Grammar Matters And Stuff That Isn't Funny

Note: Earbuddies will resume its regular schedule on Monday, April 21.–Get by with a little help from your buddies! In this ep, Mat and Tim finally – finally – talk about the lovable lads from Liverpool. Are they actually underrated? How's that new single of theirs? And are they actually a children's band?SONGS PLAYED:The Beatles - With a Little Help From My FriendsThe Beatles - Now and ThenThe Beatles - Come TogetherThe Beatles - Penny LaneLittle Richard - Good Golly, Miss MollyThe Beatles - Eleanor RigbyThe Beatles - Can't Buy Me LoveThe Beatles - SomethingThe Beatles - Tomorrow Never KnowsThe Beatles - Rocky RaccoonThe Beatles - Here Comes the SunThe Beatles - YesterdayThe Beatles - Norwegian Wood (The Bird Has Flown)The Beatles - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-DaElmer Fudd - With a Little Help From My Friends--Disclaimers:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche

It's ok, we're ok! In this ep, Mat and Tim discuss – who else? – Tate McRae. Her third major label album debuted at the top of the Billboard chart, and she's being compared to a young Britney Spears – yet her tunes remain an enigma to many. Well, not for long! Here's your primer on Tate M.SONGS PLAYED:Tate McRae - greedyTate McRae - miss possessiveTate McRae - one dayTate McRae - you broke me firstTate McRae - 2 handsTate McRae - it's ok I'm okTate McRae - no I'm not in loveCamila Cabello - I'll Be Home For ChristmasTate McRae - means I careTate McRae - revolving doorTate McRae - I know love (feat. The Kid LAROI)Britney Spears - ...Baby One More TimeTate McRae - sports carTate McRae - dear godDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute

How does it feel?? In this ep, Mat and Tim discuss – at long last – Bob Dylan. But neither of them are Dylan Guys – instead, their discussion comes from the perspective of newcomers. How does one "get into" Bob Dylan in 2025? And what wonders await those who attempt to do so? Listen and find out!SONGS PLAYED:Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin'Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the WindBob Dylan - Just Like a WomanBob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick BluesBob Dylan - Don't Think Twice, It's All RightGuns N' Roses - Knockin' On Heaven's DoorBob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's DoorBob Dylan - Girl from the North CountryBob Dylan - Like a Rolling StoneThe Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along the WatchtowerAdele - Make You Feel My LoveBob Dylan - Make You Feel My LoveBob Dylan - Tangled Up In BlueBob Dylan - I Believe in YouBob Dylan - Lay, Lady, LayBob Dylan - I Want YouThe Wallflowers - One HeadlightDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fai

Have you ever tried *this* pod? In this episode, Mat and Tim share their admiration of Sabrina Carpenter – from her vaudeville-like persona to her inspired tunes.This episode contains explicit language.SONGS PLAYED:Sabrina Carpenter - TasteSabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard - Take On the World (Girl Meets World Theme)Sabrina Carpenter - Bed ChemSabrina Carpenter - EspressoSabrina Carpenter - Please Please PleaseSabrina Carpenter - JunoPiero Piccio - Amore Mio AiutamiMae West - I'm No AngelSabrina Carpenter - Slim PickinsSabrina Carpenter - Good GracesDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Everybody dance now! In this ep, Mat and Tim celebrate JOCK JAMS. What's so great about music for/about sports? Trust us, we get into it!SONGS PLAYED:Punch Brothers - JulepReel 2 Real - I Like To Move It (feat. The Mad Stuntman)Gary Glitter - Rock 'n' Roll (Part 2)Imagine Dragons - BelieverVan Halen - JumpQueen - We Will Rock YouAC/DC - ThunderstruckEminem - Lose YourselfThe White Stripes - Seven Nation ArmyFall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the DarkFall Out Boy - CenturiesDef Leppard - HysteriaEdward Meeker - Take Me Out To the Ball GameSabrina Carpenter - TasteChappell Roan - Red Wine SupernovaBenson Boone - Beautiful ThingsDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies.

