Strong Songs

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. Music by: Miles Davis and Bill Evans The Musicians: Miles Davis, Trumpet Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Alto Sax John Coltrane, Tenor Sax Wynton Kelly 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 --------------------MAY 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 - 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 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 - Stephen Tsonef

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? 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 --------------------APRIL 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 - 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 Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karm

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.  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 -------------------- 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 - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine

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. 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 -------------------- 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 Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - Dav

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. 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 -------------------- 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 - 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 - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane H

Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16! 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! --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

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. 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 Chet Baker feat. Pat LaBarbera (Tenor) and Kenny Kirkland from Brother John, 1982“Stella by Starlight” by Hoagy Carmichael, performed by the Miles Davis Quintet on My Funny Valentine: In Concert, 1965--------------------NOVEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jami

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.DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990“Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004Excerpt 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--------------------OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – 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 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas –

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz originally ran in August 2025.Kirk's 2020 episode of Strong Songs about the music of Super MarioTWENTY 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 EPISODERocker Jr. - Shake [B]ITDJARTMUSIC - 8 Bit Console from My Childhoodmoodmode - Game 8-Bit OnXtremeFreddy - Bit Beats 1moodmode - Level VIIWesley Slover - Analog Jam 1103Space_Cat - Light It Upmoodmode - Level VIWilliam 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. --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 <a href="http://s

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.Check out Leigh's wonderful podcast Chat 10 Looks 3A 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 FergusonParks & Recreation - 2009, by Gaby Moreno and Vincent JonesWelcome Back Kotter - by John Sebastian (1974 - 1979)“Suicide is Painless” by Johnny Mandel, from MA_S_HThe Nanny Theme by Ann Hampton CallawayThe Brady Bunch theme by Frank De Vol & Sherwood SchwartzGilligan’s Island theme by Sherwood Schwartz (lyrics) & George Wyle (music)Beverley Hillbillies theme by Paul Hennig feat. Lester Flatt & Earl ScruggsMoney For Nothing/Beverley Hillbillies by Weird Al Yankovic from UHF, 1988"Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms, 1985The Americans theme by Nathan Barr"Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam from Peacemaker, 2021The Pi Song from AsapSCIENCESymphony 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. CuomoSix Feet Under theme by Thomas NewmanBreaking Bad theme by Dave PorterHouse of Cards Theme by Jeff BealTank! by Yoko Kanno and SeatbeltsLEIGH'S MUSIC PICKS:Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands, ‘66 with the Count Basie Orchestra conducted by Quincy JonesINXS - Kick, 1987The Villagers - Becoming a Jackal, 2010--------------------OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – 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 McIlheranOCTOBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivast

Originally Aired October 20, 2020The 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, 2014OUTRO SOLOIST: Luke PriceThis 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.--------------------SEPTEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – 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 McIlhe

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.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 Mercy, 1989“Hard Times” from Good As I Been to You, 1992“Train of Love,” Johnny Cash tribute, 1999“Pay In Blood” from Tempest, 2012“I’m A Fool To Want You“ by Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, and Joel Herron from Shadows in the Night, 2015, and as recorded by Frank Sinatra“Polka

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.THE WAILIN' JENNYS ARE:Ruth Moody - Banjo, Guitar, VocalsNicky Mehta - Guitar, Drums, VocalsHeather Masse - Bass, VocalsFeaturing excerpts from the Jennys' albums Bright Morning Stars, iTunes Session - EP, 40 Days, and FirecrackerFEATURED/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, 1989Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2016Kirk's essay on creativity, "Follow The Spark"Jeff Tweedy talking songwriting on The Ezra Klein Show"What Am I Here For" by Jade BirdMUSIC PICKS:Heather: Bonny Light Horseman, Keep Me On Your Mind/Set You Free, 2024Ruth: Aaron Neville, "Louisiana 1927"Nicky: Afghan Whigs, Black Love --------------------AUGUST 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSMelissa 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 PATRONSMathias 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 –

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!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 NOTESMay 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.--------------------AUGUST 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSMelissa 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 PATRONSMathias 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 Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – 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 – James – Michael – 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 – Michael York – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jo

THE APOCALYPSE WERE:Tony Capuano - Guitar, Lead VocalsJohn Shorb - Alto SaxGene Meros - Tenor SaxGreg Novik - Bass, Backing Vocals (guitar on Stormy Monday)Oggie Hamilton - Drums, Backing VocalsFeaturing 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 SilverALSO 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', 1959Excerpt from Hot Rod Hulbert's WWIN Show via RadioMaven77The Herald Times obituary for Ogden HamiltonThe Baltimore Sun obituary for Greg Novik“Greg’s Goodbye” by Leah Erskin for Baltimore Magazine, 2017--------------------JULY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSMelissa 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 PATRONSFreddy 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 – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – 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 – Lawr

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.Written by: Bill WithersAlbum: Still Bill, 1972Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO 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, 1996Excerpts from Live at Carnegie Hall, released 1972Excerpts from the 2010 documentary “Still Bill,” dir. Damani Baker and Alex Vlack2004 Songfacts interview w/ WithersWithers' 2015 Rock Hall of Fame acceptance speechRecord needle sound via Sounds Recorded--------------------JUNE 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSThomas 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 PATRONSIan 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 – 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 – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz –

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.Come see Triple Click Live! Friday, July 11 at the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, OR. Tickets HereKirk has new music for sale on Bandcamp: Music For Podcasting and his original score for Arydia: The Paths We Dare TreadThanks 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, 2002A live performance of “White Trash Wedding”“Simon’s Theme” by Trigg & Gusset from the Blue Prince original soundtrack, 2025Kirk’s recent essay about Blue Prince and musicTwo 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, 1974Bass legend Lee Sklar on YouTubeMark Lager's 2024 No Other retrospective in Under The Radar MagazineThe terrific Wonder of Stevie podcastTantacrul’s tremendous video about the history of music notation“Hammond Song” by The Roaches, 1979Chords of Orion video explaining and re-creating Frippertronics“The Heavenly Music Corporation II” by Robert Fripp and Brian Eno from No Pussyfooting, 1973

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. 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: StingFeaturing: Stewart Copeland, drums; Andy Summers, guitar; Jean Roussel, piano & keysAlbum: Ghost in the Machine, 1981Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:MTV: The Making of Ghosts in the Machine w/ Jools Holland, 1982Revolver Magazine interview feature with the band, 2000Stewart 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--------------------MAY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 PATRONSRoger Yoon – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash –

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.Music/Lyrics: Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein IIVersions Featured:Broadway Original Cast Recording of "Very Warm for May," - 1939Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, feat. Jack Leonard, 1939Artie Shaw w/ Hellen Forrest, 1939Dizzy Gillespie w/ Charlie Parker, 1945Johnny Griffin w/ Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Art Blakey on A Blowing Session, 1957Ella Fitzgerald from Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook, 1963Michael Jackson, 1973Sonny Rollins w/ Coleman Hawkins from Sonny Meets Hawk!, 1963Bill Evans w/ Chuck Israels, bass, and Larry Bunker, drums at Shelly’s Mane-Hole, 1963Keith Jarrett Trio, from Standards, Vol.1, 1983Brad Mehldau Trio, from Art of the Trio 4, 1999Jim Hall & Pat Metheney, 1999Strong Songs Version Featuring:Kirk Hamilton, tenor saxAndrew Oliver, keyboardScott Pemberton, guitarSam Howard, bassTyson Stubelek, drumsThe "All The Things You Are" Playlist:Spotify | Apple | YouTube MusicALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:The Jazz Standards: A Guide To The Repertoire by Ted Gioia, 2012The 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“I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin,

Turn around... every now and then I get a little lonely and the snare is sounding smallTurn around... every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of sleigh bellsTurn around... every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the cannons will not fireTurn around......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 SteinmanFeaturing: Bonnie Tyler and Rory Dodd, co-lead vocalsAlbum: Faster than the Speed of Night, 1983Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:The "Literal Version" of the Total Eclipse music videoWarren 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, 1981Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukrane, 2005--------------------APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 FloreyAPRIL 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSDave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – 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 –

