Commercial Appeal

An examination of the world's most moving music by two life-long enthusiasts on the wrong side of 35. What distinguishes good from great songs, why some artists are more universally appreciated than others, what makes genres popular, and how to separate timeless music from trendy or otherwise forgettable sounds.

Why is '80s music so beloved?

Here are seven reasons why, according to science. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

08-04
32:27

Is Michael Jackson the king of pop? (ep. 9)

The entertainer, his legacy, and his greatest songs. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

07-27
30:00

The merits of lyrics (ep. 8)

Cooler Than Me, the San Francisco music scene, and the importance of lyrics. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

07-20
35:00

Doing our homework (ep. 7)

Subjective ratings, Vampire Weekend, and Pharcyde cameos. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

06-30
28:00

The album episode (ep. 6)

A deluge of new albums, live concerts, songs that move us. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

06-22
35:00

All things pop (ep. 5)

The problem with pop albums, La La Land, and discovering new music. For more visit patreon.com/commercialappeal

06-16
38:00

The big question (ep. 4)

Timeless music, rap lulls, and The Killers. Visit patreon.com/commercialappeal for more

06-01
32:00

Third time's a charm (ep. 3)

Staying power, better catalog browsing, and greatest Nirvana song. Visit patreon.com/commercialappeal for more

05-25
37:00

Sophomore slump (ep. 2)

Sophomore slumps, songwriter eras, and another apparent musician suicide. Visit patreon.com/commercialappeal for more

05-19
37:00

The show begins (ep. 1)

Formal introductions, commercial appeal, and why you should listen. Visit patreon.com/commercialappeal for more

05-11
34:50

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