Alle afleveringen
180 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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"Peg" by Steely Dan
16 oktober 2026 · 1 uur
Strong Songs has covered Steely Dan songs from 1976’s The Royal Scam, 1980’s Gaucho, and even 2000’s Two Against Nature, but somehow 1977’s Aja has remained unaddressed… until now. On this episode, Kirk takes a look under the hood of “Peg,” one of the most loved songs on The Dan’s most celebrated album, with all the double-stop bends, lyricon solos, and multi-tracked Michael McDonalds that entails. Lees meer
Written by: Donald Fagen and Walter Becker
Produced by: Gary Katz
Album: Aja, 1977
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Strong Songs episodes on:
"Babylon Sisters" (Full song)
"Janie Runaway" (Chris Potter's solo)
"Kid Charlemagne" (Larry Carlton's solo)
"Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980
"Kid Charlemagne" by Steely Dan from The Royal Scam, 1976
"Janie Runaway" by Steely Dan from Two Against Nature, 2000
"Deacon Blues" from Aja, 1977
Classic Albums: Steely Dan: Aja, 2000 Documentary
"Peg" live from Steely Dan, Two Against Nature tour DVD, 2000
"Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur w/ Amos Garrett from Maria Muldaur, 1974
Tom Scott playing lyricon on "Say You Love Me," 1987
"What a Fool Believes" by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, recorded by The Doobie Brothers, 1978
Steve Kahn's blog post recalling the "Peg" recording session
2020 Wall Street Journal interview with Fagen on the meaning of "Peg"'s lyrics
Rick Beato interviews with Jay Graydon and Michael McDonald
Donald Fagan's "Peg" piano lesson
PlayLikeTheGreats.com - a fantastic transcription resource
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SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas… -
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
18 september 2026 · 59 min
It's time to return to Talking Heads, and their inimitable 1980 song "Once In A Lifetime." The subject of this episode was selected by the annual Strong Songs Patreon bracket vote. Thanks to everyone who voted! Lees meer
Written by: Talking Heads and Brian Eno
Produced by: Brian Eno
Album: Remain In Light, 1980
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Life During Wartime” and “I Zimbra” by Talking Heads from Fear of Music, 1979
Stop Making Sense dir. Jonathan Demme, 1984
The 2021 Strong Songs episode about Stop Making Sense
“Take Me To The River” by Al Green and Mabon Hodges recorded by Talking Heads on More Songs about Buildings and Food, 1978
“The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980
“Jeun Ko Ku” by Fela Kuti from Afrodisiac, 1973
“Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1977
“Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer from Riptide, 1985
“Kids” and “Time to Pretend” by MGMT from Oracular Spectacular, 2007
Jad Abumrad's exceptional podcast series Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Kirk's 2025 interview with Jad about the Fela series
Rick Karr's 2000 NPR feature on the song as part of the "NPR 100" retrospective series
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SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Erica Smolinski - Brute FarceSEPTEMBER 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andre… -
"Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age
21 augustus 2026 · 1 uur
Kirk returns to the Mojave, and to QOTSA's groundbreaking 2002 album Songs For The Deaf. Lees meer
Written by: Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan
Produced by: Josh Homme and Eric Valentine
Album: Songs For The Deaf, 2002
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
Episode photo by Kirk Hamilton @ Joshua Tree, 2026
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971
“Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004
“Micro Cuts” by Muse from Origin of Symmetry, 2001
“Barracuda” by Heart from Little Queen, 1977
“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead from OK Computer, 1997
“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth from Rust in Peace, 1990
"... Millionaire," "No One Knows," "God Is In The Radio," "First It Giveth," by QOTSA from Songs For The Deaf
“Thumb” by Kyuss from Blues for the Red Sun, 1992
“Ride” by T-Ride from T-Ride, 1992
“Destination” by Nickel Creek from A Dotted Line, 2014
“Blue 7” by Sonny Rollins feat. Max Roach from Saxophone Colossus, 1957
“Slip It In” by Black Flag from Slip It In, 1984
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” from Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
“Fast as You Can” by Fiona Apple from When The Pawn… ,1999
“Epistrophy” by Thelonious Monk from Genius Of Modern Music, 1951
Goldeneye 007 pause music by Grant Kirkhope, 1997
“Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix from Are You Experienced?, 1967
“Hey Joe” as recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1966
MTV interview with Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, 1992
MusicRadar and Rick Beato interviews with Eric Valentine
"Making Songs For The Deaf" mini-doc, archived on YouTube
"Song For The Dead" live at Rock Werchter, 2002
AUGUST 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
AccessViolation - Andy - Ben Barron - Brute Farce - Butch Vig - Catherine Warner - Cerise Gay - Cesar - Christopher McConnell - Christopher Miller - Corpus Frisky - Damon White - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Dave Florey - David Mascetti - Erica Smolinski - Greer Bevel - Greg - Greg - Jamie White - Jay Swartz - Jen…
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"Little Bird" by Annie Lennox
17 juli 2026 · 59 min
Strong Songs returns to the mighty Annie Lennox, for a closer look at her initially patient, eventually soaring 1992 single "Little Bird." This song allllmost beat out "Walking On Broken Glass" to get an episode last time around, and it's easy to see why. Lees meer
Written by: Annie Lennox
Produced by: Stephen Lipson
Album: Diva, 1992
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The 2020 Strong Songs episode about "Walking on Broken Glass"
“Why,” “Walking On Broken Glass,” and “Cold,” from Diva, 1992
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics from Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), 1983
Annie Lennox performing “Under Pressure” with Queen and David Bowie at Wembly, 1992
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler from Faster Than The Speed of Night, 1983
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JULY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Nigel
JULY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric …
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"Mamma Mia" by ABBA
19 juni 2026 · 57 min
It's time for a second helping of ABBA, and how could we resist "Mamma Mia"? Kirk peels back the layers of one of the band's most beloved songs, revealing a carefully crafted concoction of melodies, countermelodies, stealthy synthesizers, and marimbas. Lees meer
Written by: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson
Album: ABBA, 1975
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
A Listener's Guide To Strong Songs Live
“Mamma Mia” by ABBA from featuring Siobahn McCarthy from the Mammia Mia! original cast recording 1999, and featuring Meryl Streep from the film adaptation, 2008
The Real Story of ABBA: Bright Lights, Dark Shadows by Carl Magnus Palm, 2001
Abba’s winning performance of "Waterloo" at 1974 Eurovision at the Brighton Drome (they beat Olivia Newton John!)
"Waterloo" by ABBA from Waterloo, 1974
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA from Arrival, 1976
“Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens from Illinoise, 2005
“The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009
A clip from Muriel’s Wedding, 1994
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JUNE 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R
JUNE 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Dan…
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The Best Way To Listen To Strong Songs (Spotify PSA)
15 juni 2026 · 4 min
Find the Strong Songs podcast feed here: https://feeds.strongsongspodcast.com/main Lees meer
Instructions for manually adding a feed to most major podcast apps HERE
For more on Fair Use and other similar topics, check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation - they are the best.
