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A podcast about music, and politics as told by musicians who sing about politics
Episodes
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
In this episode, Jason and Mac take a nostalgic dive into the outlandish world of 1980s sports movies. From the unforgettable "Gymkata," where gymnastics meets martial arts, to "American Anthem," the story of a gymnast from the wrong side of the tracks, the hosts break down the bizarre plots and memorable scenes that defined a generation.
They also explore the legendary skateboarding movie "Thrashin'" featuring a young Josh Brolin, and discuss the iconic yet ridiculous skateboard jousting scene. Along the way, they touch on the cultural impact of these films and their place in sports history.
Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs, wild movie clips, and a deep dive into the sports films that could only come from the neon glow of the 80s.
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the explosive year of 1986—a year many consider the greatest in the history of thrash metal. We'll explore the rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash," the decline of punk (as well as hardcore starting to morph into crossover) as the dominant subgenre for disaffected youth, and how metal, especially thrash metal, began to roar into the mainstream. This was a year when Metallica gained significant exposure by touring with Ozzy Osbourne, and just a year after Motley Crue catapulted into the record-selling stratosphere. The "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" had established itself, transitioning from the "new" phenomenon to a major force in the arena circuit in the U.S. and beyond.
### Was 1986 the Greatest Year of Thrash Metal?
#### The Rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash"
- **Metallica:**
- 1986 saw the release of Metallica's seminal album *Master of Puppets*, which is often hailed as one of the greatest metal albums of all time. The album's complex compositions, aggressive sound, and critical lyrics elevated thrash metal to new artistic heights. How did *Master of Puppets* influence the thrash metal genre and its acceptance in the mainstream?
- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a pivotal moment for the band, exposing them to a broader audience. How did this tour help Metallica and thrash metal gain mainstream recognition?
- **Megadeth:**
- Megadeth released their influential album *Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?* in 1986. The album's politically charged lyrics and technical prowess set it apart. How did Megadeth contribute to the evolution of thrash metal with this release?
- Discuss the impact of Dave Mustaine's previous association with Metallica and how it shaped Megadeth's sound and rivalry with Metallica.
- **Slayer:**
- Slayer's *Reign in Blood* also debuted in 1986, known for its brutal speed, intensity, and dark themes. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album pushed the boundaries of thrash metal. What was the significance of *Reign in Blood* in establishing Slayer's reputation in the metal community?
- How did the album's controversial themes and aggressive style influence the thrash metal genre?
- **Anthrax:**
- Anthrax released *Spreading the Disease* in late 1985 and followed it up with *Among the Living* in early 1987. Although slightly outside of 1986, these albums were critical in shaping their influence in the thrash scene. What role did Anthrax play in the diversification and popularization of thrash metal?
#### The Decline of Punk as a Dominant Subgenre
- **Punk's Waning Influence:**
- By 1986, punk's initial wave had largely dissipated, giving way to more diverse subgenres and a shift in youth culture. How did the punk movement's decline create a space for thrash metal to rise?
- Discuss how the ethos of punk—its DIY spirit and rebellious attitude—continued to influence thrash metal bands, even as punk's mainstream presence waned.
- **Anarchy vs. Apathy:**
- Punk had often been associated with anarchy and a rejection of societal norms, but by the mid-1980s, some elements of the punk scene had turned towards apathy and malaise. How did this shift affect punk's relevance to youth culture?
- Compare and contrast how thrash metal's more structured rebellion and complex musicianship offered a new outlet for disaffected youth.
#### Thrash Metal's Mainstream Breakthrough
- **Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne Tour:**
- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a significant boost for the band. How did Ozzy's endorsement and the exposure from the tour help solidify thrash metal's presence in the mainstream?
- Discuss the broader impact of established metal acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden embracing and supporting the thrash metal movement.
- **Motley Crue's Success:**
- Motley Crue's rise to fame after opening for Ozzy Osbourne in 1985 set a precedent for other metal bands. How did this success pave the way for thrash metal bands to achieve similar mainstream breakthroughs?
- In what ways did the success of glam metal acts like Motley Crue contrast with the rise of thrash metal, and how did these two subgenres coexist in the mid-1980s?
#### The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)
- **Cementing the Legacy:**
- By 1986, the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" (NWOBHM) had firmly established itself. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard were now major arena acts. How did NWOBHM influence the development of thrash metal?
- Discuss the transition of NWOBHM bands from new and emerging acts to established, influential forces in the global metal scene.
- **Cross-Pollination of Genres:**
- How did the NWOBHM's success in the early 1980s pave the way for the thrash metal bands of the mid-1980s?
- In what ways did NWOBHM and thrash metal bands influence each other musically and culturally?
### Conclusion
1986 was indeed a landmark year for thrash metal, marked by iconic releases from "The Big 4" and significant mainstream breakthroughs. This year saw the decline of punk's dominance, as thrash metal emerged as the new voice of disaffected youth, blending punk's rebellious spirit with metal's technical prowess. As the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" transitioned into established arena acts, thrash metal began to carve out its own place in the mainstream, setting the stage for its enduring influence on the music landscape.
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
We continue the conversation a bit from the 1st hour and then introduce Varn to the Penus (yep, that's spelled correctly, you'll see..)Dr. Alexxys Tylor. Then, things get a bit serious as we talk about what the real situation is on the ground for Americans beyond the sham spectacle that is this current election.
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Looks like the talking heads in the media have gotten their wish, and Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to go against Trump in the fight to preserve democracy from the outstretched arms of the pro-fascistic Donald Trump. This vivid narrative is the one that will be echoed until early November when Americans will race to the polls in the world's most important popularity contest. The irony is, the nominees are far from the most popular kids on campus.
Many people in left media, while constantly calling for Biden to step aside due to his evident physical decline showcased in the first presidential debate, are also not so sanguine on the nomination of Harris as Biden's replacement. They cite her poor showing in the 2019 presidential election when she was part of a crowded field of Democrats positioned to stop the populism and excitement of the Bernie movement. Harris didn't last long in that race, but she presents a different challenge for Trump. He won't be able to berate Harris as he did Hillary Clinton, a woman who, while in her role as First Lady, was a despised figure by many. Trump's attacks on Harris will come off as virulent racist, which, while rallying the more fringe elements of his base, will also galvanize the more liberal elements of the electorate who were previously checked out of the race to see two octogenarians.
As we move closer to the election, the dynamics between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will continue to evolve. The narratives, strategies, and voter responses will shape the outcome of this highly consequential election. Stay tuned as we keep you updated and provide deeper insights into this historic race.
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Looks like the talking heads in the media have gotten their wish, and Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to go against Trump in the fight to preserve democracy from the outstretched arms of the pro-fascistic Donald Trump. This vivid narrative is the one that will be echoed until early November when Americans will race to the polls in the world's most important popularity contest. The irony is, the nominees are far from the most popular kids on campus.
Many people in left media, while constantly calling for Biden to step aside due to his evident physical decline showcased in the first presidential debate, are also not so sanguine on the nomination of Harris as Biden's replacement. They cite her poor showing in the 2019 presidential election when she was part of a crowded field of Democrats positioned to stop the populism and excitement of the Bernie movement. Harris didn't last long in that race, but she presents a different challenge for Trump. He won't be able to berate Harris as he did Hillary Clinton, a woman who, while in her role as First Lady, was a despised figure by many. Trump's attacks on Harris will come off as virulent racist, which, while rallying the more fringe elements of his base, will also galvanize the more liberal elements of the electorate who were previously checked out of the race to see two octogenarians.
As we move closer to the election, the dynamics between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will continue to evolve. The narratives, strategies, and voter responses will shape the outcome of this highly consequential election. Stay tuned as we keep you updated and provide deeper insights into this historic race.
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Welcome to today's episode, where we journey back to the year 1982—a pivotal year in music history. This was a time when genres were in flux, new sounds were emerging, and the music industry was undergoing significant transformations. We'll explore the coming end of disco, the rise of heavy metal and hip hop, and some fascinating developments in Japanese music. We'll also examine the political climate of the time, the impact of MTV and music videos, and the exclusion of artists of color from this new visual medium.
### The Music of 1982
**The Decline of Disco:**
By 1982, the disco craze that had dominated the late 1970s was waning. The backlash against disco, epitomized by events like the infamous Disco Demolition Night in 1979, had taken its toll. While disco's influence lingered in pop and dance music, it was clear that the genre's heyday was over. Artists who had ridden the disco wave began to either evolve their sound or fade from the spotlight.
**The Rise of Heavy Metal:**
Heavy metal was on the ascent, with bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Ozzy Osbourne leading the charge. The genre's aggressive sound and rebellious spirit resonated with a generation looking for something more intense than what mainstream rock offered. Metal's rise was part of a broader movement towards harder, more complex music that also included punk and hard rock.
**The Emergence of Hip Hop:**
Hip hop was also beginning to gain traction. While still primarily an underground movement, 1982 saw the release of seminal tracks that would lay the groundwork for the genre's explosion in the mid-1980s. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message" was a groundbreaking track that highlighted the social issues facing inner-city communities, proving that hip hop was a powerful new voice in music.
