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Explore every episode of the podcast EarWax

Dive into the complete episode list for EarWax. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Bonus Episode! Black Country, New Road's Charlie Wayne and Lewis Evans22 May 202500:56:25

Did you miss us so much that you couldn't stand to see us leave for even one week? Bro, same! So how about an awesome interview with one of the coolest bands out there today?

Charlie Wayne and Lewis Evans of Black Country, New Road dropped by to talk about their new album "Forever Howlong," and share some of the music that has inspired them along the way.

These guys absolutely rule, and it was a total pleasure chopping it up with them. A huge thank you to Lewis and Charlie, and another big thanks to the rest of the group for putting out such a killer record.

Check out "Forever Howlong", and go see Black Country, New Road on tour!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 93: Buzzcocks - Singles Going Steady14 May 202500:54:00

We don't always cover compilation albums, but when we do, we make sure they are the most glorious. Such is the case with this week's episode of EarWax!

Hilary and Cody dive into the cool power/punk-pop of Buzzcocks. A greatest hits album made for a band about to tour the United States...where they had very little following. 

Singles Going Steady is a literal timeline of the band up until that point, and showcases the band's penchant for hooks over politics. The perfect marriage of pop and punk coming together to form a banger of a compilation.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 84: BLACKPINK - The Album13 Mar 202501:18:32

Look at you, now look at us. How you like that? EarWax is going K-pop this week, and I don't know if we'll ever go back. Hilary and Cody cover BLACKPINK's appropriately-named "The Album." 

The system that has produced some of the biggest music in the world - the South Korean idol system - is a fascinating study in manufacturing celebrity. At its apex sit four women who have conquered the world, and this record was their international announcement that the top of the pops runs through South Korea.

Twenty-four lean minutes of non-stop bangers, "The Album" is a party record released at a time when everything else looked awfully bleak. BLACKPINK made sure that we had something to dance to, and we have not stopped since.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 83: Blondie - Parallel Lines06 Mar 202501:08:16

"Blondie is a Group" was a pin campaign put together by Blondie's manager as a way to cover his own screwup by picking the iconic photo for this week's album - "Parallel Lines." (PS: It didn't work and he was fired shortly after. Oops.)

We all know Blondie is a group, and we also know the core of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry have given us some absolute bangers. After two records, the label wondered how they could put this group of meddling kids (loosely defined) on the top of the charts.

Their solution was producer Mike Chapman. Does he come across as a bit of a jerk? Yes, resoundingly. Did the band turn in their most critically and commercially successful album to date under his production? Also, yes, resoundingly.

With classics such as "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass," it would be hard for the label to go wrong picking a single...Find out how they did just that, and a ton more about "Parallel Lines," on this week's episode of EarWax!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 82: Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman27 Feb 202501:17:25

The greats seize the moment, and Tracy Chapman did exactly that right after the release of her self-titled album, and the subject of this week's episode!

Cody and Hilary discuss Tracy Chapman's journey to reluctant stardom. Never seeking anything more than to have her songs heard, this debut reflects the quiet confidence that draws so many to her work.

"Fast Car" is legendary, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" was a theme song for a literal revolution, and "Behind the Wall" is a devastating, gorgeous piece.

When Wembley Stadium called, Tracy Chapman was ready for the moment. No frills, just music, and a message.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 81: William Onyeabor - Who Is William Onyeabor?20 Feb 202501:04:42

Mysteries abound this week on EarWax! Never has "the man, the myth, the legend" rang truer than when we dive into "Who Is William Onyeabor?"

A bizarre mix of funk, soul, and porto-techno, this record is a collection of songs pulled from Onyeabor's brief but prolific discography. His life and career remain largely enigmatic, due in no small part to his own efforts.

We ask "why" and "how," because we want so badly to understand the context for which such forward-thinking music sprang. Ultimately, "Who Is William Onyeabor?" provides very little answers to those questions, but it serves a greater purpose - it grooves.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 80: Digital Underground - Sex Packets13 Feb 202501:19:23

Peace, and humptiness forever! A mantra we should all do well to abide by. How about a little lumpy oatmeal and sort-of concept album this week?

Digital Underground is just one of those groups that are okay being a little weird, a lot goofy, and very (oh so very) phonky. Shock G and dudes like Schmoovy Schmoov, Chopmaster J, and Money B all brought Parliament into hip-hop.

