You're only as hot as your last hit, baby. In this ep, Mat and Tim return from hiatus to discuss Taylor Swift's twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Is it great? Or is it CANCELLED!? The answer lies within!

SONGS PLAYED:

Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)

Taylor Swift - The Fate of Ophelia

Taylor Swift - Eldest Daughter

Taylor Swift - CANCELLED!

Taylor Swift - Father Figure

Taylor Swift - Actually Romantic

Taylor Swift - Honey

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 Friends

The Beatles - Now and Then

The Beatles - Come Together

The Beatles - Penny Lane

Little Richard - Good Golly, Miss Molly

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby

The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love

The Beatles - Something

The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows

The Beatles - Rocky Raccoon

The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun

The Beatles - Yesterday

The Beatles - Norwegian Wood (The Bird Has Flown)

The Beatles - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Elmer 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, 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.

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 - greedy

Tate McRae - miss possessive

Tate McRae - one day

Tate McRae - you broke me first

Tate McRae - 2 hands

Tate McRae - it's ok I'm ok

Tate McRae - no I'm not in love

Camila Cabello - I'll Be Home For Christmas

Tate McRae - means I care

Tate McRae - revolving door

Tate McRae - I know love (feat. The Kid LAROI)

Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time

Tate McRae - sports car

Tate McRae - dear god

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 Wind

Bob Dylan - Just Like a Woman

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues

Bob Dylan - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Guns N' Roses - Knockin' On Heaven's Door

Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door

Bob Dylan - Girl from the North Country

Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along the Watchtower

Adele - Make You Feel My Love

Bob Dylan - Make You Feel My Love

Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue

Bob Dylan - I Believe in You

Bob Dylan - Lay, Lady, Lay

Bob Dylan - I Want You

The Wallflowers - One Headlight

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 - Taste

Sabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard - Take On the World (Girl Meets World Theme)

Sabrina Carpenter - Bed Chem

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso

Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please

Sabrina Carpenter - Juno

Piero Piccio - Amore Mio Aiutami

Mae West - I'm No Angel

Sabrina Carpenter - Slim Pickins

Sabrina Carpenter - Good Graces

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.

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 - Julep

Reel 2 Real - I Like To Move It (feat. The Mad Stuntman)

Gary Glitter - Rock 'n' Roll (Part 2)

Imagine Dragons - Believer

Van Halen - Jump

Queen - We Will Rock You

AC/DC - Thunderstruck

Eminem - Lose Yourself

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army

Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark

Fall Out Boy - Centuries

Def Leppard - Hysteria

Edward Meeker - Take Me Out To the Ball Game

Sabrina Carpenter - Taste

Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova

Benson Boone - Beautiful Things

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 Seek

Holly Herndon - Frontier

Ghostwriter - Heart on My Sleeve

Brian Eno - Discreet Music

Olafur Arnalds - ekki hugsa

David Guetta - Live excerpt

Brooklyn Duo feat. Dover Quartet - Hide and Seek (Imogen Heap cover)

Brian Eno - 1/1

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.

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 Again

Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy)

Braxton Keith - Cozy

Ella 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 California

Cole Swindell - She Had Me At Heads Carolina

Jake 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 It

Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

Bear Bailey - Whiskey Burn

Thomas Rhett - Don't Wanna Dance

Various Artists - Wayfaring Stranger

mgk, Jelly Roll - Lonely Road

Lainey Wilson - 4x4xU

Riley Green - Rather Be

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 Sorry

Gracie Abrams - That's So True (Live)

Jacob Collier - Little Blue (A COLORS SHOW)

Taylor Swift - You're On Your Own, Kid (Live)

Van Halen - Eruption

Carpenters - Top of the World

Kenny G - Auld Lang Syne

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.

