Explore every episode of the podcast Heat Rocks
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing Primer, MaxFun’s Newest Music Podcast | 21 mai 2024 | 00:49:16 | |
Hello Heat Rockers! This is Producer Christian, I edited Heat Rocks and you might've heard my voice on a few episodes with Oliver and Morgan! So we've been working on a new music podcast here on Maximum Fun and I'm so excited to finally share it with you! Primer focuses on genres of music from outside the English-speaking world. This first season we're talking about Japanese City Pop and I will be hosting alongside Yosuke Kitazawa. If you like what you hear, please subscribe to Primer! I think you're really gonna love what we've made here. :) On November 5th, 1979, Miki Matsubara’s debut pop single “Mayonaka no Door/ Stay with Me” was released in her home country of Japan. It was a huge hit and remained her biggest and most beloved work throughout her entire career. Over 40 years after its original release, it soared in popularity once again when a whole new international audience discovered the song through TikTok. Its catchy hook and incredible vocals still resonate with listeners today and has become a staple in the City Pop genre. If you’ve heard one City Pop song, it’s probably Stay with Me. On our inaugural episode of Primer, radio/tv presenter Linda Marigliano joins us to discuss City Pop icon, Miki Matsubara and her debut record, Pocket Park. We get into the unexpected renewed interest in Mayonaka no Door, the story behind Miki’s sudden departure from the music scene, and Linda’s personal connection and discovery of City Pop. Check out our Spotify playlist for this episode! Follow Linda: Instagram | Twitter | Tough Love | Love Language | |||
| The Heat Rocks Appreciation Episode | 12 août 2021 | 00:55:55 | |
Well, we're finally here. After nearly 200 episodes, we're ending our run with Maximum Fun! We intend to come back sometime in 2022, and to celebrate this occasion, it's and Oliver, Morgan, and Producer Christian episode. We talk about our favorite moments from the show, the things we appreciate about the show, and we have a few good laughs. Follow Morgan and Oliver on Twitter to keep up with upcoming projects! Until next time, Heat Rockers. If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Cat Zhang on Flo Milli's "Ho, why is you here?" (2020) | 05 août 2021 | 00:43:10 | |
Music writer and resident TikTok expert Cat Zhang sits down with us to discuss Flo Milli's 2020 debut mixtape Ho, why is you here? We get into what goes into making a TikTok hit, Flo Milli's unique voice, and her role in the current hip hop landscape. More on Cat Zhang
More on Flo Milli
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Ho, why is you here? unless otherwise indicated):
Hey Heat Rockers, if you have an appreciation for the show, we’d love to play some of them during our Aug 11th appreciation episode. You can either send use a voice memo to heatrockspod@gmail.com OR you can phone in a voicemail to (310) 986-3340. We just need them all in by August 8th (Sunday), thanks! Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there | |||
| Music & Popcorn #7: Daphne A. Brooks on the "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack (1995) | 30 juil. 2021 | 00:54:22 | |
We continue our Music and Popcorn miniseries, where we chat about some of our favorite movie soundtracks. This week, we're talking to professor and writer Daphne Brooks about the soundtrack to Waiting to Exhale. We get into Babyface's prolific career, Whitney Houston's presence on both the soundtrack and the movie, and the mystery surrounding DJ Theo Mizuhara. More on Daphne A. Brooks
More on Waiting to Exhale
Show Tracklisting (all songs from the Waiting to Exhale OST unless otherwise indicated):
Hey Heat Rockers, if you have an appreciation for the show, we’d love to play some of them during our Aug 11th appreciation episode. You can either send use a voice memo to heatrockspod@gmail.com OR you can phone in a voicemail to (310) 986-3340. We just need them all in by August 8th (Sunday), thanks! Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there
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| Music & Popcorn #6: '90s OSTs with Jocelyn Brown | 22 juil. 2021 | 01:02:40 | |
We reboot our Music and Popcorn series, where we talk about some of our favorite movie soundtracks. This week, we invite our friend Jocelyn Brown to discuss a few iconic 90s OSTs, Love Jones, Boyz N The Hood, and Trainspotting. We get into what makes these soundtracks so memorable, the shift in tone from 80s and 90s OSTs, and proper record care etiquette. Show Tracklisting:
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there | |||
| Yola on Jill Scott's "Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 (2000) | 15 juil. 2021 | 00:59:47 | |
This week, we talk to singer/songwriter Yola about Jill Scott's debut studio album "Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol 1." We get into Jill's time with The Roots, how her poetry shaped her songwriting, and Jill's role in the neo-soul movement. More on Yola
More on Jill Scott
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Who Is Jill Scott? - Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!
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| Kris Bowers on Kendrick Lamar's "Section.80" (2011) [redux] | 08 juil. 2021 | 00:32:41 | |
In honor of Kendrick Lamar's Section.80 turning 10 years old this month, we are re-airing our convo with Kris Bowers on Lamar's debut studio album. [show notes from original post] To talk about Kendrick Lamar’s studio LP debut, we wanted to find someone of K-Dot’s generation, another L.A. young gun, and who better than pianist and composer, Kris Bowers? Like Kendrick, Kris grew up in L.A. and just as Kendrick has ascended the hip-hop ladder, so has Kris in jazz, as he won the prestigious Theolonious . But more than that, the web of Los Angeles musical ties was bound to bring the two into orbit in different ways – something we discuss in the episode – not the least of which is the fact that Kris covered one of the biggest tracks in Kendrick’s early career: “Rigamortis.” In our conversation with Kris, we got deep into how he put together both the song and video for his version of “Rigamortis,” whether or not Kendrick has a jazz sensibility in his style, and what it’s like to see a hometown kid become the Greatest Rapper Alive. More on Kendrick Lamar’s Section.80
More on Kris Bowers
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Section.80 unless indicated otherwise):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Benny Sings on Phil Collins' "Face Value" (1981) | 02 juil. 2021 | 00:47:31 | |
This week, we talk to producer/singer Benny Sings about Phil Collins' solo debut album, Face Value. We get into the incredible drum fill of In The Air Tonight, it's iconic use on Miami Vice, and the real life issues Collins was going through when making this album. More on Benny Sings
More on Face Value
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Face Value unless otherwise indicated)
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| Marzz on Kierra Sheard's "This Is Me" (2006) | 25 juin 2021 | 00:40:31 | |
Singer/songwriter Marzz sits down with us to discuss Kierra Sheard's gospel album This is Me. We get into the secular production of this album, Kierra's place in the Clark Sheard family, and Marzz's own experience in the church. More on Marzz
More on Kierra Sheard
Show Tracklisting (all songs from This Is Me unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Celebrating Lil' Kim's "Hard Core" (1996) | 17 juin 2021 | 00:50:22 | |
This week, Oliver and Morgan are discussing Lil' Kim's debut studio record "Hard Core" which is turning 25 years old this year. We get into Lil' Kim's role in Bad Boy and Junior M.A.F.I.A., the effect she had on the Megan Thee Stallions and Cardi B's of today, and what made this record so unforgettable. More on Hard Core
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hard Core unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Vijay Iyer on Prince's "Sign O' The Times" (1987) | 11 juin 2021 | 00:59:21 | |
This week, we discuss Prince for the SIXTH time on Heat Rocks with musician/scholar Vijay Iyer. We get into Prince's love of the drum machine, Vijay's love of the 80s, and the many sides of Prince we see on this record. More on Vijay Iyer More on Sign o' The Times
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Sign o'The Times unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Patrick Paige II on The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Ready to Die" (1994) | 03 juin 2021 | 00:52:29 | |
Bassist/producer/rapper Patrick Paige II joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss Biggie's debut studio album Ready To Die. We get into Big's knack for storytelling, Patrick's very cool math teacher, and what Biggie's career might've looked like if he were still with us today. More on Patrick Paige II
More on Ready To Die
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Ready to Die unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Steve Arrington on Heatwave's "Too Hot To Handle" (1976) | 27 mai 2021 | 00:50:46 | |
Musician/producer/minister Steve Arrington sits down with Morgan and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Heatwave's debut scorcher, Too Hot To Handle. We talk about the music scene in Dayton, Rod Temperton's prolific career, and Heatwave's ability to meld various genres into one cohesive and funky record. More on Steve Arrington More on Heatwave Show Tracklisting (all songs from Too Hot To Handle unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Pell on N.E.R.D's "In Search Of..." (2002) | 20 mai 2021 | 00:55:47 | |
Rapper/producer Pell sits down with us to talk about N.E.R.D's "In Search Of..." We get into the sex, drugs, rock & roll of it all, The Neptunes' prolific career, and N.E.R.D's influence on Pell's own work. More on Pell More on N.E.R.D.