Sex Packets is hyper horny, major vibes, and only kind of actually about sex packets, which may or may not be real. Ask NASA, but maybe NASA lies?!

Check out the episode to hear Cody and Hilary break down this classic!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 79: Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin06 Feb 202501:14:30

We all stand on the shoulders of giants, the ghosts of those that came before. But some shoulders carry more weight than others. Billie Holiday is a foundation upon which decades and generations of music has been built.

Hilary and Cody discuss Lady Day's penultimate album "Lady in Satin." In many ways, it feels like this record is a metaphorical retelling of her own life. Struggle, hardship, perseverance, and victory, all blended up and poured out through that voice. She sounds different than we're used to, but unmistakably Billie Holiday.

On "Lady in Satin," you can feel Lady Day rise to the occasion once more to give us this testament to determination and sheer talent.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 78: Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables30 Jan 202501:20:20

It's quite simple, really. Challenge authority, refuse to back down, and never be complacent. Dead Kennedys brings all of that to this week's episode of EarWax!

Cody and Hilary discuss San Francisco's charged political history, and how folks who don't like power structures and institutions there are more than willing to turn out and turn up. In the middle of all the turbulence is the punk scene, and Dead Kennedys are the standard-bearers. 

Brash, uncompromising, and sharp as tacks, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a force of nature. It will blow the doors off your apartment, and put you out on the streets marching in protest, right where we all belong.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 77: Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison23 Jan 202501:16:09

Johnny Cash - the Man in Black - was almost more myth than man. But what it is undeniably true is the power of this week's record: At Folsom Prison.

With his career hanging in the balance, Cash delivered a performance that deftly walked the line (pun fully intended) of addressing the harsh realities of his audience with moments of levity.

Cash and the Tennessee Three are on fire, and the set lists contained timeless classics from his catalog to that point. And yet, the most storied track may be one that isn't his, but from an inmate at Folsom...

Check out the episode, and like, subscribe, and share the show with folks who should know the story behind this iconic album!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 76: Parliament - Mothership Connection16 Jan 202501:12:47

Well alright, welcome to Groove U. This week's lesson is brought to you by the EarWax crew!

Parliament's "Mothership Connection" is far out, in your face, uncut, from outer space, in the groove, and it'll make you move. With a cast of characters and lore galore, this record has cool to spare. 

George Clinton and Bootsy Collins are the most well-known of the P-Funk collective, and while their hands are absolutely all over this record, it is quite obviously a group effort.

So let the funk wash over you, and climb aboard the Mothership!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 75: T. Rex - Electric Warrior02 Jan 202501:12:40

Glitter, vibes, and jams. EarWax grooves and bops into the new year with one of the pioneers of glam rock - T. Rex's "Electric Warrior".

Cody and Hilary go back and forth over exactly how great Marc Bolan is as a vocalist (spoilers, he's AMAZING), and weave through the wandering story that brought us this album.

At a time when people were looking around for what would come after the 60s, Marc Bolan stepped up, shook the lethargy out of the rock scene, and reminded folks just how fun and easy rock and roll could be.

"Electric Warrior" ain't nothin' but pure sexy.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 92: James Brown and the Famous Flames - Live at the Apollo08 May 202501:07:46

Good gahd! This week the EarWax crew hits the One and covers the Hardest Working Man in Show Business. Mr. Please Please himself, James Brown!

Whatchu know about betting on yourself? James Brown told his label a live record was the sauce, and when they said no, he financed it himself.

The legendary Apollo, a raucous crowd, and James Brown's electrifying performance collide to create this blistering time capsule of 1962.

"Live at the Apollo" captures James Brown and the Famous Flames in their element. At 300 shows/year, they were razor sharp, and delivered a vicious set that stands the test of time.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 74: Boyz II Men - II26 Dec 202401:02:03

Now that you're properly stuffed on holiday goodies, let's keep the vibes chill, smooth, and immaculate.

Cody and Hilary cruise through Boyz II Men's "II". An album of two halves, separated by a truly thoughtful, heartbreaking interlude, "II" gives all of the dance floor energy before hitting you with the epic feels.

The group was soaring after their first record, and this follow-up put them firmly at the head of their class. With legendary producers galore, "II" is the perfect album to throw on when you need something that is as cool as the other side of the pillow.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 73: A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector19 Dec 202401:13:27

We are holly, jolly, and bright after covering the amazing artists and songs on this classic Christmas album - "A Christmas Gift for You..."

