Styx: "Show Me The Way" (Hope Month Ep #1)

Today we are beginning a new series called "Hope Month" as we examine and celebrate the songs that point to a brighter future. What better way to start than with Styx who make a pointed request to the Divine as they scramble for hope: "Show Me The Way."  We (briefly) discuss the band's history and take a deep dive into the meanings behind the song, including an examination of how Dennis DeYoung is able to use his illusion (I and II) to bring himself to higher ground.  Links: Official Video Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

"Sweet Dreams" gives us the chills (in a good way!). We do our best to bring you the song in its original context - not on a Halloween playlist but within the wider context of Eurythmics' second album (which brought their career to epic heights). We take a close look at how the song effectively mesmerizes the listener while still giving the unsettling feeling that something sinister is out there. Hold your head up as you move on through this episode! Helpful links: Original Video Our mixtape Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Fidelity, Phil Collins, and Draculas - we cover a wide range of topics in this week's episode on Howard Jones' "No One Is To Blame." Besides our customary song analysis, we also revisit Bill and Frank's earlier jobs (in shoes and construction) and the lessons learned from staring at restaurant menus without eating any food. Official Video Howard Jones on Top of the Pops with the mime Rachael Sage cover (Live) Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Hey now, hey now, we're bringing you one of the most comforting and reassuring songs we know. Dave Kitchen joins us for his 23rd episode (not to be too gauche about it) and we dive into the signature song of Crowded House. Beyond an in depth musical, lyrical, and visual analysis, we also discuss kiwis, a Hallmark movie set in New Zealand, and the feeling of floating down a lazy river to Neil Finn's soothing voice. Helpful links: Official video The live version from their farewell concert Glee version Sixpence None The Richer version Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.  

A video featuring a seat belt outfits and a tattooed buttox might have made this song controversial, but this song has outlasted any naysayers. We dive into Cher's signature hit, "If I Could Turn Back Time," and discuss its history and lasting impact. Themes of regret and second chances speak directly to our heart, while a pitch for a time-travelling film featuring a bagel baker and whale calls speaks directly to our not-so-secret desire to find a career in the Hallmark film industry. In short, this song captures what Bill & Frank's Guilt-Free Pleasures is all about. Links: Official Music Video Cher appears on Will & Grace Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Our final episode of hate month has Frank bringing his love for Mariah Carey’s “Hero” to the table while Bill brings his hatred. Can Frank turn Bill to the Mariah side? Will the podcast survive this song?  Links: Official Video Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Hate month continues with Bill bringing the most controversial song choice to our podcast. There is a lot of hate out there for Nickelback (and Frank “represembles” it in his reaction), but Bill is convinced he is not alone in his celebration of “Far Away.” He hopes you are convinced after this episode to give this song an open-hearted listen - are you ready to take up the challenge? Official Video Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Hate month continues - this time it is Frank’s turn to bring a song to draw Bill’s ire. “Un-Break My Heart” is Toni Braxton’s signature song and it breaks Frank’s heart every time he hears it. It also causes Bill pain, but in a different way. Thank you for joining us! We’d love to hear where you stand on this tune.  Links: official video Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

In order to shake things up, we are beginning a special series called "Hate Month," where one of us brings a beloved song that the other host hates. Bill draws first blood in this episode with “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls (much to Frank's dismay).  Links (if your podcast provider supports them): Official Video Taylor Swift Duet Buffalo 4th of July Performance Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.

Beyond its surface reading, "Take Me Home Tonight" is also about the revival of the careers of Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector. This song is a triumph. In today's episode, we examine the histories of both artists that ultimately converge into this top ten hit, we analyse the song, and we bring back (albeit briefly) the theme of tender-hearted werewolves in a guilt-free pleasure.  Links: Official Video Take Me Home Tonight on Letterman Be My Baby by the Ronettes Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at [email protected]! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with your friends! Our theme music is by the incredibly talented Ian McGlynn.