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Return to Kind of Blue
15 mei 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Kirk returns to Kind of Blue, taking a closer look at two more tunes off of the 1959 jazz classic. First, he digs into the modified 12-bar blues "Freddie Freeloader," with a focus on Wynton Kelly's much-emulated opening piano solo. He then compares and contrasts how John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley approached the closing track, "Flamenco Sketches" on tenor and alto sax, respectively. Lees meer
Music by: Miles Davis and Bill Evans
The Musicians:
Miles Davis, Trumpet
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Alto Sax
John Coltrane, Tenor Sax
Wynton Kelly & Bill Evans, Piano
Paul Chambers, Bass
Jimmy Cobb, Drums
Produced by Irving Townsend; Engineered by Fred Plaud
Album: Kind of Blue, 1959
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The 2021 episode of Strong Songs about the album's opening track, "So What"
Adam Maness and Peter Martin’s excellent music podcast “You’ll Hear It”
Kirk’s 2025 “You’ll Hear It” guest appearance discussing Tower of Power’s 1973 self-titled album
Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn, 2000
“Cold Sweat” by James Brown, 1967
“Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by Tears For Fears from Songs From The Big Chair, 1985
“Some Other Time” by Leonard Bernstein by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett from The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, 1975
“A Love Supreme, Pt. 2: Resolution” - by John Coltrane from A Love Supreme, 1965
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MAY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R
MAY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin M…
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"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth
17 april 2026 · 58 min
Kirk surfs an avalanche straight into Thrash Valley, where he delves into the depths of Megadeth's 1990 opus "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It's an unstoppable rockslide of layered riffs, tempo shifts, power chords, and... power thirds? Lees meer
Written by: Dave Mustaine
Album: Rust in Peace, 1990
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Tornado of Souls" by Mustaine/Ellefson from Rust in Peace, 1990
“The Four Horsemen” by Metallica (Hetfield, Ulrich, and Mustaine) from Kill ‘Em All, 1983
“Peace Sells” by Megadeth from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, 1983
“Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses from Appetite For Destruction, 1987
“Speed Metal Symphony” by Cacophony from Speed Metal Symphony, 1987
Mr. Tabs' "Holy Wars" transcription (YouTube)
Megadeth Live in 1992 at Hammersmith Odeon
“Channel 1 Suite” by The Buddy Rich Big Band feat. Don Menza, 1968
"What It Sounds Like" from KPop Demon Hunters, 2025
Angry Crowd Sound by Michael Ghelfi Studios
Megadeth plays “Holy Wars” live on Sirius XM in 2022
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APRIL 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan - Greg
APRIL 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan…
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"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell
20 maart 2026 · 57 min
Kirk returns to the world of Joni Mitchell for a look at the many sides of her masterpiece "Both Sides, Now." From her initial 1960s live performances, to her 1969 studio recording, to the Grammy-winning orchestral rendition she released in 2000, each version of "Both Sides, Now" shows us a different side of Joni, and of ourselves. Lees meer
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Album: Clouds, 1969 | Both Sides Now, 2000
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
2022 Strong Songs episode on "Help Me" from Court and Spark
“Urge For Going” by Joni Mitchell, recorded by George Hamilton IV, 1967
“Help Me” by Joni Mitchell from Court and Spark, 1974
“Both Sides Now” as recorded by Judy Collins and Dave Van Ronk
Excerpt from Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow, 1959
Joni onstage w/ Brandi Carlile at The Newport Folk Festival, 2022
Joni talks with CBC's Jian Ghomeshi in 2013
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MARCH 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Thomas McIlheran - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan
MARCH 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - St…
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"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie
20 februari 2026 · 59 min
Kirk heaps on a second helping of TWO previous Strong Songs artists: Queen and David Bowie, whose 1981 collaboration "Under Pressure" topped the charts while showing how a mid-song transformation is done. Lees meer
Written by: David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor
Album: Hot Space, 1982
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Previous Strong Songs episodes on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and "Starman"
“Killer Queen” by Queen from Sheer Heart Attack, 1974
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen from A Night At The Opera, 1975
“Somebody To Love” by Freddie Mercury from A Day at the Races, 1976
“We Are The Champions” by Freddie Mercury from Jazz, 1977
“Flash Gordon Theme” from Flash Gordon Original Soundtrack, 1980
“Another One Bites The Dust” by John Deacon from The Game, 1980
“Back Chat” by John Deacon from Hot Space, 1982
“Cat People” by Giorgio Moroder and David Bowie from Cat People OST (1982) and Just Dance, 1983
Brian May in Total Guitar, March 2024
Freddie Mercury TV interview with Lisa Robinson, 1984
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FEBRUARY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Rush - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Thomas McIlheran - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig
FEBRUARY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morto…
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"Rosanna" by Toto
16 januari 2026 · 59 min
Kirk kicks off Strong Songs Season Eight with a second helping of Toto, whose song "Africa" got the very first episode of Strong Songs he ever made. This time around he's focusing on 1982's "Rosanna," a song that shows just what Toto could do when every member of the band gave it their all. Lees meer
Written by: David Paich
Album: Toto IV, 1982
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Guess That Record Interview with David Paich
Toto Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, 1991
Music Radar interview with Porcaro and Paich about the synth sounds
Jeff Porcaro explains the Rosanna groove to Drummerworld
Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary on HBO, 2024
“Home At Last” from Aja and “Babylon Sisters” from Gaucho by Steely Dan
“Fool In The Rain” by Led Zeppelin from In Through The Out Door, 1979
“Lido Shuffle” by Boz Scaggs and David Paich from Silk Degrees, 1977
“Hold the Line” by David Paich from Toto, 1978
“Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got) by Lambert/Potter, sung by the Four Tops, 1973
“Give ‘M Time” by Sammy Nestico recorded by Count Basie Big Band, 1975
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JANUARY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Rush - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Elizabeth Culver - Rick Keeler - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Thomas McIlheran - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel
JANUARY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - …
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Season Eight Announcement!
2 januari 2026 · 5 min
Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16! Lees meer
If you want to listen a week early, get monthly "Inside the Episode" bonuses, and support the creation of Strong Songs, go sign up for the Patreon. We're running a sale for the whole month of January - use the code STRONG8 when signing up, and your first month will be just $1.
See you in a couple weeks for the season premiere!
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💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
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Triple Click | Definitely Fiction🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:
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The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin
28 november 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Kirk sits down with jazz piano legend Peter Martin to talk about Peter's musical background, his momentous early encounters with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland, the jazz scene of the 1990s, how the Suzuki method works, and why jazz students today should be less shy about talking to their heroes. Lees meer
Check out Peter's online jazz education program Open Studio, as well as You'll Hear It, the music podcast he co-hosts with Adam Maness.
DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:
“Variations Sur ‘Le Carnaval de Venise” feat. Wynton Marsalis and the Eastman Wind Ensemble from Carnival, 1987
“Path Adjacent” Peter Martin w/ Gregory Hutchinson, Sarah Hanahan & Reuben Rogers from Generation S, 2023
“Bag’s Groove” by Milt Jackson from Miles Davis, Bag’s Groove, 1967
“Tea For Two” by Youmans/Ceasar, played by Art Tatum from Piano Starts Here, 1968
“Broad Way Blues” by Ornette Coleman from New York Is Now, 1968
“Swingin’ at the Haven” by Branford Marsalis from Royal Garden Blues, 1986
“Now’s The Time/Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker from Jamey Aebersold Vol. 6: All Bird
“Naima’s Love Song” by Betty Carter from I_t’s Not About The Melody_, 1992
“Mental Phrasing” by Roy Hargrove live w/ Joshua Redman, Ron Blake, Peter Martin, Rodney Whitaker, Greg Hutchinson
“Turnaround” by Joshua Redman w/ Pat Metheny from Wish, 1993
“Jig-A-Jug” by Joshua Redman and “St. Thomas” by Sonny Rollins” from Spirit of the Moment: Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995
“Cat Battles” and “One Shining Soul” by Joshua Redman from Freedom in the Groove, 1996
“The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner” intro and “Mind and Body” from Solo, Live in New York, 2015
“Why Approach Chords Matter” - Adam Maness for Open Studio on YouTube, 2025
“2 Down & 2 Across,” “Sing a Song of Song,” “Before It’s Time to Say Goodbye” by Kenny Garrett feat. Kenny Kirkland from Songbook, 1997
“Phyrzzinian Man” by Wynton Marsalis from Black Codes from the Underground, 1985
“Necessary Evil” by Elvin Jones and “Whatever Possessed Me” by Ch…
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The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad
14 november 2025 · 1 uur 57 min
Writer, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti. Lees meer
DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:
“Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990
“Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004
Excerpt from Port(al), music by Paola Prestini and Jad Abumrad, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus
“It’s Highlife Time” and “Amaechi’s Blues” by Fela Kuti and his Koola Lobitos, ca. 1963-69
“Jeun Ko Ku,” “Eko Ile,” and “Je’nwi Temi” by Fela Kuti from Afrodesiac, 1973
“Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1976
“The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980
“Life During Wartime” and “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1984
“The Prince We Never Knew“ - Sasha Weiss’ essential New York Times feature on Ezra Edelman’s unreleased Prince documentary
“RITUAL” by Jon Hopkins from Ritual, 2024
“Open Eye Signal” by Jon Hopkins from Immunity, 2013
“A Quiet Glow” by Siavash Amini from Songs for Sad Poets, 2022
“In The Dust of This Planet” - 2014 Radiolab Episode featuring the poetry of Eugene Thacker
“The Right Man (Daniele Baldelli & Marco Dionigi Cosmic Remix)” from The Units - Connections, 2011
“quiero sentirme bien” by Kali Uchis from Sin Miedo, 2020
“Looking for Love” by The Tallest Man On Earth from Henry St., 2023
“Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan from Mirrorball, 1999
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OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
AccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheran
OCTOBER 2025 H…
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Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo's 8-Bit Masterpiece [Twenty Thousand Hertz]
31 oktober 2025 · 33 min
This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz originally ran in August 2025. Lees meer
Kirk's 2020 episode of Strong Songs about the music of Super Mario
TWENTY THOUSAND HERTZ SHOW NOTES:
This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling.