This album features some of the premiere vocal groups (The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, etc.), as well as LA's legendary Wrecking Crew.

Reimagined classics, an original that became a classic, and a whole host of talent is what makes this album feel so warm. Also maybe because it was recorded in August...

"A Christmas Gift for You" captures the essence of the holiday season, and we should celebrate the talent that it showcases. (And remember, Phil Spector was a loser!)

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 72: Björk - Homogenic12 Dec 202401:03:18

The EarWax crew takes on one of the most brilliantly enigmatic artists out there this week as we cover Björk's "Homogenic."

Made during a time of personal strife, this record is an homage to her home in Iceland, a place where she needed to leave for a time. 

Homogenic mixes traditional influences with sounds far ahead of its time. It feels fresh, sounds fresh, and is fresh today. Björk is a true innovator and artist, and this record is one of the best examples of what she has to offer. 

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 71: Kraftwerk - Computer World05 Dec 202401:15:35

No B.S., let's get to business. Kraftwerk. EarWax. Computer World.

Hilary and Cody discuss the group, the music, the theory and ideas around one of Germany's finest exports - Kraftwerk. Computer World is relevant today because it touches on so much of the conversation that has risen to dominate our culture.

Data. Computers. Numbers. Travel. People. Money. This is the record that addresses how these all interact, and what we are to make of them.

Kraftwerk saw the future in the present, and this record illustrates just how efficiently they can comment on it.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 70: Motörhead - Ace of Spades28 Nov 202401:17:28

Make the necessary preparations, we're talking Motörhead this week...

Hilary and Cody try and hang on as they talk about the pure fuel that is Ace of Spades. Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Phil were three dudes who knew exactly what they were after, and they pursued those things with great fervor. 

Ace of Spades is undiluted rock and roll made by a band who were unrepentantly themselves. Motörhead was a freight train, and you either hopped on board, got out of their way, or got run over. 

Hell yeah.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 69: Sade - Diamond Life21 Nov 202401:06:09

The eighties were a time of maximalism, so of course one of the biggest records was...a smooth jazzy pop affair? Sade's "Diamond Life" right in your earballs this week on EarWax.

Sade is NOT a brand, but we are comfortable saying they are a whole mood. And it starts front and center. Elegant vocals that seem effortless, basslines that add more than a dash of funk, and a songwriting chemistry that brought us a record that stands out in its simplicity.

"Diamond Life" is the launching point of a career brilliantly navigated by a group who are more than comfortable operating on their terms.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again14 Nov 202401:24:23

Make way for the Princess of Pop. Genuflect at the throne of 2000s bubblegum. Bow to Britney Spears.

Oops!...I Did It Again cemented Britney as an icon. Her story is complicated, public, and influential. The tracks on this album show us the vision of Britney Spears perhaps at its most effective. A conquering hero who just so happened to make another #1 record. As if she fell backwards into superstardom.

No, this album and its success were hard-won, the cost of which would come due further down the road. But that's what makes Britney Spears so compelling. We want to see how she defies the odds, the pressure, and the immense expectations put upon her. We want her to do it again, and on this record, she did!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food?07 Nov 202401:11:50

Masks, mystery, and Mm...Food? EarWax dives into your favorite rapper's favorite rapper MF DOOM!!

The story of DOOM is partially rooted in the story of Doom (the comic, not the video game). Reborn from a former group, MF DOOM established himself as one of the most iconic underground emcees.

MF DOOM built an entire universe in which he could play, and this record is arguably at the zenith of his most prolific period. Mm..Food? is crafty in its wordplay, generous with its samples, and tasty with its beats.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 66(6): The Cramps - Songs the Lord Taught Us31 Oct 202401:10:49

Shine up your pompadours and put on your best spooky mask, this is a Halloween episode!

The Cramps are the perfect band for the season, and Songs the Lord Taught Us has scares aplenty. Whether talking about the perils of braces on fangs, a zombie dance, or how cool sunglasses in the dark are, The Cramps effortlessly show us their influences while putting their unique spin on them.

Songs the Lord Taught Us is a great gateway to rockabilly, psychobilly, early rock and roll, and trash culture. The Cramps are never anything but themselves, and that's just what we love about them!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 65: B.B. King - Live in Cook County Jail24 Oct 202401:21:14

The King of the Blues (or one of them, anyways) is the focus of this week's episode of EarWax!