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. 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 YouTubeMood 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 HertzDemonstration of the Kustom Electronics Bag Talkbox--------------------APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 FloreyAPRIL 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSDave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – 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 – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol

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.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 FrogALSO 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 RaposoRowlf (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, 1945A 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 PottleBuddy Rich vs. Animal drum battle from The Muppet Show, 1981PINBALL NUMBER COUNT CHEAT SHEETIntro:4 + 3 + 4 + 3Verse:4 + 4 + 3 + 34 + 4 + 34 + 4 + 4 + 34 + 4 + 4 + 5Solos:In regular 4/4, with a bar of 5 at the very end--------------------APRIL 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 PATRONSDave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – Phantom

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.Written by: Omar Rodríguez-López, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and Jeremy WardProduced by: Omar Rodríguez-López & Rick RubinAlbum: De-Loused in the Comatorium, 2003Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO 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, 2000Excerpts from The Mars Volta's 2002 demo from Landscape Tantrums, and their 2001 first demoEpisode photo by Robin Laananen--------------------MARCH 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 FloreyMARCH 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSRachel – 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 – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Lee R. – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Randal Vegter – Kellen Steffen – Kaya Woodall – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Alan Maass – Nick Galloway – 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 – Tim Sheehan – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – David Fu

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.Written by: Fiona AppleProduced by: Jon BrionAlbum: When The Pawn..., 1999Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO 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 1948Sound Space Studios demonstrating a Chamberlin keyboard--------------------MARCH 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAndy – 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 FloreyMARCH 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSRachel – 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 – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Lee R. – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Randal Vegter – Kellen Steffen – Kaya Woodall – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Alan Maass – Nick Galloway – 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 – Tim Sheehan – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause

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.Written by: U2Produced by: Brian Eno and Daniel LanoisAlbum: The Joshua Tree, 1987Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:Classic Albums: The Joshua Tree, 1999, dir. Philip King, Nuala O'ConnorStrong Songs episodes "Rhythm + Harmony = Music," "The Four Electric Guitars," "'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel," and "Wichita Lineman' by Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell--------------------FEBRUARY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElizabeth 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 FloreyFEBRUARY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSWiggy 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 – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Lee R. – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Randal Vegter – Kaya Woodall – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Alan Maass – Nick Galloway – 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 – David

Strong Songs Season Seven is now underway! You can listen to the season premiere right now on Patreon, or here in the main feed in two weeks, on March 7.For those next two weeks, sign up to become a patron of the show and use the code "STRONG" and you'll get 80% off your first month. So basically, you can listen to the premiere right now for one dollar. Or just wait, that's fine too. The promo ends on March 7.MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: "Up From A Dream" by HAIM from Women in Music, Pt. III----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | Paypal 🏠 HOMEPAGEstrongsongspodcast.com 👚 MERCHstrongsongspodcast.com/store 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @Kirk_HamiltonBluesky: @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

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!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, 2024Various tracks from Delicious in Dungeon, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Shunsuke Tsuchiya"Party" by Ryokushoku Shakai from Party! EP, 2024Sumika - "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-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | Paypal 🏠 HOMEPAGEstrongsongspodcast.com 👚 MERCHstrongsongspodcast.com/store 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @Kirk_HamiltonBluesky: @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--------------------</stron

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.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 itThe 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.htmlMUSIC 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" by Abbey Lincoln from Abbey Is Blue, 1959"Song Patrol" by Jane Ira Bloom from Early Americans, 2016"Lingala" by the SF Jazz Collective from their 2005 self-titled album"So What" and "Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue, 1959"My Favorite Things" as performed by John Coltrane on My Favorite Things, 1966"Mercy Mercy Mercy" by Josef Zawinul a

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.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 1967Thelma Golden and Michelle Obama talking about listening to records as kids, from Episode 5 of The Wonder of StevieStevie 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--------------------OCTOBER 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElizabeth 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 FloreyOCTOBER 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSLawrence – 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 McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian –

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.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. --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

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.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. --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

