Anything But Toto

Join Bianca and Julian for their final episode of 2026, as they unwrap a Christmas classic: “Last Christmas" by Wham!

In this holiday send-off, they tackle a few burning questions: Why is this song so infectious? Why does it feel timeless decades later? And why has it been copied so endlessly?

They dig into the influences and science behind George Michael’s hit, breaking down its composition, arrangement, and production choices that give the song its staying power. From there, they branch out into four (…maybe five) tracks clearly inspired by “Last Christmas,” exploring how the song's DNA and tricks pop up in several hits from artists of different genres. 

As part of the conversation, Bianca and Julian wrestle with the cringe factor of Christmas music, the enduring power of Eurovision-style pop, and the influence of opera in pop music. They also discuss holiday movies, upcoming film releases they’re excited about, and the shocking, deeply sad news of Rob and Michele Reiner’s tragic deaths.

So pour some mulled wine, embrace the minor-key melancholy, and get ready for one last festive deep dive before the year wraps.

Happy Holidays and New Year from Bianca and Julian! Thanks for a great year!

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Join Bianca and Julian as they drop the needle on a topic near and dear to their hearts—a deep dive into their top 10 (…okay, 11) Paul McCartney Beatles songs.

For lifelong Beatles fans, this episode hits close to home. They trace their personal histories with the band, reflect on the Beatles’ towering cultural legacy, and revisit their experiences seeing Paul live—including the recent Hamilton, Ontario show. Along the way, they break down what truly defines a "Paul song" versus a "John song."

Then comes the main event: a guided tour through their chosen tracks, complete with the writing backstories, lyrical themes, melodic signatures, arrangements, and production details that make these songs classics.

So tune up your Höfner, comb your hair forward, and get ready for 2.5 hours of terrible Paul impressions. 

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Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

Sequins shimmer, spotlights glow, and Bianca and Julian are ready to take centre stage with another in-depth conversation—a three-hour deep dive into Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl.

For the first time in Anything But Toto history, they’re reviewing a second album by the same artist. And with Taylor’s latest release stirring up plenty of discourse, there’s no shortage of opinions. This isn’t just any pop album: it’s a polarizing pivot that trades in the soft indie dream-pop of Jack Antonoff for the punchy, radio-ready precision of Max Martin. But does the swap pay off?

Taylor herself called Showgirl a focused, autobiographical statement—a spiritual successor to 1989 and Reputation. Bianca and Julian put that claim to the test, unpacking the album’s concept, lyricism, melodies, and the glossy production from Martin and Shellback. But they don’t stop at the tracklist: the duo dives into Taylor’s history, politics and business decisions, and the Life of a Showgirl theatrical event.

So sit back, don your sequins and feather headpiece, and take a peek behind the curtain.

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Wedding bells may be ringing, but Bianca and Julian are the ones giving you a present - a jam-packed episode overflowing with hot topics and lively debates.

They kick things off with a track-by-track review of Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend. From influences and songwriting to production choices and artwork, no detail goes untouched. But the real spark comes from their back-and-forth on Sabrina’s branding - does it elevate the music or work against it? It’s a spirited debate, fitting for a couple just days away from saying “I do.”

Next, the episode shifts gears with an on-the-ground review of the Toronto stop of Oasis Live ‘25. Much like their Eras Tour episode, this segment doubles as a 20-minute audio documentary, complete with clips captured at the show for a true concert-night immersion.

The conversation doesn’t stop there. Bianca and Julian dive into Sombr’s new album I Barely Know Her, offer constructive feedback on the Jonas Brothers’ Greetings From Your Hometown tour stop in Toronto, and briefly touch on Audrey Hobert’s Who’s the Clown?. Finally, they wrap things up with the most fitting topic: the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

It’s thoughtful, chaotic, celebratory, and very much a gift - from Bianca and Julian, straight to you.

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In their first ever hip hop review, Bianca and Julian dive deep into Tyler, The Creator’s surprise release — the short, sharp, and wildly unpredictable “Don’t Tap the Glass.” At just 28 minutes, the album plays like a kaleidoscope of genre tropes, blending sincerity with satire in true Tyler fashion. But is it just a fun side project, or more evidence to support Bianca and Julian's Sad Boy Summer theory?

Bianca and Julian trace the emotional undercurrents of the album, exploring how its tongue-in-cheek narrative style fits into their larger theory about masculinity, performance, and emotional dissonance in 2025’s musical landscape. Along the way, they open up about their own journeys into the world of alternative hip hop.

Julian was once a hip hop producer? Bianca had one-sided beef with a music producer that wasn’t Finneas? You’ll have to listen to learn more!

Plus quick takes on:

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In Episode 22 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian present a working theory: what if the end of Brat Summer and the rise of 2025’s “Sad Boy” music moment aren’t just musical trends — but symptoms of a bigger political and cultural shift?

They trace a narrative from the euphoric highs of 2024 — Charli, Sabrina, Chappell, Taylor, Beyonce, Billie, and Ariana — to a 2025 dominated by uncertainty, grief, and male uncertainty. As the Biden/Kamala era of feminist pop gives way to a new presidency built on macho bravado and male rage, pop culture enters a holding pattern: no song of the summer, no girlie anthems, just a flood of emotionally confused men with microphones.

From the softness of Justin Bieber’s Swag to Joe Jonas' post-divorce reflections, from Oasis’ brotherly reunion to Djo’s brotherly ballads — this episode digs into how masculinity is being redefined in the era of Trump. Is the music industry unintentionally staging a group therapy session for conflicted men?

Also covered in this episode:

- Paul McCartney’s “Got Back” tour comes to Canada.

- Kesha’s Toronto show

- Bianca’s second interview with Beach Boys tour member, Matt Jardine

- Ari Aster’s Eddington

- Bianca and Julian’s rewatch/first viewing of Desperate Housewives

A season with no anthem and a whole lot of feelings — “Sad Boy Summer” is here, and it's saying more than we think. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

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In Part 2 of their deep dive into the legacy of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Bianca and Julian unpack how his post-Pet Sounds work helped shape entire branches of modern indie rock - including lo-fi, outsider music, dream pop, synth pop, and chillwave. Did Brian Wilson invent the first interactive/remix album? Was he behind one of the first children’s records by a major rock artist? And what’s considered his final masterpiece?

All that and more in Anything But Toto Ep. 21!

ICYMI: Check out Part 1 for a look at Brian’s groundbreaking work from 1961-1966.

Also in this episode:

CW: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, mental illness, suicide, and substance use. Listener discretion is advised.

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

In Episode 20 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian pay tribute to the legendary Brian Wilson, who passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

As the creative force behind the Beach Boys, Brian didn't just define a sound - he helped reinvent what pop music could be. In this first instalment of a two-part tribute, the hosts dive into the band’s formative and most influential years (1961–1966), tracing Brian’s evolution from surf-rock wunderkind to avant-pop architect.

They explore how Wilson:

From early beach anthems to the introspective brilliance of Today!, all the way to the lush masterpiece that is Pet Sounds, this episode examines how Brian’s genius was there from the very beginning. Along the way, Bianca and Julian chronicle the personal and cultural forces that shaped Brian’s early work, including candid discussions around trauma, mental health, and the darker currents behind the sunny image.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where they’ll explore late 1966-1977.

CW: This episode includes discussion of child abuse, mental illness, suicide, and substance use. Listener discretion is advised.

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

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In Episode 19 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian explore The Crux by Djo - Joe Keery’s genre-hopping third album that blends the Beatles (and Sir Paul), the Strokes, and the Cars, among others. The hosts dig into how Djo pulls from these influences to carve out a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

This leads to a broader conversation about the fine line between tacky pastiche and thoughtful homage, and how Djo (and artists like the Lemon Twigs) navigate that space. Are we witnessing a new wave of artists embracing retro without losing their own voice?

Also in this episode:

A look at the bizarre 2025 AMAs (where’s Rep TV, Taylor?)

The ongoing pop girlie drought this summer - and what’s filling the void (*checks notes* "sad boi summer" anyone?)

The search for 2025’s song of the summer

A lingering question: Are we all just living in the shadow of Gotye?

Quick takes on movies like Sinners, Death Proof, and Friendship

Thoughts on TV hits like The Rehearsal and The Last of Us Season 2

Plus, a few thoughtful book recommendations to round it all out

A genre-blending album and a summer soundtracked by melancholy - this one covers a lot of ground. Tune in for insightful takes, unexpected parallels, and a few good laughs along the way.

Link to B's "Shaded Blue" playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aXI6Ol9039odqalQEx6Yf?si=bBFml-LTSJ-XRZWzRYDAhw

Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

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Bianca and Julian are back for their 18th episode (yes, the pod can now legally vote in the Canadian federal election), and they’re diving deep into Mayhem, the genre-bending comeback album from everyone's favourite Italian girl from New York: Lady Gaga.

In this episode, they unpack how Gaga reinvents her signature sound without losing her pop powerhouse edge. Is Mayhem a bold evolution - or just Gaga reheating her own nachos? And what exactly do the Gaga and Pink Floyd discographies have in common?

Bianca and Julian also pit Gaga’s latest against Katy Perry’s recent “comeback,” question whether Die With a Smile should be on the album, and chat about the Mayhem Ball ticket controversy.

Also on the menu: Djo’s The Crux, early Last of Us season 2 thoughts, and some book recommendations.

Come for the pop commentary, stay for the niche metaphors and possibly too much talk about nachos.

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Theme music by Daniel Konikoff