Hilary and Cody discuss the circumstances that led to B.B. King performing at Cook County Jail in 1971. Along the way, they touch on B.B.'s journey to that point, the infamous reputation that Cook County Jail had (and still has), and what it means to use your voice to shed light on legitimate grievances.

A sharp, slow-rolling affair, Live in Cook County Jail shows B.B. King at arguably his most bluesy - playing for inmates who needed a bit of humanity.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 91: Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream & Other Delights01 May 202500:55:17

You want some feel good tunes? Oh, we got 'em this week. How about a little Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass!

Swingin' 60s meets the coolest square sounds out there. With a lineup that included members of LA's legendary Wrecking Crew, this album bops and bounces along breezily.

Herb Alpert is a dude we should all be glad is as successful as he is. His investment into music education, and his humility at yet another resurgence in popularity rank him high on our favorite artist's we've covered.

Whipped Cream & Other Delights is in every garage sale, clearance bin, and attic collection ever. And why? Because it rules, obviously.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 64: Dolly Parton - Jolene16 Oct 202401:21:05

We're covering a legend among legends this week. You're in rarified air when you are known by one name. It's Dolly!

Cody and Hilary marvel at the story of Dolly Parton, who consistently defied the odds and the wishes of those who sought to keep her playing second fiddle.

But Dolly wasn't having any of that, and wrote a smash hit to let her professional partner know it was over. Years later, that track became a smash hit for another legend in a totally different context. And that isn't even "Jolene!" 

This record is Dolly in full force. You get the songwriting, the singing, the guitar playing, the magnificent hair, and all of her personality and attitude. Dolly bet on herself, and in hindsight we wonder how it could have been any other way!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 63: Cheap Trick - In Color10 Oct 202401:17:25

New friends and old are featured on this week's dive into Cheap Trick's "In Color."

Cheap Trick are the fellas from your hometown that just so happened to become one of the biggest rock bands of all time. "In Color" was their second swing (and mostly miss) in the US, but boy did it lead to bigger things. Cheap Trickmania took off in Japan, leading to their breakthrough live record that cemented their legacy.

Years later, the group's take on the album was such that they decided to give it another go, this time with legendary producer Steve Albini (whaaaaa?!)

"In Color" is a group's raw edges being rounded off, bringing forward the pop while pushing back the power. Whether or not the band may agree, it's hard to argue with the results!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 62: Nick Drake - Pink Moon03 Oct 202401:24:04

Here come all the feels, this week we're covering Nick Drake's "Pink Moon."

Cody and Hilary discuss the life, enigma, and myth of Nick Drake. Sifting through the legend to grab hold of the person is a difficult task, and one that nobody seemed to really be able to do even during his life.

Nick Drake's career was tragically short, but "Pink Moon's" legacy is indisputable. The story of how this record - and this artist - finally found the spotlight is truly fascinating.

"Pink Moon" is the perfect autumn record, the perfect rainy day record, and the perfect record to put on and think about yourself. Nick Drake's deceitfully complex guitar work meshes with lyrics that could either be the work of someone deep in depression, or someone who has found a moment of respite.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 61: Neil Diamond - Hot August Night26 Sep 202401:19:10

A legend among legends, a performer among performers, or you might just know him as...His Neilness!

Hilary and Cody travel the Neilverse, going through the concert and album that made him the pop god that he is known as. "Hot August Night" was recorded at the amazing Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and everything you want from Neil Diamond is on display. 

A brilliant songwriter with a grounded sense of self-awareness, Neil Diamond's biggest charm is his willingness to go for it - vocals, spectacle, banter, songs about pretzels, etc.

"Hot August Night" is the quintessential Neil Diamond record for many reasons; it's loaded with hits, and bursts at the seams with personality...Also his immaculate hair!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 60: X - Los Angeles19 Sep 202401:13:48

Punk royalty is the topic of conversation this week on EarWax!

X were (and are) punk legends, but their album "Los Angeles" is so much more than just punk. With rockabilly guitar and some psych harmonies, this record flip-turned the rules every which way.

Produced by the always-been-cool Ray Manzarek of the Doors, "Los Angeles" recalibrated the city's music scene, putting punk and X squarely at the forefront.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 59: J Dilla - Donuts ft. Christian Dueñas12 Sep 202401:24:27

Put the headphones on and plan to keep your head nodding for the whole time, this week we have J Dilla's "Donuts!"