Show Tracklisting (all songs from In Search Of... unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Kemp Powers on De La Soul's "De La Soul Is Dead" (1991) | 13 mai 2021 | 01:07:05 | |
It’s #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we’re doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going!
Director and screenwriter Kemp Powers sits down with us to discuss De La Soul's sophomore effort, De La Soul Is Dead. We get into DLS's shift in image and tone, the growth of Prince Paul as a producer, and Kemp's very , ahem, special connection to the song "Let, Let Me In" And stay tuned to the very end for a short bonus beats on Kemp's love of dancehall music! More on Kemp
More on De La Soul Is Dead
Show Tracklisting (all songs from De La Soul Is Dead unless otherwise indicated):
If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Karriem Riggins on A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight Marauders" (1993) | 06 mai 2021 | 01:00:56 | |
It's #MaxFunDrive and if you like what we're doing here on Heat Rocks, please consider supporting us and our network and help keep the show going!
Drummer and producer Karriem Riggins sits down with us to discuss a bonafide classic, A Tribe Called Quest's third studio album Midnight Marauders. We get deep into the samples used on this record, Q-Tip's growth as a producer, and how Bob Power helped shaped the sound of the LP.
More on Karriem Riggins More on Midnight Marauders
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Midnight Marauders unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Nite Jewel on Kraftwerk's "Computer World" (1981) [redux] | 29 avr. 2021 | 00:39:06 | |
In honor of Computer World's 40th anniversary (!!!) we decided to rerun our episode with Nite Jewel discussing this classic album. [show notes from the original post] When we invited L.A.’s own Nite Jewel to join us, it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise that she picked Kraftwerk’s Computer World; after all, she’s toured the world performing the album. In sitting down with us, NJ (aka Ramona Gonzalez) broke down how she first became obsessed with the album, walking the streets of Berkeley, thinking about German philosophy (no, really!) and why the LP is such a masterpiece of fusing a variety of musical elements all colliding in the early 1980s. More on Computer World
More on Nite Jewel
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Computer World unless indicated otherwise):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Joshua Abrams on Arthur Verocai's "Arthur Verocai" (1972) | 22 avr. 2021 | 00:39:53 | |
Bassist/composer Joshua Abrams sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Arthur Verocai's underrated self-titled debut record. We discuss the rediscovery of this album via sampling, the texture of Arthur's synth work, and why we connect with the album even though our Portuguese is, uhh, a bit rusty. More on Joshua Abrams
More on Arthur Verocai
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Arthur Verocai unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Jason King on Sylvester's "Living Proof" (1979) | 15 avr. 2021 | 00:58:27 | |
Writer and musician Jason King sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss the Sylvester live album Living Proof. We talk about Sylvester's vision of wholeness and sharing good vibes, the countless gorgeous moments captured in the live setting, and the medley of genres he blended together. Please stick around to the end of the episode to hear a snippet of our past conversation with Shea Serrano about DMX. Rest in Power. More on Jason King
More on Sylvester
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Living Proof unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| The Twilite Tone on Stevie Wonder's "Hotter Than July" (1980) | 08 avr. 2021 | 00:57:30 | |
Producer and DJ The Twilite Tone sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Stevie Wonder's 1980 comeback album, Hotter Than July. We get into Stevie's foray into country western and reggae, his return to All I Do, a song he cowrote over a decade prior as a teenager, and the impact Disco Demolition Night had on black music. More on The Twilite Tone More on Hotter Than July
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Hotter Than July unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!
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| Xenia Rubinos on Abbey Lincoln's "Abbey is Blue" (1959) | 01 avr. 2021 | 00:51:45 | |
Multi-instrumentalist & songwriter Xenia Rubinos joins Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Abbey Lincoln's underrated jazz LP, Abbey is Blue. We discuss Abbey's melancholy voice, her work in the civil rights movement, and how her work has influenced Xenia's own music. More on Xenia Rubinos More on Abbey Lincoln
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Abbey is Blue unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| MF DOOM Special with Dante Ross | 25 mars 2021 | 01:06:11 | |
This week marks the 17th anniversary of Madvillainy and we invited A&R man and producer Dante Ross to discuss working with KMD, Dumile's move from Zev Love X to MF DOOM, and the stories behind the production of Mr. Hood and Black Bastards. Buckle up, we go deep on this one. Rest in power, Villain More on Dante Ross More on DOOM
Show Tracklisting:
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Megan Pattison on Teena Marie's "It Must Be Magic" (1981) | 18 mars 2021 | 00:49:17 | |
DJ and record collector Megan Pattison AKA DJ Mamabear sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss Teena Marie's It Must Be Magic. They get into Teena's growth as an artist and producer, the growing rift between her and Motown Records, and how roller skating was the best way to get into new music More on Megan Pattison More on Teena Marie Show Tracklisting (all songs from It Must Be Magic unless otherwise indicated)
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Sheila Burgel on The Ronettes' "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica" (1964) | 11 mars 2021 | 00:53:09 | |
Writer and DJ Sheila Burgel sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss The Ronettes' Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica. We talk about impact of girl groups through the decades, the "wall of sound" formula, and the influence of girl groups across the globe. More on Sheila Burgel
More on The Ronettes
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Jeff Parker on John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" (1965) | 04 mars 2021 | 00:51:21 | |
It doesn't get much more classic than this, John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is a bonafide heat rock. Musician/DJ Jeff Parker sits down with Oliver and guest co-host Jocelyn Brown to discuss this truly iconic album, it's unexpected gospel leanings, and the intentionality behind every aspect of this album. More on Jeff
More on A Love Supreme
Show tracklisting (all songs from A Love Supreme unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Samm Henshaw on Kirk Franklin's "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" (2002) | 25 févr. 2021 | 00:58:24 | |
Singer/songwriter Samm Henshaw sits down with us remotely to discuss Kirk Franklin's gospel masterpiece, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. The blending of secular music and gospel, Kirk Franklin's role in the gospel music scene, and how his own work has been influenced by Kirk's work. More on Samm Henshaw
More on Kirk Franklin Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here!
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| Take Two #8: Mary J Blige's "What's the 411?" with Naima Cochrane | 19 févr. 2021 | 00:57:38 | |
We wrap up another edition of Take Two and discuss Mary J Blige's debut album What's The 411? We get into Mary's role in hip-hop soul, the story of Uptown Records, and Mary's image at the time. More on Naima
More on What's the 411?
Show Tracklisting (all songs from What's the 411? unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Take Two #7: Mary J Blige's "Mary" with Naima Cochrane | 12 févr. 2021 | 00:50:06 | |
Take Two is back again with another couple of iconic albums from an iconic artist. This time, Morgan is talking about Mary J Blige's album "Mary" with music industry vet Naima Cochrane. We get into Mary's shift in tone on this album, the production and talent behind the scenes, and what Mary means to New York. More on Naima
More on Mary Show Tracklisting (all songs from Mary unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| J Dilla Special | 04 févr. 2021 | 00:49:11 | |
In honor of J Dilla's birthday, we've put together a medley episode featuring our conversations on Donuts and Fantastic, Vol. 2 with Nate Patrin and Dan Charnas, respectively. Happy Birthday Jay Dee, we miss you. If you like these snippets, please check out our full episodes in the archives! Show Tracklisting
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Valerie June on Etta James' "At Last!" (1960) | 28 janv. 2021 | 00:47:13 | |
In January 1960, 22 year-old Etta James began recording her debut album, At Last! It would go on to be her best selling record and the title track is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever to be put on wax. Etta lived the blues and effortlessly moved through pop, R&B, and rock. She went on to release countless more records, but never reached the commercial success of At Last, partially due to the changing musical landscape and her struggles with addiction throughout her life. Singer/songwriter Valerie June sits down with us to talk about the legacy of Etta James, what separated Etta's voice from her contemporaries, and how khakis introduced Oliver to an Etta classic. More on Valerie June
More on Etta James Show Tracklisting (all songs from At Last! unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Salaam Remi on Jungle Brothers' "Straight Out The Jungle" (1988) | 21 janv. 2021 | 00:53:35 | |
There's a certain lo-fi feel to Jungle Brothers' debut effort, Straight Out The Jungle. The group made the record at home using early sampling technology, but its influence is undeniable. It brought together house music, jazz, and hip-hop, and marked the beginning of the Native Tongues family. Groups like De La Soul and ATCQ would become the biggest members of the collective, but don't sleep on this heater. Record producer Salaam Remi sits down with us to chat about the JB's place in the Native Tongues family, the countless flipped samples throughout the record, and his personal journey as a super producer. More on Salaam More on Jungle Brothers
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Straight Out The Jungle unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| DJ Soul Sister on The Meters' "Rejuvenation" (1974) | 15 janv. 2021 | 00:53:33 | |
The Meters helped change the New Orleans sonic landscape with their funky records and signature "second line" rhythms and in 1974, they released the heater Rejuvenation. The biggest difference on this record: vocals. Most of the members got a chance to flex their vocal and instrumental talents. This change up proved to be successful, becoming one of the group's most influential records and was heavily sampled all throughout 80s and 90s hip-hop. DJ Soul Sister AKA The Queen of Rare Groove, joins Oliver and Morgan to discuss the funkiness of The Meters, the New Orleans music scene, and what it's like to DJ at George Clinton's birthday. More on DJ Soul Sister More on The Meters
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Rejuvenation unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Brittany Spanos on Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi" (2005) | 07 janv. 2021 | 00:53:55 | |
By 2005, Mariah Carey had been through the wringer. Her debut film Glitter bombed at the box office and the accompanying soundtrack performed poorly, at least in comparison to Mariah's previous efforts. Her intended comeback album Charmbracelet received some praise but still failed to bring her back into the limelight. Mariah took a break from music for three years to focus on herself and came back with The Emancipation of Mimi. She worked with top producers in hip-hop like The Neptunes, Jermaine Dupri, and Kanye West, but still featured her signature ballads with that unmistakable whistle register. It was a much more personal album, but with enough jams to succeed in the clubs. Music writer Brittany Spanos sits down with us remotely to discuss the tough road that led to this album, the timelessness of some of the singles, and where Mariah belongs in the current music landscape. We are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder here More on Brittany More on The Emancipation of Mimi
Show Tracklisting (all songs from The Emancipation of Mimi unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Our Heat Rocks of 2020 | 31 déc. 2020 | 00:52:45 | |
Oliver and Morgan discuss their personal favorite records of 2020 and talk about their hopes for the new year. Thanks for sticking with us through this year, Heat Rockers! We are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder here Show Tracklisting
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.
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| Phonte on Intro's "Intro" (1993) | 24 déc. 2020 | 00:40:20 | |
We are re-airing one of our all-time favorite episodes. It's our discussion with Phonte about Intro's self-titled album from way back in 2017. This week rapper, producer, and songwriter Phonte (Foreign Exchange, Little Brother) joins Oliver and Morgan to talk about R&B group Intro’s 1993 self-titled debut album. The release was part of the changing tide of R&B music, when slow jams were giving way to more uptempo hits and singers were exchanging suits for Timbs and jeans. Phonte shares about what Intro’s brand of new jack swing meant to him as a teenager learning about life in Greensboro, North Carolina. Don’t get him wrong: he was a hardcore hip-hop head, but he grew up both in an R&B household and in the church where singing was a big part of his musical formation. Phonte breaks down the group’s influence on his understanding of songwriting, lyrics, and the balance between uptempo and down-tempo songs. He also discusses the album’s mature themes, crediting them for helping a young brother’s macking game. More on Intro More on Phonte: | |||
| Heat Rocks Holiday Music Special 2020 | 17 déc. 2020 | 01:01:36 | |
Oliver and Morgan sit down with music supervisor Jocelyn Brown to discuss their favorite holiday songs, Christmas trap music, and the tightrope novelty songs must walk to become a great holiday classic. More on Jocelyn We are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder here Show Tracklisting:
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Take Two #6: Drake's "Scorpion" (2018) | 10 déc. 2020 | 00:42:22 | |
In this installment of Take Two, we’re looking at two albums from the one and only Drake. Last week, we talked about Nothing Was The Same and this time around, we're chatting about the 2018 double album Scorpion. As mentioned in the show, we are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Center. You can find a link to preorder here Show Tracklisting (all songs from Scorpion unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Take Two #5: Drake's "Nothing Was The Same" (2013) | 03 déc. 2020 | 00:52:11 | |
In this installment of Take Two, we're looking at two albums from one of the biggest and most prolific rappers of the 2010s, Toronto's very own Drake. Next week, we'll be diving into his 2018 double album Scorpion, but for now, we're talking about Nothing Was The Same from 2013. As mentioned in the show, we are selling custom 45 adapters with the proceeds going to the Downtown Women's Center. You can find a link to preorder here More on Nothing Was The Same
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Nothing Was The Same unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Bonus Beats: Formative Songs with G Yamazawa | 01 déc. 2020 | 00:19:21 | |
Oliver invites G Yamazawa back on the show to talk about three songs that shaped his life and rap style. Check out our full discussion with G Yamazawa and listen to his new album!
If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Soulquarian Medley | 26 nov. 2020 | 00:46:16 | |
This week, we're giving thanks and replaying our three episodes on albums produced by the Soulquarians, all of which turned 20 this year: Ill Camille on Common's "Like Water for Chocolate," Bosco on Erykah Badu's "Mama's Gun," and Tall Black Guy on D'Angelo's "Voodoo"
If you like these snippets, check out the full episodes in our archives! If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Bonus Beats: Discovering Music Through Samples with Joseph Schloss | 24 nov. 2020 | 00:42:08 | |
Oliver sits down with ethnomusicologist Dr. Joseph Schloss to discuss the origins of sampling in hip-hop and a few of their favorite music discoveries through samples. If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| VanJess on Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" (2006) | 19 nov. 2020 | 00:54:46 | |
When Amy Winehouse released her debut studio album Frank back in 2003, it made waves in her native UK, but it didn't quite make it across the pond. Those who heard it, loved her contralto vocals, relatable lyrics, and blending of musical genres. A few years later, she would go on to release her second and final album, Back to Black, to both critical and commercial success, earning the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and selling over 16 million copies worldwide. Unfortunately, the success was short-lived; Winehouse struggled with substance abuse and mental illness and died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, at just 27 years old. R&B sister duo VanJess sits down with us to discuss Amy's influence on artists today, blue-eyed soul, and what direction her next album would have gone if she were still here with us.
More on VanJess
More on Back to Black
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Back to Black unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Bonus Beats: Favorite Breaks with Loren Kajikawa | 17 nov. 2020 | 00:29:51 | |
Oliver sits down with musicologist Loren Kajikawa to discuss why instrumental breaks hit us in such a specific way, the different ways musicians have approached breaks, and their personal favorite moments in music.
If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Anjimile on Oliver Mtukudzi's "Vhunze Moto" (2002) | 16 nov. 2020 | 00:43:58 | |
Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi is perhaps Zimbabwe's most renowned and iconic musician. His thoughtful songwriting and exceptional guitar playing spoke truth to power and gave him a loyal fanbase. He went on to become a star in his home country and pioneered a whole new genre of music, Tuku music. His wisdom and messages of affirmation resonated with millions and his music continues to inspire to this day. Singer/songwriter Anjimile sits down with us (remotely) to discuss Tuku's 41st album (!!!) Vhunze Moto. We discuss the impact of Tuku's music in Zimbabwe, the characteristics of Tuku music, and the rules of playlists on long road trips.
