We're Baaaack!

The OG "There's a bathroom on the right."

Live performance by CCR

We're a bit rusty, melomaniacs. Have patience as we pay tribute to a beautiful soul, who always had something meaningful to say. We know what she meant by that and are better for it.

****THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER***

Let's talk about another BIG song...a huge sing along from the classic rock library of 1976- HOTEL CALIFORNIA.  We promise some misheard lyrics in this one, along with urban legends, ghosts, drugs, greed, lawsuits, and maybe even Satan.  Think you know it all about this iconic piece of music...think again.

Live performance- 1977

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

A simple, child-like song?  A silly jingle about a nightlight?  A deep dive into Greek Mythology and things Julia and Christine can't understand?  

Maybe all three.  Join us as we clumsily look at this multi-layered band and this sweet song.

Birdhouse In Your Soul Official Video

For the band's dial-a-song: 844-387-6962

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Melomaniacs, we've been at this a year!  Welcome to Season 2!

In this episode, we bring in the new year with deep thoughts and an existential crisis, brought to you by the wildly creative 1980's band, The Talking Heads.  Ever wonder how you got here, how you ended up with this life?  Ever think about the concept of time and your mind is blown?  Come listen as we take a super deep dive.

Official Video- Once in a Lifetime- The Talking Heads

TRIGGER WARNING.  THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE AND PREDATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN

Hold on to your hats with this one, Melomaniacs.  We discuss this 1979 song with a catchy beat and one-of-a-kind bass lines, but the lyrics may leave you less of a fan of the song, the band, and the lyrics often written by The Knack.  We discuss cancel culture, stalking, age appropriate relationships, and sexy cover albums, even when they're cringy.  A must listen!

Music Video- My Sherona

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

We know, the name is, well....off putting, but the band's creativity can't be overly praised.  And the song, with its spoken word and catchy chorus, is really an innocent and simple story.  Come take a listen to this, a unique departure from whatever you've been listening to.

Pepper official video

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Ever heard of a virtual band?  A band with characters, anime images, and performances behind a curtain?  Well, Christine had no idea of such a thing.  Join us as Julia schools Christine on this band that looked at 1998 music and said, "this sucks, let's make a virtual band of anime characters and sign a song called 'Clint Eastwood' even though it's totally not about Clint Eastwood."  In this episode we also talk about bodily functions, what kind of anime character we'd like to be, and why saying, "today is shit," when someone asks how you are is perfectly fine and freeing.  

Official video of "Clint Eastwood"

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

In honor of this queen of country music, join us as we discuss Loretta Lynn's autobiographical song, called a "memoir set to music."  A vulnerable and honest look at her early life, this song made its way into a film.  This song is just one of the many portraits she creates about her life, women's issues, and men who better not come home drunk and looking for lovin'.  RIP Loretta Lynn.

Performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter" on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1970

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

You may not know Beth Orton, but honestly, you should.  This British artist has us guessing on not only the lyrics, but the title of the song.  Do you know the British term, central reservation?  We didn't either.  Come listen to find out and hear another story with cuss words from Christine, and loads of nostalgia from Julia.

Official video- Central Reservation

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

This is a short one, Melomaniacs, but is full of two sisters thinking they're hilarious, and hopefully we are.  This song is a classic, of course, but it's meaning is pretty simple, and instead of dissecting it, we talk about Jesus musicals, wine, bathrooms on the right, and sweat.  Join us for what is, hopefully, a laugh.

Don't Stop Believin' live performance

Art by Kitty Sopow

What exactly is a Seether?  What's the difference between a casket and a coffin?  What is the Queen lying in?  Is this song about a demon baby?  Listen, find out.

Official Video- Seether

Art by Kitty Sopow

We lost an icon. Though Tina technically did this song with Ike, we like to pretend it's all her. For obvious (or maybe not obvious to everyone) reasons. She was a force to be reckoned with and this song and performance is a testament to that. Huge shout out to John Fogarty, though, who is the original writer of these words, an anthem for freedom and equality. Well done, John and Tina!

2009 Performance by Tina Turner

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Christine just couldn't wait another second to do an episode on this iconic band, song, and video.  31 years ago they one a million awards at what used to be the most watched show on cable TV- The MTV Music Awards.  But is a song with such a clear title really about losing faith, losing god, losing one's religion.  In short, no.  But, with further analysis, maybe yes.  You don't want to miss this one, melomaniacs!

Official ICONIC Video- Losing My Religion

Interview with Mike Mills and Michael Stipe about LMR

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

You know the beginning guitar riff, you know all the words (there aren't very many), but do you know what it means to go on like you're a blister in the sun? What on earth does that mean?  Listen as Julia and Christine agree it's a little dirty, a lot confusing, but a teenage anthem for anyone over the age of 40.  

Performance of Blister in the Sun at Coachella- 2013

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

It's the band you love to hate, right?  But why?  Why did this band, who sold millions of records, end up being the posterchild for music that was mocked and ridiculed.  We'll explain.  Come listen, you may end up a fan, despite our best efforts.

Official video- How You Remind Me

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Join Julia, Christine, and Gigi Rowe as we discuss her song, her writing process, and all of her creative endeavors.  She drops a new song tomorrow and a new album, "Laura," on August 26th.  Melomaniacs, you don't want to pass up the chance to follow this artist, here career, and her new bestie, TikTok phenomenon, ClayBaby.

Gigi Rowe was formerly signed to Island Def Jam Records by the legendary LA Reid. Jay Z called her "fantastically talented."  She was the first-ever recipient of the Songwriter Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize (from Songmasters) and she has had songs featured on the globally-adored interactive video game Just Dance. Two of Gigi's new songs were just featured on Amazon's new Prime Video dating series The One That Got Away, premiering in late June. Her songs "Borrowed Time" and "You Me and the Stars" are the tunes and the first happens to open the entire series premiere while the other one is in a beautiful scene with lights and sparklers in Episode 7.  Gigi's "You Me and the Stars" was also featured earlier this month on Netflix comedy series Boo, Bitch (Episode 3), starring Lana Condor.

Gigi on Spotify

"So Iconic" featuring Claybaby

"Lollipops" by Gigi Rowe

Gigi Rowe on TikTok

Gigi Rowe on Instagram

What Did They Mean By That on Tiktok

What Did They Mean By That on Instagram

Cover Art by Kitty Sopow

This one is a crowd pleaser, folks!  Julia and Christine are back on their game blowing all the myths about this song out of the water.  Think it's about Mary Jane, wacky tobaccy, grass?  Think again.  Also, you don't want to miss the end conversation about Julia's childhood imaginary friend.  Really, it's a must listen!

Lenny Lipton blog on the song

Interview with Lenny Lipton about Puff

Be a CASA volunteer!

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Well, Melomaniacs, we were a bit rusty this episode, so it's a short one, ending with Julie's short shorts.  But take a listen as Christine actually "sings" this song about girls, boys, Finland Station, and who knows what else.

Official Video- East End Girls

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Melomaniacs, you know we had to cover this song because it's all the rage!  This beautiful 1980's song has had a rebirth thanks to a little show called Stranger Things.  Join us as we talk about its beginning, its meaning, and its rebirth.  And lots of today year's olds.

Performance with David Gilmour 

Official Video- Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

It's the BIG 50!  Our 50th episode called for a big song.  And what song is bigger than "Bohemian Rhapsody?"  A mockopera, a rock enigma, a ballad, all in one.  By one of the greatest vocal and lyrical talents of the 20th Century.  Join us as we talk about Freddy Mercury, his talent, his message, and the state of our world today.

Video- Bohemian Rhapsody

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Check out this talent who wrote this song when she was just a kid!  An amazing lyricist who got Julia and Christine again talking about Kim Kardashian.  We just can't help ourselves.

Royals Video

Maybe not the most popular song, but certainly one of the most beautiful.  Christine agrees with New Musical Express who, in 2014 rated this the 12th best song of all time.  If you're not familiar with The Smiths, this is the perfect one to wet your whistle.  And, check out the covers by various artists listed below.  Also in this episode, a special segment, "What Did the Trolls Mean by That?" and a joke by our favorite kid.

1986 Live Performance- The Smiths

Johnny Marr and Eddie Vedder

Covered by Noel Gallagher

Covered by the Cranberries

Covered by The Killers

Covered by Miley Cyrus

Art by Kitty Sopow

You've sang the first 4 words of this song many times, with jubilation and passion as it goes into an uplifting anthem. But what in the world do they mean when they say, Jeremiah was a bullfrog? And a good friend at that? Hear how this song almost didn't get recorded, and how Three Dog Night came up with their absolutely adorable band name.

Video- Joy to the World

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

***TRIGGER WARNING- THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES DRUG ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS***

Julia throws Christine a fast ball in this one.  Listeners will be yelling at the speakers, and yes, go ahead and throw shade.  But breaking down this song and the unique style of this band will send you playing The Chili Peppers on repeat.

Soul to Squeeze Video

Art by Kitty Sopow

Aunt Tracy's Place on Youtube

We can't sugar coat it, listeners, we are throwing shade in this episode.  When there's shade to be thrown, we can't help ourselves.  Called, The Strangest Lyrics of All Times, we dive in to this song, that may not be that strange if only the writer would have added an 's' to a word.  How can that have such an effect on a song?  Listen and find out.  Side note, we love The Killers.

Also, melomaniacs, we're going down to one episode a week for the summer, but look out, fall, we got new ideas on the way!

Music Video- Human

Christine's choice for the best Killers Song

Art by Kitty Sopow

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode discusses mental illness and eating disorders.

Time for one of Julia's most favorite bands.  It's a surprise that it took 45 episodes for her to dive in to Silverchair.  Though the band's output was somewhat fleeting, the mark they've made on music has touched many more than just Julia.  Come check out this Australian "Nirvana in Pajama's." 

Official video of "Ana's Song"

2018 Interview with Daniel Johns

"Who is Daniel Johns" Podcast

Art by Kitty Sopow

Well, Christine couldn't wait any longer to feature these artists, in the top 4 songs of those expected by Julia for Christine to rave about.  Join us as Julia pegs right off the bat exactly what Amy and Emily meant by that when they said, "there's more than one answer to these questions pointing me in a crooked line."

Video of Closer to Fine

Art by Kitty Sopow

***TRIGGER WARNING***  THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES GUN VIOLENCE, INCLUDING SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

Join Julia and Christine as they determine what Slick Rick meant by that in this 1988 song, an actual cautionary tale for young people about violence and walking down the trajectory of a dark path.  This leads into discussion of the recent school shooting, a heartbreaking event that no child should ever have to endure. 

Video- Children's Story

Ted Talk on sampling music

Dan Duffy's blog on school shootings

We don't even dive into what they mean by these lyrics, because, does it even matter?  Give this one a listen, it doesn't disappoint.

We've chosen not to show any links, because well...just listen...Julia has some feelings about this song.  Can you blame her? 

***TRIGGER WARNING*** Discussion of suicide

Join us to discuss a song you know and love.  Who out there doesn't know these lyrics?  But what is it about?  When did you hear it first?  Is it about this person or that?  Find out on in Episode 41.

Elton John's earlier performance

Elton John's performance at Princess Diana's funeral

Art by Kitty Sopow

Join us for a tribute to moms, with a song by an absolute angel.  If you don't know Kate Bush's voice, you need to know!  Listen and get yourself acquainted with both Ms. Bush, and a highly recommended film, "She's Having a Baby."

Kate Bush's video

Maxwell's video

Maxwell live unplugged

Art by Kitty Sopow

***Trigger Warning*** This episode mentions suicide, war casualties and injuries, and euthanasia.  

This is a dark one, Melomaniacs.  Metallica based this song on a book and film that brings the listener face to face with the most horrendous of casualties of war.  But does it have a happy ending?  Is a happy ending even possible?  

One Video

Johnny Got His Gun- Wikipedia

Well, melomaniacs, we've finally done it.  Julia picked the iconic grunge song that left its mark on music, and an entire generation.  As Julia says, "There was life after Nirvana, and life after."  Come find out what she means by that and what Cobain meant by this song about a popular body spray.

First time ever performed

Original video

Kurt interview

Join us as Julia highlights the top 5 songs from Ms. Apple, picking one song from each of her albums. Find out why this is the one artist who's albums Julia would want on a deserted island. Good stuff, here! Also, another example of the amount of brain cells that clearly have died in Christine's brain.

Never is a Promise

Limp

Red, Red, Red

Hot Knife

Under the Table

A deep dive into this catchy song from 1997.  We all listened, shouted the lyrics from our teenage cars, and fell a little bit in love with Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20.  But is there something sinister going on here?  Should we have celebrated lyrics like "I wanna push you around?"  Is the artist, the melody, the arrangement so perfect that we didn't care who was getting pushed?  Does it matter?  Join us as Christine introduces this song with hesitation, but does she come out with a different attitude in the end? 

MTV Video

Rob Thomas acoustic performance

Art by Kitty Sopow

And as always check out our bestie's YouTube Channel here.

Listen and check out this thriving young artist, Billie Eilish.  Coming on the scene with her debut album, "When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go" at the age of 18, she's already taken the world by storm.  And rightly so, with her angelic voice, and the help of her brother, Finneas O'Connell.  But what does she mean by this song about Lucifer, hell, fires, and the pearly gates? 

Video- All the Good Girls go to Hell

His name may be Prince, but we can all agree that this is a musical KING.  Come hear about his incredible and unique talent, the poetry of this song, and his film.  "When Doves Cry" is an anthem for this beautiful soul.

When Doves Cry Video

1999 Interview with Larry King

Art by Kitty Sopow

Well, Melomaniacs, it was bound to happen eventually.  Julia presents a genre that Christine just can't wrap her old lady head around.  Between her saying "I hate it," Julia gives a lovely look into her own past, and her own love of this genre.  This is an episode about what may have been the grunge of the aughts, Emo music.  If you're an Emo lover, you'll appreciate this, and if you hate it, you may find yourself downloading songs you never thought you'd love. 

Taking Back Sunday- "Cute Without the E" video

Taking Back Sunday video- Julia was in the audience and met Flava Flav. 

"Rivals" Podcast

What's the deal between Taylor and Kanye?  Is Dave still mad at Courtney?  You know all the words to "Sweet Home Alabama," but do you know who might be getting some shade thrown at them in this song?  In this episode we cover some artist wars.  Can they bury the hatchet?

Kanye steals mic from Taylor

Foo Fighters I’ll stick around

Taylor Swift- Innocent performance

Art by Kitty Sopow

Join us as we take a deeeeeeep dive into the lyrics of this song.  We just might conclude that over-analysis takes all the fun out it. 

Melomaniacs, this one needs a two-parter.  The second longest song to reach Billboard's #1, it needs more than just one chat.  "The Day the Music Died" are perhaps the most prolific 5 words in lyrical history.  Do you know what Don meant by that? Do you know what or who died?  You know every word to this song, but you might not know what story these words tell.  Join us for episode one as we give a nod to, not just McClean, but the loss of three other artists who shaped musical history.

American Pie video

This weekend, the music world lost a talented, dynamic name in rock 'n roll, Taylor Hawkins.  This drummer of the Foo Fighters gave this band remarkable talent on the drums, vocals to perfectly accompany Dave Grohl's, and an edge to this already iconic band.  We are sending love to fans, family and friends, and band mates.  The Foo Fighters, and the world, lost a great soul.  Join us as we discuss him and Julia's favorite FF song, "Best of You."

Music Video "Best of You"

Prince Cover at Superbowl Halftime 

Interview, 60 Minutes Australia

Trolling the Westboro Baptist Church's nonsense

Join Christine and Tracy, filling in for Julia, as we discuss a song outside of Christine's normal wheelhouse.  They take a deep dive into this ballad...a love story?  A love triangle story? A queer story?  Listen as we try to figure out what Taylor meant by that, and does Christine leave the episode a Swifty?

Live Performance of "Betty"

"Cardigan" Music Video

"August" Unofficial Video

Tracy's YouTube Channel

Art by Kitty Sopow

Join us as we discuss the last song on the last album recorded by the master of Reggae, Bob Marley.  A song of triumph, faith, and forgiveness, it's a beautiful acoustic song outside the box of Marley's usual wheelhouse, and so worth it.

Live Performance

Live Performance and Interview

Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer's cover

Again, Christine is out of the loop on this pop Queen! Why don't we see SIA's face? What's the deal with swinging from chandeliers? A party anthem or something more sinister? And who is this lucky lady who gets to be SIA's alter ego? Come find out!

Official video - Chandelier

Official video - Elastic Heart

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

****Listener Discretion Advised***  This episode contains adult content and profanity

Join us as Julia shares a song by a band she's obsessed with!  The 1975 may not be on your playlist yet, but after this, you jut might become a fan.  This episode takes a look at each line of the song, necessary to understand these cryptic, but still hopeful lyrics.

Official Video of "Love it if We Made it"

Live performance of "Love it if We Made It"

Interview with Matty Healy of The 1975

Prince's "Sign O' The Times" Video

What is the Liberal Kitsch

Do you have friends in low places?  What did Garth Brooks mean by that?  Or was it even Garth who wrote the song?  Listen to get these questions answered about this country icon.  

Also, we're very excited to host our guest, Jen Norman, a talented musician out of St. Louis.  Join the sisters, plus one, to talk about low places where friends live, her Moon Baby song, and what she and Garth meant by the words to these beloved songs.   

1990 Performance by Brooks 

Bud Lee, writer of "Friends in Low Places" 

New Edition of Friends in Low Places with Jason Aldean, George Strait, and Florida Georgia Line

Jen Norman's Website

Jen Norman on Spotify 

Jen Norman on AppleMusic

Jen Norman YouTube Channel

Jen Norman on Pandora

Tune in for this 90's hit.  A happy song, with an iconic video, and epic vocals.  Everyone knows this one, but let's talk about this band, this song, and Shannon Hoon's short career.  Lots of love in this one.  

Music Video "No Rain"

1994 No Rain Performance

Guns 'N Roses Video

1994 "Soup" Performance

You loved this band in 1984, didn't you?  And crushed hard on its members. You also would sit in front of the TV and wait to see premiers of each of their videos.  This is THE band of the 80's and they did not disappoint.  However, what the heck did any of them mean by anything they ever wrote?  We'll take a stab at figuring out this one, and are sure to surprise you along the way. Office video The Reflex Performance at Live Aid 1985 Band answers fan questions 1983 What Did They Mean By That Playlist Daisy Eagan's Strange and Unexplained Lost Dog Street Band Aunt Tracy's Place on YouTube Art by Kitty Sopow