Christian Dueñas - host of the podcast Primer - drops by to chop it up about a record whose full story took a long time to be told. "Donuts" was made as Dilla was in between and during hospital stays. While the popular account is the stuff of legend, there is another, more grounded story that is as beautiful in its humanity.

It's impossible to see "Donuts" outside the context of J Dilla's death; his passing three days after its release is forever tied to this album. The result is what many see as a meditation on mortality, and a producer whose musical identity was continuing to evolve even as his body was failing him.

Thank you to Christian for sitting in!

Check out Primer!
@primerpod

Follow Christian!
@buttsonabutt

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 58: Toots and the Maytals - Funky Kingston05 Sep 202401:05:43

What's reggae without a little (a lot) of soul? We wouldn't know, because this week's episode has soul to spare!

Toots and the Maytals were the people's champs of Jamaica; a sound whose roots represent the common man. Toots won a national song contest three separate times!

Funky Kingston is a strange mish-mash of two previous albums, with a single thrown in for good measure. It's got a tried and true rock cover, some Americana adapted for Jamaica, and plenty of fantastic vibes.

This record is a brilliant snapshot of a country in transition. Toots was able to dictate some of that cultural movement by churning out an album that continues to inspire today.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 57: Massive Attack - Mezzanine29 Aug 202401:12:31

Pressure can make diamonds, but too much pressure and you get an explosion. And this week, we have both!

Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" is a standard-setter in electronic music. While the band was consistently at odds during its making, the resulting record crackles with energy.

Cody and Hilary talk about near death, a major embarrassment involving a pop icon, and how the band worked through (or around) the tumult to create a brilliant album.

"Mezzanine" is dark, tense, and cool. The story behind it, maybe even more so!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 56: Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters22 Aug 202401:11:45

Make sure you do your neck stretches, because you will be nodding along with us this week.

The EarWax squad took a trip to the Hollywood Bowl to see this week's episode performed live by the OGs who played on it.

By 1973, Herbie Hancock had hits, chops, and a resume that elevated him into rarified air. Searching for that next thing, he took inspiration from James Brown, Sly Stone, and of course Miles Davis.

The result: "Head Hunters," a disgustingly groove-laced record whose track list may be short, but whose legacy casts a huge shadow.

Herbie Hancock is one of the coolest dudes in music, and we were absolutely honored to have seen him perform one of the coolest-sounding records of all time.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 55: Charli XCX - Charli15 Aug 202401:16:38

As we cruise through the tail end of #bratsummer, EarWax takes a look at one of the records that helped Charli XCX dominate the conversation this year.

"Charli" comes on the heels of her rise to fame, at a time when she was about to break even bigger than she already was. Dealing with pop stardom, ravenous fans, and a devastating hack that leaked her work had all taken their toll.

"Charli" is the response to all that, defiant in its glitch and trap influence while still maintaining more than enough pop identity to serve as a stepping stone on a career whose trajectory we continue to measure as an incline!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 90: Stereolab - Dots and Loops24 Apr 202500:55:11

Pop meets pretension (and we mean that as a positive) this week on EarWax!

Hilary and Cody dissect Stereolab's deceptively catchy "Dots and Loops." Beneath the pop coating lies lyrics warning about the modern age, loneliness, and wars of many iterations.

Stereolab's ambition is their calling card, and it is on full display on this record. Never ones to shy away from marrying catchiness with headiness, they bask in both elements to create something both as functional and memorable as "Dots and Loops."

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 54: Françoise Hardy - La question08 Aug 202401:12:44

We're getting cultured af this week. EarWax goes French!

Françoise Hardy's "La question" is a gorgeous statement made by an artist intentionally transitioning into a new phase in her career. In partnership with guitarist and songwriter Luca, Hardy made a record drenched in yearning, love, and poetry.

"La question" took Françoise Hardy away from pop icon and into new territory - a place where she had control of the direction of her career. The result is a magnum opus.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 53: The Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde01 Aug 202401:21:39

Pack your bags and get ready to take a trip to a world of wonderful weirdness!

Hilary and Cody immerse themselves into the universe of the Pharcyde. Filled with in-jokes, yo mama jokes, and jokes just because, this record occupies a very specific, very important part of West Coast hip-hop.

