's) terms. Her 1997 album, "Come On Over," was a country and crossover tour de force, boasting eight singles including "Still the One," "From This Moment On," "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "That Don't Impress Me Much." In doing so, Twain dominated a male-dominated industry, empowered a new generation of female country stars, and became the biggest-selling female solo artist of all time. Not bad for a girl from rural Ontario. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Dave Grohl is like the Forrest Gump of the rock'n'roll world. From Scream to Nirvana to Foo Fighters, he's traversed not only the country but the globe, making friends and funny videos along the way. The winner of our sixth Listener's Choice contest, Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace had us rocking the suburbs this summer (literally, it took us all summer to finally record this one, not to mention the slow edit!). This album was full of surprises - the story of trapped Australian miners for Matt, and the mere existence of the song "The Pretender" for Also Matt. It was a fun way to close out the season, and congratulations to Joy for winning the contest! Thanks for giving us a great album to dive into! Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
There's more than a 50/50 chance you actually own this album – or did at some point in your life (Especially if you're a kid of the 80s/90s and the CD/cassette clubs like BMG or Columbia House). There's a good reason why Bob Marley and the Wailers' "Legend" was in so many disc changers back in the day and continues to be in regular rotation for many. As far as greatest hits compilations go, this one may be the greatest of them all. It contains 10 of Marley's UK top 40 hits including and features classics like "No Woman, No Cry," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Redemption Song" and more. But this isn't just a feelgood summer album (although it is that, too). Never before or since has a Caribbean artist conquered the known world like Marley did. He wrote protest songs that would make Pete Seeger smile, he gave hope to his fellow Jamaicans, and he opened up the minds of people all over the world to the types of lives that were available to those in the poorer sections of paradise. He just happened to do it all to a dancable, reggae sound. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 75. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars 42:35
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David Bowie, according to U2’s Bono, was “like a creature falling from the sky.” America may have put a man on the moon, but “we had our own British guy from space.” Bono is referring to when, in 1972, Bowie performed “Starman” on “Top of the Pops,” a seminal moment for young, inspired musicians everywhere. “Starman” was a single on Bowie’s sci-fi/apocalyptic/androgynous concept album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and the album propelled Bowie into the stratosphere as one of the clear giants of music. (Even if the album didn’t set the record sales world by storm.) “Ziggy Stardust” was groundbreaking, gender-bending, genre-shaking, and simply unworldly for its time. The guitar riff from the title track is as well-known a riff as you will ever hear, “Suffragette City” is a rocker worthy of Bowie best-of collections, and the other tracks help inch along a captivating narrative of kaleidoscopic proportions. But it was “Starman” that changed everything. As Bowie sings, “There’s a starman waiting in the sky / He’d like to come and meet us / But he thinks he’d blow our minds.” Bowie was the Starman, and he did, indeed, blow our minds. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
The title of TLC’s 1994 album “CrazySexyCool” was appropriate as it defined the three members of the group individually and collectively. The group – made up of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – lays claim as arguably (still) the most successful girl group of all time. And this album is one major reason why. It’s a fierce collection of strong, confident and even risky songs that, quite frankly, female artists weren’t doing at the time. “Creep” and “Waterfalls” are still radio standards to this day; the latter of which addressed dark themes such as drug/gang warfare and the AIDS crisis. With more than 12 million albums sold, “CrazySexyCool” in many ways set the standard for female group success. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Ask someone to name some of the best-selling albums of all time, and there’s a very good chance they will overlook AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” In some ways, it’s easy to dismiss the band as overly simplistic .. or even stuck in time. But that would be a mistake to discount the impact that the band has had on the trajectory of rock and roll. “Back in Black” came out in summer of 1980, and it’s such a great summer party album. (Or course, you could probably say that about every AC/DC album.) “Back in Black” came out just months after the death of lead singer Bon Scott, to whom the album is dedicated. The record is 10 songs of pure fist-pumping fun – with just the right amount of deviousness to boot. “Hells Bells,” “Back in Black” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” are radio and arena staples more than four decades later, and they sound as fresh and relevant as they did then. Do yourself a favor and give a listen to “Back in Black,” particularly if you never have before. After all, it has sold more than 50 million copies ... for a reason. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
