This Might Be A Podcast

Scott Greenberg makes his debut on the show to talk about "Mainstream U.S.A.", a deep cut collected on the Then double CD. Scott wrote a chapter of his master's thesis on TMBG, which has an accompanying podcast series and album, and tells us all about it as we get into the ins-and-outs of this incredibly bizarre tune. 

On this monolithic episode of classic Lincoln track "Shoehorn with Teeth," Jared Pike and Alex Botkin team up and make their second appearances. We'll tell you the childhood story that inspired the song, and we talk shoehorns, glockenspiels, live versions crossing three decades and covers almost as vast, all in an attempt to do this epic song justice. 

Glory McElheny makes her TMBP debut to talk about the undisputed banger "Metal Detector" off of Factory Showroom. We talk about the book Buried Treasure of Casco Bay which inspired the song, actual metal detectors, and moog synthesizers. We also found a wide range of live versions of the song and we attempt to narrow down our choices of covers. 

Marvel comics editor and ukulele cover artist Jordan D. White makes his debut on the show to talk about a comic-related song, Chip The CHiP! It's the first Escape Team episode in over two years and we make up for lost time with tons of comic talk, CHiPs TV reminiscing of sorts, and trying figuring out what Linnell is doing with his voice. Plus, covers by our very own Noah Daniel and one by Jordan himself.

Greg Lindberg returns to the show after more than two years to talk about the sadly-still-relevant song Your Racist Friend, visiting IN PERSON at Velour Underground Studios. We do some catching up, talk about a bunch of goofy stuff kind of related to the song, and diss some racist bastards (take a drink if you can guess who). We play both demo versions, a ton of rad live versions, and an eclectic mix of covers. 

Jonathan Leonard is the first inductee into the FIVE-TIMERS CLUB, returning for an episode on fan-favorite deep cut "Certain People I Could Name" off of Long Tall Weekend. A nice mailbag starts the episode including some more well-wishes for Flans and a special treat made by a fan, then onto the episode with much samurai movie talk, Elvis Costello comparisons, and covers by friends and strangers as well as first-take vocal performance by Greg. You'll see.

Old Punknews friend Tori Pederson visits to talk about the classic spooky Pink Album track 32 Footsteps. We catch up and talk punk journalism, Mr. Bungle, Ween and I Think You Should Leave, then we dive into the song to figure out what makes it's creepiness so effective and addictive to listen to. Custom cover supplied by Appalachian/old-timey folk & TMBG mashup team The Number Three, featuring past guests Ben Byrd and Rachel Jones! 

Couple Jennifer Noelle and Dominic Linde are on the show together to talk about a shared favorite song, "Happy Doesn't Have to Have an Ending" from the Bed Bed Bed accompanying CD. The three of us discuss the John's entry into children's music with No! and this book, and break down what makes this song so successful, and how it introduces kids to unfamiliar terms and concepts in a fun way. Also, you'll hear a cover by an adorable kids choir as well as an equally adorable adult. 

Elizabeth Sandifer co-wrote the 33 1/3 book on Flood (with former guest Alex Reed) and is here to talk about a non-Flood song, "Become a Robot" from TMBG's 1985 demo tape and collected on Then: The Early Years. Hear us attempt to decipher one of the most bizarre songs in a career full of bizarre songs. We play the only live clip of this song in existence, and Greg, Cara and little Zinnia create the only cover in existence, recorded from Madrid. 

Episode edited by Avren Keating of the Waves Breaking podcast. Thanks Avren!

Good friend of the show Cari Hearn returns for her umpteenth time for another TMBP My Murdered Remains song episode. We get real classical on this thang, talkin' chord progressions, singing timbres and violin technique (is your violin sponge-worthy?), as well as plenty of sci-fi nerd talk. Also, hear TWO covers by Cari that are vastly different!