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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
Ep. 57: Massive Attack - Mezzanine29 Aug 202401:12:30

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 202401:11:44

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. 47: Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid20 Jun 202401:21:24

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 202401:30:43

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 202401:24:14

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. 44: PJ Harvey - Rid of Me30 May 202401:25:18

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 202401:18:12

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 202401:14:57

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 202401:16:14

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

Ep. 40: Buena Vista Social Club - Buena Vista Social Club02 May 202401:03:28

Come on now, you know we got geared up for this one. One of the heaviest hitters in the world music conversation, Buena Vista Social Club's self-titled debut is this week's focus on EarWax!

Let's head to Cuba (by way of Mexico, if you're Ry Cooder), find some legendary Cuban musicians, get them in the studio and see what magic unfolds. After their initial idea broke down, this is how Nick Gold and Ry Cooder pivoted, and man did it work out.

These are songs that have been around Cuba for decades, nearly intrinsic to the country. The folks on this album love this music, they love to perform, and the result is a record that flows effortlessly. Truly beautiful in its scope and execution, Buena Vista Social Club is a reminder that music is bigger than politics, and that a great song will find a home in any era.

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. 39: Carly Rae Jepsen - E•MO•TION25 Apr 202401:10:27

We love our shiny, glossy pop albums here on EarWax, and this week we've got one that is among the shiniest and poppiest - Carly Rae Jepsen's "E•MO•TION."

After rocketing to the top of the charts with the monster single "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen needed to take some time to figure out where she fit in the pop landscape, and more importantly, how to fit in a way that was comfortable for her.

The time "away" included a stint on Broadway, a scrapped album, and taking control of her creative direction. The result is an album that embraces her influences, but is resoundingly Carly Rae Jepsen. "E•MO•TION" is more than just incredible hooks and infectious grooves, it is a reintroduction to an artist ready to step back into the limelight on her own 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. 38: Muddy Waters - At Newport 196018 Apr 202401:17:35

We are heading into familiar territory this week as EarWax revisits the Newport Jazz Festival!

Cody and Hilary pick up four years after we last left Newport to tell the tale behind Muddy Waters' incredible live album "At Newport 1960." This record is an absolutely scorching set of blues set against a weekend that was marred by capacity limits, Bermuda shorts-wearing hoodlums, riots, and a Mingus-led rival festival.

With tracks written by giants like Willie Dixon and Langston Hughes, "At Newport 1960" is a fascinating look at one of the luminaries of the blues in his prime. Muddy Waters and his band are on absolute fire, and this album beautifully captures what happens when you let the blues cook.

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 202401:16:37

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. 37: Vince Staples - Summertime '0611 Apr 202401:32:52

Looking for a breezy jam to cruise into the summer season? Nah, we're hitting you with beats, bars, and Vince Staples' debut album.

Cody and Hilary talk about our responsibilities as fans, how to respectfully engage with weighty material, and how in the pocket Vince Staples is throughout this whole record.

Weaving together a tapestry of matter-of-fact stories with a seamless display of flows, Summertime '06 tells us about a loss of innocence. The ability to deliver such a weighty message in such an accessible way is a testament to his immense talent.

Vince Staples is one of the best in the game currently, and this record was an announcement of his arrival on the national stage.

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. 36: Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral04 Apr 202401:19:54

Are you having a wonderful day? Full of joy perhaps? Just really, fully, live/laugh/loving life? Welp, good luck!

Hilary and Cody careen through Nine Inch Nails' magnum opus, "The Downward Spiral." Trent Reznor was fully in his bag on this one, and it pushed him into places that would take a good long while to rebound from.

What does it say about us that a record of such pain and darkness not only found a foothold but is commonly referenced as one of - if not the most important - record of a generation?

An album that has brought so many people so much catharsis, The Downward Spiral is an uncomfortably unflinching look at the worst parts of our society. What Nine Inch Nails accomplished sonically is immensely impressive, but it somehow takes a backseat to the message being conveyed.

The result is an artistic statement of staggering profundity. There are few, if any, albums with this much edge, and its place in the legendary stratosphere it occupies is well-earned.

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. 35: Rilo Kiley - The Execution of All Things ft. Jeremy Bolm28 Mar 202401:03:32

Worlds and genres collide as the EarWax crew welcome our first guest onto the show!

Post-hardcore meets indie rock as Jeremy Bolm (Touché Amoré, The First Ever Podcast) joins Cody and Hilary to dive into Rilo Kiley's indie masterpiece "The Exection of All Things."

This album is where LA meets Omaha, where success meets sustainability, and where Rilo Kiley cemented themselves as the indie legends that they are.

Remarkably vulnerable, anthemic, and catchy, "The Execution of All Things" will find a place in your rotation and your heart, and it will stay there.

Check out Jeremy Bolm and his killer projects on Instagram!
@jeremyxbolm
@toucheamore
@thefirsteverpodcast

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. 34: The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go21 Mar 202401:02:16

Tease your beehive hairdo waaaaaaay up, and put on your most gorgeous flowing dress, the GOAT girl group makes their EarWax debut!

Our first 60s record is Motown perfection, although the Supremes' rise to the top was anything but perfect. Ultimately, they became standard bearers for both the label and the genre, and the hits from this record are absolute staples of the revolutionary culture of the 1960s.

Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross took the songwriting of Holland-Dozier-Holland, the musicianship of the Funk Brothers, and the rest of the Motown machine and put it all together to make a record with three #1 hits.

They're more than classic, they're more than legendary, they are the Supremes!

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. 33: Le Tigre - Le Tigre14 Mar 202401:04:42

Let's dismantle systemic oppression with post-riot grrrl!

Hilary and Cody dance and groove to the infectious, crackling first album by Le Tigre. Fronted by the legendary Kathleen Hanna, Le Tigre is a response to the implosion of a movement she championed.

Le Tigre talks about all of the stuff you're gonna hear in the riot grrrl scene, but it candy-coats them and makes them accessible for those not deeply affiliated. With endless energy and topics that range from Rudy Giuliani being a jerk to a statement from Rothko about art, this record is jam-packed with jams...and a message that you can't help but nod your head to.

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. 32: Shania Twain - Come On Over07 Mar 202401:01:38

Okay...so you need a 32nd episode. Well, let us impress upon you how much we loved covering Shania Twain's ridiculously influential album "Come On Over."

Cody and Hilary weave through the career path of the Queen of Country Pop, and all of the struggles and successes that culminated in the making of this album.

You want catchy? Got it. Songs built for live performance? Boom, got it. How about commercial numbers?  Psh, got it 20x platinum.

A record rich in pop hooks, stadium rock, and Shania's pristine vocals, Come On Over is the template for contemporary country stars crossing over into the pop world. Shania Twain blazed a trail through Nashville into our ears, and we are forever indebted to her for giving us something as kickass as Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and every other monster single on this 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. 31: Alice Coltrane - Ptah, the El Daoud29 Feb 202400:54:35

What better way to usher in the Leap Year than to cover an artist who is arguably even more unique? 

Alice Coltrane is one of the most dynamic names in jazz history. Cody and Hilary explore her journey to this record, and Ptah's journey from ancient Egypt to 1970.

This lineup is absolutely stacked with jazz legends, and they are all locked in and taking their cue from the person at the helm - Alice freakin' Coltrane.

Spiritual, ethereal, inquisitive, and intentional, Ptah the El Daoud is a transitional record for Alice Coltrane. We are lucky to have such a brilliant marker of her exploration of spirituality and universality.

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. 30: Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes22 Feb 202401:05:53

Everyone get real serious...now throw that all away and gear up for a total vibe of an album - Flying Lotus' "Until The Quiet Comes."

Cody and Hilary talk about floating bathtubs, lucid dreaming, and Adult Swim. All of these are integral to Flying Lotus, a true master whose talents are on full display on this record.

A seamless blend of jazz, hip-hop, psych, and electro, "Until the Quiet Comes" knows exactly when to punch it up, and when to pull it back. This is an album that flirts with pop while thumbing its nose at both pop, and what initially put Flying Lotus on the mainstream's radar. It is deeply personal, remarkably ambitious, and endlessly listenable.

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. 29: D'Angelo - Voodoo15 Feb 202401:09:31

Light some candles, turn off the lights, and slip into something a bit more...comfortable. We've got a whole vibe this week.

Hilary and Cody break down the funk, the grooves, the voice, and the poetry that is D'Angelo and his second album - Voodoo. Chock full of absolute stars, this album's personnel is a who's who of 90s soul, with D'Angelo at the helm.

A bit of Sly, a bit of Hendrix, a bit of Dilla, and a whole lotta bits of Prince, Voodoo did exactly what it set out to do. D'Angelo was rocketed to fame, and along the way became a sex icon. But what does it mean when the image starts to supersede the music?

Voodoo is a masterpiece, an achievement of soul music, and a benchmark to chase for those who came after it. We had a blast covering this album, and are hyped to share it with you all!

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. 28: Bad Brains - Bad Brains08 Feb 202401:07:41

Make sure you're properly stretched, because this episode is full of backflips, stage dives, and a raucous dose of hardcore royalty.

Cody and Hilary explore the dichotomy that is Bad Brains. They are immensely talented musicians who helped shape a genre that relishes in its simplicity. They are furious bursts of faster-than-life music, followed by a groovy reggae jam. They are punks. They are Rasta.

This album is the best representation of Bad Brains in their element - raw, nearly unhinged, and totally locked in. Bad Brains self-titled emphasizes self-actualization through a positive mental attitude, either by kicking down doors or grooving in the pocket.

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 202401:12:43

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. 27: Grace Jones - Nightclubbing01 Feb 202400:55:45

Grace - a name, an attribute, a vibe, and an attitude. And this week we are covering an artist and album that is all of these and so, so much more.

Hilary and Cody put on their sharpest shoulder pads and strike their most stunning poses as they talk about Grace Jones' "Nightclubbing." Full of ambitiously reworked covers and autobiographical originals, this record is a dichotomy of new wave melodies and reggae-backed grooves.

With Sly and Robbie and the Compass Point All-Stars laying the foundations, Grace's vocals are laser-focused on every track. A record that reflects the ambiguity and self-confidence of the artist, Nightclubbing is one of the most fully-realized artistic statements.

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. 26: Traveling Wilburys - The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 125 Jan 202401:02:26

We're pulling out all the big guns at once for this one. You want legends? Psh, how about five of them? No big deal. Here's a few names you might have heard: Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and George freakin' Harrison.

Cody and Hilary chat about this most super of the supergroups; from the storybook way they came together to the brilliance of their songwriting. But mainly, they talk about how much they love Roy Orbison. Because who doesn't?!

With a musical pedigree that covers Sun Records, Greenwich Village, Liverpool and peak British Invasion, and everything in between, this album shows what we all already knew. These dudes can write catchy songs.

Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 is a testament to iron sharpening iron, and the spirit of collaboration for the sole purpose of having a good time with your friends.

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. 25: Selena - Amor Prohibido18 Jan 202400:56:43

We found 1994 so cozy last week that we're staying right there for our twenty-fifth episode! How about a trip down to Texas to visit an absolute icon - Selena!

Amor Prohibido is a flashpoint for Tejano music, and a huge influence on Latin music's injection into the pop consciousness. Hilary and Cody talk about the value of "crossing over" onto the pop charts, as well as Selena's ability to weave her vocals throughout the mesh of styles found on this album.

A feast of sounds, songwriting, and instrumentation, the music on Amor Prohibido provides the rich backdrop for Selena to show out and establish herself on the list of music icons.

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. 24: TLC - CrazySexyCool11 Jan 202401:05:09

Put on your comfiest baggy pants and unopened-condom-as-accessories, we are talking 90s slo-jams this week!

Cody and Hilary weave through the history of one of the top girl groups of all time, and the album that simultaneously solidified their place in the R&B lineage and almost put them out of business.

TLC is a group whose collective voice shines as bright and grooves as hard today as it did when CrazySexyCool first dropped. Their resounding success lies not exclusively in their legal victories, but also the ability of everyone in the world to recognize "Waterfalls" within the first five seconds.

CrazySexyCool is a perfect blend of musicality and 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. 23: Judas Priest - Stained Class04 Jan 202401:01:33

Put on your leather jacket, chaps, hat, vest, and anything else that has studs - EarWax is going metal once again!

Hilary and Cody headbang their way through Judas Priest's unbelievably charged record "Stained Class." Acting as the bridge between the godfathers and the new wave of British heavy metal, this album showcases proto-thrash riffs, towering Rob Halford vocals, and kick drums for days.

The story of this record extends beyond its undeniable influence on metal. Indeed, the controversy surrounding the lyrics (existent and nonexistent) resulted in a court decision that is generally considered a major victory for artistic freedom and expression.

Judas Priest refused to kowtow to or settle with those who sought to take away their seat at the table. "Stained Class" is a scorching template of kickass metal from start to finish.

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. 22: Beck - Midnite Vultures28 Dec 202301:06:19

We are back and getting crazy with the Cheez Wiz! This week we are taking on the smorgasbord of sounds and genres contained within Beck's "Midnite Vultures."

Hilary and Cody jump headfirst into this amalgamation that somehow sounds like the weirdest party album you'll hear. Beck is in full control of the show, and the result is a fascinating look into the mind of a musician feeling themselves.

This album wears its influences on its sleeves, relishing in them, and sometimes chuckling at them too. Midnite Vultures is all of those ear candy sounds from all the genres you love, mixed, meshed, and distilled through the very particular lens of Beck.

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. 21: Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas21 Dec 202301:14:17

Ho-ho-holy good grief, we have a truly special one this week!

Hilary and Cody unwrap the story behind a legendary holiday album - A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Ever wonder who those kids are on the recording? They're just kids, of course! Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson understood the necessity for authenticity. This soundtrack has transcended beyond just the music to a classic television special; many would put this as the definitive soundtrack to their holiday season.

Full of quiet reflection, this record still finds space to swing. The Vince Guaraldi Trio has been the background music to many special holiday moments for over 50 years.

To quote a great blanket-toter: "And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

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. 20: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - It's A Holiday Soul Party14 Dec 202301:09:31

Holy buckets and holly jolly everyone, we made it to episode twenty!

Sharon Jones & tTe Dap-Kings usher in our first holiday season with their brilliant, groove-filled album "It's A Holiday Soul Party." 

This album is set in a very specific, interesting period of time for the group, and for Miss Sharon Jones personally. The result is a record full of life, soul, and joy that encourages us all to let the goodwill flow toward our fellow man.

Hang the big bulbs on the tree, string the lights, and tune in to hear Cody and Hilary chat about one of the most unique, special holiday records out there!

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. 19: The B-52s - Wild Planet07 Dec 202301:13:00

Surpriiiiiiissssse!!! We are back with a fury, and there's hardly a better album to get back into the swing of things than this absolute groove. Cody and Hilary dive into the B-52s second album, and man does it go in.

"Wild Planet" takes no prisoners, tackling topics from a poodle abandoning its owner for another dog, to tips on how to save a flailing party, to the happenings on a dirty back road.

The B-52s are a staple for relishing in yourself, owning the parts of you that others want to ignore, and embracing life as a weird party that sometimes goes awry. And that's okay!

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. 18: Eric B. & Rakim - Follow the Leader16 Nov 202301:01:53

Hurry, hurry, step right up and follow us into an episode filled with beats, bars, and the God MC himself.

This week's episode sees Hilary and Cody marveling over the second album from Eric B. & Rakim.  We flip out over the exquisite samples (shout out Bob James!) and Rakim's mastery of flow and rhymes. Studios get blacked out, there's a feud over cereal...it gets in tense.

This is a landmark record in the evolution of hip-hop. "Follow the Leader" put everyone on notice that these guys had not only had claimed the throne, they had zero intention of letting it go any time soon. Eric B. & Rakim elevated the art form and established the template from which every modern hip-hop artist has taken more than a few pointers.

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 202401:21:38

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. 17: Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine09 Nov 202301:06:00

What have we here? A two...or one and a half-for one deal this week!

Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine" is a masterclass in melody and weaving styles together. With folks such as Jon Brion, Questlove, and Mike Elizondo contributing, this album really shows us an artist stepping into and owning their artistry.

Cody and Hilary explore the story behind this record's genesis, death, and rebirth - thanks in large part to a fanbase that would not take no for an answer!

"Extraordinary Machine" illustrates the power of resilience, and how projects never totally turn out as intended. Fiona Apple held fast to her principles, and the resulting album is as described - extraordinary!

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. 16: Rick James - Street Songs02 Nov 202301:01:20

Get yourself right for this one, we're headed into the wild world of punk funk, the 80s, and Rick James.

Hilary and Cody wade through the legend of Rick James, touch on the storied history of Motown, and chat about an album that is simply a masterclass in groove.

Street Songs is the album most representative of Rick James's vision. Bombastic, opulent, and pretty much every superlative that can be applied to him, you can apply to this record!

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. 15: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads26 Oct 202301:01:00

We've made it to our 15th episode, and our spooky season selection is frightfully good.

Cody and Hilary tackle "Murder Ballads" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. An album full of betrayal, mayhem, and plenty of murder, it also has a sense of humor about itself. The total body count is into the dozens, and we had a great time trying to keep a running tally while listening.

"Murder Ballads" provides a fairly contemporary gateway into a realm of songs that have been around for hundreds of years. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds bring the past to the present in a record loaded with history, darkness, and legend. 

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. 14: Ennio Morricone - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 19 Oct 202300:59:25

"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: those with loaded guns, and those who dig." 

Maaaan have we got one for you all this week. Our first venture into soundtrack territory, and you know we were gonna swing for the fences. How about some Morricone mixed with some Clint Eastwood to make everyone feel like a badass?

Hilary and Cody talk about the depth of collaboration between Sergio Leone and Morricone, the way the music brilliantly functions as its own character, and the innovations that went into making a score that continues to inspire awe to this day.

Special thanks to the Academy Museum for having us attend a screening of this fantastic film! Go check them out, they absolutely rule.

  • Instagram: @academymuseum
  • X: @AcademyMuseum

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. 13: The Chicks - Home12 Oct 202301:02:37

*Please imagine the following description being in crisp, three part bluegrass harmony.

The Chicks are the focus of this week's episode, and wow is it a ride. Riding the success of two monster records, "Home" was poised to keep pace, or even outpace, everything they had done to that point. However, their momentum was brought to an abrupt halt on the opening night of the tour for this record, when lead singer Natalie Maines spoke out against the looming US invasion of Iraq.

Listen as Cody and Hilary discuss the fallout, the bravery, and the way these fairly traditional songs take on a fuller meaning when they're being played by three women who are unafraid to say what they feel, regardless of the backlash.

The release of "Home" went from a victory lap, to a statement of defiance.

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. 12: Black Flag - My War05 Oct 202301:09:42

"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud." - Henry Rollins

Brace yourself, we're headed into the hardcore scene this week. Hilary and Cody keep their heads on a swivel as they navigate the early 80s, and Black Flag's "My War."

Anger, defiance, and intention coarse through this album's veins. Two years of turmoil explodes from the title track and carries through to the brutal Sabbath-esque closer, Scream.

Black Flag went out of their way to confront and challenge their audience, refusing to adhere to the "rules" of a scene they helped build.  A pivotal album for hardcore punk, sludge, stoner metal, and grunge, "My War" takes no prisoners. 

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. 11: Robert Johnson - King of the Delta Blues Singers28 Sep 202301:10:14

Let's head to the Mississippi Delta for episode 11! Hilary and Cody peel back the curtain on one of music's most mythological figures - Robert Johnson.

Behind the legends and stories existed a very real, very human musician. With a spirit that drove him to roam, and a vision on achieving greatness, Robert Johnson developed a style and sound that would influence generations of rock, blues, and soul players for decades to come.

Many a rock titan owes their legacy in no small part to the blues, and to Robert Johnson. King of the Delta Blues singers gives us a snapshot of a guitarist, songwriter, and performer whose talent speaks for itself, and whose true legacy is greater than any myth can make him out to be.

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. 10: Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill21 Sep 202301:06:12

We have made it to ten episodes! Let's celebrate with some of the cleanest grooves and smoothest jams you're gonna hear in rock - Steely Dan.

Cody and Hilary dive into the Dan's debut, and chat about everything from a Thin Lizzy soundalike track, to a song that maybe-but-not-definitely-although-most-likely was a scathing criticism of a member of the Fab Four.

"Can't Buy a Thrill" sets the table for the Steely Dan to come - esoteric, cynical lyrics backed with their smooth version of rock.

Long live dad rock, and long live the Dan!

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. 9: The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole14 Sep 202301:00:37

We are back with another one of those block rockin' beats!

This week, Hilary and Cody charge head first into a nonstop jam. The Chemical Brothers' second album is a force to be reckoned with.

Boasting appearances by Noel Gallagher and Beth Orton, drum tracks twisted and warped into club beats, and plenty of electronica and hip-hop influence, this album will leave you totally spent.

From DJ Kool Herc to Ringo Starr, this record wears its influences on its sleeve. We're excited to share some of its story.

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. 8: Siouxsie and the Banshees - Juju 07 Sep 202301:00:42

This week's record is packed with venom, darkness, and plenty of ass-kicking - Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Juju."

Siouxsie and the Banshees' influence is irrefutable, and their fingerprints are all over the advent of goth rock (whether or not they dig that idea is another story haha).

Cody and Hilary discuss the addition of two key members, bringing the Banshees to arguably their most formidable lineup. From their thoughts on the idea of voodoo, to a track revolving around a serial killer, Siouxsie has never shied away from speaking her mind on topics that others may dance around. 

"Juju" is a record that proudly shows its teeth, and we are amped to share some of its story. 

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 202401:09:45

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. 7: Duke Ellington - Ellington at Newport31 Aug 202300:59:53

"I was born at Newport." - Duke Ellington

The power of a single performance can alter any artist's trajectory, even for the most legendary musicians. This week, Hilary and Cody flash back to Newport, Rhode Island, in 1956. Duke Ellington and His Orchestra are gearing up for a make or break headlining show.

That night's set, and the record that followed, would change Ellington's fortunes and set him on track for a historic third act in an career whose influence is difficult to quantify.

"Ellington at Newport" is the first live record we've touched on, and you'll see why after just one listen!

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. 6: George Michael - Faith24 Aug 202301:02:52

"It's almost required with major artists that there's some duality. And I've got duality everywhere." - George Michael

Some folks have an otherworldly ability to craft pop music, and George Michael undoubtedly has a seat at that table. In this episode, Cody and Hilary explore the record that served as his most complete artistic statement.

Meticulously crafted, the making of Faith is George Michael elbowing his way into the pop auteur conversation alongside the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.

It is rife with controversy, vulnerability, and sex. George Michael relaunched his image, wielded absolute authority during its making, and produced a pop monster. Its critical and commercial success are forever cemented, but the cost at which they came is also undeniable.

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. 5: Deafheaven - Sunbather17 Aug 202300:55:32

What makes a genre...a genre? When does an album move from one genre to another? Or, more importantly, does any of that really matter?

Cody and Hilary delve into Deafheaven's "Sunbather" in our fifth episode. An album exploding with self-reflection, frustration, and power, it catapulted Deafheaven into the spotlight. Ten years after its release, its blast beats and washing guitars continue to spark conversations about classification, "tradition" within genre, and fandom in general.

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. 4: Missy Elliott - Supa Dupa Fly10 Aug 202300:56:21

"Beep beep, who got the keys to the jeep?...Vrooom!"

Our first venture into hip-hop covers a true titan of the genre. With her debut solo record "Supa Dupa Fly," Missy Elliott's confidence and willingness to bet on herself paid off many times over. 

Hilary and Cody discuss Missy Elliott's partnership with Timbaland, the groundbreaking music videos, and how they forged their own lane in a time when hip-hop was coming off its most polarized era.

Missy Elliott is an innovator and originator.  "Supa Dupa Fly" put the world on notice, and we are stoked to tell a bit of this album's story!

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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