Claim OwnershipNitty Gritty of Ditties with Brooke
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© Brooke Sawyer
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Do you turn on the radio and hear songs you love? Songs you love to hate? Songs you hate to love? In this podcast, I explore why you love some songs in spite of yourself or why you might hate songs that seem to be really popular using music theory and music psychology! You can still love the music you love, hate the music you hate, but now you can learn why you feel that way!
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In my current music therapy job, I've had the ability to work with many different kinds of clients in many different settings. One of these settings is an addiction recovery facility, and I feel like not much is known to the general public about music therapy and addiction recovery. So, I'm explaining what we do! In the first part of the episode, I discuss how music therapists might work with recovery groups. Then, I get into my top 10 songs to listen to in my addiction recovery group. Whether you identify as someone in recovery or not, these songs are really great for anyone going through a challenging time.
Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZaqfPKj4eIxLCt72tsQMX?si=d08910866aa34bdb
Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
When I heard that a new Pixar movie was coming out, and that it would be about a preteen girl in the early 2000's I was excited. I was not prepared for the level of nostalgia I would feel from watching it, however. 4*Town reminded me of all of my favorite boy bands growing up - Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and, of course, Dream Street. I decided to use those nostalgic feelings to analyze how 4*Town's songs stacked up against the early 2000's classics using my Boy Band Metric. Listen to hear how your favorites compare!
Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56tRkoU1NZCiC0oXv0aJRw?si=953c902d9f914251
Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
After writing and recording my episode about Labrinth's music in Euphoria and how it elevates the show, I still felt like I wasn't done talking about all of the music that this show incorporates. So, I invited my friend Rachel to the podcast to look at all of the songs that are chosen to be featured the Euphoria universe, and how those songs enhance our understanding and appreciation for the characters and the show as a whole. It was a really fun conversation, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
I took a little break from podcast recording because I wasn't feeling inspired to make new episodes. Nothing in the music world felt interesting to talk about, until I binged all of the show, Euphoria. I have so much to say about the music in this show, that I'm releasing two episodes about it! In part 1, this episode, I talk about all of the original music composed by Labrinth for this show, and how the music matches and enhances the internal struggles that Rue and all of the other characters go through.
Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
I love to talk about pop music, which is why I started this podcast in the first place, but I have an equal passion (if not more) for music and neuroscience. One of the most interesting topics related to music and the brain is mirror neurons - what they are, how they work, and how they might enhance our perception and enjoyment of music. I touch on all of these topics, and how they relate to my obsession with hand claps in music, in this episode!
Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00AQjOKpbV4pN5YvYQEEvi?si=5c0fa06d5e0a4f4d
During my first viewing of Encanto, I didn't feel like it was anything special. But, days after, I couldn't get the songs or these characters out of my head! The songs in this movie do a great job of highlighting all kinds of mental anguish we all might go through, especially in these times. The songs touch on how individuals deal with the pressures and issues of intergenerational trauma, and also how community shapes our own mental illness and wellness. Listen to the episode to find out how each song can be used as a resource!
Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
As we approach a new year, I always love reading the "year end" lists to see what music stood out to music critics and everyday people alike from the past year. This year, since I enjoy reading them so much, I thought I'd make one of my own! Listen to hear my top 10 (or 11) songs of 2021, and see if any of your favorites made the list!
Spotify playlist of songs mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NeYUBNOF6cOiwsqLpE25N?si=2be8f1ae31af4c5d
Merch! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
I love Christmas music, I love winter music, and I love Hanukkah music. I released a few podcast episodes last year about my favorite Hanukkah and Christmas songs. But, as long as I can remember, I've hated "I Have a Little Dreidel", the most famous Hanukkah song. In this episode, I dig into the musical reasons why this song misses the mark so badly, and I was so irate, that I wrote my own dreidel song to prove how easy it can be. As a holiday gift to the listeners, listen to the end to hear my original song for the season!
Find Merch Here with new designs: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
True Swifties knew that a version of "All Too Well" existed that was 10-minutes long, but they didn't think they'd ever get to hear it. Once Taylor announced that she'd be adding that version of her highly regarded song to her Red album re-release, I knew that I was going to have to talk about it. After I dissect this new version's music and lyrics, Lori comes on the podcast to do what we do best - talk Taylor Swift.
Merch found here: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
I, like millions of people around the world, was captivated by Squid Game. It took me a few weeks to synthesize my thoughts on the show, and to think deeply about all of the great music! So, I asked my friend Johnny, who is a classically trained cellist, to come break down all of the interesting elements of the Squid Game soundtrack with me, and we both had a lot to say!
Spotify link to the soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/album/3LUdxlF9Gq90Jcd9Y24ZH8?si=ilOqEMAeT_2qKkLyFR6SBQ
Merch is here! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
Even though I've been having some Bachelor franchise fatigue, I have been excited for Michelle's season for a while. I thought she was the most interesting woman of the Bachelor season she appeared on, and I am really rooting for her to find love. But, with these limo exits specifically, my hopes are not so high. Hear me break down all of the music of each man's limo exit and what it means for their chances to be one of Michelle's frontrunners!
Merch is here! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
An "earworm" is a term for when a song gets stuck in your head, and you can't get it unstuck. In this episode, I look at research about how earworms happen, some quick brain science, and most importantly - how to get rid of them! A short and sweet episode about those short and sweet pieces of songs that won't leave our brains alone!
New merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
Dear Evan Hansen, the musical version, came out in 2016. I had avoided all spoilers until I was able to see the film a few weeks ago, five years later. How such a celebrated musical could be turned into such a disappointing film was confusing to me, so I dug into the music to find out where the problems lie. The music and plot of this show do not seem to fit together, and I explain why that hurts the entire production.
New merch store! : https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/
Since Montero is in the running for album of the year, I wanted to make sure my episode about the album would give it the credit it deserves. So, I brought it reinforcements. Rachel, Jordan, and I go track-by-track through Lil Nas X's debut album, give each song a superlative, and share our unfiltered thoughts!
My friend Jessica is TA'ing a class at Duke University, where they were asked what their favorite songs to work to are! She graciously gave me the list, and I analyze the musical elements behind their favorite study songs. Then, she comes on the podcast and we discuss the songs together!
Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0GQ8nL4OGab5kXmu9aAKq1?si=03abc167b3c24edc
Decided to lean into my alt-rock fangirl past in this week's episode. I attended the Hella Mega Tour featuring Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day, and had a lot of thoughts. I start by discussing initial observations, and then I get into how the set lists either helped or hurt the feelings of nostalgia the crowd experienced. Which of these three bands make you feel the most nostalgic?
As someone who works closely with music and nostalgia for my day job, I am always thinking about what music makes me feel nostalgic. Lately, I have been thinking about all of the 2006 emo classics that are turning 15 this year! In this episode, I go through 11 emo songs that are turning 15, and rate how emo they really are as well as how nostalgic they make me. Listen to find out the highest-rated emo song from that year and see if you agree!
Songs mentioned in the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1K5k2lR6sxYqKs3rfIqZAM?si=42ecdcc203c74ed0
My whole life, I have had terrible veins. As someone with an autoimmune disease, I have to get my blood drawn twice a year. To get through this unpleasant experience, I listen to music. In this episode, I dissect my "medical procedure" song, "Shrike" by Hozier, and talk about the musical elements to look for when picking a song to help you get through the events that you can't stand!
I've always wanted to like Billie Eilish's music, and I think she's incredibly talented, but I think today I found out what rubs me the wrong way. In her latest album, "Happier than Ever", she sings about some very heavy subjects, but the music does not always match the mood of the words. In this episode, I analyze how each track's lyrics relate to the music behind them, and whether the pairing is great or not so much.
I, like most young millennials, have been highly anticipating new Lorde music. So, I was pretty disappointed when "Solar Power" didn't live up to the hype. I know it's getting a lot of great reviews, but I'm just not feeling it. In this episode, I justify my dislike with an analysis of the music and lyrics, as well as a look back at what made Lorde's previous music great!
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