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 Year

Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime

Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Vince Guaraldi Trio - O Tannenbaum

Traditional Choir - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Gene Autry - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters - Male Kalikimaka

Elmo & Patsy - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

Dean Martin - Silver Bells

Michael Bublé - Santa Baby

Gene Autry - Here Comes Santa Claus

Gayla Peevey - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

The Ronettes - Sleigh Ride

Ed Sheeran - Boat

Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

THE HEADLINERS:

Ed Sheeran on His New Song for ‘That Christmas’ and His Next Album: ‘I’m Getting Back Into Big Pop’

It’s Official: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Is History’s First $2 Billion Tour

'Wicked' Flies Past Another Huge Domestic Box Office Milestone

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 by infringing.

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 Girl

Sixteen Going On Seventeen – from The Sound of Music

Friend Like Me – from Aladdin

Tonight – from West Side Story

Sunrise, Sunset – from Fiddler on the Roof

Alexander Hamilton – from Hamilton: An American Musical

Defying 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 Rain

Defying Gravity – from Wicked (2024)

Kendrick Lamar – squabble up

Kendrick Lamar – hey now

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 by infringing.

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-Somerville

Chappell Roan and the Perils of Parasociality by Grace Robins-Somerville

Songs Played:

Halsey - Lucky

Camila Cabello - I LUV IT

Chappell Roan - Pink Pony Club

Charli XCX - apple

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 by infringing.

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 Pokus

Alan Menken & Howard Ashman - Beauty and the Beast

Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.

Elton John - Circle of Life

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.

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 Supernova

Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please

Charli XCX - 360

Taylor Swift - The Alchemy

Katy Perry - Woman's World

Charli XCX - Girl, so confusing

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 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 Symphony

Shenandoah (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 Lovely

Jacob Collier - Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing

Jacob Collier - Flintstones

Jacob Collier - With the Love In My Heart

Jacob Collier - Moon River

Jacob Collier - 100,000 Voices

Jacob Collier - Do You Feel Love (feat. Steve Vai)

Daniel Johnston - True Love Will Find You In the End

Jacob Collier - The Audience Choir (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London)

Jacob Collier - Little Blue (feat. Brandi Carlile)

Bill Withers - Lean On Me

Nemo - The Code

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.

Also, nobody actually sponsors Earbuddies. We're just joking.

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 - Emily

Secondhand Serenade - Fall For You

Taking Back Sunday - New American Classic

Something Corporate - As You Sleep

Dashboard Confessional - Screaming Infidelities

A Day To Remember - If It Means a Lot To You

Daphne Loves Derby - Hopeless Love

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian Angel

Straylight Run - Existentialism On Prom Night

Boys Like Girls - Thunder

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 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 Morning

Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl

Yuzzy - Running Wild

U2 - Vertigo

The Philadelphia Orchestra - Clair de Lune

Yuzzy - Elipse

Yuzzy - Thin Paper Hut

Yuzzy - Snow Morning

Prestige Podcast Background Music by Yuzzy: https://bit.ly/2nUbGqD

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 by infringing.

You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate / We declared Earbuddies should be a bigger podcast

In 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 Department

Taylor Swift - My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys

Taylor Swift - Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

Taylor Swift - I Hate It Here

Taylor Swift - The Black Dog

Taylor Swift - Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

Taylor Swift - loml

Taylor Swift - How Did It End?

Taylor Swift - So High School

Taylor Swift - I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Taylor Swift - So Long, London

Taylor Swift - But Daddy I Love Him

Taylor Swift - The Alchemy

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 by infringing.

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, 2024

Welcome To Rap City - Three-Part Documentary on BET

SONGS PLAYED:

Excerpt from Rap City, 1990

Excerpt from Blacks In Wax at The Kennedy Center, 2024

Excerpt from Video Soul, 1987

Excerpt from Video Vibrations, 1986

Doug E. Fresh - D.E.F. = Doug E. Fresh

Excerpt from CBS News' coverage of the March on Washington, 1963

Excerpt from Rap City: The Basement

New Edition - Earth Angel

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 by infringing.