Strong Songs

By Kirk HamiltonMusic Music Commentary

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Strong Songs episodes

October 16"Peg" by Steely Dan
Strong Songs has covered Steely Dan songs from 1976’s The Royal Scam, 1980’s Gaucho, and even 2000’s Two Against Nature, but somehow 1977’s Aja has remained unaddressed… until now. On this episode, Kirk takes a look under the hood of “Peg,” one of the most loved songs on The Dan’s most celebrated album, with all the double-stop bends, lyricon solos, and multi-tracked Michael McDonalds that entails.
Written by: Donald Fagen and Walter Becker
Produced by: Gary Katz
Album: Aja, 1977
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Strong Songs episodes on:
"Babylon Sisters" (Full song)
"Janie Runaway" (Chris Potter's solo)
"Kid Charlemagne" (Larry Carlton's solo)
"Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980
"Kid Charlemagne" by Steely Dan from The Royal Scam, 1976
"Janie Runaway" by Steely Dan from Two Against Nature, 2000
"Deacon Blues" from Aja, 1977
Classic Albums: Steely Dan: Aja, 2000 Documentary
"Peg" live from Steely Dan, Two Against Nature tour DVD, 2000
"Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur w/ Amos Garrett from Maria Muldaur, 1974
Tom Scott playing lyricon on "Say You Love Me," 1987
"What a Fool Believes" by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, recorded by The Doobie Brothers, 1978
Steve Kahn's blog post recalling the "Peg" recording session
2020 Wall Street Journal interview with Fagen on the meaning of "Peg"'s lyrics
Rick Beato interviews with Jay Graydon and Michael McDonald
Donald Fagan's "Peg" piano lesson
PlayLikeTheGreats.com - a fantastic transcription resource
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SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Erica Smolinski - Brute Farce - John Pultz
SEPTEMBER 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Jake Roberts - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Michael Livingstone - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Ben Stein - Dick Morgan - David Boston - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Mitch Vega - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Praline - Andrew Cranin - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Emotional - A Basketball Podcast - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Frankie Lee - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - PJ and Ethan - Cameron - Rebecca - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M - Néa - Karl Dube - Frank - Robin Ling - M - Mark Perna - Alan Wills - Ferdinand Von Seebach - Minoru Aoki - Joshua Gailey - Klaus - Sue Burgess - Mike! - Gabriel Hoffman - Rorey Risdon - John Auer - Mike McPherson - Mr J Martin - Todd Thomas - Anna Sahlee - Louisa Castner - Calvin73Atx - Philomène Gatien - Doannie Tran - Slatron - Megan Hiatt - Melissa Wert - Mary Beth - Hugh Blemings
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
1 hr 1 min
September 18"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
It's time to return to Talking Heads, and their inimitable 1980 song "Once In A Lifetime." The subject of this episode was selected by the annual Strong Songs Patreon bracket vote. Thanks to everyone who voted!
Written by: Talking Heads and Brian Eno
Produced by: Brian Eno
Album: Remain In Light, 1980
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Life During Wartime” and “I Zimbra” by Talking Heads from Fear of Music, 1979
Stop Making Sense dir. Jonathan Demme, 1984
The 2021 Strong Songs episode about Stop Making Sense
“Take Me To The River” by Al Green and Mabon Hodges recorded by Talking Heads on More Songs about Buildings and Food, 1978
“The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980
“Jeun Ko Ku” by Fela Kuti from Afrodisiac, 1973
“Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1977
“Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer from Riptide, 1985
“Kids” and “Time to Pretend” by MGMT from Oracular Spectacular, 2007
Jad Abumrad's exceptional podcast series Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Kirk's 2025 interview with Jad about the Fela series
Rick Karr's 2000 NPR feature on the song as part of the "NPR 100" retrospective series
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SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Erica Smolinski - Brute Farce
SEPTEMBER 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Jake Roberts - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Michael Livingstone - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Dick Morgan - David Boston - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Mitch Vega - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Emotional - A Basketball Podcast - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - PJ and Ethan - Cameron - Rebecca - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M - Néa - Karl Dube - Frank - Robin Ling - M - Mark Perna - Alan Wills - Ferdinand Von Seebach - Minoru Aoki - keniareinadelmundo10 - Joshua Gailey - Klaus - Sue Burgess - Mike! - Gabriel Hoffman - Rorey Risdon - John Auer - Mike McPherson - Mr J Martin - Todd Thomas - Anna Sahlee - Louisa Castner - Calvin73Atx - Philomène Gatien - Rik Joosen - Doannie Tran
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
59 min
August 21"Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age
Kirk returns to the Mojave, and to QOTSA's groundbreaking 2002 album Songs For The Deaf.
Written by: Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan
Produced by: Josh Homme and Eric Valentine
Album: Songs For The Deaf, 2002
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
Episode photo by Kirk Hamilton @ Joshua Tree, 2026
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971

“Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004

“Micro Cuts” by Muse from Origin of Symmetry, 2001

“Barracuda” by Heart from Little Queen, 1977

“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead from OK Computer, 1997

“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth from Rust in Peace, 1990

"... Millionaire," "No One Knows," "God Is In The Radio," "First It Giveth," by QOTSA from Songs For The Deaf

“Thumb” by Kyuss from Blues for the Red Sun, 1992

“Ride” by T-Ride from T-Ride, 1992

“Destination” by Nickel Creek from A Dotted Line, 2014

“Blue 7” by Sonny Rollins feat. Max Roach from Saxophone Colossus, 1957

“Slip It In” by Black Flag from Slip It In, 1984

“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” from Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

“Fast as You Can” by Fiona Apple from When The Pawn… ,1999

“Epistrophy” by Thelonious Monk from Genius Of Modern Music, 1951

Goldeneye 007 pause music by Grant Kirkhope, 1997

“Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix from Are You Experienced?, 1967

“Hey Joe” as recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1966

MTV interview with Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, 1992

MusicRadar and Rick Beato interviews with Eric Valentine

"Making Songs For The Deaf" mini-doc, archived on YouTube

"Song For The Dead" live at Rock Werchter, 2002
AUGUST 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
AccessViolation - Andy - Ben Barron - Brute Farce - Butch Vig - Catherine Warner - Cerise Gay - Cesar - Christopher McConnell - Christopher Miller - Corpus Frisky - Damon White - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Dave Florey - David Mascetti - Erica Smolinski - Greer Bevel - Greg - Greg - Jamie White - Jay Swartz - Jenness Gardner - Jeremy Dawson - Joe Laska - Julie Rowe - Ken Hirsh - Lisa Crotty - Matt R - Melanie Andrich - Melissa Lucas - Nigel - Pablo Castro - Paul Delaney - Rich Fish - Robyn Metcalfe - Sami Samhuri - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Wendy Moore
AUGUST 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Aaron CainAaron Wade - Aaron Wilson - Abbie Berg - Achint Srivastava - Adam Clark - Adam Stofsky - Adam W - Ailie Fraser - AJ Schuster - Alan Kress - Alan Maass - Alan Wills - AlanB - Alex - Alexander - Alexander Polson - Alexis - Alison Dugan - Amanda Furlotti - Andrew Baker - Andrew Fair - Andrew Hofer - Andrew Knutson - Angela Livingstone - AnnaSahlee - Anthony Mentz - Arjun Sharma - Aron - Aruni Jayatilleke - Ashley - Bea - Ben Stein - Bernard Khoo - Bill Thornton - Bonnie Prinsen - Brad Callahan - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Brian Rinckenberger - Brian John Peter - Bruno Gaeta - Cameron - Carlos Lerner - Caro Field - Catherine Clause - cbalmain - Charles McGee - Chris K - Chris Remo - Christian Hessmann - Clare H - Clint McElroy - Colin Hodo - Dallas Hockley - Dan Cutter - Daniel Kaberon - Daniel Markoff - Daniel Nervo - Dave Kolas - dave malloy - Dave Sharpe - David - David Boston - David Futter - David Joske - Deebs - Dent Earl - Dhu Wik - Diane Hughes - Diane Turner - Dick Morgan - Donald Mackie - Doreen Carlson - Doug - Doug Belew - Douglas H Frazer - Dr Arthur A Gray - E Margaret Warton - Edward Reisert - Emotional - A Basketball Podcast - Eoin de Burca - Eric Helm - Eric Prestemon - eric sp - Eric Stone - Erik - Ethan Bauman - Ethan Laser - Ferdinand von Seebach - frank - Freddy Freeman - Gabriel Hoffman - Gavin Doig - Geraldine Butler - Greg Henion - Heather J - Henry Mindlin - HiddenJester - Ian Pidd - Inmar Givoni - irritable - Jake Roberts - James - James - James Hicks - James Johnson - James McMurry - Jamie - Janice Berry - Jason Pratt - Jeff Stormer - Jeff Ulm - Jeffrey Bean - Jeffrey Olson - Jennifer Bush - Jim M - Jim Sellers - Joe Gallo - John Auer - john halpin - Jonathan Daniels - Jordan Gatenby - Josh Singer - Joshua Gailey - Joshua Hill - JRRJ - Julie Kellman - Justin McElroy - Karl Dube - Karma Jay - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Kelli Brockington - keniareinadelmundo10 - KenIsWearingAHat - Kenneth Jung - Kevin Chris Marcelo - Kevin Davis - Kevin Potter - Kevin Stafford - Klaus - Klodrik - Kym Griffith - Lauren Knotts - Lauren Reay - Lawrence - Lee R. - Linda Lange - Lisa Turner - Lottie Aron - Louise Clarke - M - M Shane Borders - Margaret McReynolds - Mark MacIntosh - MARK PERNA - Martín Salías - Mathias Schmidt - Matt - Matt Baxter - Matt Betzel - Matthew Jones - Max - max barnes - Melanie Stivers - Melissa Kuhns - Melmaniac - Merv Adrian - Meryl Allison - Michael - Michael Adamski - Michael Casner - Michael Livingstone - Michael Martin - Michael Shain - Michael Singer - Michael Sumner - Mike McPherson - Mike! - mino capossela - Minoru Aoki - Misty Haisfield - Monica St. Angelo - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Mr J Martin - MT - Naomi - Nathan Gouwens - Ned Rosen - Nell Morse - néa - Pascal Rueger - Paul Bigelman - Paul De Surra - Paul Wayper - Peter Harding - PhantomMare - Philip Kelly - PjandEthan - Portland Eye Care - Praline - R J Helow - Rand LeShay - Randy Souza - Rebecca - Richard Randall - Richard Sneddon - Richard Toller - Rishi Sahay - Rob Tsuk - Robert Granat - Robin Ling - rorey risdon - RsP - Ryan Rairigh - Sam Grogan - Sarah Vetters - Sean Murphy - SeattleTransAndNonbinary ChoralEnsemble - Simon Hellman - STEPHEN - Stephen Tsoneff - Stephen Wolkwitz - Steve B - Steve Martino - Steve Paquin - Stu Baker - Sue Burgess - Tanner Morton - TB - Thomas - Tim Sheehan - Todd Thomas - Tom Coleman - Tucker Ped - Wendy Gilchrist - Will King - Zach Putnam - Zak Remer
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
1 hr
July 17"Little Bird" by Annie Lennox
Strong Songs returns to the mighty Annie Lennox, for a closer look at her initially patient, eventually soaring 1992 single "Little Bird." This song allllmost beat out "Walking On Broken Glass" to get an episode last time around, and it's easy to see why.
Written by: Annie Lennox
Produced by: Stephen Lipson
Album: Diva, 1992
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The 2020 Strong Songs episode about "Walking on Broken Glass"

“Why,” “Walking On Broken Glass,” and “Cold,” from Diva, 1992

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics from Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), 1983

Annie Lennox performing “Under Pressure” with Queen and David Bowie at Wembly, 1992

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler from Faster Than The Speed of Night, 1983
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JULY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Nigel
JULY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - PJ and Ethan - Cameron - Rebecca - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M - Ben Buddy Slack - Néa - Karl Dube - Frank - Robin Ling - M - Mark Perna - Alan Wills - Ferdinand Von Seebach - Minoru Aoki - keniareinadelmundo10 - Joshua Gailey - Klaus - Sue Burgess - Mike! - Gabriel Hoffman
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
1 hr
June 19"Mamma Mia" by ABBA
It's time for a second helping of ABBA, and how could we resist "Mamma Mia"? Kirk peels back the layers of one of the band's most beloved songs, revealing a carefully crafted concoction of melodies, countermelodies, stealthy synthesizers, and marimbas.
Written by: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson
Album: ABBA, 1975
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
A Listener's Guide To Strong Songs Live

“Mamma Mia” by ABBA from featuring Siobahn McCarthy from the Mammia Mia! original cast recording 1999, and featuring Meryl Streep from the film adaptation, 2008

The Real Story of ABBA: Bright Lights, Dark Shadows by Carl Magnus Palm, 2001

Abba’s winning performance of "Waterloo" at 1974 Eurovision at the Brighton Drome (they beat Olivia Newton John!)

"Waterloo" by ABBA from Waterloo, 1974

"Dancing Queen" by ABBA from Arrival, 1976

“Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens from Illinoise, 2005

“The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009

A clip from Muriel’s Wedding, 1994
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JUNE 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R
JUNE 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - EwokEater42 - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - PJ and Ethan - TheShirtRipper - Rebecca - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M - Ben Buddy Slack - Néa - Karl Dube - Frank - Robin Ling - M
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58 min
June 15 The Best Way To Listen To Strong Songs (Spotify PSA)
Find the Strong Songs podcast feed here: https://feeds.strongsongspodcast.com/main
Instructions for manually adding a feed to most major podcast apps HERE
For more on Fair Use and other similar topics, check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation - they are the best.
----LINKS-----
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5 min
May 15Return to Kind of Blue
Kirk returns to Kind of Blue, taking a closer look at two more tunes off of the 1959 jazz classic. First, he digs into the modified 12-bar blues "Freddie Freeloader," with a focus on Wynton Kelly's much-emulated opening piano solo. He then compares and contrasts how John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley approached the closing track, "Flamenco Sketches" on tenor and alto sax, respectively.
Music by: Miles Davis and Bill Evans
The Musicians:
Miles Davis, Trumpet
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Alto Sax
John Coltrane, Tenor Sax
Wynton Kelly & Bill Evans, Piano
Paul Chambers, Bass
Jimmy Cobb, Drums
Produced by Irving Townsend; Engineered by Fred Plaud
Album: Kind of Blue, 1959
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The 2021 episode of Strong Songs about the album's opening track, "So What"

Adam Maness and Peter Martin’s excellent music podcast “You’ll Hear It”

Kirk’s 2025 “You’ll Hear It” guest appearance discussing Tower of Power’s 1973 self-titled album

Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn, 2000

“Cold Sweat” by James Brown, 1967

“Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by Tears For Fears from Songs From The Big Chair, 1985

“Some Other Time” by Leonard Bernstein by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett from The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, 1975

“A Love Supreme, Pt. 2: Resolution” - by John Coltrane from A Love Supreme, 1965
--------------------
MAY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R
MAY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - EwokEater42 - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - PJ and Ethan - TheShirtRipper - Rebecca Kline - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M - Ben Buddy Slack - Néa
----LINKS-----
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🏠 HOMEPAGE
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📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
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🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
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1 hr 3 min
April 17"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth
Kirk surfs an avalanche straight into Thrash Valley, where he delves into the depths of Megadeth's 1990 opus "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It's an unstoppable rockslide of layered riffs, tempo shifts, power chords, and... power thirds?
Written by: Dave Mustaine
Album: Rust in Peace, 1990
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Tornado of Souls" by Mustaine/Ellefson from Rust in Peace, 1990

“The Four Horsemen” by Metallica (Hetfield, Ulrich, and Mustaine) from Kill ‘Em All, 1983

“Peace Sells” by Megadeth from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, 1983

“Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses from Appetite For Destruction, 1987

“Speed Metal Symphony” by Cacophony from Speed Metal Symphony, 1987

Mr. Tabs' "Holy Wars" transcription (YouTube)

Megadeth Live in 1992 at Hammersmith Odeon

“Channel 1 Suite” by The Buddy Rich Big Band feat. Don Menza, 1968

"What It Sounds Like" from KPop Demon Hunters, 2025

Angry Crowd Sound by Michael Ghelfi Studios

Megadeth plays “Holy Wars” live on Sirius XM in 2022
--------------------
APRIL 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan - Greg
APRIL 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - John Berry - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - Betsy Barre - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Jez - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - EwokEater42 - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will King - TheShirtRipper - Rebecca Kline - Ned Rosen - Simon Hellman - Jim M
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
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🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
58 min
March 20"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell
Kirk returns to the world of Joni Mitchell for a look at the many sides of her masterpiece "Both Sides, Now." From her initial 1960s live performances, to her 1969 studio recording, to the Grammy-winning orchestral rendition she released in 2000, each version of "Both Sides, Now" shows us a different side of Joni, and of ourselves.
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Album: Clouds, 1969 | Both Sides Now, 2000
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
2022 Strong Songs episode on "Help Me" from Court and Spark

“Urge For Going” by Joni Mitchell, recorded by George Hamilton IV, 1967

“Help Me” by Joni Mitchell from Court and Spark, 1974

“Both Sides Now” as recorded by Judy Collins and Dave Van Ronk

Excerpt from Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow, 1959

Joni onstage w/ Brandi Carlile at The Newport Folk Festival, 2022

Joni talks with CBC's Jian Ghomeshi in 2013
--------------------
MARCH 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Thomas McIlheran - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan
MARCH 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - David Noah - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Gary Pierce - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - John Berry - Ol Parker - Joseph Romero - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Dave Douglass - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - Betsy Barre - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Jez - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - EwokEater42 - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - Alan B - Will King - TheShirtRipper
----LINKS-----
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📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
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🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
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🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
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🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
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🎨 SHOW ART:
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57 min
February 20"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie
Kirk heaps on a second helping of TWO previous Strong Songs artists: Queen and David Bowie, whose 1981 collaboration "Under Pressure" topped the charts while showing how a mid-song transformation is done.
Written by: David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor
Album: Hot Space, 1982
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
Previous Strong Songs episodes on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and "Starman"

“Killer Queen” by Queen from Sheer Heart Attack, 1974

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen from A Night At The Opera, 1975

“Somebody To Love” by Freddie Mercury from A Day at the Races, 1976

“We Are The Champions” by Freddie Mercury from Jazz, 1977

“Flash Gordon Theme” from Flash Gordon Original Soundtrack, 1980

“Another One Bites The Dust” by John Deacon from The Game, 1980

“Back Chat” by John Deacon from Hot Space, 1982

“Cat People” by Giorgio Moroder and David Bowie from Cat People OST (1982) and Just Dance, 1983

Brian May in Total Guitar, March 2024

Freddie Mercury TV interview with Lisa Robinson, 1984
--------------------
FEBRUARY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS
Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Rush - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Thomas McIlheran - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig
FEBRUARY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS
Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - David Noah - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Gary Pierce - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Dubmarine - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Abraham Benrubi - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - John Berry - Ol Parker - Joseph Romero - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Suzanne Crawford - Dave Douglass - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - Betsy Barre - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Jez - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Edward Steen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - LG - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - EwokEater42 - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clark - Richard Randall
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
💬 DISCORD SERVER
📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
1 hr

About Strong Songs

From the publisher's feed

Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.