Note: Earbuddies will resume its regular schedule on Monday, February 10.–We LOVE computers! But... In this ep, Mat and Tim share their feelings on the rise of generative artificial intelligence in the world of pop music. Is it a useful tool for artists? Or a threat to art itself?Sponsored by Mojave Max.SONGS PLAYED:Imogen Heap - Hide and SeekHolly Herndon - FrontierGhostwriter - Heart on My SleeveBrian Eno - Discreet MusicOlafur Arnalds - ekki hugsaDavid Guetta - Live excerptBrooklyn Duo feat. Dover Quartet - Hide and Seek (Imogen Heap cover)Brian Eno - 1/1DISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Oh my! Good lord. In this episode, Mat and Tim consider the state of country music in 2025 – what's working, what's not, and what you need to know about the genre everyone wants a piece of these days.SONGS PLAYED:Lainey Wilson - Country's Cool AgainShaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy)Braxton Keith - CozyElla Langley - you look like you love me (feat. Riley Green)Post Malone - Pour Me a Drink (feat. Blake Shelton)Jo Dee Messina - Heads Carolina, Tails CaliforniaCole Swindell - She Had Me At Heads CarolinaJake Owen - I Was Jack (You Were Diane)Dustin Lynch - Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)Mackenzie Carpenter - Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun)Kane Brown - I Can Feel ItPhil Collins - In the Air TonightBear Bailey - Whiskey BurnThomas Rhett - Don't Wanna DanceVarious Artists - Wayfaring Strangermgk, Jelly Roll - Lonely RoadLainey Wilson - 4x4xURiley Green - Rather BeDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitut

That's so true! In this episode, Mat and Tim use Gracie Abrams's recent SNL performance as a jumping off point to discuss proficiency and mastery among pop music's most prominent artists – and the way that fandom culture has enabled the erosion of our expectations. It's a bit of a grumpy one!SONGS PLAYED:Gracie Abrams - I Love You, I'm SorryGracie Abrams - That's So True (Live)Jacob Collier - Little Blue (A COLORS SHOW)Taylor Swift - You're On Your Own, Kid (Live)Van Halen - EruptionCarpenters - Top of the WorldKenny G - Auld Lang SyneDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Many happy returns! In this holiday episode, Mat and Tim consider why the Christmas music songbook has become so stagnant – then, after diagnosing the problems they see with the holiday music canon, they prescribe a solution that could finally thaw out the frozen genre.SONGS PLAYED:Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the YearPaul McCartney - Wonderful ChristmastimeBrenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas TreeVince Guaraldi Trio - O TannenbaumTraditional Choir - God Rest Ye Merry, GentlemenGene Autry - Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerBing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters - Male KalikimakaElmo & Patsy - Grandma Got Run Over By a ReindeerDean Martin - Silver BellsMichael Bublé - Santa BabyGene Autry - Here Comes Santa ClausGayla Peevey - I Want a Hippopotamus for ChristmasMariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is YouThe Ronettes - Sleigh RideEd Sheeran - BoatEd Sheeran - Shape of YouTHE HEADLINERS:Ed Sheeran on His New Song for ‘That Christmas’ and His Next Album: ‘I’m Getting Back Into B