An update on what's next now that Season Six is complete, along with some book and music recommendations!BOOK RECOMMENDATIONSThe History of Jazz by Ted Gioia, 3rd edition - 1997, revised 2021Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning by Gary Marcus, 2012MUSIC RECOMMENDATION LINKSSteve Pardo - DOS - (also in Video Game form on Steam)Completions - I Needed HelpRuth Moody - WandererThe Onesies - The Onesies Dig With the Wrong FootSheena Ringo - HiizurutokoroAdi Oasis - Lotus GlowSt. Vincent - All Born ScreamingLaura Marling - Short Movie (Director's Cut)----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | Paypal 🏠 HOMEPAGEstrongsongspodcast.com 👚 MERCHstrongsongspodcast.com/store 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @Kirk_HamiltonBluesky: @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 </str

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.Written by: Bruce SpringsteenProduced by: Springsteen, John Landau, and Mike AppelAlbum: Born to Run, 1975Listen/Buy via LynkifyALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" and "Thunder Road" from Born to Run, 1975Born to Run live at Madison Square Garden, 2000, and live in Belfast, 2024Wings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run, 2005Bruce Springsteen: All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track by Jean-Michel Guesdon and  Philippe Margotin--------------------JUNE 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyJUNE 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSSamantha 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. – 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 – David Futter – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Richard Sneddon – Cliff Whitlock – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Bru

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."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 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, 1992Doctor 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"Shit Talk" by Sufjan Stevens from Javelin, 2023OUTRO SOLOIST: Evan IllouzEvan is a clinical psychologist in Brooklyn, NY, who's been playing since he was in high school, about 20 years ago. --------------------MAY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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

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...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 PartridgeProduced by: Haydn Bendall & Nick DaviesAlbum: Apple Venus Vol. 1, 1999 and Instruvenus, 2002Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO 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, 1999Partridge’s 1999 Guitar Player interviewComplicated Game: Inside the Songs of XTC by Andy Partridge with Todd BernhardtA 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--------------------MAY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyMAY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSDanielle 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 Johan Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Mo

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.Music by: Trey Anastasio, with Page McConnell, Mike Gordon & Jon FishmanLyrics by: Tom Marshall & Scott HermanAlbum: The Story of the Ghost (1998)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO 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, 1967Excerpts from a 2017 episode of Tom Marshall's "Under The Scales," feat. Scott Herman--------------------APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyAPRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSMordok’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 – 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 – David Futter – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brockington – Victoria Yu – Mino Capossela – Stev

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.Wanna pick an artist for Season Seven? Go join the Patreon!Written by: Deborah Harry and Chris SteinProduced by: Mike ChapmanAlbum: Parallel Lines (1978)Listen/Buy via SongwhipSpecial Guests: Katelyn and Laurie Shook, a.k.a. Shook TwinsALSO 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, 1977A 2013 Guardian interview with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein on the writing of the songA 2008 Sound on Sound article detailing the production of Parallel LinesAn interesting 1979 New York Times profile of the band--------------------APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyAPRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSMordok’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 Baum

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.Written by: Meshell NdegeocelloAlbum: Peace Beyond Passion (1996)Special Guest: Sam HowardListen/Buy via SongwhipALSO 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--------------------APRIL 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyAPRIL 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSMordok’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 – 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 – David Futter – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper –

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."Written by: Bob Dylan & Dolly PartonAlbums: Bob Dylan: John Wesley Harding, 1967 — Jimi Hendrix: Electric Ladyland, 1968Dolly Parton: Jolene, 1973 — White Stripes: Live Under Blackpool Lights, 2004Listen/Buy: Watchtower Original | Cover — Jolene Original | CoverALSO 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, 1967Nadine Hubbs' essay on Jolene and the "Other Woman Song"Chip Young interview where he talks about recording the Jolene guitar partZac Childs shares the results of his digging into who played which partZac Childs' excellent YouTube channel"Jolene" slowed down via Odinsvlog on Youtube--------------------FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyFEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSSuzanne – Rand LeShay

