Nevermind the Music

Is Thanksgiving week already too late to start talking about Christmas music? In this Sidetrack, Nichole and Mark put on their festive sweaters, spike the eggnog, and share the greatest holiday songs. What’s the laziest holiday banger? Which Jewish songwriter wrote the best Christmas song? Does Nichole finally understand what “new wave” means? Tune in to find out, and catch us next week for a normal episode!Music heard in this episode: Fugees - “Ready or Not”, Ohio Players - “Jive Turkey”, Punchline - “It’s a New Year (Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself)”, Hannah Waddingham and Jason Sudeikis - “(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home”, Danny Elfman - “What’s This?”, The Civil Wars - “Tracks in the Snow”, Taylor Swift - “Last Christmas”, Bing Crosby - “White Christmas”, Peter, Paul and Mary - “Light One Candle”, Bruce Springsteen - “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, Earth, Wind & Fire - “December”, Mykola Leontovych - “Carol of the Bells”, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber - “All I Want For Christmas is You (Superfestive!)” Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, the team nod their heads to The Chainsmokers’ catchy dance hit “Don’t Let Me Down” from 2016. While Mark shows off some shifty rhythms, Nichole is let down by all-or-nothing thinking… and some therapists. And who’s more motivated to be at school, psych majors or music majors?Other Music heard in this episode: The Chainsmokers - “Closer”, The Chainsmokers - “Something Just Like This”, Marshmello - “Summer”, Daya - “Hide Away”, Christina Aguilera - “What a Girl Wants”, The Eagles - “Life in the Fast Lane”, Charli XCX - “Talk Talk”, HAIM - “Walking Away”, Taylor Swift - “Karma”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When is it punk to be kind and rebellious to be optimistic? We welcome Lorehound and Wool-Shift-Dust co-host Elysia Brenner to do what she does best: deep dive on pop culture through angles nobody else is taking. Using the new Superman film as a starting point, we talk the literary movement “hopepunk” as a new form of counter-culture, and wonder at the musical aspects of this unique way of looking at stories. Be sure to check out the Lorehounds podcasts and catch us next week for a regular episode!  Music heard in this episode: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - “Heads Will Roll”, Led Zeppelin - “Ramble On”, Janelle Monae - “Crazy, Classic Life”, Frank Turner - “Punches”, Billy Bragg - “The Milkman Of Human Kindness”, The Mighty Crabjoys - “The Mighty Crabjoys Theme”, Teddybearts (feat. Iggy Pop) - “Punkrocker”, The Stooges - “Loose”, Public Image Ltd. - “Public Image”, Joy Division - “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, The Verve - “Bittersweet Symphony”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why write both a melody and a chord progression when just one will do? Here our hosts follow along with the 1978 punk anthem “One Way or Another” by Blondie. Mark marvels at the simplicity and unity between the song’s tune and chords, while Nichole wonders if the modern world has lost all its toughness. And, Mark declares war on all Baby Boomers (or something). Other music heard in this episode: Blondie - “X Offender”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Blondie - “Rapture”, Blondie - “The Tide is High”, Blondie - “Maria”, Bobby McFerrin - “The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother)”, Hildegard von Bingen - “Ave Generosa”, Handel - “‘Lascia ch’io Pianga”, Pearl Jam - “Better Man” Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who is the MVP of the best baseball teams? The ballpark organist! Our guest on this episode, Steve Hogan, is musically responsible for three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants. We talk with Steve about the way music plays an important role in sporting events and, of course, we have to get deep into the details. Celebrate this year’s Fall Classic with a fun conversation on the unique blend of tradition and newness that is ballpark music. Next week: a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Steve Hogan - “Woodson by Night” from ‘Elements’ by Mark Popeney, Steve Hogan - “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, Rihanna and Calvin Harris - “We Found Love”, Europe - “The Final Countdown”, Steve Hogan - “The Star-Spangled Banner”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why can’t Mark keep the Batman films straight in his mind? This week, the light hits the gloom on Seal’s 1994 baroque pop gem “Kiss From a Rose.” Mark is fascinated by the clashes between major and minor in this song, and Nichole likens that to Jung’s shadow self that lurks in all of us.Other music heard in this episode: Seal - “I Put a Spell on You”, Seal - “Crazy”, Seal - “Prayer for the Dying”, Push - “Lay it on the Line”, Tomás Luis de Victoria - “O Magnum Mysterium”, John Dowland - “Flow My Tears”, Alice in Chains - “Down in a Hole”, Gnarles Barkley - “Crazy”, TLC - “Waterfalls”, Sublime - “Same in the End”, Weezer - “Holiday”, Taylor Swift - “Betty”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When should “Crazy Mariah Carey Girl” be the first line on your resume? Music and tech executive-turned professor Bree Nguyen will tell us! On this Sidetrack, we talk with Bree about the crazy story of how one Mariah-obsessed teen was put in charge of online marketing for one of the greatest performers of all time, and turned it into a full career. Our conversation touches on wholesome fan communities, what Mariah likes to do in an elevator, and more. Our first guest is one you won’t want to miss! See you next week for a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Dani California”, Mariah Carey - Fantasy (feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard)”, Mariah Carey (ft. Jay-Z) - “Heartbreaker”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions (MTV Unplugged)”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can a song be a hit when everyday people aren’t good enough to sing along? In this episode, we embarrass ourselves following along with Mariah Carey’s 1991 classic “Emotions.” Nichole goes deeper than she’s ever dreamed of about how we’re just meat puppets whose emotions are caused by a bunch of funny-sounding chemicals floating in our brains. Meanwhile, Mark is really into how Mariah goes higher than the heavens above. Also, our hosts have their monthly therapy session about imposter syndrome. Other Music heard in this episode: Tim Storms - “Lonesome Road”, The Emotions - “Best of My Love”, Alessandro Moreschi - “Hostias et Preces”, Spandau Ballet - “True”, Tears for Fears - “Change”, HAIM - “The Steps”, Third Eye Blind - “Semi-Charmed Life”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What songs explain the twisted minds of our co-hosts? In this sidetrack, Mark and Nichole share the soundtracks to their own life stages. What toys was a young Mark obsessed with? Just how evil were Nichole’s middle school bullies? Tune in to feast on our exposed guts, and check us out next week for a regular episode!Music heard in this episode: Dire Straits - “Money for Nothing”, Another Bad Creation - “Iesha”, Spin Doctors - “Two Princes”, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - “No Treaties”, Dishwalla - “Counting Blue Cars”, UB40 - “Red Red Wine”, Sublime - “Scarlet Begonias”, Blink-182 - “Going Away to College”, The Reindeer Section - “Where I Fall”, Moxy Früvous - “Michigan Militia”, The Flaming Lips - “Do You Realize??”, The Beatles - “Something”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why did it take us so long to get to Taylor? Welcome to season 2 of Nevermind the Music! Here, we look under someone’s bed and pickup that old “Cardigan,” Taylor Swift’s vibey hit from 2020. Mark has found a dreamy rhythmic trick that Taylor and producer Aaron Dressner use to weave the music forward. Nichole looks backward, talking about different kinds of memory and how they make this a great COVID-era song and album. Also, obviously, hear Nichole’s well-informed pick of the greatest NFL tight end of all time!Other music heard in this episode: Taylor Swift - “Peace”, Taylor Swift - “Invisible String”, Taylor Swift - “The 1”, Nickel Creek - “To the Airport”, Smash Mouth - “All Star”, Bare Naked Ladies - “One Week”, Prince and the New Power Generation - “Diamonds and Pearls”, Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee - “Despacito”, Taylor Swift - “Mad Woman”, Taylor Swift - “Seven”, Taylor Swift - “Cassandra”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comNevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord channel by visiting thelorehounds.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What were the best moments of NTM Season 1? In this finale podcast, Nichole and Mark rate their favorite songs, funniest moments, deepest thoughts, biggest misses, and more. Come back next week as we start Season 2!Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has Mark finally gone too far? In this episode, we finally turn to Nirvana, with their iconic 1994 anthem “Lithium.” Mark writes a term paper on mic, putting his music theory skills to use for the forces of… good, or evil? Nichole takes things in a totally different but equally fancy direction, musing on solipsism, and how Kurt Cobain seems to have been exceptionally ego-dystonic for a rock star. Tune in to learn what the heck we’re talking about!Other music heard in this episode: Arnold Schoenberg - “The Book of the Hanging Gardens”, Pierre Boulez - “Le Marteau Sans Maître”, Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can we nap to heavy metal? Did Evanescence save a plane full of people? Did we really miss the mark with Weezer? In