Earbuddies

On October 29th, 2024, Pitchfork published Shaad D'Souza's lukewarm review of Halsey's new album, The Great Impersonator. The same day, Halsey took to social media and called attention to D'Souza's review, inviting their followers to come after him online.This online moment inspired music journalist Grace Robins-Somerville to write about the worsening cultural climate around fans, "stans," and toxic fandom. Grace's work can be found in Stereogum, Paste Magazine, The Alternative, and in her newsletter, Our Band Could Be Your Wife.Grace joined Mat and Tim to discuss toxic fan culture – and to consider what a brighter future for music criticism and fandom might look like.Discussed:Stans vs. Music Journalism (Again) by Grace Robins-SomervilleChappell Roan and the Perils of Parasociality by Grace Robins-SomervilleSongs Played:Halsey - LuckyCamila Cabello - I LUV ITChappell Roan - Pink Pony ClubCharli XCX - appleDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

We're back! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on their time away from the pod – then they consider what the upcoming season of Earbuddies might look like thematically. Oh yeah, we're navel-gazing! Come along for the fun.SONGS PLAYED:Insane Clown Posse - Hokus PokusAlan Menken & Howard Ashman - Beauty and the BeastBruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.Elton John - Circle of LifeDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Or is it... Pod Buddy Summer? In this ep, Mat and Tim suspend their summer hiatus to catch up on a momentous season for pop music, spearheaded by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. So many killer tunes in one summer! But where do Taylor Swift and Katy Perry fit into the mix?This episode contains explicit language.SONGS PLAYED:Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO!Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan - Red Wine SupernovaSabrina Carpenter - Please Please PleaseCharli XCX - 360Taylor Swift - The AlchemyKaty Perry - Woman's WorldCharli XCX - Girl, so confusingDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this season finale, Mat and Tim read excerpts from an article by Leonard Bernstein for The Atlantic entitled "Speaking of Music," published in December of 1957. Leonard's words cause the buddies to consider: what's the point of this entire podcast?We thank you for your continued support of Earbuddies. Regular episode releases will continue in the fall of 2024. You may also receive bonus episodes in your feed as the summer progresses. So please don't unsubscribe! Please.SONGS PLAYED:Ludwig von Beethoven - Eroica SymphonyShenandoah (arr. Frank Ticheli)Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Orchestral Version)DISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

The British are coming! In this episode, Mat and Tim lead the Earbuddies Army to the battlefield. On the other side: the "21st Century Mozart," Jacob Collier. Who is he? What's his deal? Why does he make music the way that he does – and what's the difference between good music and good songs?SONGS PLAYED:Jacob Collier - All Night Long (feat. Take 6)Jacob Collier - Over You (feat. aespa & Chris Martin)Lizzy McAlpine - erase me (feat. Jacob Collier)Jacob Collier - Summer Rain (feat. Madison Cunningham & Chris Thile)Jacob Collier - Isn't She LovelyJacob Collier - Don't You Worry 'Bout a ThingJacob Collier - FlintstonesJacob Collier - With the Love In My HeartJacob Collier - Moon RiverJacob Collier - 100,000 VoicesJacob Collier - Do You Feel Love (feat. Steve Vai)Daniel Johnston - True Love Will Find You In the EndJacob Collier - The Audience Choir (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London)Jacob Collier - Little Blue (feat. Brandi Carlile)Bill Withers - Lean On MeNemo - The CodeDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Pucker up! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on a sub-sub-sub-genre of emo music that was, plain and simple, made for kissin'. (And for weeping over the kisses you'll no longer get.) Plus: circling back to the presidential canine situation.SONGS PLAYED:From First To Last - EmilySecondhand Serenade - Fall For YouTaking Back Sunday - New American ClassicSomething Corporate - As You SleepDashboard Confessional - Screaming InfidelitiesA Day To Remember - If It Means a Lot To YouDaphne Loves Derby - Hopeless LoveThe Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian AngelStraylight Run - Existentialism On Prom NightBoys Like Girls - ThunderDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this solo ep, Tim's thinking different! He recalls the remarkable history of the iPod and the rise of the digital music era – and suggests that the golden age of music consumption is in the rearview.SONGS PLAYED: Yuzzy - A Little MorningJet - Are You Gonna Be My GirlYuzzy - Running WildU2 - VertigoThe Philadelphia Orchestra - Clair de LuneYuzzy - ElipseYuzzy - Thin Paper HutYuzzy - Snow MorningPrestige Podcast Background Music by Yuzzy: https://bit.ly/2nUbGqDDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Earbuddies should be a bigger podcastIn this tortured ep, Mat and Tim share their preliminary thoughts about Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. As you can see from the title of this ep, they found it to be lacking! They hone in on the tunes and enter into evidence their talismans and charms, etc.SONGS PLAYED:Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets DepartmentTaylor Swift - My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite ToysTaylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)Taylor Swift - Cruel SummerTaylor Swift - I Hate It HereTaylor Swift - The Black DogTaylor Swift - Chloe or Sam or Sophia or MarcusTaylor Swift - lomlTaylor Swift - How Did It End?Taylor Swift - So High SchoolTaylor Swift - I Can Do It With a Broken HeartTaylor Swift - So Long, LondonTaylor Swift - But Daddy I Love HimTaylor Swift - The AlchemyDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this episode, Mat and Tim are joined by Alvin Jones, otherwise known as "The Unseen VJ" – the man who created Rap City, a long-running music video program on BET. He tells the buddies what inspired him to push for greater hip-hop representation on BET in the mid- to late-80s, and reflects on the impact his advocacy has had on the tapestry of hip-hop and rap in the decades since.FURTHER VIEWING:The 17th Annual Blacks In Wax: Hip Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle at The Kennedy Center, March 16, 2024Welcome To Rap City - Three-Part Documentary on BETSONGS PLAYED:Excerpt from Rap City, 1990Excerpt from Blacks In Wax at The Kennedy Center, 2024Excerpt from Video Soul, 1987Excerpt from Video Vibrations, 1986Doug E. Fresh - D.E.F. = Doug E. FreshExcerpt from CBS News' coverage of the March on Washington, 1963Excerpt from Rap City: The BasementNew Edition - Earth AngelDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this solo ep, Tim talks through the history – and indeed, the controversy – of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. It's one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever composed. But its origin story is a little complicated. Leave it to Timmy to sort it all out!SONGS PLAYED:George Gershwin - Rhapsody in BlueEddie Cantor - If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie!)Willie "The Lion" Smith - Keep Your TemperW.C. Handy - St. Louis BluesPaul Simon - Crazy Love, Vol. IIBéla Fleck - Rhapsody in Blue(grass)FURTHER READING:Arranging Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue and the Creation of an American Icon by Ryan Bañagale‘We must face harms done”: Béla Fleck’s defense of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’DISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

We could have had it all! In this episode, Mat and Tim get a bit, oh, idk, philosophical, about incredible vocalists. What does our love of great singers say about our entertainment preferences as a culture? Are we prioritizing the right things? Hmm. You'll know in about 59 minutes!SONGS PLAYED:Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EMTeddy Swims - Lose ControlAdele - Rolling in the DeepClay Aiken - Build Me Up Buttercup (from American Idol)John Legend - All of MeCarrie Underwood - Church BellsCarrie Underwood - Blown AwayKelly Clarkson - What Was I Made For?Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For?Teddy Swims - Make You Feel My LoveQueen - Crazy Little Thing Called LoveChris Stapleton - Tennessee WhiskeyQueen - Don't Stop Me NowColdplay - Fix YouDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

We're bringing buddies back! In this episode, Mat and Tim pore over the life and career of Justin Timberlake – from Mouseketeer to boy band heartthrob to swagged-up solo act and beyond. But what about his gaffes?? And what does the listening public want from JT in this day and age? Folks, you know we've got the answers.SONGS PLAYED:The Mickey Mouse Club Theme SongJustin Timberlake - Always In My HeartJustin Timberlake - SelfishJustin Timberlake - My LoveNSYNC - It's Gonna Be MeJustin Timberlake - SeñoritaJustin Timberlake - I'm Lovin' ItJustin Timberlake - SexyBackJustin Timberlake - What Goes Around... Comes AroundThe Lonely Island - D*** in a BoxJustin Timberlake - Suit & TieJustin Timberlake - MirrorsJustin Timberlake - Say SomethingJustin Timberlake - PlayJustin Timberlake - Paradise (feat. NSYNC)DISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Come out, ye buddies fans! Matty's on the mic for a solo episode of Earbuddies in which he discusses Irish music and culture. Why do we Americans love St. Patrick's Day so much? What's going on with these tunes? Simply download and listen, and allow Mat to delight you with his signature demure wit and wry intellect!DISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Oh! Say! In this episode, Mat and Tim dig deep into our nation's anthem: The Star Spangled Banner. They consider its strengths and shortcomings, and offer a patriotic prescription to make the song truly work for America.SONGS PLAYED:Kinsley Murray - The Star Spangled BannerLuther Vandross - The Star Spangled BannerThe Star Spangled Banner (Orchestral)Gaither Vocal Band - The Star Spangled BannerLee Greenwood - The Star Spangled BannerMy Country! Tis of TheeP!NK - The Star Spangled BannerJon Batiste - The Star Spangled BannerDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

We can only imagine! In this episode, Mat and Tim recall the heyday of CCM – contemporary Christian music – and bemoan the ever-narrowing sonic range found in the genre today. What happened? The answer, it turns out, is tied to money, focus groups, and someone named Becky. Oh, you guys are gonna love this ep! Get to listening!SONGS PLAYED:MercyMe - I Can Only ImagineHousefires - I Thank GodJars of Clay - FloodNewsboys - Entertaining AngelsNewsboys - Love, Liberty, DiscoAudio Adrenaline - Never Gonna Be As Big As JesusChris Tomlin - Holy ForeverPhil Wickham - This Is Our GodChris Tomlin - Jesus MessiahBethel Music - I Still BelieveNewsboys - He LivesNewsboys - I Will Give EverythingNewsboys - BreakfastNewsboys - Greatness of Our GodDC Talk - Jesus FreakElevation Worship - Trust In GodSwitchfoot - Meant To LiveRend Collective - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)MercyMe - I Can Only ImagineOlivia Rodrigo - good 4 uOlivia Rodrigo - brutalDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

If you're happy and you know it, subscribe to Earbuddies! In this ep, Mat and Tim are joined by Caitlin Claessens, better known by millions as Caitie from Super Simple Songs. Caitlin discusses her status as a kids' music superstar – then, they figure out what separates the great children's tunes from the rest.SONGS PLAYED:Super Simple Songs - There's a Monster in My TummySuper Simple Songs - Days of the WeekSuper Simple Songs - The Bath SongSuper Simple Songs - Open Shut Them #2Super Simple Songs - I See Something BlueSuper Simple Songs - And the Green Grass GrewCaitie's Classroom - If You're Happy & You Know ItSuper Simple Songs - With My HeartFred Penner's Place - IntroFred Penner - What a Day!Caitie's Classroom - Healthy SmilesFred Rogers - What Do You Do?Caitie's Classroom - Countdown To Christmas!DISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

Turn that up in my headphones! In this episode, Mat and Tim discuss the crucial role that producers play in the creation of pop music as we know it.DISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Put on your suspenders and fill your mason jars! In this ep, Mat and Tim prepare the Earbuddies Army for the coming return of indie folk – a genre that defined millennial culture 15 years ago. What are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to feel? Let the buddies figure it out for you!SONGS PLAYED:Noah Kahan - All My LoveNoah Kahan - Stick SeasonMumford & Sons - I Will WaitOf Monsters and Men - Little TalksMumford & Sons - Little Lion ManThe Lumineers - Ho HeyPhillip Phillips - HomePhillip Phillips - Gone, Gone, GoneOne Direction - The Story of My LifeAmerican Authors - Best Day of My LifeVance Joy - RiptideNoah Kahan, Post Malone - Dial DrunkNoah Kahan - False ConfidenceEdward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - HomeSheryl Crow - Real GoneRascal Flatts - Life Is a HighwayMumford & Sons - The CaveMarcus Mumford & Oscar Isaac - Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)Marcus Mumford & Tom Howe - Ted Lasso ThemeDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Sound the alarm!! In this emergency ep, Mat and Tim unpack the big moments from MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT. From Tracy Chapman to Miley Cyrus, and of course, Taylor Swift's announcement of "The Tortured Poets Department". All's fair in love and poetry, I guess!

GARTH BROOKS IF YOU'RE READING THIS: OUR USE OF YOUR MUSIC IS PROTECTED BY FAIR USE PRINCIPLES UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ACT OF 1976. PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE. THANK YOUIn this ep, Mat and Tim discuss the best selling solo recording artist of all time: Garth Brooks! Everyone knows who he is, but does anyone know *who he is*? It's time to find out.SONGS PLAYED:Garth Brooks - Callin' Baton RougeGarth Brooks - Me Without YouGarth Brooks - Friends In Low PlacesGarth Brooks - Papa Loved MamaChris Gaines - Lost In YouGarth Brooks - ShamelessGarth Brooks - We Shall Be FreeVulfpeck - Back Pocket (Live at Bonnaroo)Vulfpeck - Dean TownDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.