More on Anjimile
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Show Tracklisting (all songs from Vhunze Moto unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Bonus Beats: Nas & Unused Samples | 10 nov. 2020 | 00:14:06 | |
On this week's edition of Bonus Beats, Oliver takes a couple of questions from the mailbag about overlooked samples and Nas' best LP (besides Illmatic)
If you’re not already subscribed to Heat Rocks in Apple Podcasts, do it here! | |||
| Kevin Smokler & Christopher Boone on B.T. Express' "Non-Stop" (1975) | 05 nov. 2020 | 00:45:09 | |
The disco funk group B.T. Express hit the ground running with their debut studio album Do It ('Til You're Satisfied), which reached the top spot in the US R&B albums chart and went gold. The title track went on to become a staple in club playlists and the band started work on their next project. Just a year later, their sophomore album Non-Stop was released and it once again reached the top of the R&B chart, but did not enjoy the same amount of commercial success. Nonetheless, the album's funky vibes and distinct sound stood out, and it's kept us grooving ever since. Oliver is flying solo with Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone, the filmmakers behind the documentary, Vinyl Nation. They discuss what set B.T. Express apart from the disco acts of the day, the resurgence of vinyl records in 2020, and one of the weirdest Carpenters covers we've heard in a minute. More on Kevin and Christopher
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Non-Stop unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Take Two #4: Jay-Z's "The Black Album" (2003) | 29 oct. 2020 | 00:51:37 | |
We finish our Jay-Z Take Two series with what was supposed to be Hova's swan song, The Black Album. We discuss the hype surrounding this album, the ridiculous amount of remixes we got out of this, and Just Blaze's extraordinary production.
More on The Black Album
Show tracklisting (all songs from The Black Album unless otherwise indicated)
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| Take Two #3: Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt" (1996) | 22 oct. 2020 | 00:46:49 | |
We continue our Take Two miniseries and looking at two albums from an iconic artist. This time, it's Jay-Z and his debut studio album Reasonable Doubt. This marks the first time we're talking about a Hova album in depth and we discuss why that may be, Jay's features before this album dropped, and what the future of New York rap and Jigga's career might have looked like if Biggie was still with us.
More on Reasonable Doubt
Show tracklisting (all songs from Reasonable Doubt unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.
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| Hanif Abdurraqib on The Beach Boys' "Surf's Up" (1971) | 15 oct. 2020 | 00:47:59 | |
The Beach Boys are often regarded as one of the most prolific and influential American bands of all time. However, the group has has its fair share of missteps and controversies over the years. They found early commercial success with songs like "Surfin' USA" and "I Get Around" and critical success with the album Pet Sounds. As time went on and the musical landscape changed, the band struggled to find their voice. Their follow up albums flopped commercially and critically, inner turmoil created division in the band, and rumor was that they were on the brink of breaking up. In 1971, The Beach Boys released Surf's Up , their most socially-aware and emotional album up to that point. Gone were the band's matching outfits and singing about girls and surfing, and in it's place were more downtempo tracks about the environment, protests, and taking good care of your feet. Writer and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib sits down (remotely) with us to discuss one of the weirder entries in the Beach Boys' discography. We talk about the sudden shift in image for the band, The Beach Boys' place in American pop music, and why they struggled to keep up with music trends.
More on Hanif Abdurraqib
More on Surf's Up
Show Tracklisting (all songs from Surf's Up unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there. | |||
| The Art of Sampling #3B with Dan Charnas on Slum Village's "Fantastic, Vol. 2" (2000) | 08 oct. 2020 | 00:59:47 | |
This week, we're wrapping up the third edition of The Art of Sampling and talking about Slum Village's album Fantastic, Vol. 2 with music exec and writer, Dan Charnas. We discuss J Dilla's sampling techniques, the great lengths the label went through to keep this project under wraps, and the influence of Dilla on future beatmaking. More on Dan Charnas More on Fantastic, Vol 2
Song Tracklisting (all songs from Fantastic Vol. 2 unless otherwise indicated):
Here is the Spotify playlist of as many songs as we can find on there.
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