Rarely does an album feel so lived-in, so loved, and so unabashedly fun. The Pharcyde don't take themselves too seriously, but are without a doubt serious musicians with ideas and charisma to spare.

Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is clever, funny, and crisp. An absolute classic, and many goofy crews that followed owe them a substantial debt.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 52: Melvins - Houdini25 Jul 202401:09:46

Bolt down anything that might shift due to the crushing weight of the heaviness, EarWax is going sludge!

Hilary and Cody discuss Melvins' legacy through the lens of arguably their most famous record. The story behind Houdini is a little sad, but ultimately this record serves as a fantastic gateway into a band that casts an extremely large shadow.

A great mix of heavy and slow with a few speedier tracks for balance, Houdini has just a hint of Kurt Cobain's presence throughout.

Turn up your speakers all the way and prepare yourself for the glory that is Melvins, and for the ass-kickery on Houdini.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 51: Curtis Mayfield - Curtis18 Jul 202401:10:10

Let's get funky, smooth, and our heads in the game. Curtis Mayfield is coming in hot!

Cody and Hilary discuss the scope of Curtis Mayfield's work, and how much his thumbprint is all over the Civil Rights movement. 

Mayfield's growing voice and subject matter was personal enough for him to step away from the Impressions, setting the stage for a solo career that would see him launched into even greater superstardom.

"Curtis" is one hell of a stepping stone. It simultaneously captures past and present, while looking hopefully toward the future.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 50: David Bowie - Station to Station11 Jul 202401:15:02

EarWax ushers in the 50th episode by pulling down a true heavy hitter off the shelf - David Bowie's "Station to Station."

This record's story is full of unbelievable stories and adversity, both of which were largely self-imposed. Bowie's drive for reinvention is present throughout his discography, and Station to Station is arguably his most pivotal record.

Leaving the spaceman firmly in his rearview and with his eyes on Berlin (whether or not he knew that), Bowie marked this transition point in his career with one of his most stunning works.

Station to Station is an art rock masterpiece that maintains its commercial appeal. Despite extraordinary odds against, David Bowie rose to the challenge and delivered something truly legendary. Hard to think of a better album to celebrate 50 episodes!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 49: The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo04 Jul 202401:10:27

Change out your granny glasses and paisley shirts for cowboy hats and bolo ties!

Hilary and Cody talk bout The Byrds' 1968 "Sweetheart of the Rodeo." A different direction for a very different-looking Byrds, this record took the group to Nashville, where they received a...less than warm reception from the local media.

Gram Parsons' influence on this album cannot be overstated, and the result is one of the templates from which country-rock developed.

The reputation and influence of "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" has only grown over time. Whether it's one of the Dylan covers, or the gorgeous Hickory Wind, this record in all of its lap steel glory will have you reminiscing around a campfire that suddenly appears in your living room.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 48: The Shining OST ft. Mia Lee Vicino27 Jun 202401:32:14

Classic film? Yup. Soundtrack with a weird backstory? Yup yup. Siiiiiick guest spot? Three times the yup!

West Coast Editor for Letterboxd Mia Lee Vicino drops by the show to tackle the leviathan that is Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."

A score that is also a soundtrack, this film uses original music by electronic music pioneers Wendy Carlos and Rachael Elkind, along with a host of avant garde classical composers whose work was retrofitted throughout the movie.

The amount of detail in the cues makes the music serve as the perfect background character. Ever-present and looming, it adds to the relentless unease throughout the film.

A huge thank you to Mia Lee Vicino for chatting with us!

Find Mia on Instagram @miavicino
Check out what Letterboxd has to offer as well! @letterboxd

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 47: Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid20 Jun 202401:21:25

An R&B record whose scope is bigger than most prog rock epics, this week's episode covers Janelle Monáe's debut studio album "The ArchAndroid."

Cody and Hilary talk about the influence of sci-fi in music before diving into this epic - in a very literal sense -  of an album. The love and collaboration that went into this album is apparent not only from the gorgeous tracks on it, but from listening to the folks who made it speak about the process. The fandom for each other's talent, the sense of community, and a self-assurance in direction drive this album to live up to its lofty aspirations.

Jam-packed with lush melodies, dancefloor-ready grooves, and a Big Boi feature, "The ArchAndroid" uses the framework of the future to address the present.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 46: Pet Shop Boys - Actually13 Jun 202401:30:44

Nothing like a healthy dose of synth pop and British government, and that's just what we have this week!

Pet Shop Boys' "Actually" is 80s perfection, tackling big issues using outrageously smart songwriting and catchy hooks. 

The content of "Actually" is still extremely relevant, and this record has aged as well as the Boys themselves. 

Clever, earnest, and powerful, "Actually" is distilled talent with confidence to spare. 

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 45: Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis06 Jun 202401:24:15

We've got the silky smooth Swingin' Sixties coming your way this week!

Dusty Springfield was a staple of the era, with hits in both the US and the UK. A fixture on the charts and on TV, Dusty's pop vocal stylings ran perpendicular with the rock zeitgeist. But she had a finger on the pulse, and could sense the tide turning in the late 60s.

"Dusty in Springfield" is an album that, by many accounts, was tedious (at best) to make. A laundry list of factors played into the sessions in Memphis and New York, but the end result was crystal clear to everyone involved - this was a bonafide classic.

The years have been extremely kind to this album, giving it a well-deserved second life as the staple of late 60s pop/R&B that it is. Dusty Springfield and the Memphis Boys are all magnificent, and this record is Exhibit A of that wealth of talent.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 89: The Roots - Things Fall Apart17 Apr 202501:10:28

Lock in to a groove and turn the vibes up to "Immaculate," this week the EarWax crew dives into The Roots' "Things Fall Apart."

Cody and Hilary touch on the Soulquarians, and the sessions that resulted in some of the most stunning work of this era. "Things Fall Apart" was the result of two batches of sessions - one a host of Philadelphia community members and friend so the group. The next at Electric Lady Studios, with folks like Lady B, Mos Def, and J Dilla in the room.

"Things Fall Apart" is one of those records that you've heard, even if you haven't. Its thumbprint is all over contemporary hip-hop, soul, jazz, and R&B. With the group ready to break through, they created something that did more than break them, it locked them in as legends.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 44: PJ Harvey - Rid of Me30 May 202401:25:19

Make sure your mouthguard is in, because we're trying to kick some teeth in this week!

PJ Harvey had risen to fame rapidly, and that had taken its toll. Having taken some time away to get right, she charged back onto the scene with her second record.

With Steve Albini behind the boards, Rid of Me packs all of the punch of peak 90s rock, with the added bonus of having PJ Harvey's songwriting to go along with it. 

PJ Harvey has a catalogue that is the envy of the vast majority of musicians, and Rid of Me is among her heaviest stuff. Uncomfortable and ugly, this album is, above all, authentic.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 43: Louis Prima - The Wildest!23 May 202401:18:13

Get prepped to jump, jive, and wail from start to finish, the EarWax crew is covering The Wildest, Louis Prima!

With Keely Smith, Sam Butera, and the Witnesses alongside him, Louis Prima set Las Vegas on fire, five sets a night between 12 AM - 6 AM. The template that Vegas lounge acts would follow, Prima and his crew were going to give you a pro's show every time they hit the stage.

This album is the closest they came to recapturing that energy in the studio. Proto-rock and roll, hot jazz, jump blues, and just a hint of New Orleans horns all mesh together to lay the foundation for the Vegas acts we see today.

A special Thank You to Anthony Sylvester, Trustee of the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, for taking the time to chat about this record. Check out the great work they do supporting jazz education!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 42: Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak16 May 202401:14:58

How many power chords do you have? Because this week we've got plenty to spare!

Thin Lizzy had been more or less given one final shot to break big. Despite big creative differences, perhaps a little too much "hydration," and maybe not enough discipline early on, the crew behind Jailbreak all recognized the stakes.

Packed with rock radio staples and incredible deep cuts, Jailbreak secured Thin Lizzy's future on the recording front. Driven by Phil Lynott's vision and supported by exquisite drumming and twin guitar work, the band turned in an absolute classic.

Jailbreak is simply some of the purest rock you will ever hear.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Ep. 41: Justice - †09 May 202401:16:15

Hunker down, because we've got a record full of absolute bangers this week.

Part electronic, part disco, part hard rock and all teeth, this duo found their footing with a series of remixes, before heading into the basement of an old club and chapel to record what would be their first studio album.

Justice's debut album † (Cross) brings the heat. With over 400 albums sampled (and micro-sampled), the influences are as present as the originality. Are you going to be able to catch all 400? Not a chance, but you'll want to keep playing this record over and over again to try and find them.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

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