124. Summer Jamz – Freedom 90

[sniff]   For the honest-to-God final epipod ever of Finest Worksongs, Matt & Matt had the pleasure of discussing The Replacements' "Let It Be" album -- which won final our "Listener's Choice" contest. Yes, the boys delve into the music and the history of the artists -- just like they've done on the 128 previous epipods. But this final one was also a chance to reflect on five years of fun -- and to say thank you to the Finest Workfans. Stevens calls this the "Kitchen Sink Epipod." Listen and you'll hear why.  Thank you to everyone who has been with us since the beginning, and for those many new friends we've met along the way. It's been a joy and an honor. 

In this final Christmas Epipod of the podcast, Matt and Matt reflect on their journey through various unique Christmas albums over the years, highlighting their favorites and the joy of discovering new music. They delve into the R.E.M. holiday fan club singles, discussing their significance and the mystery surrounding them. They also discuss the nostalgic and timeless qualities of the Charlie Brown Christmas special, exploring its music, animation, and the deeper meanings behind its themes of joy and longing during the holiday season. Matt and Matt also discuss the unique production choices that set it apart from other holiday specials and reflects on the lasting impact it has had on audiences of all ages.    

For the final “regular” epipod of Finest Worksongs, we finally tackle a subject that we’ve held off for so so long: the Beach Boys’ masterpiece “Pet Sounds.” It’s an album that was revolutionary for its time, and still sounds as such to this day. “Pet Sounds” was the creation of an inspired Brian Wilson, who dreamed, envisioned and ultimately crafted the album to his desires with the help of The Wrecking Crew (and NOT his band mates). When the rest of the band finally arrived, Brian “just” needed their vocals - and they weren’t too thrilled about it at the time. But some 60 years later, the world finally caught up to what Brian Wilson had in mind. And it’s arguably one of the greatest albums of all time.

Very few duos - sorry, they told us they don't like to be called that!-- have achieved as much commercial success as Daryl Hall and John Oates. (Don't even THINK of referring to them as "Hall & Oates, by the way.) With a run really beginning in the mid-1970s through the '80s, these two Philly natives ruled the airwaves with their "Blue-Eyed Soul"-infused brand of pop and rock. Their "best of" compilation, the optimistically titled "Rock 'n Soul Part 1," is an essential addition to anyone's music collection. All the hits are here - and man, did they have hits: "Sara Smile," "She's Gone," "Maneater," "Private Eyes," "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)," and on and on and on. 

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat 

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat 

Summer Jamz are here! These are Finest Worksongs epipods where we cover one song instead of a full album.  Follow us on social media @finestworksongs Theme song: "Radio" by Medium Heat