BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates  discuss the newly released album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks.

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The Big Mates discuss naughty fishermen, floppy top half, Requiem for a Tuesday, and Green by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They touch on how the band handled their transition to a major label, started writing in new configurations, and learned how to play new instruments. They decode the album's artwork, define the moods of the record from bubblegum pop to experimental rock, and note the differences from the band's earlier work.

They also find time to discuss Eponymous, the American election, and the track sequencing on Green.

How many tracks are on the album? Does the label an artist is signed to change your perception of them? What an answer to what is music is? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday May 20th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Green.

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E-mail: [email protected]

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Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates discuss olive oil, Christmas, strings, and two side projects from members of Radiohead.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their fourth season in order to catch up the extra-curricular activities of members of Radiohead.

First up is the string-laden and atmospheric third album from Philip Selway, Strange Dance. Then they explore Jarak Qaribak, the collaboration between Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa.

They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the albums, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

Has Phil made another Christmas album? Who is the spikiest member of Radiohead?  Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out next Monday May 13th, and will see us return to R.E.M. with a deep-dive into their sixth album, Green!

Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
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E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates slow it down and take a break to discuss ratings, rankings, creasy head holes, and the career of R.E.M. from 1980 - 1987.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having covered the five records that encompass "the I.R.S. years." They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they return to each album with more experienced ears, and they talk about how they feel about them now. 

They chat context, albums, preconceptions, expectations, and much more before offering up their individual Top 10 R.E.M. (1982 - 1987) songs. These have been compiled into our very first "Best Of R.E.M." compilation, available (alongside previous Best Ofs) here: https://bit.ly/3xVZAVf

What makes it into the Top 10s? Can Lucas sing all of It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)? Is gold just an amber brown? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?  

Our next episode is out next Monday, May 6th!

Join the conversation on:
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E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates provide mesmerising and entirely necessary audio commentary for Succumbs, the first video release by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the VHS/Laserdisc compilation featuring music videos and films from 1983 through to 1986.

Head to YouTube to watch along:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzWrTWsV5vI&t
Or don't - the episode works fine either way!

Our next episode comes out Monday April 29th and will see us reflect on R.E.M.'s career so far!

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates discuss Christmas tree etiquette, goose related nightmares, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Document by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by finishing up their track-by-track analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They bring the track-by-track to a close, exploring the meaning of the songs, the differences between the first and second half, and explore two of the biggest R.E.M. songs that they have encountered so far. They sum up their thoughts on the album, give scores, and discuss how it was received when it came out.

They also find time to discuss the legacy and influence of the album, the band's Work Tour of 1987, and the end of their recording contract with IRS.

How do we feel about the album? Do you know what a dulcimer sounds like? Why is Lucas the James Bond guy? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday April 22nd and will see us offering some audio commentary for the first R.E.M. video release, Succumbs.

Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates discuss file naming conventions, Role Models, trickle-down economics, and Document by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They touch on how the band used the skills they learned on the previous album, the search for a more muscular sound, and the beginnings of their relationship with a new producer.

They also tackle the meaning of the album's title, what exactly features on the album's artwork, and they find the time to reflect on what they have learned about R.E.M.'s sound so far, and explore the political landscape of the US in the 1980s.

How does all of that fit into Document? Is it heavy metal? Who is David Strathairn? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday April 15th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Document.

Join the conversation on:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates discuss running, arranging the arrangements of a meeting, paste, and go to see The Smile live at the Brighton Centre.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas converge in Brighton in order to experience a live show by Radiohead sidproject, The Smile. They discuss their expectations, live business, and both their initial and considered reactions to the performance.

What do they play? What are the vibes? Will Lucas even make it? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out next Monday April 8th, and will see us return to R.E.M. with a deep-dive into their fifth album, Document!

Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

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The Big Mates discuss liner notes, The Velvet Underground, being nice, and Dead Letter Office by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by exploring the collection of b-sides they released in 1987. They talk about where each track came from, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They touch on the collection in general, whether b-sides should be taken seriously, and whether or not R.E.M. are the band to do that! They get to explore a range of moods along the way, from soft country, to heavy metal pastiche, to classic rock covers, and beyond... a must!

Why is this some people's favourite R.E.M. album? How can you listen to this podcast being recorded live? How do you surf the web? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday April 1st and will be a report from The Smile Live in Brighton!

Join the conversation on:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

Check out the Skwiggo album here:
https://skwiggo.bandcamp.com/album/skwiggo-i

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The Big Mates provide exciting and tangential audio commentary for a selection of R.E.M. clips ranging from 1982 to 1986.

Confronted with very little  good footage of the Pageantry tour, Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss a range of clips, from news reports, live performances, interviews, and promos from across the band's career so far! There's also some grainy footage of their 1986 tour!

Head to YouTube to watch along:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIhQdLMeupWmY_bUf_UaSqGjRXo_hbCZh&si=Fu_QWKlQx-fJNI14
Or don't - the episode works fine either way!

Our next episode comes out Monday March 25th and will see us explore the b-sides collection, Dead Letter Office!

Join the conversation on:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: [email protected]

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379

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Support the show