1980 was a tense time, and this artist, a humanitarian most concerned about war and peace, put this worldwide angst into a beautiful song about games, flags, costumes, and silly games.  But what is he saying in these first few lines?  Is she so popular?  Is she so complicated?  Is she so amazing?  Or are we Americans just too obtuse to hear what's really happening here?  Are we too naïve to get the message?  Listen for all the answers!

Official Video

1991 Performance with Sting

2004 Performance

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

****THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER***

Let's talk about another BIG song...a huge sing along from the classic rock library of 1976- HOTEL CALIFORNIA.  We promise some misheard lyrics in this one, along with urban legends, ghosts, drugs, greed, lawsuits, and maybe even Satan.  Think you know it all about this iconic piece of music...think again.

Live performance- 1977

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

A simple, child-like song?  A silly jingle about a nightlight?  A deep dive into Greek Mythology and things Julia and Christine can't understand?  

Maybe all three.  Join us as we clumsily look at this multi-layered band and this sweet song.

Birdhouse In Your Soul Official Video

For the band's dial-a-song: 844-387-6962

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Melomaniacs, we've been at this a year!  Welcome to Season 2!

In this episode, we bring in the new year with deep thoughts and an existential crisis, brought to you by the wildly creative 1980's band, The Talking Heads.  Ever wonder how you got here, how you ended up with this life?  Ever think about the concept of time and your mind is blown?  Come listen as we take a super deep dive.

Official Video- Once in a Lifetime- The Talking Heads

TRIGGER WARNING.  THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE AND PREDATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN

Hold on to your hats with this one, Melomaniacs.  We discuss this 1979 song with a catchy beat and one-of-a-kind bass lines, but the lyrics may leave you less of a fan of the song, the band, and the lyrics often written by The Knack.  We discuss cancel culture, stalking, age appropriate relationships, and sexy cover albums, even when they're cringy.  A must listen!

Music Video- My Sherona

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

We know, the name is, well....off putting, but the band's creativity can't be overly praised.  And the song, with its spoken word and catchy chorus, is really an innocent and simple story.  Come take a listen to this, a unique departure from whatever you've been listening to.

Pepper official video

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

Ever heard of a virtual band?  A band with characters, anime images, and performances behind a curtain?  Well, Christine had no idea of such a thing.  Join us as Julia schools Christine on this band that looked at 1998 music and said, "this sucks, let's make a virtual band of anime characters and sign a song called 'Clint Eastwood' even though it's totally not about Clint Eastwood."  In this episode we also talk about bodily functions, what kind of anime character we'd like to be, and why saying, "today is shit," when someone asks how you are is perfectly fine and freeing.  

Official video of "Clint Eastwood"

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

In honor of this queen of country music, join us as we discuss Loretta Lynn's autobiographical song, called a "memoir set to music."  A vulnerable and honest look at her early life, this song made its way into a film.  This song is just one of the many portraits she creates about her life, women's issues, and men who better not come home drunk and looking for lovin'.  RIP Loretta Lynn.

Performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter" on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1970

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

You may not know Beth Orton, but honestly, you should.  This British artist has us guessing on not only the lyrics, but the title of the song.  Do you know the British term, central reservation?  We didn't either.  Come listen to find out and hear another story with cuss words from Christine, and loads of nostalgia from Julia.

Official video- Central Reservation

Cover art by Kitty Sopow

This is a short one, Melomaniacs, but is full of two sisters thinking they're hilarious, and hopefully we are.  This song is a classic, of course, but it's meaning is pretty simple, and instead of dissecting it, we talk about Jesus musicals, wine, bathrooms on the right, and sweat.  Join us for what is, hopefully, a laugh.

Don't Stop Believin' live performance

Art by Kitty Sopow