Money 4 Nothing

Tekashi 6ix9ine called out the Billboard charts for being rigged by the return of pay for play....and he's kind of right. Everything you didn't know about payola in 2020 and getting a song on the radio. Plus, the joy of Future and the Atlanta rapper's sustained success.

The man, the myth, the legend, the imitator, the symbol. Saxon Baird and Sam Backer delve into the myth of Prince, going beyond just his hits, to deconstruct all things related to one of the most unique and eccentric artists in recent history. Matt Thorne, writer and author of the book 'Prince: The Man and His Music,' joins the pod to discuss.

On the second episode of Money 4 Nothing, a podcast about music and capitalism, hosts Sam Backer and Saxon Baird discuss the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on live music and the forces behind the music industry's shift towards live performances and musical experiences. Plus, Travis Scott on Fortnite, jam bands ahead of the streaming curve, Saudi Arabia buying into Live Nation, Post Malone doing Nirvana and how much watching a concert online sucks when there are no live shows.

On the inaugural episode of Money 4 Nothing, a podcast about music and capitalism, Sam Backer and Saxon Baird delve into the critical praise of Fiona Apple's 'Fetch the Bolt Cutters' and the mechanisms behind numerical ratings, Pitchfork, and the role of music criticism today.

The boys discuss the quick firing of Bob Bradley as Swansea City manager and wonder if there's a return to the MLS for the newly unemployed coach. Then they delve into a review of the 2016 MLS Season starting in the Eastern Conference. Going from worst to first, the boys rapidly discuss how each season went for teams in the East from lowlights to highlights to a look toward the future. They ask: What were the good takeaways from Chicago Fire and their disappointing season? How much of an impact did Kei Kamara make leaving the Crew and going to New England? What did the late run of good from for D.C. United mean for their future? Was the benching of Didier Drogba by Mauro Biello the storyline of the season? Despite falling of the playoffs, was it a great year for the Red Bulls? All that and much more.

The MLS offseason begins and there have already been a number of big moves including the splash loan of Honduran international Alberth Elis to the Houston Dynamo, Hungarian striker Nemanja Nikolic going to the Chicago Fire, Jermaine Jones as a future LA Galaxy player and lots more. In the second-half, the boys discuss the forthcoming January USMNT camp and their friendly against Serbia while contemplating what it all means...if anything.

Seattle Sounders are the 2016 MLS Cup Champions after defeating Toronto FC at BMO Field. The boys go in-depth to review the final game to assess how the players did. How did Seattle neutralize Giovinco? Was Michael Bradley the best or simply OK? Why was Jordan Morris a ghost but Roman Torres a beast? All that and some ruminations on what the MLS Cup Final means compared to the Supporters Shield. Plus, Expansion Draft talk and other rumors.

It's been a wild week for American soccer and MLS playoffs. The boys delve into all of the news including the firing of Jurgen Klinsmann as head coach of USMNT, the hiring of Bruce Arena, and leg one of the MLS semifinal playoffs. Can Montreal Impact recover from conceding two goals to Toronto FC? Can the Seattle Sounders score in Colorado or will the Rapids fend off Seattle's attack? All that plus retirement news and a review of the 2016 MLS Awards.

As the playoff picture shrinks, the boys discuss all the action from the final leg of the MLS Cup quarterfinals including the Red Bulls crashing out again, lackluster LA Galaxy, Gashi's Golazo, and Sounder's Schmetzers. Plus Giovinco's Italian Team snub, USMNT game versus Mexico and MVP candidates.