Ya got a podcast! With a capital P and that rhymes with E and that stands for Earbuddies. In this episode, Mat and Tim reflect on the rich history of movie musicals––from the "golden age" of the 1940s and 50s to today. Then they weigh in on the new film adaptation of Wicked. Grab your broomsticks and hang on tight!SONGS PLAYED:Oklahoma! – from Oklahoma!Don't Rain On My Parade – from Funny GirlSixteen Going On Seventeen – from The Sound of MusicFriend Like Me – from AladdinTonight – from West Side StorySunrise, Sunset – from Fiddler on the RoofAlexander Hamilton – from Hamilton: An American MusicalDefying Gravity – from Wicked (2024)Popular – from Wicked (2003)No One Mourns the Wicked – from Wicked (2024)The Wizard and I – from Wicked (2024)One Short Day – from Wicked (2024)Defying Gravity – from Wicked (2003)Defying Gravity – from Wicked (2024)Singin' in the Rain – from Singin' in the RainDefying Gravity – from Wicked (2024)Kendrick Lamar – squabble upKendrick Lamar – hey nowDISCLAIMER:Und

On October 29th, 2024, Pitchfork published Shaad D'Souza's lukewarm review of Halsey's new album, The Great Impersonator. The same day, Halsey took to social media and called attention to D'Souza's review, inviting their followers to come after him online.This online moment inspired music journalist Grace Robins-Somerville to write about the worsening cultural climate around fans, "stans," and toxic fandom. Grace's work can be found in Stereogum, Paste Magazine, The Alternative, and in her newsletter, Our Band Could Be Your Wife.Grace joined Mat and Tim to discuss toxic fan culture – and to consider what a brighter future for music criticism and fandom might look like.Discussed:Stans vs. Music Journalism (Again) by Grace Robins-SomervilleChappell Roan and the Perils of Parasociality by Grace Robins-SomervilleSongs Played:Halsey - LuckyCamila Cabello - I LUV ITChappell Roan - Pink Pony ClubCharli XCX - appleDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is mad

We're back! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on their time away from the pod – then they consider what the upcoming season of Earbuddies might look like thematically. Oh yeah, we're navel-gazing! Come along for the fun.SONGS PLAYED:Insane Clown Posse - Hokus PokusAlan Menken & Howard Ashman - Beauty and the BeastBruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.Elton John - Circle of LifeDISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

Or is it... Pod Buddy Summer? In this ep, Mat and Tim suspend their summer hiatus to catch up on a momentous season for pop music, spearheaded by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. So many killer tunes in one summer! But where do Taylor Swift and Katy Perry fit into the mix?This episode contains explicit language.SONGS PLAYED:Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO!Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan - Red Wine SupernovaSabrina Carpenter - Please Please PleaseCharli XCX - 360Taylor Swift - The AlchemyKaty Perry - Woman's WorldCharli XCX - Girl, so confusingDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this season finale, Mat and Tim read excerpts from an article by Leonard Bernstein for The Atlantic entitled "Speaking of Music," published in December of 1957. Leonard's words cause the buddies to consider: what's the point of this entire podcast?We thank you for your continued support of Earbuddies. Regular episode releases will continue in the fall of 2024. You may also receive bonus episodes in your feed as the summer progresses. So please don't unsubscribe! Please.SONGS PLAYED:Ludwig von Beethoven - Eroica SymphonyShenandoah (arr. Frank Ticheli)Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Orchestral Version)DISCLAIMERS:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

The British are coming! In this episode, Mat and Tim lead the Earbuddies Army to the battlefield. On the other side: the "21st Century Mozart," Jacob Collier. Who is he? What's his deal? Why does he make music the way that he does – and what's the difference between good music and good songs?SONGS PLAYED:Jacob Collier - All Night Long (feat. Take 6)Jacob Collier - Over You (feat. aespa & Chris Martin)Lizzy McAlpine - erase me (feat. Jacob Collier)Jacob Collier - Summer Rain (feat. Madison Cunningham & Chris Thile)Jacob Collier - Isn't She LovelyJacob Collier - Don't You Worry 'Bout a ThingJacob Collier - FlintstonesJacob Collier - With the Love In My HeartJacob Collier - Moon RiverJacob Collier - 100,000 VoicesJacob Collier - Do You Feel Love (feat. Steve Vai)Daniel Johnston - True Love Will Find You In the EndJacob Collier - The Audience Choir (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London)Jacob Collier - Little Blue (feat. Brandi Carlile)Bill Withers - Lean On MeNemo - The CodeDISCL

Pucker up! In this ep, Mat and Tim reflect on a sub-sub-sub-genre of emo music that was, plain and simple, made for kissin'. (And for weeping over the kisses you'll no longer get.) Plus: circling back to the presidential canine situation.SONGS PLAYED:From First To Last - EmilySecondhand Serenade - Fall For YouTaking Back Sunday - New American ClassicSomething Corporate - As You SleepDashboard Confessional - Screaming InfidelitiesA Day To Remember - If It Means a Lot To YouDaphne Loves Derby - Hopeless LoveThe Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian AngelStraylight Run - Existentialism On Prom NightBoys Like Girls - ThunderDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

In this solo ep, Tim's thinking different! He recalls the remarkable history of the iPod and the rise of the digital music era – and suggests that the golden age of music consumption is in the rearview.SONGS PLAYED: Yuzzy - A Little MorningJet - Are You Gonna Be My GirlYuzzy - Running WildU2 - VertigoThe Philadelphia Orchestra - Clair de LuneYuzzy - ElipseYuzzy - Thin Paper HutYuzzy - Snow MorningPrestige Podcast Background Music by Yuzzy: https://bit.ly/2nUbGqDDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise by infringing.

You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Earbuddies should be a bigger podcastIn this tortured ep, Mat and Tim share their preliminary thoughts about Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. As you can see from the title of this ep, they found it to be lacking! They hone in on the tunes and enter into evidence their talismans and charms, etc.SONGS PLAYED:Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets DepartmentTaylor Swift - My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite ToysTaylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)Taylor Swift - Cruel SummerTaylor Swift - I Hate It HereTaylor Swift - The Black DogTaylor Swift - Chloe or Sam or Sophia or MarcusTaylor Swift - lomlTaylor Swift - How Did It End?Taylor Swift - So High SchoolTaylor Swift - I Can Do It With a Broken HeartTaylor Swift - So Long, LondonTaylor Swift - But Daddy I Love HimTaylor Swift - The AlchemyDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a

In this episode, Mat and Tim are joined by Alvin Jones, otherwise known as "The Unseen VJ" – the man who created Rap City, a long-running music video program on BET. He tells the buddies what inspired him to push for greater hip-hop representation on BET in the mid- to late-80s, and reflects on the impact his advocacy has had on the tapestry of hip-hop and rap in the decades since.FURTHER VIEWING:The 17th Annual Blacks In Wax: Hip Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle at The Kennedy Center, March 16, 2024Welcome To Rap City - Three-Part Documentary on BETSONGS PLAYED:Excerpt from Rap City, 1990Excerpt from Blacks In Wax at The Kennedy Center, 2024Excerpt from Video Soul, 1987Excerpt from Video Vibrations, 1986Doug E. Fresh - D.E.F. = Doug E. FreshExcerpt from CBS News' coverage of the March on Washington, 1963Excerpt from Rap City: The BasementNew Edition - Earth AngelDISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner th

In this solo ep, Tim talks through the history – and indeed, the controversy – of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. It's one of the most iconic pieces of American music ever composed. But its origin story is a little complicated. Leave it to Timmy to sort it all out!SONGS PLAYED:George Gershwin - Rhapsody in BlueEddie Cantor - If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie!)Willie "The Lion" Smith - Keep Your TemperW.C. Handy - St. Louis BluesPaul Simon - Crazy Love, Vol. IIBéla Fleck - Rhapsody in Blue(grass)FURTHER READING:Arranging Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue and the Creation of an American Icon by Ryan Bañagale‘We must face harms done”: Béla Fleck’s defense of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’DISCLAIMER:Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” of copyrighted material in a manner that constitutes quotation, criticism, review, parody, caricature, pastiche, and other legal copyright exceptions. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise b