Look at you, now look at us. How you like that? EarWax is going K-pop this week, and I don't know if we'll ever go back. Hilary and Cody cover BLACKPINK's appropriately-named "The Album." 

The system that has produced some of the biggest music in the world - the South Korean idol system - is a fascinating study in manufacturing celebrity. At its apex sit four women who have conquered the world, and this record was their international announcement that the top of the pops runs through South Korea.

Twenty-four lean minutes of non-stop bangers, "The Album" is a party record released at a time when everything else looked awfully bleak. BLACKPINK made sure that we had something to dance to, and we have not stopped since.

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• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

"Blondie is a Group" was a pin campaign put together by Blondie's manager as a way to cover his own screwup by picking the iconic photo for this week's album - "Parallel Lines." (PS: It didn't work and he was fired shortly after. Oops.)

We all know Blondie is a group, and we also know the core of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry have given us some absolute bangers. After two records, the label wondered how they could put this group of meddling kids (loosely defined) on the top of the charts.

Their solution was producer Mike Chapman. Does he come across as a bit of a jerk? Yes, resoundingly. Did the band turn in their most critically and commercially successful album to date under his production? Also, yes, resoundingly.

With classics such as "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass," it would be hard for the label to go wrong picking a single...Find out how they did just that, and a ton more about "Parallel Lines," on this week's episode of EarWax!

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
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• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

The greats seize the moment, and Tracy Chapman did exactly that right after the release of her self-titled album, and the subject of this week's episode!

Cody and Hilary discuss Tracy Chapman's journey to reluctant stardom. Never seeking anything more than to have her songs heard, this debut reflects the quiet confidence that draws so many to her work.

"Fast Car" is legendary, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" was a theme song for a literal revolution, and "Behind the Wall" is a devastating, gorgeous piece.

When Wembley Stadium called, Tracy Chapman was ready for the moment. No frills, just music, and a message.

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
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  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Mysteries abound this week on EarWax! Never has "the man, the myth, the legend" rang truer than when we dive into "Who Is William Onyeabor?"

A bizarre mix of funk, soul, and porto-techno, this record is a collection of songs pulled from Onyeabor's brief but prolific discography. His life and career remain largely enigmatic, due in no small part to his own efforts.

We ask "why" and "how," because we want so badly to understand the context for which such forward-thinking music sprang. Ultimately, "Who Is William Onyeabor?" provides very little answers to those questions, but it serves a greater purpose - it grooves.

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
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  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Peace, and humptiness forever! A mantra we should all do well to abide by. How about a little lumpy oatmeal and sort-of concept album this week?

Digital Underground is just one of those groups that are okay being a little weird, a lot goofy, and very (oh so very) phonky. Shock G and dudes like Schmoovy Schmoov, Chopmaster J, and Money B all brought Parliament into hip-hop.

Sex Packets is hyper horny, major vibes, and only kind of actually about sex packets, which may or may not be real. Ask NASA, but maybe NASA lies?!

Check out the episode to hear Cody and Hilary break down this classic!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
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  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

We all stand on the shoulders of giants, the ghosts of those that came before. But some shoulders carry more weight than others. Billie Holiday is a foundation upon which decades and generations of music has been built.

Hilary and Cody discuss Lady Day's penultimate album "Lady in Satin." In many ways, it feels like this record is a metaphorical retelling of her own life. Struggle, hardship, perseverance, and victory, all blended up and poured out through that voice. She sounds different than we're used to, but unmistakably Billie Holiday.

On "Lady in Satin," you can feel Lady Day rise to the occasion once more to give us this testament to determination and sheer talent.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
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  • @amoebasf
  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

It's quite simple, really. Challenge authority, refuse to back down, and never be complacent. Dead Kennedys brings all of that to this week's episode of EarWax!

Cody and Hilary discuss San Francisco's charged political history, and how folks who don't like power structures and institutions there are more than willing to turn out and turn up. In the middle of all the turbulence is the punk scene, and Dead Kennedys are the standard-bearers. 

Brash, uncompromising, and sharp as tacks, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a force of nature. It will blow the doors off your apartment, and put you out on the streets marching in protest, right where we all belong.

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
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  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Johnny Cash - the Man in Black - was almost more myth than man. But what it is undeniably true is the power of this week's record: At Folsom Prison.

With his career hanging in the balance, Cash delivered a performance that deftly walked the line (pun fully intended) of addressing the harsh realities of his audience with moments of levity.

Cash and the Tennessee Three are on fire, and the set lists contained timeless classics from his catalog to that point. And yet, the most storied track may be one that isn't his, but from an inmate at Folsom...

Check out the episode, and like, subscribe, and share the show with folks who should know the story behind this iconic album!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
  • @amoebasf
  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Well alright, welcome to Groove U. This week's lesson is brought to you by the EarWax crew!

Parliament's "Mothership Connection" is far out, in your face, uncut, from outer space, in the groove, and it'll make you move. With a cast of characters and lore galore, this record has cool to spare. 

George Clinton and Bootsy Collins are the most well-known of the P-Funk collective, and while their hands are absolutely all over this record, it is quite obviously a group effort.

So let the funk wash over you, and climb aboard the Mothership!

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

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• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
  • @amoebasf
  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

Glitter, vibes, and jams. EarWax grooves and bops into the new year with one of the pioneers of glam rock - T. Rex's "Electric Warrior".

Cody and Hilary go back and forth over exactly how great Marc Bolan is as a vocalist (spoilers, he's AMAZING), and weave through the wandering story that brought us this album.

At a time when people were looking around for what would come after the 60s, Marc Bolan stepped up, shook the lethargy out of the rock scene, and reminded folks just how fun and easy rock and roll could be.

"Electric Warrior" ain't nothin' but pure sexy.

Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below:

• Instagram: @earwaxpod
• TikTok: @earwaxpod
• Amoeba on Instagram:
  • @amoebahollywood
  • @amoebasf
  • @amoebaberkeley
• Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): [email protected]

Credits:
Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley
All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden
"EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis