In this episode, John and Rich discuss The Cars' debut album. The Fools reflect on The Cars musical style and production techniques. The conversation delves into the band's influence in merging rock and pop, their role in the 80s genre, and Ric Ocasek's production talents and influence on later music.

In this episode of Fool's Anthem, Rich and John delve into the legendary band, Blondie, exploring the life of front person Debbie Harry and the band's punk, disco and 60s roots. Debbie and Chris Stein formed Blondie and discovered Clem Burke when he responded to an audition. The band emerged from the original CBGB scene in New York during the early foundations of punk rock. The Fools discuss Debbie's interesting life story, well-known friendship with Andy Warhol, and her cemented her role as a music and pop culture icon.

In this episode, John and Rich crank it up with the fuzz sound of Fu Manchu, focusing on the song 'Eatin' Dust'. They discuss the band's history, lineup changes, and the unique production qualities of their music. The conversation highlights the band's stoner rock sound and heavy riffs. They explore the evolution of the band's albums, including various reissues, Brant Bjork's drumming style, and reflect on the band's longevity in a changing music landscape. The discussion highlights the legacy of Fu Manchu, emphasizing their raw energy and the band's influence which extends beyond their music, representing a lifestyle and culture associated with California.

Rich and John delve into the music of Tool, focusing on the song '46 and 2' from the album 'Ænima'. They discuss the first time they heard Tool, the band's iconic techniques and sounds, which applied seven eighth time and the Phrygian scale chord progressions. The  conversation explores the deeper themes and lyrics of '46 and 2', particularly the concepts around the human psyche and evolution. The show closes with a reflection on Tool's artistic creativity, the talent each band member brings to the music, and the memorable experiences of watching Tool perform.

Fools Anthem celebrates Herbie Hancock and his musical talent and creativity through the decades. Hancock's influence brought a fusion of funk, jazz and electronics into popular music and culture. A look at Herbie Hancock's discography shows his constant innovation and experimentation with music.  The Fools reminisce about the first time they heard Rockit and the era of breakdancing. Hancock released a vast array of music, and John highlighted some of his favorites, which included his work with The Headhunters, Miles Davis, and the masterpieces in Future Shock, Thrust, and the avant-garde Mwandishi project. 

Rich introduces John to the discography of Father John Misty, the stage name of the musician Joshua Tillman. They discuss Father John Misty's creative spectrum of work, the deep lyrics in the music consisting of social commentary and personal themes that juxtaposes serious subjects with upbeat melodies. Rich highlights Father John Misty's great songwriting artistry and entertaining live performances and self-depricating humor. John becomes a fan as a result of this episode. 

In this episode of Fool's Anthem, John and Rich discuss the unique sound of the band, Morphine. They share an admiration for the band's authentic style and instrumentation which primarily featured a two-string slide bass, saxophones, and drums. The Fools dig into the lyrics of the song Thursday from the second album, Cure for Pain. Rich shares a personal story of how he met the frontman, Mark Sandman, and his memorable experience of seeing the band's energetic live performance on their home turf. After Sandman's tragic death in 1999, Morphine disbanded but a posthumous album was released. The Fools wrap up the episode acknowledging that Morphine's captivating and distinct sound keeps the music timeless and relevant.

Episode 10 goes into Rich's appreciation for the song La Femme d'argent and the iconic album, Moon Safari, by the French electronic music duo, Air. The conversation shifts to the memories Rich and John had when listening to Moon Safari and how music can bring a person back to a particular experience and time of life. The fools discuss Air's live performances, instrumentation, and go into a list of other interesting DJ duos and artists representing the chill and down tempo movement. 

John's topic is sure to delight anyone who has a passion for drums as he explores the James Brown song, the 'Funky Drummer' and the innovative contribution of Clyde Stubblefield. Clyde's back beats and ghost notes techniques were a signature sound and rhythm of the song, which became a staple sampled by hip hop and pop genres. 

John does a Fool's Anthem first and analyzes the sample by re-enacting the backbeat and providing an explanation of the drumming style. Clyde Stubblefield was a humble, self-taught, talented musician. The discussion continues with a list of songs that benefited from the creativity of Clyde's work, the surprising lack of recognition and no royalties received, and the overall ethical implications of fair compensation. Clyde was influenced by industrial-like rhythms and applied these beats into his drum style. The fools end the episode encouraging audiences to acknowledge and remember Clyde for his contribution to music.

Rich challenges John and the audience to go deep and analyze the words of a song from the 90s era. The artist and song selected is George Michael and Praying for Time from his second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice. The fools delve into his life and career, exploring his song writing abilities and rise to fame with Wham!

As George matured into a solo artist, so did his writing. Praying for Time had a socially conscious theme, calling out the human condition of greed, selfishness, and injustice. The fools discuss George Michael's background, the pressure he felt to hide his sexuality from his father and the public, until a controversial incident gave him a reason to come out. 

The conversation continues with a recognition of George Michael's quiet but generous, philanthropic activities, and his love for Christmas which now sadly represents a tragic day for his family and fans. The episode ends with Rich highlighting George Michael's incredible voice with his version of 'Where or When' from an album of covers George Michael released called, Songs from the Last Century.