She may be petite and blonde, but don't let that fool you. Phoebe Bridgers is a GIANT. A songwriting giant. And her mid-2020 album "Punisher" was not only the perfect accompaniment to Covid quarantine, but it solidified the Californian as a bona fide commercial and critical star. Her ability to weave in angst, anger, humor and indifference into compelling, catchy, layered songs resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, while "Kyoto" was also nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance. Other highlights of the album (of which there are many) are "Garden Song" and "I Know The End." The latter version, which she performed on "SNL," garnered headlines when she screamed and smashed her guitar – not unlike how she has already smashed stereotypes. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Midnight Oil burst onto the TV screens all over America in 1987 with the videos to "Beds Are Burning" and "The Dead Heart." It was like they were from another world. Well, they kinda were. They were from the other side of the world, at least: Australia. But their follow-up album, 1990's "Blue Sky Mining," proved the Oils were more than just a one- (or two-)hit wonder, or just a vehicle to showcase the frenetic dancing of the tall, lanky, and bald lead singer Peter Garrett. "Blue Sky Mining" brought a rich album across the oceans, an album full of Oils topics du jour: the environment, overdevelopment, the plight of indigenous people, and so on. "There are people who do it really well," R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe once said about artists who sing about politics. Garrett was one of them, with Stipe calling him "brilliant." "Blue Sky Mining" is brilliant in its own right with Midnight Oil creating anthemic, rocking sing-alongs that just so happen to be about asbestos mining, war, or killing the earth. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 70. Arrested Development – 3years, 5 months, and 2 days in the life of... 41:29
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Sometimes the albums we discuss are deemed classic by the masses; sometimes they are deemed classic by a Matt (singular). Sometimes those albums are classic ...question mark? In the case of Arrested Development's debut album, "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of ..." (so-called because that was how long it took the group to land a recording contract), the question is not really whether it's a classic album or not. It's not. But it is an important album. When it was released in 1992, it was unleashed on a world that was coming to grips with gangsta rap. White America, in particular, wasn't sure what to make of it all. Arrested Development came along and offered up pro-African and pro-family beats and rhymes that came across as a more positive (if, in the long run, a milquetoast) version of hip-hop that still hit on uncomfortable topics like America's racist past, homelessness, the hypocrisies of faith, and so much more. They just did it with far fewer curse words. "Tennessee," "Mr. Wendal" and (the now cringe-worthy) "People Everyday" were some of the biggest hits of their era, landing the group millions in record sales and even a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Rap Group ("Tennessee"). Oddly enough, they are seemingly forgotten these days ... unless you are a middle-aged white person. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 69. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik 44:54
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Released on the exact same day as both Nirvana’s “Nevermind" and A Tribe Called Quest’s “The Low End Theory,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” took radio and MTV by storm thanks to massive hits like “Give It Away” and especially “Under the Bridge.” The Rick Rubin produced album was a crossover hit for a band largely known for funk, punk, and wild on-stage antics. The antics continued, but now to much larger, mainstream audiences. And while the album is full of things that long-time Peppers fans had grown to love, it also gave a glimpse of a more melodic and stronger songwriting ability to come. But there’s still a ton of songs about sex. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 68. James Taylor - Greatest Hits, Volume One 50:56
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It’s an amazing story, really. A well-born son of New England (and thus AMERICAN) heraldry battles drugs and romances only to find solace in songwriting. On a whim, the young man heads oversees and finds himself auditioning for Beatles. Not only do they love his music, they end up signing him to their label, playing on his debut album, and – in the case of George Harrison – being “inspired” by one of the young man’s songs enough to write arguably HIS greatest ever song. This is the story of James Taylor. Massachusetts born. Carolina bred. Some would argue one of America’s most important (and lasting) singer-songwriters. And his “Greatest Hits” is the stuff of legends. Even if in this case the legend speaks softy and plucks an acoustic guitar Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 67. Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head 40:03
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If ever there was a band that has come close to "out-U2ing" U2, it is Coldplay. Think about it: four good friends from their school days form a band – led by a charismatic lead singer – and create atmospheric, emotional, sing-along stadium anthems. And with "A Rush of Blood to the Head," Chris Martin & Co. culled together the quintessential Coldplay "sound": chiming piano, uncluttered (and occasionally ringing) guitar, driving bass and drum parts that fill the space and complement the mood. The album starts with "Politik," a 9/11-inspired song that hints that this isn't the same band that JUST used to fill English pubs. "In My Place," "The Scientist" and "Clocks" all catapulted the band into the stratosphere, whether you wanted them to or not. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
"Not too hard and not too soft." That phrase personifies, in many ways, the music AND appeal of R&B hitmakers Boyz II Men. They could sing the harmonious, emotional acapella high points with songs like "End of the Road" and "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" but they could also bring the heat. (See "Uhh Ahh.") However, there was nothing soft about their success. When their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony , hit in 1991, it hit HARD. Fueled by the Michael Bivins-produced "origin story" "Motownphilly," Boyz II Men were on a path of mega superstardom that would show them ruling the airwaves for much of the 1990s – sometimes even beating themselves at the top of the charts. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
It’s been … one year since the last Finest Worksongs Christmas epipod. But Matt & Matt are back to offer up a couple of Yuletide faves ….and both are quirky and fun - in their own special ways. Barenaked Ladies’ “Barenaked for the Holidays” is quintessential BNL: moments of musical brilliance combined with moments of inane levity. “A Very Special Christmas 3” once again brought music’s top heavy hitters together to put their own, uh, unique spins on holiday classics — and a couple (then) new ones. Giggle your way into the season with our season-ending epipod. And Merry Christmas from Marshmallow and the Duke! Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 64. Listener‘s Choice: Taylor Swift‘s folklore 46:32
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This Listener's Choice epipod stays "in the family" as the boys discuss Taylor Swift's 2020 album folklore, which was chosen by Matt Stevens' daughter MC. The adoration and sheer respect for Swift shines through in the discussion – from hosts and guest alike. After all, this was not just a career-defining album for T. Swift, but also a life-changing musical experience for many. The stripped-down and introspective songs were the perfect sounds to arrive during quarantine. And with assistance from the likes of Jack Antonoff, Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver), and The National's Aaron Dessner, Swift created a masterpiece that showed her continued growth and self-confidence, particularly through tracks like "Cardigan," "Exile" and "My Tears Richochet." But don't fret, Swifties: there's still plenty of love triangles, incriminating themes, and self-reflective tracks to keep fans cheering her on and analyzing her love life – and lyrics. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
In 1983, Def Leppard emerged from the burgeoning British hard rock/metal landscape as, arguably, the biggest cats around. On the strength of mega hits (and fantastically "1980s-esque" videos) like "Photograph," Rock of Ages," "Foolin'" and "Too Late For Love," the boys from Sheffield were able to become MTV darlings while still leaning into the spike bracelets and fist-pumping ethos. Their third album, "Pyromania," was a break-out success. Their ascension hit a slight bump when drummer Rick Allen was significantly injured in a car accident (and thus lost an arm), but they would reach even greater heights with 1987's "Hysteria." But with '83's "Pyromania," Def Leppard was HOT. And who could forget this classic lyric: Gunter gleiben glauchen globen Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 62. Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair 37:42
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1985 was a big year in pop music. The list of Billboard-topping albums is like a "who's who" of 80s powerhouses: "Born in the USA" ... "Purple Rain" ... "No Jacket Required" .... "We Are the World" ... "Like a Virgin" ... and so on. But one album that made a splash that summer was Tears For Fears' "Songs from the Big Chair." All of a sudden, with hits like "Shout," "Head Over Heels" and "Everybody Wants to Rule The World," Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal were punching above their class with the likes of Bruce, Prince and Madonna. It didn't hurt that the songs undeniably catchy, and the videos were compelling. Almost four decades later, many of us are still singing -- or shouting -- along to these songs. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Twenty-five years ago, a hip-hop album hit the scene so hard – and so somewhat unexpectedly – that it is still amazing to reflect on the remarkable impact that it had. In a time where gangster rap was shouting the loudest, "The Score," the second album by Fugees, resonated with virtually everyone, scoring Grammys, selling millions of copies, and being the soundtrack to dance clubs for years to come – while underscoring many of the same issues that their more bombastic contemporaries were also rapping about. Of course, it never hurts to have Lauryn Hill's wordplay and sensual voice; however, the musicality and vision of Wyclef Jean and the skills of Pras Michel made the Fugees a tour de force. With hits like "Ready Or Not, "Killing Me Softly" and "Fu-Gee La," Fugees' "The Score" remains one of the most beloved hip-hop and rap albums of all time. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
When most people turn 21, they celebrate by going out drinking with their friends. Adele used her life experiences as a 21-year-old to create one of the best-selling (and critically acclaimed) albums of all time. It's an album that shares the kind of heartbreak and loss that many young women have dealt with. However, the difference is Adele was able to channel that emotion and turmoil into a complete, beautiful -- and sometimes cleverly vicious -- album. "21" spurred three No. 1 songs: "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You" and "Set Fire to the Rain" -- and "Rumour Has It" was a top 20 hit worldwide as well. And she really did do it her way, by writing songs from her heart that captured the essence of a women going through intense life mileposts. The ex-lover who spurned her allegedly told Adele that she would be "boring and lonely" without him. Today, the world knows Adele and could not give a crap about him. So cheers to you, Adele, for "21!" Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Almost out of nowhere, Alabama Shakes' 2015 album "Sound & Color" took the music world by storm. Fueled by Brittany Howard's Janice-meets-Aretha soulful treatise on love, loss and longing, "Sound & Color" brings together blues, rock, soul, R&B, Southern rock -- and so much more. And the world was here for it all. Fueled by the gritty and thumping "Don't Wanna Fight," the album was loved by music fans and music critics at the same time -- a novelty, for sure. It would go on to be nominated for six Grammys, including Album of the Year. "Don't Wanna Fight" would take home the Grammy for both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. But like the rest of the album, it's SO much more than "rock." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Air drummers of the world, UNITE! This seminal album by the classic Canadian prog rock band Rush has been a long time coming for one Matt and a bitter pill to swallow for the other Matt. Clocking in at a concise (for them) 40 minutes, "Moving Pictures" was the album that took the trio from the world of mystical, dystopian rock operas to certified radio stars -- while retaining street cred to the nerds. "Tom Sawyer" is an undeniable classic rock titan. "Limelight" tells the story of a superstar who doesn't want to be a superstar -- all the while ironically leading to said star becoming a superstar. And while "Moving Pictures" is a "pop" hit by Rush standards, it still retains elements of their earlier days with technically-sound instrumentals ("YYZ"), multi-movement sagas ("The Camera Eye") and even paranoia/Big Brother elements ("Witch Hunt"). It also has a kick-ass car song ("Red Barchetta"). Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 57. Underrated Albums: Roman Candle, Queen Sarah Saturday 44:38
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On our first "Underrated Albums" epipod, we're sharing two albums that are scandalously under-appreciated. This is the opposite of the pretentious indie rocker touting an album no one would understand even if they could find it. These are albums we're dying for the world to hear. For whatever reason, these gems didn't make it into everyone's CD catalog or playlist, but it's never too late. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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1 56. Counting Crows - August and Everything After 43:49
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"We all wanna be Bob Dylan." In the midst of grunge and new punk, Adam Duritz and Co. were a throwback, not just to folk/pop music, but to the singer-songwriter era. Duritz's poetic narratives offered a deep look into his soul and psyche, to his desire for belonging and fame. He would get at least the latter thanks to beautiful, pop hits like "Round Here," "Rain King" and, of course, "Mr. Jones, which remains a radio staple. But the album, "August and Everything After" is a complete piece, often overlooked as a whole due to the momentous success of radio hits. "We all wanna be big stars, yeah, but we got different reasons for that." Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
Prince was already an enigmatic superstar before the movie (and soundtrack) for "Purple Rain" was released in 1984. But this outing catapulted him into superstardom -- where he orbited the likes of Michael and Madonna (and often surpassed them). "Purple Rain" is Prince at his creative, clever and naughty best. Standard classics like "Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry" are teased with gems like "Darling Nikki" and "I Would Die 4 U." And the anthemic title track is the type of masterpiece by which other songs are measured. The album "Purple Rain" is a bonafide classic. And Prince was just getting started. Follow us on social media @finestworksongs…
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