**Innovative Japanese Music:**
In Japan, the music scene was vibrant and innovative. Artists like Yellow Magic Orchestra were blending electronic music with pop, creating sounds that were ahead of their time. Meanwhile, city pop, a genre that combined jazz, funk, and R&B, was becoming popular. Japanese musicians were not only pushing the boundaries of traditional genres but also influencing global music trends.
### Political Climate of 1982
The early 1980s were marked by significant political and social changes. In the United States, President Ronald Reagan's administration was characterized by conservative policies, economic changes, and a strong stance against the Soviet Union. The Cold War was still a dominant force in global politics, affecting cultural and artistic expressions around the world. Economic policies were shifting towards deregulation and tax cuts, which had mixed impacts on different segments of society.
In the UK, Margaret Thatcher's government was implementing neoliberal economic policies, leading to significant social and economic changes. These policies sparked resistance and protest from various groups, including labor unions and youth movements, which were often reflected in the music of the time.
### The Rise of MTV and Music Videos
**MTV's Impact:**
MTV launched in August 1981, revolutionizing the music industry by making music videos a crucial part of an artist's success. The visual aspect of music became as important as the sound, changing how artists promoted their music and connected with fans. Videos like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" became iconic, setting new standards for production and creativity.
**Exclusion of Artists of Color:**
However, MTV faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Early on, the network primarily featured white rock artists, excluding many artists of color, particularly in genres like R&B and hip hop. This exclusion was symptomatic of broader racial biases in the music industry. It wasn't until Michael Jackson's breakthrough that MTV began to more regularly feature black artists, a shift largely driven by the massive popularity and undeniable talent of Jackson himself.
### Conclusion
1982 was a transformative year in music, marked by the decline of disco, the rise of heavy metal and hip hop, and innovative contributions from Japanese artists. The political climate of the time influenced these musical shifts, while the advent of MTV changed the way music was consumed and promoted, albeit with significant racial biases that needed addressing. As we look back, we can see how these developments laid the groundwork for the diverse and dynamic music landscape we enjoy today.
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Get Katherine's book here: https://uncpress.org/book/9781469677255/live-from-the-underground/
Welcome to our show! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with professor and author Katherine Rye Jewell about her fascinating new book, "Live from the Underground," which explores the rise of college radio. Unlike typical homages to white indie rock and obscure fringe artists, Jewell provides a materialist historiography that examines how college radio helped shape the music landscape.
In "Live From the Underground," Jewell writes:
> "College radio offered an ideal venue for these attitudes. It could never overtake commercial radio, remaining scarce and subaltern. Pop culture rejects sought sanctuary at these stations by the 1990s. Protected by institutional homes and noncommercial licenses, these stations operated on the public’s airwaves for educational purposes. Such missions offered useful cover for DJs seeking the weird, the unheard, or underappreciated. Such music might never reach, or actively defy, mainstream audiences. Many participants were content with remaining on the outside, in the underground. Stations developed devoted listener bases of engaged music fans and lured college students who didn’t quite fit in on campus. Community DJs turned to college radio, too, seeking purchase on the nation’s airwaves—or at least however far the usually low-wattage collegiate signal reached.
> By the early 1990s, college radio had earned a national identity that evoked generational dissatisfaction with pop culture even as it remained deeply conversant with it. These signals did offer alternative voices to willing audiences. Yet college radio’s collective status as an alternative, or counter-hegemonic, medium is debatable. Virtually all elements of the college radio model—educational mission, anti commercialism, funding mechanisms, organizational structures, professional practices, content, or audience relationships—were contested in one way or another after the 1970s. Some stations explored the furthest fringes of musical expression, but these were missions shaped historically and through conflict. Numerous DJs sought careers in the news, music, and media industries. Not all stations devoted programming to music lacking broad commercial appeal, but these signals and their participants also shaped the nation’s landscape of collegiate radio. College radio’s status as an alternative medium is thus tenuous, even if in aggregate or individually these stations possessed disruptive potential."
Our guest today, Katherine Rye Jewell, is a historian and a professor at Fitchburg State University. Her work delves into the intersection of business, politics, and culture. Please give a big TIR round of applause for Katherine Rye Jewell!
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Jason and Mac discuss the rise of popularity in women's athletics, and the possible need for a new Black national anthem. Enjoy.
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Kuba talks more project 2025, the CRÜE watches McDonalds fight videos.