It's new music for the month of October!  Jenn Tully fills in for Sam again this month alongside Matt Sidhom.  Together they built a mix that moves from David Byrne’s question-rich groove with Ghost Train Orchestra and Hayley Williams to Florence and the Machine’s roof-raising declaration of ambition, with plenty of discoveries and nostalgic detours in between. 

We kick off with What Is the Reason for It, a horn-lit, cinematic opener that doubles as a meditation on love’s contradictions. From there, we bend time: Oasis reenters the chat via Don’t Look Back in Anger and the 30th anniversary of What’s the Story (Morning Glory), a reminder that remasters can be the best kind of rediscovery. Cold War Kids deliver a standout with Hyperempathy—maybe the most accurate song about a long-term couple’s fight—before Electric Guest lifts the room with Play Your Guitar and its bassline-as-elevation. We even throw a glam-pop curveball with Foxy Shazam’s You Know My Name featuring Corey Feldman, a surprisingly joyful MJ-inspired romp.

The middle stretch balances comeback warmth and clever wordplay: Yellowcard’s Better Days revisits the hooky honesty that made Ocean Avenue timeless, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise stitches fast-twitch lyrics to an easy, elastic groove. For elegant horror, The Last Dinner Party’s This Is the Killer Speaking toggles between sinister verses and pop-bright choruses, while Sloan’s Dream Destroyer blends 70s glam swagger with modern edge. We also wrestle with art versus artist through The Lemonheads’ The Key of Victory, and tip our hat to familiar architecture with Arthur Buck’s Fall in Love With Me, a pop-spooky echo of REM instincts with fresh attitude.

We close on Florence and the Machine’s One of the Greats, a soaring, razor-sharp statement about the cost and confidence of excellence—complete with a pointed critique of industry double standards. 

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-october-2025/pl.u-pm2jidKjlz

1. What is the Reason For It? - David Byrne with Ghost Train Orchestra featuring Hayley Williams

2. Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis

3. Hyperempathy - Cold War Kids

4. Play Your Guitar - Electric Guest

5. You Know My Name - Foxy Shazam featuring Corey Feldman

6. Better Days - Yellowcard

7. Dang - Rainbow Kitten Surprise

8. This is the Killer Speaking - The Last Dinner Party

9. Dream Destroyer - Sloan

10. The Key of Victory - The Lemonheads 

11. Fall in Love With Me - Arthur Buck

12. One of the Greats - Florence and the Machine

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From guitar virtuosos to vocal powerhouses, Matt and Sam's "Women Who Rock: Volume 2" showcases twelve artists who represent the extraordinary breadth and depth of women's contributions to rock music.

St. Vincent (Annie Clark) kicks things off with "Los Ageless," her scathing take on Los Angeles culture wrapped in irresistible guitar work. Meanwhile, Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" demonstrates how great music transcends time, finding a whole new generation of listeners through Stranger Things – likely causing Bush herself to wake up one morning wondering why her 37-year-old song was suddenly topping global charts.

The mix features several guitar virtuosos deserving wider recognition. Orianthi, who's performed alongside Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper, delivers both technical brilliance and emotional resonance on "According to You." Even more surprising is Kaki King's instrumental "Default Shell," showcasing finger techniques so complex they seem impossible to be produced by human hands – explaining why she's collaborated with Eddie Vedder and toured with Foo Fighters.

Modern innovators get their due through Maggie Rogers' "Anywhere With You" , CHVRCHES' build-up masterpiece "Clearest Blue," and The Joy Formidable's "Worrying," which culminates in an extended instrumental finale that serves as perfect running music for those final miles.

We close with HAIM's Eagles-influenced harmonies on "The Wire" and Bully's raw punk energy on "Either Way" – proving that women aren't just participating in rock's evolution, they're driving it forward in exciting new directions. This isn't just a collection of women who play rock music – it's a celebration of essential artists whose technical skill, songwriting prowess, and unique perspectives continue to reshape what rock can be.

Follow us on Instagram @superawesomemix and join our growing community of music lovers who understand that great music transcends all boundaries.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cMQ2xZQcDAoG6yx4KLDzF?si=ec5e4f18da1e419c 

1. Los Ageless by St. Vincent
2. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
3. C’mon C’mon by Sheryl Crow
4. Burning by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. According To You by Orianthi
6. Anywhere With You by Maggie Rogers
7. All American Girl by Melissa Etheridge
8. Clearest Blue by CHVRCHES
9. Default Shell by Kaki King
10. Whirring by The Joy Formidable
11. The Wire by HAIM
12. Either Way by Bully

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What happens when you search for songs with the word "fall" in the title? A musical journey spanning decades, genres, and emotions that will surprise you at every turn.

Matt Sidhom and Sam Abousalbi dive deep into twelve tracks united only by a single word, uncovering fascinating stories behind each song. Did you know Tom Petty's iconic "Free Fallin'" was initially rejected by producers, only to be accepted unchanged six months later? Or that Post Malone's heartbreak anthem "I Fall Apart" transforms completely when remixed for spin classes?

The mix weaves through Kenny Chesney's nostalgic football tribute, Maggie Rogers' metaphorical "Falling Water," and the pure vocal harmonies of Shai's acapella "If I Ever Fall In Love." We explore the emotional weight of "Falling Slowly" from the Oscar-winning film Once, the edgy punk-infused sound of Weezer's "Falling For You," and the soaring hopefulness of Chloe and Halle's "Fall."

Each song reveals something unique about how artists interpret the concept of falling – whether it's falling in love, falling apart, or simply embracing the fall season. The conversations highlight how a single word can connect vastly different musical expressions while exposing the hosts' genuine passion for musical discovery.

Follow us @superawesomemix on Instagram and Threads, and check out our videos on YouTube to continue the conversation about your favorite "fall" songs!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-fall-playlist/pl.u-XmgpfXZ0qz

1. Free Fallin' - Tom Petty 

2. The Boys of Fall - Kenny Chesney

3. Fallingwater - Maggie Rogers

4. If I Ever Fall in Love - Shai

5. The Sky is Fallin' - Queens of the Stone Age

6. When I Fall in Love - Celine Dion featuring Clive Griffin

7. Falling For You - Weezer

8. Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

9. I Fall Apart - Post Malone

10. Fallen - Imagine Dragons

11. Fall - Chloe x Halle

12. Fall - Eminem

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Matt and Samer dive deep into twelve remarkable artists who've successfully bridged the entertainment divide. From Justin Timberlake's smooth transition from boy band heartthrob to serious dramatic actor, to Carrie Brownstein's seamless movement between indie rock and sketch comedy, these performers defy the notion that you must choose a single creative path.

The episode explores unexpected musical talents, like Zooey Deschanel's sweet vocals in She & Him and Steve Martin's impressive banjo skills, alongside discussions of Donald Glover's dual identity as Childish Gambino and Jack Black's perfect fusion of comedy and rock with Tenacious D. We also celebrate legends like Cher, whose Oscar-winning acting complements her iconic music career, and remember talents like Aaliyah, whose promising dual career was tragically cut short.

What becomes clear throughout our musical journey is that true artistry rarely confines itself to a single medium. These exceptional talents remind us that creativity flows where it will, sometimes producing individuals who can captivate us equally whether they're delivering lines or delivering lyrics. Whether you're more familiar with their on-screen performances or their chart-topping hits, you'll gain a new appreciation for these multi-dimensional artists.

Which of these double-threats surprised you most? Are there others we missed? Follow us on Instagram @superawesomemix and join the conversation about celebrities who refuse to be defined by just one talent.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1eYwq2iWqdVRnbIRfyGBKT?si=b9819bd6b9a3420d

1. What Goes Around // Comes Around by Justin Timberlake
2. You’re No Rock n’ Roll Fun by Sleater-Kinney
3. Why Do YOu Let Me Stay Here? by She & Him
4. You Didn’t Know Me When by Harry Connick, Jr.
5. Heartbeat by Childish Gambino
6. If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher
7. The Metal by Tenacious D
8. So Familiar by Steve Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers
9. Are You That Somebody by Aaliyah
10. Mathematics by Mos Def
11. Kings And Queens by Thirty Seconds To Mars
12. Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid

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The musical landscape of September 2024 unfolds like a treasure map of sonic discoveries as Matt Sidhom and guest co-host Jen Tully navigate through twelve diverse new releases that defy easy categorization.

They kick things off with the track, "Everybody Scream," from Florence and the Machine's upcoming sixth album, which creates a space where women don't have to "be quiet" or "be kind" – a witchy celebration of unrestrained feminine power. Meanwhile, Role Model's infectious "Sally When the Wine Runs Out" has transformed into a cultural moment, with celebrities from Natalie Portman to Al Roker taking turns as the song's namesake during live performances.

The conversation shifts to gritty territory with Idles' "Rabbit Run," where Joe Talbot's distinctive Cockney delivery powers the soundtrack to Austin Butler's new film. This leads into Old Dominion's surprisingly affecting "Miss You Man," a country ballad that captures male friendship and grief with remarkable authenticity. 

Wet Leg reveals unexpected vulnerability with "Pokemon," a softer departure from their typically harder-edged sound, while Doja Cat delivers another potential hit with "Jealous Type" . 

The musical journey continues through jam band territory with Goose's soulful "Madelena," the country-rap fusion of BigXThaPlug and Shaboozey's "Home," and the truly unexpected "Clockwork" by Laufey, which sounds like a Disney princess number addressing thoroughly modern themes.

The episode closes with universal praise for Dominic Fike's "Sandman," a perfect blend of hip-hop, rap, and old-school R&B influences that showcases why he remains one of music's most exciting voices. 

Discover these tracks and more by following Super Awesome Mix on Instagram and YouTube, and don't miss Jen's podcast "What Are You Listening To" with new Season 7 episodes dropping now!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-september-2025/pl.u-pmebHdKjlz

1. Everybody Scream - Florence and the Machine

2. Sally, When the Wine Runs Out - ROLE MODEL

3. Rabbit Run - Idles

4. Miss You Man - Old Dominion

5. Dealer - Lola Young

6. That's Gonna Leave A Mark - Molly Tuttle

7. pokemon - Wet Leg

8. Madalena - Goose

9. Jealous Tytpe - Doja Cat

10. Home - BigXThaPlug & Shaboozey

11. Clockwork - Laufey

12. Sandman - Dominic Fike

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This week's Mixtape Rewind goes to our most downloaded episode of all-time.  Our countdown of bullpen closer entrance songs.

The bullpen door swings open, and suddenly the energy in the stadium shifts. A familiar song begins to play, and everyone knows what comes next – the closer is about to take the mound. Baseball's most pressure-packed moments have their own soundtrack, and in this episode, Matt and Samer break down the most iconic entrance songs in baseball closer history.

From unexpected choices that became superstition-fueled traditions to deliberately intimidating anthems designed to strike fear into opposing batters, these musical selections reveal the psychology behind baseball's specialized relief pitchers. 

The episode takes listeners through surprising stories – like Craig Kimbrell adopting "Let It Go" from Frozen after his wife swapped his walk-up music on Women's Day, or John Smoltz strategically using ABBA's "Dancing Queen" to throw off opponents. You'll discover how Kenley Jansen's commitment to geography-based entrance music follows him from team to team, and why Edwin Diaz's entrance set to "Narco" suddenly exploded in popularity.

As Matt and Samer approach their top picks, they analyze what makes certain songs particularly effective for the closer role – from instantly recognizable intros to lyrics that perfectly complement the situation. The tolling bells that announced Trevor Hoffman's arrival, the Irish rhythms that energized Fenway Park for Jonathan Papelbon, and of course, the definitive closer anthem that accompanied the greatest reliever of all time, Mariano Rivera.

Whether you're a baseball fanatic or just appreciate the perfect marriage of music and sports, this countdown reveals how these carefully chosen songs transform ordinary pitching changes into theatrical moments that energize fans and intimidate opponents. Listen now and discover which iconic closer entrance claims the top spot!

