DiscoverWhat Is Music?: A Music Podcast About R.E.M.
What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About R.E.M.
Claim Ownership

What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About R.E.M.

Author: Adam Scott Glasspool, Steve Murphy, Lucas Way

Subscribed: 275Played: 17,653
Share

Description

A podcast about discographies. A different artist every season. Currently in Season 6! Join Adam, Steve, and Lucas, as they go album by album, track by track, to find out if context can change your experience of music, how people become obsessed with artists, and to ultimately answer the question 'what is music?' Expect in-depth analysis, tedious tangents, controversial music opinions, and an exhaustive attitude to context. Also expect to find out more about the artists (and the hosts) than anyone could ever want to know! Previous seasons have covered Manic Street Preachers, Muse, Billie Eilish, and Radiohead!

241 Episodes
Reverse
The Big Mates discuss rodents, ticket prices, religious imagery, and New Adventures in Hi-Fi by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's tenth studio album, released in 1996. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to...
Road Movie Commentary

Road Movie Commentary

2024-08-1901:41:53

The Big Mates provide breezy and subcutaneous audio commentary for Road Movie by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live concert film that documented the band's final shows of their 1995 world tour. They also dive into the tumultuous circumstances of the tour, the difficulties they faced, and how it affected the band. Dig out those DVDs to watch along!Or don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday August 26th!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twit...
Monster (Pt. 2)

Monster (Pt. 2)

2024-08-1201:45:49

The Big Mates discuss Little Britain, Kurt Cobain, You, and Monster by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing and concluding their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring f...
Monster (Pt. 1)

Monster (Pt. 1)

2024-08-0501:57:16

The Big Mates discuss fame, identity, balloons, and Monster by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, ...
The Big Mates provide truthful and geographical audio commentary for R.E.M.'s performance at the 40 Watt Club in 1992.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as released on the band's official YouTube page.Watch along on YouTube at this link:https://youtu.be/52sMbXI22gg?si=ZH2nuLiRDH9kXjpJOr don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday August 5th and will begin our deep-dive into Monster!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod...
The Big Mates discuss death, memory, Emmerdale, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for ar...
The Big Mates discuss record collecting, Andy Kaufman, the Monty Hall Problem, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis ...
The Big Mates discuss straws, Uncle Tupelo, Frasier, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for...
The Big Mates provide gentle and celebratory audio commentary for R.E.M.'s performance on MTV Unplugged in1991. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as originally broadcast on MTV.Dig out those official DVDs to watch along...Or don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday July 8th and will begin our deep-dive into Automatic for the People!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismu...
Out of Time (Pt. 3)

Out of Time (Pt. 3)

2024-06-2401:24:28

The Big Mates discuss greetings, The Bear, spoken word, and Out of Time by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by wrapping up their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art o...
Out of Time (Pt. 2)

Out of Time (Pt. 2)

2024-06-1701:36:54

The Big Mates discuss illicit apples, ribs, Pearl Jam, and Out of Time by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or cr...
Out of Time (Pt. 1)

Out of Time (Pt. 1)

2024-06-1001:20:52

The Big Mates discuss violins, harpsichords, flugelhorns, and Out of Time by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or...
Adam sits down with author John Hunter to discuss his book, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M..Adam and John chat about all things R.E.M., and explore why he wrote the book, what the book encompasses, and the challenges in tackling such a wide-reaching story. They also touch on the differences in fandom today, online music discourse, and John’s Top 10 R.E.M. songs!Our next episode is out on Monday June 10th and will begin our deep-dive into Out of Time, the seventh album by R.E.M..Maps and...
Tourfilm Commentary

Tourfilm Commentary

2024-05-2601:31:52

The Big Mates provide incendiary and probably life-changing audio commentary for Tourfilm, the first live video release by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the film as originally presented on VHS/Laserdisc compilation and also dig into how it was made, how R.E.M. have progressed as a live band, and explore the whole 1989 Green World Tour.Dig out those official DVDs to watch along...Or don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday June 3rd!Join the conversatio...
Adam and Steve discuss the recent reissue of Lifeblood by Manic Street Preachers, a comprehensive set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album.They are joined by music producer Greg Haver, who produced the original album and here looks back at the last 20 years of Lifeblood, how people's reaction to it has changed, and how he viewed that initial reaction to the record.He also discusses how the album affected his career, changed his relationship with the band, and how he feels about the ...
Green (Pt. 2)

Green (Pt. 2)

2024-05-2001:39:57

The Big Mates discuss bass strings, 8 Mile, Amanda Lynne, and Green by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or criti...
BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks.Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to p...
Green (Pt. 1)

Green (Pt. 1)

2024-05-1301:49:34

The Big Mates discuss naughty fishermen, floppy top half, Requiem for a Tuesday, and Green by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not ca...
The Big Mates discuss olive oil, Christmas, strings, and two side projects from members of Radiohead.Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their fourth season in order to catch up the extra-curricular activities of members of Radiohead. First up is the string-laden and atmospheric third album from Philip Selway, Strange Dance. Then they explore Jarak Qaribak, the collaboration between Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context s...
R.E.M. 1980 - 1987

R.E.M. 1980 - 1987

2024-04-2902:43:06

The Big Mates slow it down and take a break to discuss ratings, rankings, creasy head holes, and the career of R.E.M. from 1980 - 1987.Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having covered the five records that encompass "the I.R.S. years." They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they return to each album with more experienced ears, and they talk about how they feel about them now. They chat context, albums, preconceptions, ex...
loading
Comments (2)

Seth Burke

The Big Mates kick @$$

Aug 8th
Reply

Becky Evans

This is great. I laughed so much my mascara ran and I now have Richey-style panda eyes. I've been a fan of the Manics since GT but don't have all the albums so this is a useful guide. Looking forward to the next episode.

Jan 29th
Reply