Pulling the Music Apart

Podcast 23- "Royal Heritage" - New Wave

The podcast “Pulling the Music Apart” explores the new wave genre, tracing its roots to punk and its evolution into a more melodic and sophisticated style. The discussion delves into the differences between new wave and new romantic, highlighting the latter’s emphasis on elaborate aesthetics and romantic themes. The conversation also touches on Australian new wave bands like Ice House and My Sex, noting their sophisticated sound and synthesizer-driven music. New wave music, a reaction to punk, emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It incorporated synthesizers, drum machines, and other digital technology, creating a unique sound that influenced future music genres. While punk was raw and rebellious, new wave added a more sophisticated and accessible element, paving the way for pop music and showcasing the potential of digital innovation in music production. The podcast episode explores the influence of new wave music, highlighting its impact on pop music and its role in paving the way for technological advancements in music production. The hosts discuss various artists and songs from the era, including Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, and The Church, and examine how new wave influenced other genres like heavy metal. The episode concludes by emphasizing the lasting legacy of new wave and its enduring popularity.

Podcast 22- "Gumtree" - Motivational Songs

The podcast “Pulling the Music Apart” explores inspirational songs. The hosts discuss Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” and instrumental pieces like Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire.” They also highlight songs evoking patriotism, such as “Only 19” by Redgum and “True Blue” by John Williamson. The conversation discusses inspirational songs that celebrate success and empowerment. Songs like “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Titanium” are highlighted for their empowering lyrics. The conversation also touches on the movie “A Star is Born” and its impact, as well as the origins of the song “Eye of the Tiger” from the “Rocky” series.

Podcast 21- "Nine Toes" - Shaved Fish

The podcast “Pulling the Music Aparts” discusses John Lennon’s compilation album “Shaved Fish.” The hosts explore the album’s artwork and the political and personal themes in Lennon’s songs, including “Give Peace a Chance,” “Cold Turkey,” and “Instant Karma.” They delve into the deeper meanings behind Lennon’s lyrics and the impact of his political activism on his life and career. The conversation explores John Lennon’s solo career, focusing on his political and personal songs. It highlights the impact of his relationship with Yoko Ono and the tension it caused within the Beatles. The discussion also touches on the evolution of protest songs, comparing the boldness of Lennon’s era to the perceived caution of modern artists. The album “Shaved Fish” by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band is discussed, with a focus on the song “Whatever Gets You Through the Night,” which features Elton John and was inspired by a televangelist. The album also includes “Mind Games,” recorded in mono, and “Happy Christmas (War is Over),” a song about Yoko Ono’s daughter being taken by her father. The album title is derived from a Japanese ingredient used in cooking.

Podcast 20- "Cucumbers Sandwiches " - Yatch Rock

The podcast “Pulling the Music Apart” explores the genre of yacht rock, which originated from a meeting between Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The genre, characterized by its light and bubbly sound, is likened to the experience of being on a yacht. While some artists, like Steely Dan, resist being categorized as yacht rock, many songs from the 70s and 80s, including those by Christopher Cross and Air Supply, fit the genre. The conversation explores the genre of Yacht Rock, its characteristics, and its evolution. Yacht Rock is described as apolitical, easy-listening music with romantic themes, often associated with the 70s and 80s. The genre is contrasted with soft rock and butt rock, and its limited time frame is attributed to its nostalgic appeal. BONOS Sing along!

Podcast 19 - "I'm Hammered" -Plagiarized Songs

The podcast discusses songs that sound similar, potentially plagiarized, or heavily sampled from other songs. Examples include “Down Under” by Men at Work, “Good Times” by Chic, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve, and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. The conversation also touches on the legal complexities of copyright infringement, including subconscious plagiarism and out-of-court settlements. The conversation explores various instances of musical plagiarism, where artists have been accused of copying or sampling existing songs. Examples include Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” allegedly being inspired by Taurus’s “Spirit Song,” and Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” being compared to Joseph Brown’s “I Could Fly.” The discussion also touches on the blurred lines between inspiration and infringement, with some cases resulting in lawsuits and settlements. BONUS “April sun in Cuba" sing along