 The playlist:
 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/239CiybVVYuw2q1olpiJe5?si=1bj8MKd3ROy54nDdnoUFjA

Edwin Diaz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BYSp2pzP0Y

Aroldis Chapman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHTp-j1j7GU

Craig Kimbrel:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/APIFsi9BcXc

1. Let It Go by Idina Menzel
2. Bad to the bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
3. Dancing Queen by ABBA
4. California Love by 2Pac, Roger, Dr. Dre
5. Jump Around by House Of Pain
6. Wild Thing by The Troggs
7. Wake Up by Rage Against the Machine
8. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
9. I’m Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphys
10. Hells Bells by AC/DC
11. Narco by Blasterjaxx, Timmy Trumpet
12. Enter Sandman by Metallica

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From garage band beginnings to arena-filling superstars, Blink-182's three-decade journey through pop-punk represents one of music's most fascinating evolutions. Matt and Sam dive deep into the band's remarkable transformation through twelve carefully selected tracks that showcase their musical growth, shifting themes, and enduring cultural impact.

Sam guides us through Blink-182's history, starting with their raw, energetic origins on tracks like "Carousel" from their 1994 debut, through their commercial breakthrough with "Dammit," and into their experimental phase with darker sounds on their self-titled album. Along the way, we explore how the trio of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker (who replaced original drummer Scott Raynor) created a signature sound that balanced juvenile humor with surprising emotional depth on songs like "Adam's Song."

The episode doesn't shy away from the band's complexities – their lineup changes when Tom departed and Matt Skiba joined, their extended breaks between albums, and their triumphant 2023 reunion following Mark's cancer battle. Throughout it all, one thing remains constant: Blink-182's uncanny ability to create music that resonates with universal experiences of growing up, relationships, and confronting mortality, all delivered with an infectious energy that defined a generation of pop-punk.

Follow us @superawesomemix on Instagram, Threads, and YouTube to share your favorite Blink-182 memories and the songs you think should have made our list!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-intro-to-blink-182/pl.u-m61GDIBrKvaJ

1. Carousel

2. Dammit

3. A New Hope

4. The Party Song

5. Adam's Song

6. The Rock Show

7. Feeling This

8. Stockholm Syndrome

9. Natives

10. Bored to Death

11. Blame It On My Youth

12. ANTHEM PART 3

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Britpop was more than just a musical genre—it was the soundtrack to an entire generation's coming of age. Our guest Mark Jennings opens up his musical time capsule to share twelve tracks that defined not just the movement, but pivotal moments in his own life.

The mix takes us chronologically through Britpop's evolution—starting with Oasis's thunderous "Rock and Roll Star" and concluding with The Long Pigs' punchy "She Said." Along the way, Mark provides fascinating context about the famous Blur vs. Oasis rivalry that dominated British headlines but barely registered across the Atlantic. Before streaming services democratized music discovery, these cultural phenomena remained strangely localized, creating parallel music universes on either side of the pond.

We discuss how The Stone Roses sparked the entire movement, why The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" video captivated MTV viewers, and how Radiohead's early work provides a gateway into their experimental evolution. For every legendary band like Blur or Oasis, Mark highlights underappreciated gems from bands like Supergrass, Ocean Color Scene, and Republica.

Whether you lived through the 90s Britpop explosion or are discovering these sounds for the first time, this episode connects the musical dots between yesterday's cultural revolution and today's ongoing British music influence. Check out Mark's website Subba Culture, where music fans can write their own reviews and connect with fellow enthusiasts around the world.

You can find his review site here: https://www.subba-cultcha.com/

You can find his list on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/61AxxICzhBihMg0mzYBQnX?si=60b35b603ad3402d
 

1. Rock N Roll Star - Oasis

2. Richard III - Supergrass

3. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

4. The Riverboat Song - Ocean Colour Scene

5. Parklife - Blur

6. Life of Riley - The Lightning Seeds

7. Talk Tonight- Oasis

8. Ready To Go - Republica

9. The Bends - Radiohead

10. She Bangs the Drums - The Stone Roses

11. The Only One I Know - The Charlatans

12. She Said - Longpigs
 

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The August heat hasn't stopped an incredible wave of new music from washing over us this month. From jazz-soul fusion to K-pop dance anthems, our final summer mix of 2025 captures the season's last vibrant moments.

John Batiste opens our collection with "Big Money," showcasing his extraordinary talent for blending genres while maintaining that distinctive New Orleans soul.  Chance the Rapper brings his signature wordplay to "Tree," collaborating with Lil Wayne and Smino for a track that's as clever as it is catchy.

The long-awaited return of Clipse brings "E.B.I.T.D.A" to our mix, reuniting Pusha T and Malice under Pharrell Williams' production. Their first album since 2009 proves that quality always trumps quantity. Blackpink continues their global domination with "Jump," a high-energy dance track that solidifies their position as masters of contemporary pop production.

Relationship themes weave throughout our selections this month. Eli Young Band explores the willingness to do anything for a partner in "All Good With Me," while AJR captures commitment anxiety with their characteristic honesty in "Betty." Chappell Roan delivers perhaps the most emotionally resonant track with "The Subway," chronicling that strange post-breakup journey when someone transitions from being your world to just another stranger passing by.

Unexpected collaborations bring delightful surprises, including Spinal Tap teaming up with Elton John for an updated "Stonehenge" ahead of their sequel film. Meanwhile, newcomers Durry brilliantly tackle internet trolling culture in "Bully" with lyrics that will have you nodding in recognition.

We round out the mix with Scottish singer-songwriter Amy McDonald's uplifting "The Hope," Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon returning with the confidence-boosting "Bear Hill," and Glass Animals maintaining their uniquely quirky sound with "Vampire Bat."

Subscribe to Super Awesome Mix on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram and threads @superawesomemix to stay updated on all our latest episodes. 

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-august-2025/pl.u-pm4mfdKjlz

1. BIG MONEY - Jon Batiste

2. Tree- Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne & Smino

3. E.B.I.T.D.A.- Clipse, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T & Malice

4. JUMP- BLACKPINK

5. All Good With Me- Eli Young Band

6. Betty- AJR

7. Stonehenge- Spinal Tap & Elton John

8. The Subway- Chappell Roan

9. The Hope- Amy Macdonald

10. Bully- Durry

11. Bear Hill- Raekwon

12. Vampire Bat- Glass Animals

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Movie soundtracks have given us some of the most unforgettable songs in music history, from Adele's haunting "Skyfall" to Seal's unexpected hit "Kiss from a Rose," we explore twelve iconic songs that made their mark through cinema.

What happens when legendary artists create music specifically for the silver screen? We dive into Bruce Springsteen's approach to "The Wrestler" – a song he casually wrote after a concert and gave away for free – alongside Tina Turner's deeply personal "I Don't Want to Fight" created for her own biopic. 

Bond themes get special attention as we compare Paul McCartney's revolutionary "Live and Let Die" with Adele's moody, orchestral "Skyfall," showing how these musical moments reflect the evolution of the 007 franchise itself. Meanwhile, The Weeknd's sultry "Earned It" demonstrates how a film tie-in (Fifty Shades of Grey) can launch a song into the stratosphere regardless of the movie's critical reception.

The mix also features the fascinating origin story behind Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson," which was originally written about Eleanor Roosevelt before being hastily repurposed for "The Graduate" with a simple word replacement. From Randy Newman's heartwarming "You've Got a Friend in Me" to the emotionally devastating "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, these songs prove that when filmmakers and musicians collaborate, magic happens.

Whether you're a film buff, music lover, or both, this episode celebrates those perfect moments when visuals and sound collide to create something greater than the sum of their parts. 

1. Old Habits Die Hard by Mick Jagger & Dave Stewart
2. Kiss from a Rose by Seal
3. A Mighty Wind by The Folksmen
4. Skyfall by Adele
5. The Great Beyond by R.E.M.
6. Earned It by The Weeknd
7. The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen
8. See You Again by Wiz Khalifa feat Charlie Puth
9. Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney & Wings
10. You’ve Got a Friend In Me by Randy Newman
11. I Don’t Wanna Fight by Tina Turner
12. Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel

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