Scott and Joe wrap up side one of Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy a Thrill with their analysis of the seemingly cynical “Only a Fool Would Say That.” They find parallel visions of the world in the Mothers of Invention’s protest blues “Trouble Every Day” (1966) and Rian Johnson’s snazzy high school neo-noir Brick (2005). The hosts venture out of their depth to talk Frank Zappa, LBJ, the Watts riots, silent cinema, and Mexican stews. Utopian dreams are smashed, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is pounded to pulp. Young ones listening to this podcast: you are the resistance.

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Links:

“The Incredible History of the Mothers” (Hit Parader)

AP archival footage of the Watts Riots

Zappa stands up for his Cadillac

Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants

“Ricky Jay’s Magical Secrets” (New Yorker profile)