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.Written by: Antônio Carlos JobimPerformed by: Jobim and Elis ReginaAlbum: Elis & Tom (1974)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO 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, 1999Chega de Saudade by Jobim as recorded by the Dizzy Gillespie Sextet--------------------MARCH 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn MetcalfeBrian TempletCesarBob TuckerCorpus FriskyBen BarronCatherine WarnerDamon WhiteKaya WoodallJay SwartzMiriam JoySEAN D WINNIERushDaniel Hannon-BarryChristopher MillerJamie WhiteChristopher McConnellDavid MascettiJoe LaskaKen HirshJezMelanie AndrichJenness GardnerDave SharpeSami SamhuriJeremy DawsonAccessViolationAndre BremerDave FloreyMARCH 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSLauren KnottsDave KolasHenry MindlinMonica St. AngeloStephen WolkwitzSuzanneRand LeShayMaxeric spMatthew JonesThomasAnthony MentzJames McMurryEthan LaserBrian John PeterChris RemoMatt SchoenthalAaron WilsonDent EarlCarlos LernerMisty HaisfieldAbraham BenrubiChristopher BrunoChris KotarbaCallum WebbLynda MacNeilDick MorganBen SteinSusan GreenSean MurphyThirteen71Alan BroughRandal VegterGo Birds!Robert Granatdave malloyNick GallowayHeather Jjohn halpinPeter HardingDavidJohn BaumanMartín SalíasStu BakerSteve MartinoDr Arthur A GrayCarolinaGary PierceMatt BaxterLuigi BocciaE Margaret WartonCharles McGeeCatherine ClauseEthan BaumanKenIsWearingAHatJordan BlockAaron WadeJeff UlmDavid FutterJamieDeebsPortland Eye CareCarrie SchneiderRichard SneddonDoreen CarlsonDavid McDarbyWendy GilchristElliot RosenLisa TurnerPaul WayperBruno GaetaKenneth JungAdam StofskyZak RemerRi

Turns out some songs stand on their own, however memorable-slash-horrifying their music video might have been.Written by: Chris CornellProduced by: Michael BeinhornAlbum: Superunknown (1994)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"Spoonman" and "The Day I Tried to Live" by Chris Cornell and Soundgarden from Superunknown, 1994Kim Thayil interview at SongfactsNorah Jones' cover of "Black Hole Sun," Live in 2021"In My Life" by Lennon/McCartney from Rubber Soul, 1965The 2021 Strong Songs interview with session guitarist Andrew Synowiec"Tom Sawyer" by Rush from Moving Pictures, 1981--------------------FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyFEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSSuzanne – 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 – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brockington – Victoria Yu – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – David Joske – Bernard Khoo – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Madeleine Mader – Jason Pratt – Abbie Berg – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berma

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?Written by: Peter GabrielProduced by: Daniel LanoisAlbum: So (1986)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO 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, 1986Kwame Ansah-Brew demonstrates the Talking Drum--------------------FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRobyn 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 FloreyFEBRUARY 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSSuzanne – 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 – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brockington – Victoria Yu – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – David Joske – Bernard Khoo – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Madeleine Mader – Jason Pratt – Abbie Berg – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Linda Duffy – Bonnie Prinsen – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Pot

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."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, 1972The score video of Cody Fry's arrangement of "Eleanor Rigby"Bicycle Race by Queen from Jazz, 1972 --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Kirk shares some details about the upcoming season of Strong Songs, which kicks off on February 9 in early access, and on February 23 in the main feed.----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | Paypal 🏠 HOMEPAGEstrongsongspodcast.com 👚 MERCHstrongsongspodcast.com/store 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @Kirk_HamiltonBluesky: @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

(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.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 --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

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."FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Money for Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies" by Yankovic, a parody of "Money for Nothing" by Mark Knopfler & Definitely Sting from Brothers in Arms, 1985A 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 --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Recorded in August 2022 as an addendum to the main feed episode "Strong Grooves, Volume 1," special guest Russ Kleiner takes Kirk through the evolution of James Brown drummer Clyde Stubblefield's playing from 1967 to 1970.FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Cold Sweat" (1967), "I Got The Feelin'" (1968), "Mother Popcorn" (1969), "Funky Drummer" (1970), all feat. Clyde Stubblefield on drums.SPECIAL GUEST: Russ KleinerRuss is one of Kirk's oldest friends, a drummer and percussionist who currently lives, teaches, and performs in Connecticut. He has frequently offered drum insights to Kirk for various episodes of Strong Songs, and has been overdue for an actual appearance on the show. Additional thanks to Nick D'Errico for his help recording and overseeing the drum session for this episode - find Nick online at https://www.nddrums.com.--------------------DRUM GROOVE QUIZ ANSWERS:----------------- are you ready ---------------1. Mother Popcorn2. I Got The Feelin'3. Cold Sweat4. Mother Popcorn5. Funky Drummer6. Cold Sweat7. I Got The Feelin'8. Mother Popcorn --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

For the Season Five finale, Kirk takes a look at The Band and Martin Scorsese's beloved 1978 concert film The Last Waltz - "The beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning."Featuring music by The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth HudsonDirected by: Martin ScorseseAlbum: The Last Waltz (1978)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:"The Weight" by Robbie Robertson as covered by The Staple Singers and Aretha FranklinStudio versions of several songs from the show, featured on The Band (1969) and Northern Lights - Southern Cross, 1975A 2014 New Yorker interview with Mavis Staples"Rockin' in Rhythm" by Duke Ellington, first recorded 1931"The Next Waltz," a concert event held every November in Portland, ORThe Jeremy Wilson Foundation, helping support local musicians in need--------------------DECEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSBrian 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 FloreyDECEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONSJames 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 – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – 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 – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Ad

It's time for another mailbag episode, as Kirk takes on questions about Evanescence piano, Kelis bells, and counting in songs by Phish, Vessels, Ten Years After, and Kishi Bashi. All that, and a friendly dispute about a Taylor Swift song."Milkshake" by Neptunes/Kelis from Tasty, 2003"Going Under" by Evanescence from Fallen, 2003Joe Lovono plays the AulochromePat Metheney plays the Pikasso 42-string GuitarMatt Glassmeyer and Jano Rix demonstrate the ShuitarFuture Man plays Synth Axe Drumitar live with the Flecktones"What About Me?" by Snarky Puppy from We Like It Here, 2014"Shimmer Intend Spark Groove Defend" feat. Nels Cline from What Is To Be Done, 2019"Angst In My Pants" by Sparks from Angst in my Pants, 1982"The Sky Was Pink" by Nathan Fake, covered by Vessels, 2012"Hahaha, Pt. 2" by Kishi Bashi from Lighght, 2014"Mound" by Phish from Rift, 1993"I'd Love to Change the World" by Ten Years After from A Space in Time, 1971"Bad Blood" (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar, 2015/2023Elton John plays "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" at Dodger Stadium, 2022The NIOSH Sound Level Meter AppOUTRO SOLOIST: BJ CordThis episode's outro soloist is BJ Cord, a fantastic trumpet player based in Portland. BJ works at Monette trumpets making some of the most beautiful horns in the world, and is a regular presence on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monettetrumpets--------------------NOVEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSCesar – 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 FloreyNOVEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONSEthan 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 – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway

The electric guitar is a beautiful, maddening instrument, and man does it sound good in the right hands. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into solos by guitar legends Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Larry Carlton.FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Seven Come Eleven" by Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman, recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1939"Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery from Boss Guitar, 1963"Hey Joe" by Billy Roberts recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on Are You Experienced?, 1967Larry Carlton's solo on "Kid Charlemagne" by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (AKA Steely Dan) from The Royal Scam, 1976OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk HamiltonKirk returns for another outro guitar solo, this time with a few new licks under his belt.--------------------NOVEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSCesar – 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 FloreyNOVEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONSEthan 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 – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – 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 – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brockington – Victoria Yu – Brad Clark – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Madeleine Mader – Jason Pratt – Abbie Berg – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Olivia Bishop – Linda Duffy – Bonnie Prinsen – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Dallas Hockley – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Lauren Reay – Er