this super-sized episode, we hear one last batch of listener questions for Season 1! Come back next week for the last regular episode of our first season!Music heard in this episode: Luciano Berio - “Sinfonia: III - In ruhig fliessender Bewegung”, Evanescence - “Bring Me to Life”, Sugar Ray - “RPM”, LL Burns - “Don’t Call Me at Home”, Bonobo - “Recurring” Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why do we always keep coming back? Here we break down Post Malone’s 2019 summer jam “Circles.” Mark has some thoughts about how the melody feeds on itself, but Nichole would rather talk about what it would be like to “check out” and completely disengage from society. We dare you to DOOOOOO something!Other music heard in this episode: Post Malone - “White Iverson”, Post Malone - “Rockstar”, Post Malone - “Psycho”, Post Malone - “I Like You”, Aaron Neville - “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, Adriana Caselotti - “Someday My Prince Will Come”, Taylor Swift - “I Knew You Were Trouble”, Huey Lewis & The News - “Stuck With You”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did either of us ever think we’d have an episode about psychics? For some reason, we have a fun conversation about paranormal mental abilities, what exactly we believe, and how it all connects to psychology. Come on back next week for a full episode!Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Don’t you just love a good beat switch? Here we pray to Dionne Warwick’s sneaky-fancy hit from 1967, “I Say a Little Prayer.” While Mark wants to marvel at the changing time signatures in this song, Nichole is most interested in what the song shows about the life situations of military families. Are these ideas related? Nichole certainly makes a good stab at explaining how they might be!Other music heard in this episode: Aretha Franklin - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Lou Johnson “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”, Dionne Warwick - “That’s What Friends are For”, Tennessee Ernie Ford - “Sixteen Tons”, Diana King - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Outkast - “Hey Ya!”, The Bee Gees - “Jive Talkin’”, Hozier - “Take Me to Church”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Little Richard - “Tutti Frutti”, Pat Boone - “Tutti Frutti”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do pop stars and 19th-century opera composers have in common? Some of them are awful people! After avoiding it for months, we finally have the conversation about what it means to love music created by potentially terrible people. There’s a whole lot of Michael Jackson talk. No answers are found but a whole lot of interesting questions are raised. Tune in next week for a full episode!Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When is one note actually a bunch of notes? Here we listen closely to Green Day’s rock radio earworm “Waiting,” from 2000. Mark quite literally pulls apart some notes to figure out whether a chord is major or minor. And Nichole talks about why waiting is so hard in our modern age, and wonders if there is a better way. Also, does Nichole have perfect pitch? Other music heard in this episode: Green Day - “When I Come Around”, Green Day - “Good Riddance (The Time of Your Life)”, Green Day - “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, Green Day - “J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)”, Green Day - “Scattered”, Green Day - “Whatsername”, The Kinks - “You Really Got Me”, Puddle of Mudd - “Blurry”, Huun-Huur-Tu - “Aa-Shuu Dekei-oo”, Sarah Hopkins - “Past Life Melodies”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Which one of us broke the most laws for the sake of seeing a great show? In this sidetrack, we reminisce about some of our favorite concerts, some from years ago and some much more recent. Check us out next week for a full episode!Music heard in this episode - The Flaming Lips - “She Don’t Use Jelly”, The Rise Against - “Give it All”, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - “Teach Your Children”, Gin Blossoms - “Hey Jealousy”, My Morning Jacket - “One Big Holiday”, Steve Reich - “Music for 18 Musicians”, Fiona Apple - “Criminal”, Nickel Creek - “Rest of My Life”, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When we all fall asleep, where do we go? In this episode, we dig up Billie Eilish’s mysterious 2019 gem “Bury a Friend.” Mark shows how the song gets its creepy vibe in part by using some very simple and clever melodic tricks. Nichole talks about the monster under the bed and how nightmares can actually play a useful role in treatment. Also, why are lullabies so creepy?Other music heard in this episode: Billie Eilish - “Ocean Eyes”, Ariana Grande - “Problem”, System of a Down - “Hypnotize”, Justin Timberlake - “Mirrors”, Meghan Trainor - “All About That Bass”Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy