Brothers in Song

Did Billie Eilish just make us contemplate life, art, and the meaning of existence??  We always end the show with the tagline, "Listen to some new music.  You may surprise yourself."  This was definitely a surprise to us.  It only goes to show that repeated listening can lead you to hear things you hadn't heard before and change opinions.  

We begin the episode talking about quirky and unusual voices (like Billie Eilish herself).  We've included a few links below to some live performances by the artists we discussed.  We think you'll appreciate the diversity.  

One last note on this episode: There are a few brief spots when our internet connection wasn't as good as we would like it.  Therefore the audio quality isn't ideal.  We left those bits in because we felt the content was important to the continuity of the show.  The vast majority of the episode has the same audio quality we always have.  Thanks for listening!

Billie Eilish - Ocean Eyes

https://youtu.be/3j1KrQ5QXoM

Giuseppe Giacomini - Recondo Armonia

https://youtu.be/rmZUQNsrERc

Rufus Waitwright - Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk

https://youtu.be/FNsuQpV_9vY

Bjork - Bachelorette

https://youtu.be/u_RSlsnbCEM

It's our first foray into classical music!  If you didn't think it was possible for Joe and Dan to talk for 41 minutes about an 11 minute piece of music, you haven't been listening to the podcast very long!  As usual, you'll get a couple of tortured analogies from Dan, and Joe uses his expertise to put everything in it's proper context.  If you're inexperienced with opera or classical music please check out the links below.  They will definitely enhance your enjoyment on this wild ride with Der Fliegende Hollaender.

The Flying Dutchman Listening Guide

http://files.coc.ca/studyguides/flyingdutchmanstudyguidelisteningguidefinal.pdf

The Flying Dutchman Overture in Concert

https://youtu.be/_qhNF1R6AYk

We know everyone loves In Your Eyes.  (You do. Don't you?) But what about the rest of the hit album, So, by Peter Gabriel?  Turns out there's a ton to like.  Joe takes issue with some of the more "experimental" moments on the record, while Dan can't remember anyone's name.  Not even Youssou N'Dour who contributed the distinctive vocal improvisations at the end of the aforementioned, In Your Eyes.  As usual we've included a bunch of links in the notes below that will hopefully augment this episode and fill in the gaps in Dan's memory.  For best listening, raise a boom box above your head and stand outside the bedroom window of your high school crush.  It's not at all creepy.  They're sure to love it.

Sledgehammer Music Video

https://youtu.be/OJWJE0x7T4Q

Youssou N'Dour - Immigres (Live 1987)

https://youtu.be/t975zX-pVlE

In Your Eyes with Youssou N'Dour (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2014)

https://youtu.be/xmwlsTpNo4k

Jeffrey Gaines - In Your Eyes Cover

https://youtu.be/pWk7HkkytuQ

"Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark."  That's what entertainment pioneer, vocalist extraordinaire, and American icon, Nat King Cole said after his variety show, the first on network TV host by a Black person, was cancelled.  Fortunately, though he did not have a long life, Cole left a huge body of work for us to enjoy.  In this episode, the brothers go full on music nerd while discussing the finer details of his 1958 album, The Very Thought of You.  Cole recorded this one with an orchestra, and his distinctive baritone is on full display.  So fix yourself a Manhattan (or something less potent if you prefer), relax, and enjoy!  

There's a link to a musical term glossary below if you'd like a bit more info on the jargon we use. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_music_terminology#C

"Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark."  That's what entertainment pioneer, vocalist extraordinaire, and American icon, Nat King Cole said after his variety show, the first on network TV host by a Black person, was cancelled.  Fortunately, though he did not have a long life, Cole left a huge body of work for us to enjoy.  In this episode, the brothers go full on music nerd while discussing the finer details of his 1958 album, The Very Thought of You.  Cole recorded this one with an orchestra, and his distinctive baritone is on full display.  So fix yourself a Manhattan (or something less potent if you prefer), relax, and enjoy!  

There's a link to a musical term glossary below if you'd like a bit more info on the jargon we use. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_music_terminology#C

More fun facts than a Dolly dress has rhinestones!  First, we have a lively talk about Parton's cultural impact and recent resurgence in popularity.  We spend the second half of the episode on Jolene. It's a short album, only 25 minutes long.  But there's so much to hear and discuss, from Dolly's lyrics and voice to the highly skilled session musicians.  Follow the links below to access a couple of interesting articles we reviewed for the show, a demo video on the pedal steel (the highly distinctive instrument used in much of country music), and a video of Dolly performing Jolene with Pentatonix.  So much wholesome goodness for your ears and brain!

How Dolly Parton became a secular American saint by Constance Grady

https://www.vox.com/culture/22287463/dolly-parton-explained

Why Dolly Parton is having a millennial moment by Brodie Lancaster

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/nov/26/why-dolly-parton-is-having-a-millennial-moment

Steve Fishell explains how the pedal steel works

https://youtu.be/NrbSL92Kz1Y

Dolly Parton & Pentatonix - Jolene

https://youtu.be/oYCoyUxY2HY

"Every pod you make... Every edit you fake... Every hot take... Every mic you break, I'll be watching you..."

There are some bands that you just forget how good they are.  The Police are one of those bands.  Not that every track on this 80's classic is a gem.  But the ones that are... Holy Hell!  Joe makes an astute connection to composer Phillip Glass, and Dan manages to talk about Pearl Jam... again.   Check out the link below so you can see why we like Stewart Copeland so much.

https://youtu.be/hWh5ilLBs-k

ReAdy t0 HAvE YoUr FacE MELTED?!?!  In this episode the brothers have a nuanced discussion regarding the finer points of this thrash metal staple.  In addition, Dan tortures a couple of metaphors, and Joe needs a couple of Tylenol. Finally don't forget to check out the link below to see a very cool live performance by Megadeth that we talked about .  Whether you like this stuff or not, these guys could play!

https://youtu.be/eKBOc1uJ0Jc

There's a rift in the family!  The brothers argue vehemently about the virtues of this album.  Will they be able to mend their relationship or be estranged forever??  More importantly, will the podcast ever be the same??  As a bonus to the family drama, Joe gives everyone a crash course in vocal pedagogy.  Don't forget to join the conversation!  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @brothersinsong.   

There's a rift in the family!  The brothers argue vehemently about the virtues of this album.  Will they be able to mend their relationship or be estranged forever??  More importantly, will the podcast ever be the same??  As a bonus to the family drama, Joe gives everyone a crash course in vocal pedagogy.  Don't forget to join the conversation!  Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @brothersinsong.