From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable. With just five lo-fi audio channels and 40 kilobytes of space, composer Koji Kondo created a soundscape full of unforgettable melodies. In this episode, we explore how Kondo’s playful instincts, rhythmic trickery, and love of jazz fusion defined the sound of Mario. Featuring Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs and Thomas of Thomas Game Docs.
MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
Rocker Jr. - Shake [B]IT
DJARTMUSIC - 8 Bit Console from My Childhood
moodmode - Game 8-Bit On
XtremeFreddy - Bit Beats 1
moodmode - Level VII
Wesley Slover - Analog Jam 1103
Space_Cat - Light It Up
moodmode - Level VI
William Benckert - Dance of the Pixel BirdsSubscribe on YouTube to see our new video series.
If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org.
Support the show and get ad-free episodes at 20k.org/plus.
Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook.
Follow Kirk Hamilton’s podcasts Strong Songs and Triple Click.
Subscribe to Thomas’ Youtube channel, Thomas Game Docs.
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Our Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh Sales
17 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 18 min
It's fun to talk about TV theme songs, so that's what Kirk and special guest Leigh Sales did. Does this episode need any more introduction than that? Probably not. Lees meer
Check out Leigh's wonderful podcast Chat 10 Looks 3
A YouTube Playlist of many of the themes discussed (and some they didn't get to)
DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:
The Office Theme - “Handbags and Gladrags” - 1967 by Mike D’Abo, perf. Big George Webley -
US theme 2005 by Jay Ferguson
Parks & Recreation - 2009, by Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones
Welcome Back Kotter - by John Sebastian (1974 - 1979)
“Suicide is Painless” by Johnny Mandel, from MA_S_H
The Nanny Theme by Ann Hampton Callaway
The Brady Bunch theme by Frank De Vol & Sherwood Schwartz
Gilligan’s Island theme by Sherwood Schwartz (lyrics) & George Wyle (music)
Beverley Hillbillies theme by Paul Hennig feat. Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
Money For Nothing/Beverley Hillbillies by Weird Al Yankovic from UHF, 1988
"Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms, 1985
The Americans theme by Nathan Barr
"Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam from Peacemaker, 2021
The Pi Song from AsapSCIENCE
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759 by Franz Schubert
“Green Acres Theme” by Vic Mizzy
“Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3, from The Sopranos
"A Beautiful Mine" from Mad Men by RJD2
“Sex and the City Theme” by Douglas J. Cuomo
Six Feet Under theme by Thomas Newman
Breaking Bad theme by Dave Porter
House of Cards Theme by Jeff Beal
Tank! by Yoko Kanno and Seatbelts
LEIGH'S MUSIC PICKS:
Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands, ‘66 with the Count Basie Orchestra conducted by Quincy Jones
INXS - Kick, 1987
The Villagers - Becoming a Jackal, 2010
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OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
AccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardne…
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Strong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast]
3 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 9 min
Originally Aired October 20, 2020 Lees meer
The Wildlings are south of the wall, the robots are rising up, Seventh Kavalry's on the move, and two percent of the world's population has vanished. Time for another edition of Strong TV Songs!
This time around the focus is on HBO, a network that has defined much of the broader TV landscape over the past couple of decades. So let's dig into a bunch of great music from a bunch of good shows, with themes for Dothraki raiders, Alethiometers, robot farmgirls, nuns with guns, monstrous moguls, and lost souls.
Special thanks to the key of C minor for making this episode possible.
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3 from Exile on Coldharbour Lane, 1997
“Six Feet Under” by Thomas Newman, 2001
“Deadwood” by David Schwartz, 2004
“Way Down In The Hole” by Tom Waits from Franks Wild Years, 1987. Performed by Waits, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Neville Brothers, DoMaJe, and Steve Earle
“Game of Thrones” by Ramin Djawadi, 2011
"Game of F***in' Thrones" by Anamanaguchi, 2012
“Pacific Rim” by Ramin Djawadi feat. Tom Morello from Pacific Rim, 2013
“Doom Patrol” by Clint Mansell and Kevin Kiner, 2019
“His Dark Materials” by Lorne Balfe, 2019
“Westworld” and “Sweetwater” by Ramin Djawadi, 2016
“Ezio’s Family” by Jesper Kyd from Assassin’s Creed II, 2009
"How The West Was Really Won,” “Nun With a Motherf***ing Gun,” and “Children of Krypton” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, 2019
“Succession” by Nicholas Britell, 2018
"Kiss from Daddy" by Demi Adejuyigbe, 2019
“The Departure” and “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Max Richter from The Leftovers, 2014
OUTRO SOLOIST: Luke Price
This episode's outro soloist is Portland fiddle player Luke Price. When he's not working as a side man in a variety of killer bands, Luke joins his wife Rachael to form the excellent songwriting duo DEAN!. You can follow them on Instagram and listen to some of their stuff on their website, wearedean.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2025 WHOLE…
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A Bob Dylan Beginner's Guide, with Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell
19 september 2025 · 1 uur 54 min
With so many dozens of albums over so many wildly disparate eras, it can take a lifetime to truly get your arms around Bob Dylan. On this episode, Kirk is joined by two guests who have spent their lifetimes doing exactly that. Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell, in addition to co-hosting the terrific political history podcast Know Your Enemy, are both lifelong Dylan fans. This spring, they came on the show to give listeners a tour of Dylan's many eras, and to give newcomers a place, or places, they might start getting to know him better. Lees meer
DYLAN SONGS DISCUSSED, IN RELEASE CHRONOLOGY
“Blowin in the Wind” and “Corrina, Corrina” from Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963 (and as sung by Peter, Paul and Mary)
“Like A Rolling Stone,” “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” “From a Buick 6” from Highway 61 Revisisted, 1965
“Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “Outlaw Blues” from Bringing it All Back Home, 1965
“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and “Pledging My Time” from Blonde on Blonde, 1966
“All Along the Watchtower” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” from John Wesley Harding, 1967
“Lay, Lady, Lay” and “Girl from the North Country” (with Johnny Cash) from Nashville Skyline, 1969
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” from Pat Garret & Billy The Kid Original Soundtrack, 1973
“Forever Young” from Planet Waves, 1974
“Tangled Up in Blue” from Blood On The Tracks, 1975
“Hurricane” and “Romance in Durango” from Desire, 1976
“Changing of the Guards” from Street-Legal, 1978
“Serve Somebody,” and “Do Right to Me Baby (Do Unto Others)” from Slow Train Coming, 1979
“Saved” from Saved, 1980
“The Groom’s Still Waiting At the Alter” and “Lenny Bruce” from Shot of Love, 1981
“Pressing On” and "Solid Rock" live in Toronto, 1980
“Neighborhood Bully,” “Jokerman,” “Sweetheart Like You” from Infidels, 1983
“Dark Eyes” from _Empire Burlesqu_e, 1985
“Brownsville Girl” from Knocked Out and Loaded, 1986
“Sylvio” from Down In The Groove, 1988
“Everything Is Broken” and “Most of the Time” from Oh…
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Singing and Songwriting, with The Wailin' Jennys
5 september 2025 · 1 uur 11 min
The Wailin' Jennys have been singing together for more than two decades - recording albums, touring the world, and filling venues large and small. After all these years, the trio—Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, and Nicky Mehta—have reached both a plateau and an inflection point. What's it like for a musical group that's been together for that long; for singers who've found such perfect vocal harmony for one another? How do they each think of songwriting, and of creative work in general? On their recent west coast tour, they stopped by the studio for a chat about those things and more. Lees meer
THE WAILIN' JENNYS ARE:
Ruth Moody - Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
Nicky Mehta - Guitar, Drums, Vocals
Heather Masse - Bass, VocalsFeaturing excerpts from the Jennys' albums Bright Morning Stars, iTunes Session - EP, 40 Days, and Firecracker
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman, sung by Bonnie Tyler and Rory Dodd
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light," "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," "Objects in the Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" - by Jim Steinman sung by Meat Loaf
"Closer To Fine" and "Love's Recovery" by Indigo Girls from Indigo Girls, 1989
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2016
Kirk's essay on creativity, "Follow The Spark"
Jeff Tweedy talking songwriting on The Ezra Klein Show
"What Am I Here For" by Jade Bird
MUSIC PICKS:
Heather: Bonny Light Horseman, Keep Me On Your Mind/Set You Free, 2024
Ruth: Aaron Neville, "Louisiana 1927"
Nicky: Afghan Whigs, Black Love--------------------
AUGUST 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Melissa Lucas – Thomas McIlheran – Andy – Lisa Crotty – Rick Keeler – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfe…
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Talkin' Tower of Power, with Adam Maness and Peter Martin [You'll Hear It]
22 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 12 min
Back in May, Kirk joined pianists Adam Maness and Peter Martin of the You'll Hear It podcast to talk about what makes Tower of Power great. It was a very fun conversation, so he asked if he could run their episode in the Strong Songs feed. And here we are! Lees meer
Listen to You'll Hear It anywhere you find podcasts, and find both Adam and Peter (and many others) teaching jazz lessons at OpenStudio.com.
ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES
May 19, 2025We hand the mic to Kirk Hamilton from the Strong Songs podcast to help us break down the groovy 1973 self-titled release: Tower of Power. We unpack what makes this Oakland funk outfit a generational institution – from David Garibaldi’s precision drum fills and Rocco Prestia’s machine-gun bass lines to what may be the tightest horn section of all time. We dig into standout tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “Soul Vaccination,” spotlight Lenny Pickett’s wild ascent from TOP to SNL, and detail some funny production quirks (like why the drums are panned hard left). It’s a full-course tour through funk, soul, and brass brilliance – with a healthy side of stank face.
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AUGUST 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Melissa Lucas – Thomas McIlheran – Andy – Lisa Crotty – Rick Keeler – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
AUGUST 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Mathias Schmidt – Erik – Freddy Freeman – Adam Clark – Stephen – Brendan McLeod – Zach Putnam – Ian Karmel – Steve B. – Worcester – Jim – Jez – Alex Miller – Lottie Aron – RsP – Michael Wisnosky – Brian Rinckenberger – Dan Elias – Hidden Jester – Betsy Barre – Ian Steding – Margaret McReynolds – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Doug…
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A Song For My Father
8 augustus 2025 · 40 min
THE APOCALYPSE WERE:
Tony Capuano - Guitar, Lead Vocals
John Shorb - Alto Sax
Gene Meros - Tenor Sax
Greg Novik - Bass, Backing Vocals (guitar on Stormy Monday)
Oggie Hamilton - Drums, Backing Vocals Lees meerFeaturing The Apocalypse playing:
“Good Good Lovin’” and “Try Me” by James Brown
“Hi-Heel Sneakers" by Tommy Tucker
“The Shadow of Your Smile” by Mandel & Webster
"I Don't Want To Cry" by Dixon/Jackson
“Sack of Woe” by Cannonball Adderley
“Think” by Lowman Pauling
"The Midnight Hour" by Steve Cropper & Wilson Pickett
"Shout" by The Isley Brothers
“Stormy Monday” by Aaron ’T-Bone’ Walker
"Song For My Father” by Horace Silver
ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“Stainless Soul,” “Wichita Lineman,” and “Watch Your Step” by The New Apocalypse from Stainless Soul, 1969. Listen via Demir Kelebek on YouTube
"Moanin" by Bobby Timmons recorded by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers on Moanin', 1959
Excerpt from Hot Rod Hulbert's WWIN Show via RadioMaven77
The Herald Times obituary for Ogden Hamilton
The Baltimore Sun obituary for Greg Novik
“Greg’s Goodbye” by Leah Erskin for Baltimore Magazine, 2017
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JULY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Melissa Lucas – Thomas McIlheran – Andy – Lisa Crotty – Rick Keeler – Elizabeth Culver – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
JULY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Freddy Freeman – Adam Clark – Stephen – Brendan McLeod – Zach Putnam – Ian Karmel – Steve B. – Worcester – Jim – Jez – Alex Miller – Lottie Aron – RsP – Michael Wisnosky – Brian Rinckenberger – Dan Elias – Hidden Jester – Betsy Barre – Ian Steding – Margaret McReynolds – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomM…
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"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
11 juli 2025 · 59 min
For the Season Seven finale, Kirk takes a look at Bill Withers' enduring hit "Lean On Me." In the process, he takes a broader look at a bunch of Withers' other most famous songs to better understand how this plainspoken, seemingly ordinary guy managed to write so many extraordinary songs. Lees meer
Written by: Bill Withers
Album: Still Bill, 1972
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers from Just As I Am, 1971
“Lonely Town, Lonely Street,” “Let Me In Your Life,” and “Use Me,” by Bill Withers, and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” by Bill Withers/Stan McKenny from Still Bill, 1972
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough, 1977
“Just The Two of Us” by Bill Withers, William Salter, and Ralph MacDonald, recorded by Grover Washington Jr., 1981
“The Way” by Meshell Ndegeocello and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” recorded by Ndegeocello on Peace Beyond Passion, 1996
Excerpts from Live at Carnegie Hall, released 1972
Excerpts from the 2010 documentary “Still Bill,” dir. Damani Baker and Alex Vlack
2004 Songfacts interview w/ Withers
Withers' 2015 Rock Hall of Fame acceptance speech
Record needle sound via Sounds Recorded
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JUNE 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Thomas McIlheran – Andy – Lisa Crotty – Rick Keeler – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
JUNE 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ian Steding – Margaret McReynolds – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman…
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Bluegrass, Blue Prince, and the Blues
27 juni 2025 · 1 uur
Kirk answers a bunch of listener questions on topics like bluegrass guitar, the music of Blue Prince, good apps for training theory skills, Robert Fripp's "Frippertronics," a mysterious sound on a Gene Clark song, different types of music notation, and the legacy of the blues. All that, and a trio of terrific singer/songwriters stops by the studio to help answer a question about lyrics. Lees meer
Come see Triple Click Live! Friday, July 11 at the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, OR. Tickets Here
Kirk has new music for sale on Bandcamp: Music For Podcasting and his original score for Arydia: The Paths We Dare Tread
Thanks to The Wailin' Jennys for coming on the show! Stay tuned for a full-length interview episode this summer, and go see them live if you can. They are amazing.
7/27/2025 Update: Several people wrote in with theories about the "Lady of the North" sound, and Kirk has been convinced it's an electric violin.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“White Trash Wedding” by The Chicks from Home, 2002
A live performance of “White Trash Wedding”
“Simon’s Theme” by Trigg & Gusset from the Blue Prince original soundtrack, 2025
Kirk’s recent essay about Blue Prince and music
Two good free music sites: musictheory.net and muted.io
“What Am I Here For” by Jade Bird from Something American - EP, 2017
“Across The Sea” by The Wailin’ Jennys from Bright Morning Stars, 2011
“Lady of the North” by Gene Clark from No Other, 1974
Bass legend Lee Sklar on YouTube
Mark Lager's 2024 No Other retrospective in Under The Radar Magazine
The terrific Wonder of Stevie podcast
Tantacrul’s tremendous video about the history of music notation
“Hammond Song” by The Roaches, 1979
Chords of Orion video explaining and re-creating Frippertronics
“The Heavenly Music Corporation II” by Robert Fripp and Brian Eno from No Pussyfooting, 1973
“St. James Infirmary” rec. Joseph “King” Oliver, 1930
“Cross Road Blues” rec. Robert Johnson, ~193x
“Down Hearted Blues” rec. Bessie Smith, 1929
Two versions o…
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"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police
13 juni 2025 · 1 uur
In 1981, Sting brought a demo of a song he'd been working on down to AIR Studios in Montserrat to see what his bandmates thought of it... and they wound up keeping the demo and just recording their parts on top. The result was "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," an unusual Police song, but an enduring hit. Lees meer
On this episode, Kirk goes deep on every aspect of Sting's exuberant yet frustrated love song, unearthing the magic that lives in each piece of the music. This episode's subject was chosen by the Patrons of Strong Songs, who vote each season to pick one of the artists Kirk will cover on the upcoming season. If you'd like to vote on an artist for Season Eight, go sign up!
Written by: Sting
Featuring: Stewart Copeland, drums; Andy Summers, guitar; Jean Roussel, piano & keys
Album: Ghost in the Machine, 1981
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
MTV: The Making of Ghosts in the Machine w/ Jools Holland, 1982
Revolver Magazine interview feature with the band, 2000
Stewart Copeland talks about his approach to drumming
“Invisible Sun” and “Hungry For You” by The Police from Ghost in the Machine, 1981
“Every Breath You Take” and "O My God" by The Police from Synchronicity, 1983
“Message In A Bottle” and “Walking On The Moon” by The Police from Reggatta de Blanc, 1979
“One Love / People Get Ready” by Bob Marley and the Wailers, 1965
"Seven Days" by Sting from Ten Summoner's Tales, 1993
“Deep Note” (The THX Sound) by James Morrer, 1982
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MAY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
MAY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Roger Yoon…
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"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
30 mei 2025 · 1 uur
The jazz standard "All The Things You Are" has been performed countless times by master jazz vocalists, 30s big bands, bebop small groups, hard-bop combos, modern deconstructionists, and even soon-to-be Kings of Pop. On this episode, Kirk takes listeners through the history of the now-famous tune, from its humble Broadway origins all the way to his recording studio in Portland, where he and some friends recorded an all-new arrangement just for Strong Songs. Lees meer
Music/Lyrics: Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
Versions Featured:
Broadway Original Cast Recording of "Very Warm for May," - 1939
Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, feat. Jack Leonard, 1939
Artie Shaw w/ Hellen Forrest, 1939
Dizzy Gillespie w/ Charlie Parker, 1945
Johnny Griffin w/ Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Art Blakey on A Blowing Session, 1957
Ella Fitzgerald from Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook, 1963
Michael Jackson, 1973
Sonny Rollins w/ Coleman Hawkins from Sonny Meets Hawk!, 1963
Bill Evans w/ Chuck Israels, bass, and Larry Bunker, drums at Shelly’s Mane-Hole, 1963
Keith Jarrett Trio, from Standards, Vol.1, 1983
Brad Mehldau Trio, from Art of the Trio 4, 1999
Jim Hall & Pat Metheney, 1999
Strong Songs Version Featuring:
Kirk Hamilton, tenor sax
Andrew Oliver, keyboard
Scott Pemberton, guitar
Sam Howard, bass
Tyson Stubelek, drums
The "All The Things You Are" Playlist:
Spotify | Apple | YouTube MusicALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The Jazz Standards: A Guide To The Repertoire by Ted Gioia, 2012
The terrific 99% Invisible episode about The Real Book
“Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma as recorded by Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis on Somethin’ Else, 1958
“Pennies From Heaven” by Johnston and Burke, recorded by Stan Getz with the Oscar Peterson Trio, 1957
“Bye Bye Blackbird” by Henderson/Dixon, recorded by Miles Davis on ‘Round About Midnight, 1957
“All Of Me” by Marks and Simons, played by Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano and Kenny Clarke, 1951
…
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"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler
16 mei 2025 · 1 uur
Turn around... every now and then I get a little lonely and the snare is sounding small
Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of sleigh bells
Turn around... every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the cannons will not fire
Turn around... Lees meer...every now and then Kirk decides to take on a classic 80s power ballad, and winds up learning a thing or two about when to use castanets and how to pull off an elegant key change. (Are you still singing along? Wow.)
Written and Produced by: Jim Steinman
Featuring: Bonnie Tyler and Rory Dodd, co-lead vocals
Album: Faster than the Speed of Night, 1983
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The "Literal Version" of the Total Eclipse music video
Warren Huart's terrific "Produce Like a Pro" article and video about the song
“Lost in France” and “More Than a Lover” by Bonnie Tyler from The World Starts Tonight, 1977
“Bat Out of Hell” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Jim Steinman as sung by Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley on Bat Out of Hell, 1977
“Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” by Jim Steinman and recorded by Air Supply, 1983
‘One-Hit Wonder’ Bonnie Tyler Resumes Her Singing Career with a ‘Total Eclipse’ of the Charts, People Magazine, November 1983
“For Those About To Rock, (We Salute You)” by AC/DC, 1981
Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukrane, 2005
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APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
APRIL 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Ra…
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Bluey, Background Jazz, and the 'Best' Metal Guitar Solo
2 mei 2025 · 1 uur 8 min
How should you count The Police's "Bed's Too Big Without You?" Why do so many people revere Marty Friedman's solo on Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls"? What's going on with those pauses during the Bluey theme? And what the heck is that sound on Sly and the Family Stone's "Sex Machine"? Those questions and many more on the first mailbag episode of Season Seven. Lees meer
Thanks to Nevada Jones (voice) and Scott Pemberton (guitar) for their expert contributions!
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Bed's Too Big Without You" by The Police from The Police, 1979
"Thirty One" by Lydian Collective from Adventure, 2018
"4K Cozy Coffee Shop with Smooth Piano Jazz Music for Relaxing, Studying and Working" on YouTube
Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playbook by Liz Pelly, 2025, and a Harper's excerpt about Spotify's "Perfect Fit Content" initiative
"Executive Blend," "Funky Fanfare," by Keith Mansfield, and "Organ Mania" by Keith Mansfield and Alan Hawkshaw from KPM 1000 Series, Vol. 1
"Tornado of Souls" by Megadeth from Rust in Peace, 1990
"Sex Machine" by Sly and the Family Stone from Stand!, 1969
"Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton from Frampton, 1974
"Bluey Theme" by Joff Bush
"The Organic Sound of Bluey, with Sound Designer Dan Brumm" - Twenty Thousand Hertz
Demonstration of the Kustom Electronics Bag Talkbox
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APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
APRIL 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – Terry Auvenshine – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wigg…
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The Music of the Muppets
18 april 2025 · 1 uur 4 min
Kirk pays a visit the musical world of The Muppets, from their Sesame Street origins in the 60s to the globe-hopping, cinematic heights of the 70s and 80s, with plenty of detours along the way. Lees meer
FEATURING:
"Sesame Street Theme" by Joe Raposo, Jon Stone, and Bruce Hart
"Mah Na Mah Na" by Piero Umilliani from Sweden: Heaven and Hell
"Pinball Number Count" by Walt Kraemer and Ed Bogas, feat. The Pointer Sisters
"Rainbow Connection" by Paul Williams (Lyrics) and William Ascher (Music), sung by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" by Josef Zawinul from Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Live at 'the Club'), Cannonball Adderley Quintet, 1966
"Sesame Street Theme" performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips
"Sesame Street Theme" arr. Dennis DiBlasio for Maynard Ferguson on Storm, 1982
"Bein' Green," "'C' is for Cookie," "Happiness Hotel," and "Sing" by Joe Raposo
Rowlf (<3) and Kermit pitch Sesame Street in 1968
"Mah Nah Mah Na" on Sesame Street, 1969
... and on The Muppet Show, 1976
"Groovin' High" by Dizzy Gillespie, recorded w/ Charlie Parker and Slam Stewart, 1945
A letter from Walt Kraemer on the writing and recording of "Pinball Number Count"
"The Neutron Dance" by Allee Willis and Danny Sembello recorded by The Pointer Sisters on Break Out, 1983
"Red Clay" by Freddie Hubbard from Red Clay, 1970
"The Muppet Show Theme" by Jim Henson and Sam Pottle
Buddy Rich vs. Animal drum battle from The Muppet Show, 1981
PINBALL NUMBER COUNT CHEAT SHEET
Intro:
4 + 3 + 4 + 3Verse:
4 + 4 + 3 + 3
4 + 4 + 3
4 + 4 + 4 + 3
4 + 4 + 4 + 5Solos:
In regular 4/4, with a bar of 5 at the very end--------------------
APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich …
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"Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" by The Mars Volta
4 april 2025 · 59 min
Kirk digs into one of the most dense and challenging records in his collection, with an analysis of "Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" from The Mars Volta's 2003 progressive rock opus De-Loused in the Comatorium. Lees meer
Written by: Omar Rodríguez-López, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and Jeremy Ward
Produced by: Omar Rodríguez-López & Rick Rubin
Album: De-Loused in the Comatorium, 2003
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Excerpts from Omar and Cedric: If This Ever Gets Weird (2023, dir. Nicolas Jack Davies)
"One Armed Scissor" by At the Drive-In from Relationship of Command, 2000
Excerpts from The Mars Volta's 2002 demo from Landscape Tantrums, and their 2001 first demo
Episode photo by Robin Laananen
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MARCH 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
MARCH 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – Terry Auvenshine – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman – Simon Hellman – Bea – Claudia Carty – Dani – Glenn Jackson – Christopher Selby Spink – Philip Kelly – Daniel Nervo – Kevin Stafford – Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – Samantha Coates – James – Mark Nadasdi – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – …
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"Fast As You Can" by Fiona Apple
21 maart 2025 · 53 min
Kirk digs into Fiona Apple's breakneck 1999 single "Fast As You Can," a cornerstone in her late 90s collaborations with Jon Brion, as well as her work with drummer Matt Chamberlain. Lees meer
Written by: Fiona Apple
Produced by: Jon Brion
Album: When The Pawn..., 1999
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Jon Brion in Performing Songwriter Magazine, 2000
"Criminal" by Fiona Apple from Tidal, 1996
"Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song) by Fiona Apple from Extraordinary Machine, 2005
"Monday" by Jon Brion from I Heart Huckabees, 2004
"Epistrophy" by Thelonious Monk recorded w/ Milt Jackson in 1948
Sound Space Studios demonstrating a Chamberlin keyboard
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MARCH 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
MARCH 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – Terry Auvenshine – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman – Simon Hellman – Bea – Claudia Carty – Dani – Glenn Jackson – Christopher Selby Spink – Philip Kelly – Daniel Nervo – Kevin Stafford – Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – Samantha Coates – James – Mark Nadasdi – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – B…
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"Where The Streets Have No Name" and "With Or Without You" by U2
7 maart 2025 · 59 min
Strong Songs Season Seven kicks off with two of the most famous songs ever recorded, from one of the biggest bands in the world. U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You" make up two-thirds of the three-song "suite" of hit singles that kicked off their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. As it turns out, the two songs have a lot to say to one another! They also have a lot to say about how U2 wrote music, and about the beautiful, messy human process of collaborative creativity. Lees meer
Written by: U2
Produced by: Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois
Album: The Joshua Tree, 1987
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Classic Albums: The Joshua Tree, 1999, dir. Philip King, Nuala O'Connor
Strong Songs episodes "Rhythm + Harmony = Music," "The Four Electric Guitars," "'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel," and "Wichita Lineman' by Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell
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FEBRUARY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
FEBRUARY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman – Simon Hellman – Bea – Claudia Carty – Dani – Glenn Jackson – Christopher Selby Spink – Philip Kelly – Daniel Nervo – Kevin Stafford – Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – Samantha Coates – James – Mark Nadasdi – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand …
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A Bunch of Great Music Recommendations
31 januari 2025 · 36 min
In between seasons, Kirk re-ran a bunch of old episodes and prefaced each one with a new music recommendation. He's taking those down recasts in preparation for season seven, but it seemed like a good idea to put all the music recommendations in one place. So that's what this episode is! Lees meer
DISCUSSED AND RECOMMENDED:
"The Meadow" by Nickel Creek from Celebrants, 2023
"Chip Monkey" by Kick the Cat from Weirdo, 2002
"Fade to Black" by Howard Levy and Chris Siebold from Art + Adrenaline, 2018
"Disco Snails" and "Hit the Target" by Vulfmon and Theo Katz from Dot, 2024
Various tracks from Delicious in Dungeon, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Shunsuke Tsuchiya
"Party" by Ryokushoku Shakai from Party! EP, 2024
Sumika - "Unmei" from Unmei EP, 2024
"Duck Ankles" by David Sanborn from Taking Off, 1975
"Young Americans' by David Bowie (feat. Sanborn) from Young Americans, 1975
"The Night Owl" by Anat Cohen from Quartetinho: Bloom, 2024
"Stranded" by Sierra Hull from Weighted Mind, 2016
"Samba Party" and "Drop D" by Matteo Mancuso from The Journey, 2023
"Nite Crawler" by Larry Carlton from Larry Carlton, 1978
----LINKS-----
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strongsongspodcast.com/store📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
newsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA
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Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
kirkhamilton.com/gear🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
kirkhamilton.com/music🎨 SHOW ART
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics--------------------
JANUARY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Elizabeth Culver
Meryl Allison
Robyn Metcalfe
Cesar
Corpus Frisky
Ben Barron
Catherine Warner
Damon White
Jay Swartz
Rush
Daniel Hannon-Barry
Christopher Miller
Jamie White
Christopher McConnell
David Mascetti
Joe Laska
Ken Hirsh
Melanie Andrich
Jenness Gardner
Nathaniel Bauernfeind
Paul Delaney
Dave Sharpe
Sam… -
Remembering Janis Stockhouse, The Great Band Director
3 januari 2025 · 57 min
In light of Janis Stockhouse's unexpected death at the tail end of 2024, we're re-posting Kirk's 2019 interview with her for anyone who might want to listen to it. Lees meer
Janis started teaching at North high school in Bloomington, Indiana, in the early 1980s. It was a time when "jazz education" as a concept was still a relatively new thing. She retired 38 years later, having grown the North band program into a well-known Midwest institution, winning countless awards at festivals around the world and regularly turning out graduates who would go on to become professional musicians, as well as many others who would simply have a lifelong love of music.
On this episode she tells the story of starting out at North and developing the program, along with her thoughts on how to get students to practice, which composers she prefers for student groups, women in jazz, funding for the arts, and some good old-fashioned album recommendations.
For more information about Janis and the many tributes and memorials to her, visit The Janis Stockhouse memorial concert website.
REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
Janis's 2004 book Jazzwomen: Conversations With Twenty-One Musicians, which she co-wrote with Wayne Enstice - there are used copies on Amazon, and you should really track down a copy and read it
The late great jazz legend David Baker, whose NYT obituary captured at least some of his legacy: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/30/arts/music/david-baker-who-helped-bring-jazz-studies-into-the-academy-dies-at-84.html
MUSIC ON THIS EPISODE:
"IU Swing Machine" by David Baker as played by the 2016 IU Celebration Big Band
"Don't Get Sassy" by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis big band
"Hang Gliding" by Maria Schneider from Alegresse
"Bright Eyes" as played by the Bill Holman big band
"Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn as performed by the Duke Ellington orchestra
"Vol. 6: All 'Bird' - Now's The Time" Play-A-Long by Jamey Aebersold (featuring Kenny Barron and Ron Carter(!!))
"Laugh, Clown, Laugh"…
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Rediscovering Stevie Wonder, with Wesley Morris and Josh Gwynn
4 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
Kirk talks with Wesley Morris and Josh Gwynn about the endless world of Stevie Wonder. Morris and Gwynn are host and producer, respectively, of the brilliant new six-part podcast series The Wonder of Stevie. Lees meer
Check out Josh Gwynn's terrific pop culture podcast Back Issue, Wesley Morris's culture podcast Still Processing, and Morris' essential writing on Aretha Franklin, Jam & Lewis, Meshell Ndegeocello, and his mustache, as well as his 2019 essay about Black American Music.
REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
"Wild Wild West" by Will Smith, Kool Moe Dee, Rub Fusari, and Stevie Wonder, 1999
"Straight, No Chaser" by Thelonious Monk, recorded 1967
Thelma Golden and Michelle Obama talking about listening to records as kids, from Episode 5 of The Wonder of Stevie
Stevie Wonder Song Excerpts:
"Keep On Running" from Music of My Mind, 1972
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" from Talking Book, 1972
"Jesus Children of America" from Innervisions, 1973
"Boogie On Reggae Woman" from Fulfillingness' First FInale, 1974
"I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "As," from Songs in the Key of Life, 1976
"Happy Birthday" from Hotter Than July, 1980
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OCTOBER 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
OCTOBER 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – Matt C – Samantha Coates – James – Mark Nadasdi – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McEl…
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Stevie Wonder: Music of My Mind [The Wonder of Stevie]
27 september 2024 · 1 uur 2 min
A cross-post of the first episode of "The Wonder of Stevie," a new six-part podcast series from Higher Ground and Pineapple Street Studios. It's a great show - find it on Apple, Amazon, Spotify... it's a podcast, you know the deal. Lees meer
Next week, we'll run a conversation between Kirk, host Wesley Morris, and producer Josh Gwynn all about what they learned making the show, and how they've come to think about Stevie and his music. In the meantime, check out some of Wesley Morris's writing on Aretha Franklin, Jam & Lewis, Meshell Ndegeocello, and his mustache, as well as his essential 2019 essay about Black American Music.
----LINKS-----
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Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE
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🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
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Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics -
Behind the Scenes of Strong Songs [Gig Gab]
13 september 2024 · 1 uur 9 min
Back in August, Kirk went on Dave Hamilton's music podcast "Gig Gab" to talk about music, Strong Songs, podcasting, and life. It was a fun conversation, and seemed worth republishing here. Lees meer
You can find the full show notes here, watch a video version here, and can check out Gig Gab at giggabpodcast.com or anywhere you get podcasts.
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics -
Post-Season Update, Summer Plans, & Some Music Recs
12 juli 2024 · 31 min
An update on what's next now that Season Six is complete, along with some book and music recommendations! Lees meer
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia, 3rd edition - 1997, revised 2021
Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning by Gary Marcus, 2012
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION LINKS
Steve Pardo - DOS - (also in Video Game form on Steam)
Completions - I Needed Help
Ruth Moody - Wanderer
The Onesies - The Onesies Dig With the Wrong Foot
Sheena Ringo - Hiizurutokoro
Adi Oasis - Lotus Glow
St. Vincent - All Born Screaming
Laura Marling - Short Movie (Director's Cut)
----LINKS-----
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Patreon | Paypal🏠 HOMEPAGE
strongsongspodcast.com👚 MERCH
strongsongspodcast.com/store📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
newsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @Kirk_Hamilton
Bluesky: @kirkhamilton.com💬 STRONG SONGS DISCORD SERVER
strongsongspodcast.com/discord🎧 STRONG SONGS PLAYLISTS
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
kirkhamilton.com/gear🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
kirkhamilton.com/music🎨 SHOW ART
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics--------------------
JULY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe
Brian Templet
Cesar
Bob Tucker
Corpus Frisky
Ben Barron
Catherine Warner
Damon White
Kaya Woodall
Jay Swartz
Miriam Joy
Rush
Daniel Hannon-Barry
Christopher Miller
Jamie White
Christopher McConnell
David Mascetti
Joe Laska
Ken Hirsh
Melanie Andrich
Jenness Gardner
Paul Delaney
Dave Sharpe
Sami Samhuri
Jeremy Dawson
AccessViolation
Andre Bremer
Dave FloreyJULY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ashley
The Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble
Kevin Marcelo
Matt C
Samantha Coates
James
Mark Nadasdi
Jeff
Dan Cutter
Joseph Romero
Ol Parker
John Berry
Danielle Kriz
Michael York
Clint McElroy
Mordok’s Vape Pen
Inmar Givoni
Michael Singer
Merv Adrian
Joe Gallo
Lauren Knotts
Dave Kolas
Henry Mindlin
Monica St. Angelo
Stephen Wolkwitz
Suzanne
Rand LeShay
Max
eric sp
Matthew Jones
Thomas
Anthony Mentz
James McMurry
Ethan Laser
Bria… -
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
28 juni 2024 · 1 uur
In the season six finale, Kirk takes a deep dive into Bruce Springsteen's signature song, 1975's "Born to Run." It's all here: tremolo guitar riffs, glockenspiel arpeggios, endless sus chords, and a sax solo for the ages. Baby, we were born for it. Lees meer
Written by: Bruce Springsteen
Produced by: Springsteen, John Landau, and Mike Appel
Album: Born to Run, 1975
Listen/Buy via Lynkify
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" and "Thunder Road" from Born to Run, 1975
Born to Run live at Madison Square Garden, 2000, and live in Belfast, 2024
Wings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run, 2005
Bruce Springsteen: All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track by Jean-Michel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin
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JUNE 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Paul Delaney – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
JUNE 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Samantha Coates – James – Mark Nadasdi – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Michael York – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather J. – …
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Summer Synths, Fluteception, and "The Diablo Chord"
14 juni 2024 · 1 uur 5 min
As Season Six draws to a close, Kirk opens up the Strong Songs mailbag to answer a bunch of listener questions on topics ranging from Diablo's use of lydian to what he means when he talks about "transcribing." Lees meer
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Tristram" by Matt Uelman from Diablo, 1997
"Blast Inc. (feat. Jorgen Munkeby)" by Haunted Shores from Viscera, 2015
"One Down, One Up" by John Coltrane from New Thing at Newport, 1965
"Heart of Glass" by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein as recorded by Miley Cyrus in 2020
"Respect" by Otis Redding recorded by Aretha Franklin, 1967
"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, 1939, and also recorded by the Brad Mehldau Trio in 1999
"Reminiscing" by Little River Band from Sleeper Catcher, 1978
"Flute Loop" by The Beastie Boys from Ill Communication, 1994
"Flute Thing" by The Blues Project from Projections, 1966
"Dream is Collapsing" and "Dream Within a Dream" by Hans Zimmer from Inception, 2010
"Concerto for Flute & Orchestra No. 1 in G Major, I. 313: I. Allegro Maestoso," feat. Sir James Galway
"Kid Charlemagne" by Steely Dan feat. Larry Carlton from The Royal Scam, 1976
"St. Thomas" by Sonny Rollins from Saxophone Colossus, 1956
"Supercell" by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard from PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation , 2023
"Morph" by twenty one pilots from Trench, 2018
"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince from Homebase, 1991
"Summer Love" by Kool and the Gang from Light of Worlds, 1974
"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang' by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg from The Chronic, 1992
Doctor Mix explains how to get the "Summer Madness" sound on an ARP 2600
"Ironside" by Quincy Jones as featured in the Kill Bill soundtrack, 2003
"Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47: IV. Allegro non troppo" by Dimitri Shostakovich as recorded by the Berlin Philharmonic, 1987
"Time" by Pink Floyd from The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973…
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"Easter Theatre" by XTC
31 mei 2024 · 57 min
Stage left! It's time for Strong Songs to talk about XTC. Stage right! Now the song is picked, analysis can begin. Stand up! If we listen close, we'll hear some lovely notes... Lees meer
On this episode, Kirk takes the stage alongside "Easter Theatre," the first single off of XTC's 1999 experimental symphono-pop album Apple Venus: Vol. 1. Bring on the bassoons and power up the mellotron; we've got some shapes to stack.
Written by: Andy Partridge
Produced by: Haydn Bendall & Nick Davies
Album: Apple Venus Vol. 1, 1999 and Instruvenus, 2002
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Senses Working Overtime” by Andy Partridge from English Settlement, 1982
“Dear God” by Partridge (eventually) from Skylarking, 1986
“Mayor of Simpleton” from Oranges & Lemons, 1989
“River of Orchids,” “I’d Like That,” “Greenman,” “Frivolous Tonight,” and “Fruit Nut” by XTC from Apple Venus, Vol. 1, 1999
"Easter Theatre (Demo Version)" and "How Easter Theatre Came to Be" released with the UK single, 1999
Partridge’s 1999 Guitar Player interview
Complicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC by Andy Partridge with Todd Bernhardt
A subsequent behind the song interview published by XTC
“Killer Queen” by Freddie Mercury from Sheer Heart Attack, 1974
“Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens from Illinoise, 2005
“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton as sung by Whitney Houston on The Bodyguard Soundtrack, 1992
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MAY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Paul Delaney – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
MAY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Danielle Kriz – Michael York – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen …
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"Limb by Limb" by Phish
17 mei 2024 · 59 min
Phish may be known for their 30-minute live jams, but turns out you can distill their best qualities into a song one-tenth that length. To that end, Kirk picks apart and reassembles their 1998 studio recording of "Limb By Limb" in all its polyrhythmic, guitarpeggiated glory. Lees meer
Music by: Trey Anastasio, with Page McConnell, Mike Gordon & Jon Fishman
Lyrics by: Tom Marshall & Scott Herman
Album: The Story of the Ghost (1998)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"You Enjoy Myself" by Trey Anastasio from Junta, 1989
"The Story of the Ghost" and "Guyute" from The Story of the Ghost, 1998
"Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix from Axis: Bold as Love, 1967
Excerpts from a 2017 episode of Tom Marshall's "Under The Scales," feat. Scott Herman
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APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
APRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Michael York – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Thirteen71 – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather J. – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino …
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"Heart of Glass" by Blondie
3 mei 2024 · 56 min
You came, you saw, you voted, and you picked Blondie as Strong Songs' first listener-selected artist! After weighing a number of possible songs to focus on, Kirk decided to go with the 1978 hit that took them from the punk clubs of New York to dance floors around the world. Lees meer
Wanna pick an artist for Season Seven? Go join the Patreon!
Written by: Deborah Harry and Chris Stein
Produced by: Mike Chapman
Album: Parallel Lines (1978)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
Special Guests: Katelyn and Laurie Shook, a.k.a. Shook Twins
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"One Way or Another" by Debbie Harry and Nigel Harrison from Parallel Lines, 1978
"Atomic" by Debbie Harry and Jimmy Destri from Eat To The Beat, 1979
"Call Me" by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder, 1980
"I Feel Love" by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte from I Remember Yesterday, 1977
A 2013 Guardian interview with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein on the writing of the song
A 2008 Sound on Sound article detailing the production of Parallel Lines
An interesting 1979 New York Times profile of the band
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APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
APRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Michael York – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham B…
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"The Way" by Meshell Ndegeocello
19 april 2024 · 58 min
Meshell Ndegeocello is: a fearless songwriter, an outrageously funky bassist, and a groundbreaking producer who knows just how to get the most out of each musician she hires. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into "The Way," the second track off of her 1996 record Peace Beyond Passion, and shines a light on some of the things that make her one of the greats. Lees meer
Written by: Meshell Ndegeocello
Album: Peace Beyond Passion (1996)
Special Guest: Sam Howard
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
"The Womb," "Ecclesiastes: Free My Heart" "The Way" by Meshell Ndegeocello from Peace Beyond Passion, 1996
"Wild Night" by Van Morrison recorded by John Mellencamp and Meshell Ndegeocello on Dance Naked, 1994
"Who Is He And What Is He To You" by Bill Withers and Stan McKinney from Peace Beyond Passion, 1996
"Birdland" by Weather Report from Heavy Weather, 1977
"Computer Blue" by Prince and the Revolution from Purple Rain, 1984
"Cat Battles" by Joshua Redman from Freedom in the Groove, 1996
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APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Bob Tucker – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
APRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Michael York – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan –…
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Strong Covers, Vol. 3
5 april 2024 · 57 min
For the third edition of Strong Covers, Kirk takes on two famous covers of two equally famous songs: Jimi Hendrix's 1968 cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," and The White Stripes' early 2000s cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Lees meer
Written by: Bob Dylan & Dolly Parton
Albums:
Bob Dylan: John Wesley Harding, 1967 — Jimi Hendrix: Electric Ladyland, 1968
Dolly Parton: Jolene, 1973 — White Stripes: Live Under Blackpool Lights, 2004Listen/Buy: Watchtower Original | Cover — Jolene Original | Cover
ALSO DISCUSSED:
Covers of "Hallelujah," "Respect," and "Gotta Get You Into My Life" featured on Strong Covers Volume 1 and Volume 2
"All Along the Watchtower" covered by Dave Matthews Band live at the United Center, 1998, and the cast of Battlestar Galactica
"Hey Joe" recorded by Jimi Hendrix, 1967
Nadine Hubbs' essay on Jolene and the "Other Woman Song"
Chip Young interview where he talks about recording the Jolene guitar part
Zac Childs shares the results of his digging into who played which part
Zac Childs' excellent YouTube channel
"Jolene" slowed down via Odinsvlog on Youtube
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FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
FEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian Johan Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Thirteen71…
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"Águas de Março (The Waters of March)" by Antônio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina
22 maart 2024 · 56 min
Kirk digs into the work of master composer Antônio Carlos Jobim via his timeless 1974 duet with Elis Regina on his song "Águas de Marçco," known Stateside as "The Waters of March." He's joined by special guest Frederico Barros, Professor of Musicology at Federal University of Rio De Janeiro. Lees meer
Written by: Antônio Carlos Jobim
Performed by: Jobim and Elis Regina
Album: Elis & Tom (1974)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
"The Girl From Ipamena" and "Desefinado" by Tom Jobim from Getz/Gilberto, 1964
"Corcovado (Quiet Night of Quiet Stars)," "Triste," and "Bigras Nunca Mais" by Jobim from Elis & Tom, 1974 and Getz/Gilberto, 1964
"Felicidade" by Jobim recorded by Vince Maggio and Mark Colby from Reunion, 1999
Chega de Saudade by Jobim as recorded by the Dizzy Gillespie Sextet
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MARCH 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe
Brian Templet
Cesar
Bob Tucker
Corpus Frisky
Ben Barron
Catherine Warner
Damon White
Kaya Woodall
Jay Swartz
Miriam Joy
SEAN D WINNIE
Rush
Daniel Hannon-Barry
Christopher Miller
Jamie White
Christopher McConnell
David Mascetti
Joe Laska
Ken Hirsh
Jez
Melanie Andrich
Jenness Gardner
Dave Sharpe
Sami Samhuri
Jeremy Dawson
AccessViolation
Andre Bremer
Dave FloreyMARCH 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Lauren Knotts
Dave Kolas
Henry Mindlin
Monica St. Angelo
Stephen Wolkwitz
Suzanne
Rand LeShay
Max
eric sp
Matthew Jones
Thomas
Anthony Mentz
James McMurry
Ethan Laser
Brian John Peter
Chris Remo
Matt Schoenthal
Aaron Wilson
Dent Earl
Carlos Lerner
Misty Haisfield
Abraham Benrubi
Christopher Bruno
Chris Kotarba
Callum Webb
Lynda MacNeil
Dick Morgan
Ben Stein
Susan Green
Sean Murphy
Thirteen71
Alan Brough
Randal Vegter
Go Birds!
Robert Granat
dave malloy
Nick Galloway
Heather J
john halpin
Peter Harding
David
John Bauman
Martín Salías
Stu Baker
Steve Martino
Dr Arthur A Gray
Carolina
Gary Pierce
Matt Baxter
Luigi Boccia
E Margaret Warton
Charles McGee
Catherine Clause
Ethan Bauman
KenIsWearingAHat
Jordan Block
Aaron Wade
Jeff Ulm
Dav… -
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
8 maart 2024 · 57 min
Turns out some songs stand on their own, however memorable-slash-horrifying their music video might have been. Lees meer
Written by: Chris Cornell
Produced by: Michael Beinhorn
Album: Superunknown (1994)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
"Spoonman" and "The Day I Tried to Live" by Chris Cornell and Soundgarden from Superunknown, 1994
Kim Thayil interview at Songfacts
Norah Jones' cover of "Black Hole Sun," Live in 2021
"In My Life" by Lennon/McCartney from Rubber Soul, 1965
The 2021 Strong Songs interview with session guitarist Andrew Synowiec
"Tom Sawyer" by Rush from Moving Pictures, 1981
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FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
FEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian Johan Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Thirteen71 – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather J. – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard S…
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"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
23 februari 2024 · 54 min
Strong Songs Season Six kicks off with a widely requested classic: Peter Gabriel's 1986 yearner "In Your Eyes." Because why hire one rhythm section when you can hire two for twice the price? Lees meer
Written by: Peter Gabriel
Produced by: Daniel Lanois
Album: So (1986)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
Rick Beato's Interview with So producer Daniel Lanois
"DIY" by Peter Gabriel from Peter Gabriel 2: Scratch, 1978
"Sledgehammer," "Don't Give Up," and "Big Time" by Gabriel from So, 1986
Kwame Ansah-Brew demonstrates the Talking Drum
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FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Robyn Metcalfe – Brian Templet – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
FEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Suzanne – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian Johan Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Thirteen71 – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather J. – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – El…
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Some Bonus Beatles Covers
9 februari 2024 · 28 min
On this bonus episode from May 2022, Kirk goes through a handful of other covers of the three Beatles songs he recently discussed on the show. Lees meer
"Gotta Get You Into My Life" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney as covered by Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers (1966) and Blood, Sweat & Tears (1975)
"Eleanor Rigby" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney as covered by Aretha Franklin (1968), Cody Fry (2021), Joshua Bell and Frankie Moreno (2009) and Zoot (1970)
"Blackbird" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney as covered by Crosby, Stills & Nash (1982) and the Brad Mehldau Trio (1996)
Also Featured/Discussed:
"Reelin' In The Years" by Steely Dan from Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972
The score video of Cody Fry's arrangement of "Eleanor Rigby"
Bicycle Race by Queen from Jazz, 1972
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The Genius of Sonny Rollins (and Max Roach)
26 januari 2024 · 23 min
(Originally recorded in May 2022) There's always more to say about Sonny Rollins, so Kirk shares a few of his other favorite Sonny moments, along with some additional love for Max Roach's drumming on Saxophone Colossus. Lees meer
REFERENCED:
"St. Thomas" and "Blue 7" by Sonny Rollins from Saxophone Colossus, 1956
"St. Thomas" as performed by Joshua Redman on Spirit of the Moment: Live at the Village Vanguard, 1992
"Four" by Miles Davis performed by Sonny Rollins on A Night at the Village Vanguard, 1957
"Without a Song" by Vincent Youmans recorded by Sonny Rollins on The Bridge, 1962
"I Know That You Know" also by Vincent Youmans from Sonny Side Up, 1959
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Weird Al For Nothin' And Your Jokes For Free
12 januari 2024 · 20 min
Weird Al has been writing songs and recording parodies for four decades, and his musical footprint is unfathomably wide. In this minisode, originally released in October 2022, Kirk gets into a few things he didn't have room for in the main feed episode about "The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota." Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Money for Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies" by Yankovic, a parody of "Money for Nothing" by Mark Knopfler & Definitely Sting from Brothers in Arms, 1985
A really interesting Sound on Sound article about the production of Brothers in Arms
"Spam," by Yankovic, a parody of "Stand" by REM from Green, 1989
"Smells Like Nirvana" by Yankovic, a parody of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana from Nevermind, 1991
"Livin' in the Fridge" by Yankovic, a parody of "Livin' on the Edge" by Aerosmith from Get a Grip, 1993
"Bohemian Polka," by Yankovic, a rearrangement of "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Freddie Mercury and Queen from A Night at the Opera, 1975
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Triple Click | Definitely Fiction🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics