Music blogger Michelle Bourg (Iconic Rock Talk Show) and returning guest Mary Layton (Hall Watchers) come on the show to discuss one of the most prestigious awards in the American arts: The Kennedy Center Honors. We narrowed down a list of 40 prospective candidates from the music world who need to be recognized for their incredible contributions to American culture.  Artists discussed include The Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Dionne Warwick and U2. 

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Comedian and writer Murray Valeriano (host of For What It's Worth) comes on the show to discuss the 90s alternative  rock band Cake. Topics discussed include the band's many musical influences,  their  cover of Gloria Gaynor's classic "I Will Survive" and their zany music videos.  You should go the distance and check out this hilariously insightful episode!

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Archivist Lisa S. comes on the show to discuss Bauhaus, one of the most original and influential bands of the last four decades. Topics discussed include Lisa's  experiences at Peter Murphy concerts, the band members'  contentious relationships with one another, their appearance in the film 'The Hunger' (1983) and  their status as goth-rock legends. All any Bauhaus fan should've ever wanted is this incredible tribute to these post-punk pioneers!

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Peter Waters (Talking the Talkies) joins us to discuss the life and career of living metal legend Rob Zombie. Topics discussed include Zombie's early odd jobs, his time with former band White Zombie and  his successful turn to horror filmmaking. We hope you’re never gonna stop listening to this episode!

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Joe Kwaczala (Who Cares About the Rock Hall?) comes on the show to discuss his all-time favorite band Nirvana. Topics discussed include their legendary MTV Unplugged performance, the ongoing Marc Jacobs lawsuit and their 2014 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Come as you are and listen to this terrific conversation about the most legendary rock band of the last 30 years.

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Wes Gabrielsen, an educator and friend who teaches a rock music history course, comes on the show to discuss classic rock hitmakers Toto. Topics discussed include the members' extensive work as session musicians, their long-standing feud with Rolling Stone magazine and Weezer's recent cover of the legendary song "Africa." Hold the line...this episode's on-time and waiting to be heard!

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Critic and friend Tom Lane (Tom Lane's Music Blog) comes on the show to discuss the career and legacy of Philly Soul legends The Spinners. Topics discussed include their earliest struggles working at Motown, relationship with legendary producer Thom Bell, songs featured in famous movies and their absence from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It'd be a shame if you didn't listen to this fantastic episode!

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Eric Layton (E-Rockracy and Hall Watchers) comes on the show to discuss the career and impact of alternative rock legends Jane's Addiction. Topics discussed include the members' traumatic childhoods, the formation of Lollapolooza, the band's side projects and making a case for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Friend and music fan Darren Hines joins Nick as they discuss the iconic 80s British rock band The Smiths. They talked about several topics including our ongoing Rock Hall Reconsidered Project, the Simpsons’ recent parody of Morrissey and favorite Smiths songs. Please stop if you don’t think you heard this one before and give it a listen!

*Please note this episode includes  occasional background noise and other sound issues.

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Josh Fitzgerald (Movies That Rock: The Podcast) joins Nick as they discuss the life and career of singer-songwriter Judee Sill, a beautiful soul who left this world far too soon. She was famously the first artist signed to David Geffen's legendary Asylum Records in 1971. But her troubled private life prevented her from becoming a bigger star and died at age 35 in 1979. Although she's largely an unknown figure in popular music, her influence and stature has considerably grown in recent years. Some of Sill's famous admirers include Andy Partridge, Liz Phair and Laura Veirs. Listen to this episode and discover what makes Sill a special artist. 

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