When Daniel Caesar quietly dropped his album "Son of Spergy", most of the world didn’t see it coming. In this episode Joe and Toby dive deep into Caesar’s lead single “Call On Me,” uncovering the soulful layers, hidden nuance, and emotional depth that make his music feel both intimate and transcendent.

Per usual, the conversation starts with a laugh — Shakespeare references, hats, and Toby’s ongoing book of analogies — but soon spirals into an exploration of what harmony really means in music and in life.

Joe breaks out the guitar to dissect Caesar’s deceptively simple two-chord vamp, revealing how small changes in tonality and phrasing can create something entirely fresh in pop music. Toby draws parallels between gospel, jazz, and the improvisational genius that defines Caesar’s sound — a sound that lives in tension between structure and soul.

Together, they explore:

As the conversation unfolds, “Call On Me” becomes a mirror for something universal — how we all try to live as complex, imperfect humans in search of connection and clarity. Joe and Toby riff on everything from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to side quests in Zelda, from father-son relationships to finding the melody that ties our stories together.

By the end, what starts as a discussion about one artist’s song becomes a meditation on purpose, reconciliation, and the beauty of learning to live in harmony — musically, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Sink your teeth into Tame Impala’s “Dracula” as Joe and Toby riff on the glittering, slightly dystopian pull of Kevin Parker’s synth-pop era. Is “Dracula” a shimmering cousin to “The Less I Know the Better”? Where do The Weeknd vibes and MJ/“Thriller” nods fit in? The duo debates lone-wolf studio genius vs. the power of collaboration, decode the video’s cult-ish unease, geek out on sounds (hello, Rhodes), and swap notes on why nighttime unlocks different creative choices. They close with a heartfelt nod to D’Angelo’s enduring influence.

In this episode:

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Slide into cozy Sunday-morning vibes with Joe and Toby as they dive into Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” from her new album The Art of Loving. They unpack why this track is exploding right now, trace the album’s inspirations (bell hooks’ All About Love and a Mickalene Thomas installation), and explore the record’s intentional warmth — “fearless joy” delivered with classic, less-is-more production and a spotlight on Dean’s voice.

In this episode:

Tell us your top four tracks from The Art of Loving. Drop a comment and keep the conversation going.

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Joe and Toby ladle up a hearty conversation about Remi Wolf’s track “Soup” from her 2024 release Big Ideas. From funky basslines to chaotic brilliance, they break down how Remi’s stream-of-consciousness writing and fearless authenticity create songs that are equal parts journal entry and anthem.

Along the way, Joe and Toby reflect on what it means to show up as your whole self—in music, in work, and in life. Expect tangents on chili’s questionable soup status, Spotify relapses, lobster bisque loyalty, and spirit animals. Can you guess who might be a koala?

Whether you’re a longtime Remi Wolf fan or just discovering her sound, this episode blends music analysis, personal stories, and plenty of laughs into one big, tasty bowl.

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“Sometimes all I think about is you…” In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby revisit Glass Animals’ breakout hit “Heat Waves” — the indie-pop anthem that simmered for more than a year before reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. They explore how a song written in an hour became a global phenomenon, fueled by TikTok trends, a FIFA soundtrack placement, and a slow-burn resonance during the isolation of the pandemic.

The hosts unpack the track’s hypnotic melodies, hip-hop-inspired production, and Dave Bayley’s vulnerable lyrics about loss and memory. They also dive into the band’s evolution, from earlier experimental sounds to the more personal storytelling on Dreamland and beyond, reflecting on how near-tragedy and resilience shaped their music.

Along the way, Joe and Toby bring their signature mix of humor and insight — from stories about pickleball shorts and Johnny Depp’s unexpected cameo as the song’s first listener, to bigger conversations about why authenticity in music matters, the role of community, and how the best songs manage to capture both personal grief and universal connection.

If you’ve ever had “Heat Waves” stuck in your head (and who hasn’t?), this episode takes you deeper into why the song lingers — not just as an earworm, but as a reminder of the bonds that carry us through.

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In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive deep into the mysterious world of Sleep Token and their hauntingly beautiful track “Aqua Regia.” From masked identities and cult-like lore to genre-bending fusion of jazz chords, hip hop grooves, and metal intensity, the hosts unravel what makes this band so captivating.

Joe introduces the track as a “gateway drug” into Sleep Token’s catalog, while Toby breaks down Vessel’s vocal range, harmonies, and the unexpected piano voicings that give the song its unique edge. Along the way, they explore themes of love, dissolution, and emotional alchemy hidden in the lyrics—and even imagine wild collaborations with Taylor Swift or Kendrick Lamar.

As always, the conversation riffs beyond the music itself: into the power of mystery in art, how younger generations engage with music, and the surprising connections between listening habits, technology, and culture. Whether you’re already a devoted “worshipper” of Sleep Token or just curious about the buzz, this episode promises fresh insight, thoughtful laughs, and a few classic Toby rants.

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Toby and Joe explore one of the most powerful tracks in recent hip hop memory: “The Birds Don’t Sing” by Clipse. This chronicle of lived experience is a song that delivers raw vulnerability, poetic lyricism, and emotional depth.

They unpack the sibling synergy of Pusha T and Malice, reflect on how the song’s lyrics about loss, grief, and family resonate universally, and celebrate the grown-man energy that defines this track and the album as a whole. From production quirks and Pharrell’s bold choices to lyrical callbacks and real-life pain, Joe and Toby give this track the kind of careful, heartfelt analysis it deserves. They also explore the broader cultural implications of the album—from moving beyond coke rap to challenging stereotypes about Black fatherhood.

The human experience is universal. Songs like these remind us why music matters.

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Joe and Toby step into the funky vortex of the 90s to revisit Jamiroquai’s iconic hit "Virtual Insanity." From sliding sofas and wild hats to acid jazz breakdowns and ballet-inspired footwork, the duo dives deep into what made this track and its legendary video so unforgettable.

Along the way, they unpack the legacy of acid jazz as the spiritual ancestor of lo-fi, the entertaining genius of Jay Kay, and the unsung heroics of bassist Stuart Zender. Plus: the not so well known interpolation of Jocelyn Brown, the influence of Stevie Wonder, a heartfelt ode to underrated basslines, and why OK Go treadmills may be the spiritual cousins of floating couches.

And for those wondering what kind of check it would take to ditch the day job for an 8-album record deal, don’t worry, that math gets worked out too.

Whether you're here for the history, the grooves, or the glorious weirdness of moving furniture, this episode’s got something for every music nerd. Disco ain't dead, and neither is acid jazz. Crazy times indeed.

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On this episode of Riffs on Riffs we throw caution (and rhythm) to the wind as we dive into WALK THE MOON’s unstoppable earworm, “Shut Up and Dance.” From wedding reception dance floors to nostalgic 80s synthpop vibes, learn how a spur-of-the-moment lyric became a global indie-pop anthem.

Join us as we reminisce about awkward dancefloor moments, wax poetic about college memories, and draw hilarious parallels between the song and Chasing Amy, Clerks, and yes—even The Breakfast Club. You'll learn how a night out in Echo Park turned into a platinum hit, why Kenyon College has a surprising music legacy, and what Sting's “Walking on the Moon” has to do with WALK THE MOON.

Plus: indie pop’s mysterious disappearance, Spotify playlist rants, surprise shout-outs to Remy Wolf, U2, David Byrne, and even Will Smith’s not-so-welcome comeback.

Listen in for a joyful, nostalgic, and surprisingly philosophical ride through one of the happiest songs of the 2010s. So… just shut up and press play.

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In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive deep into the song 'Ordinary' by Alex Warren, exploring its themes, musical style, and the personal experiences that shaped it. They discuss Warren's journey from social media influencer to musician, the impact of personal trauma on songwriting, and the evolving landscape of the music industry in the age of social media. Learn about the subtle (and obvious) connections to Gospel music, why even famous artists have imposter syndrome, and what it means to be authentic in content creation.

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