Nevermind the Music

‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ by Shania Twain and Feminist Falling Fourths

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:50 +0000

Who ordered all the man candy? In this episode, we dress up for Shania Twain’s 1997 country-rock smash “Man! I feel like a Woman!” After our hosts consider this song and its video’s relation to third-wave feminism in the 1990s, Mark leads us on a journey through the centuries following one type of chord move that gives this song both its bluesy edge and its poppy sheen. Let’s go girls!

Other music heard in this episode: ZZ Top - “La Grange”, Linda Ronstadt - “When Will I Be Loved”, Robert Palmer - “Addicted to Love”, Shania Twain - “Any Man of Mine”, Shania Twain - “You’re Still the One”, J.S. Bach - “Ach Herr, Lass dein lieb Engelein” from St. John Passion (Netherlands Bach Society), George Frideric Handel - “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah (Tabernacle Choir), Fisk Jubilee Singers - “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”, Blind Lemon Jefferson - “Rambler Blues”, Little Richard - “Good Golly, Miss Molly”, Dexy’s Midnight Runners - “Come on Eileen”, Guns N’ Roses - “Sweet Child ol Mine”

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Sidetrack - Authenticity in the Age of A.I. (with Michael Serazio)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:49 +0000

Is it possible for a robot to sell out? This week, we welcome author and communication professor Michael Serazio to talk about authenticity in pop music, especially with the arrival of A.I.-created music. Can a machine be a tortured artist… or at least fake it better than a human? Is this the end of “real music” or is A.I. just the latest tool that makes all us old folks scared? We promise no answers but lots of human musings!

Michael’s book, “The Authenticity Industries: Keeping it Real in Media, Culture and Politics” is available - go buy it!

Music heard in this episode: Masato Nakamura - “Starlight Zone”, John Baker - “ToeJam Jammin’ (Theme)”, RUN DMC - “My Adidas”, Breaking Rust - “Walk My Walk”, The Velvet Sundown - “Dust in the Wind”

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‘Motownphilly’ by Boyz II Men and the Rondo of the Mainstream

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:11 +0000

When should a song be not too hard, and not too soft? This week, Mark and Nichole enjoy all the Philly steaks they can eat with Boyz II Men’s iconic 1991 jam “Motownphilly.” After looking at Motown’s role in pop culture of the 1990s, the hosts do a deep dive on a classic example of the verse-chorus form… maybe. Also, tune in for some top tier Stephanie Tanner-related content!

Other music heard in this episode: Josef Haydn - String Quartet in Eb Major, op. 33, No. 2, Hob. III:38, IV, “The Joke” (Doric String Quartet), Boyz II Men - “End of the Road”, Boyz II Men - “Water Runs Dry”, Boyz II Men - “Thank You”, Boyz II Men - “Sympin’”, Keith Sweat - “I Want Her”, Guy - “Don’t Clap… Just Dance”, Paula Abdul - “Opposites Attract (feat. The Wild Pair)”, Bell Biv DeVoe - “Poison”, Carter Family - “Keep On the Sunny Side”, Big Joe Turner - “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men - “One Sweet Day”, Boyz II Men - “Jezebel”, En Vogue - “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)

The final analysis, for your reference:

Option 1: A B C D B E C’ D B A’ E’ F B A’’
Option 2: Intro, Chorus 1, Verse 1, Pre-Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Rap 1, Verse 2, Pre-Chorus 2, Chorus 3, Re-Intro, Rap 2, Scat, Chorus 4, Outro
Option 3: (Intro), Refrain, Episode 1, Refrain, Episode 2, Refrain, Episode 3, Refrain, (Outro)

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Sidetrack - The Most Unlikeable Song Characters Ever

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:31 +0000

Which songs just make you cringe? In this Sidetrack, the hosts share their top three songs with main characters that you really wouldn’t want to hang out with, whether they’re just awkward, or full-on evil. The most important rule, though: the songs have to be good! Check us out next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Oingo Boingo - “Little Girls”, Toadies - “Possum Kingdom”, The Police - “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”, The Postal Service - “Nothing Better”, Ariana Grande - “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”, Bryan Adams - “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, Lily Allen - “Smile”, Bobby McFerrin - “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, Robin Thicke - “Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)”, Usher - “Confessions, Pt. II”, “Weird Al” Yankovic - “Confessions Pt. III”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Tears”

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‘If I Could Change Your Mind’ by HAIM and Pacing Your FOMO

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:00:32 +0000

Are you ever glad you *didn’t* go to a show? This week, we don’t regret listening to the 2013 jam “If I Could Change Your Mind” by the sisters of HAIM. Nichole gets into the reasons our mind feels major fear of missing out, while Mark gets into how this song’s melody and harmony interact to create some expert pacing.

Other music heard in this episode: HAIM - “The Wire”, HAIM - “Now I’m In It”, Savage Garden - “I Want You”, HAIM - “Little of Your Love”, Fleetwood Mac - “Everywhere”, HAIM - “You Never Knew”, HAIM - “Don’t Save Me”, Sheryl Crow - “Soak Up the Sun”, HAIM - “I’ve Been Down”, Annie Lennox - “Walking on Broken Glass”, HAIM - “Found it in Silence”, HAIM - “Cry”, “Seasons of Love” from Rent

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Sidetrack - Building an Album Track List (with Chris Fafalios)

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:00:55 +0000

Which songs will make the cut? This week we welcome Chris Fafalios from the band Punchline and the One Hit Thunder Podcast (among others!) to talk us through how a band chooses which of their songs to put on an album. Chris gets into the tough decisions and nuanced band dynamics that have been a part of Punchline’s ten-album run. How many songs is enough? When to rerecord an old favorite? Who gets to sing lead vocals? This and more in a fun conversation that would just barely fit on a CD. Check us out next week for more!

Music heard in this episode: Punchline - “I Don’t Wanna Live in This World Anymore”, Punchline - “Another One”, Punchline - “Focus on Yourself”, Maggie Rogers - “Alaska”, Punchline - “Green Hills”, Punchline - “Darkest Dark”

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‘Down Under’ by Men at Work and Copyright Conundrums

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:00:12 +0000

When can a bit of nursery rhyme cost you six figures of royalties? In this episode, the hosts deep dive on Men at Work’s 1981 international hit “Down Under” and the crazy story of its authorship and accusations of plagiarism. Mark goes on walkabout through the basics of copyright law, and Nichole gets to feast on a few famous cases of plagiarism, spread on a vegemite sandwich! Tune in for an epic continent-spanning episode.

Other music heard in this episode: “Spicks and Specks Theme”, Bee Gees - “Spicks and Specks”, Men at Work - “Who Can It Be Now?”, Men at Work - “Overkill”, Larry Groce - “Kookaburra”, Colin Hay - “Waiting For My Real Life to Begin”, The Beach Boys - “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, Chuck Berry - “Sweet Little Sixteen”, Led Zeppelin - “Stairway to Heaven,” Spirit - “Taurus”, Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell - “Blurred Lines”, Marvin Gaye - “Got to Give it Up”

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Sidetrack - The 2026 Grammy Awards Album Deep-Dive

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:09 +0000

Which critically-acclaimed albums this year do Mark and Nichole actually kind of hate? In this week’s Sidetrack, we come back once again to discuss the eight nominees for “Album of the Year” at the 2026 Grammys. Tune in to hear our hosts deep-dive on the high and low points of this year’s crop of nominees. As a bonus: our thoughts on the “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year” categories! Check us out next week for a normal episode!

Music heard in this episode: Tyler, The Creator - “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, Tyler, The Creator - “Sugar on My Tongue”, Tyler, The Creator - “Noid”, Tyler, The Creator - “Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown)”, Lady Gaga - “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga - “Can’t Stop the High”, Justin Timberlake - “Like I Love You (feat. Clipse)”, Clipse - “Chains & Whips (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”, Clipse - “Ace Trumpets”, Kendrick Lamar & SZA - “Luther”, Kendrick Lamar - “Reincarnation”, Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber - “10,000 Hours”, Justin Bieber - “Daisies”, Justin Bieber - “Yukon”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Tears”, Bad Bunny - “Moscow Mule”, Bad Bunny - “BAILE INoLVIDABLE”, SZA - “Snooze”, Leon Thomas - “Snooze”, Leon Thomas - “MUTT”, Leon Thomas - “HOW FAST”, Doechii - “Anxiety”, Rosé and Bruno Mars - “APT.”, Huntrix - “Golden”, Bad Bunny - “DtMF”, Chappell Roan - “The Subway”

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‘It Wasn’t Me’ by Shaggy and Pacing Your Denial

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:56 +0000

If you get caught, what should you say? “It wasn’t me!” In this episode, we are lied to by the fun 2000 hit “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy and Rikrok. Nichole walks us through the ways people can use denial as a coping mechanism, while Mark paces through how rhythms can be used to help tell an engaging story…. butt naked.

Other music heard in this episode: Shaggy - “Boombastic”, Shaggy - “Angel”, Sting and Shaggy - “Shape of My Heart”, War - “Smile Happy”, Pras - “Ghetto Supastar (That is What You Are)”, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - “Islands in the Stream”, Bee Gees - “Islands in the Stream”, Nelly - “Ride Wit Me”, Papa Roach - “Last Resort”, Christina Aguilera - “Genie in a Bottle”

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Sidetrack - In the 90s, the Record Labels Got Weird (with Matt Kelly)

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:00:51 +0000

Who’s ready for a feeding frenzy? This week we are joined by podcast super-host Matt Kelly from the Geekscape network to talk about the mid-90s! For a wild few years, it seemed like the record labels were signing every quirky band they could to try to recreate the magic of Nirvana. We talk trend-chasing corporations, confusing genre labels, Mark’s deep regrets, and more in this wide-ranging conversation. Check us out next week for a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Butthole Surfers - “Pepper”, Fastball - “The Way”, U2 - “Bullet the Blue Sky”, U2 - “Staring at the Sun”, Foo Fighters - “Alone and Easy Target”, Local H - “Bound for the Floor”

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‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica and Truck Driver Trauma

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:29 +0000

Have you ever actually tried to sleep with one eye open? In this week’s episode, we rock out to Metallica’s 1991 metal powerhouse “Enter Sandman.” Mark shows us some key changes that he finds dreamy. Meanwhile, Nichole makes a dark song event darker, looking at its meaning through the lens of childhood trauma. Off to Never-Neverland, indeed.

Other Music heard in this episode: Boyz II Men - “Under Pressure”, Metallica - “Dirty Window”, Metallica - “Master of Puppets”, Metallica - “Nothing Else Matters”, Metallica - “One”, Excel - “Tapping Into the Emotional Void”, Whitney Houston - “I Will Always Love You”, Bon Jovi - “Livin’ on a Prayer”, Boyz II Men - “On Bended Knee”, Michael Jackson - “Baby Be Mine”, The Beatles - “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”, Weezer - “Undone (The Sweater Song)”, Jessica Darrow - “Surface Pressure”

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Sidetrack - Season 2 Mailbag 1

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:00:47 +0000

Is it flutist or flautist? Would you want to know the setlist before you see the concert? What’s going to be our hosts next side-hustle? It’s Season 2 and time for listener questions! See you next week for our next regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Fiona Apple - “Paper Bag”, Less Than Jake - “Hows My Driving, Doug Hastings?”, Taylor Swift - “Wood”, Taylor Swift - “Wi$h Li$t”, Taylor Swift - “Fifteen”, Drive Shaft - “You All Everybody”, Bob Welch - “Ebony Eyes”, The Clash - “White Riot”, The Clash - “Train in Vain”, Seal - “Colours”, Seal - “Still Love Remains”, Bruno Mars - “When I Was Your Man”

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‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis and Reflecting Birth Order

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:28 +0000

Are you a responsible eldest child? A spoiled youngest? This week, there are many things that we would like to say to you about Oasis’ 1995 sing-along classic “Wonderwall.” Nichole muses on a psychological theory that might explain some of the toxic family dynamics in the band, and Mark outlines the cool melodic patterns that help make this song so catchy. And, of course, Mark’s top five 90s guitar strums!

Other Music heard in this episode: Foo Fighters - “Big Me”, Blues Traveler - “Runaround”, Counting Crows - “Mr. Jones”, Soul Asylum - “Runaway Train”, Oasis - “Live Forever”, Blur - “There’s No Other Way”, Elastica - “Connection”, Oasis - “Roll With It”, The Beatles - “When I Get Home”, Oasis - “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, John Lennon - “Imagine”, Soundgarden - “Switch Opens”, Toto - “Rosanna”

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Sidetrack - Talking ‘Bout My Generation (with David Lorehound)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:58 +0000

Can we predict the next musical revolution? We welcome Lorehounds co-host David as we unpack the Generational Music Theorem, which links major changes in popular music with the coming of age of each generation’s youth. The conversation is wide-ranging and, while we aren’t all totally sold on the theory, David brought charts so it must be true! Check us next week for a regular episode!

David’s charts are here

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‘Hello’ by Lionel Richie and the Circle of Erotomania

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:00:27 +0000

Is it me you’re looking for? In this episode, we pine after “Hello,” Lionel Richie’s 1983 mega-hit. While Nichole falls hard for obsessive romantic delusions, Mark yearns for classic chord patterns used in interesting ways. Also, the co-hosts talk about what makes it cool to have that Jonathan Taylor Thomas poster on the wall, but not a poster of the cute boy from English class.

Other Music heard in this episode: Rihanna (feat. Calvin Harris) - “We Found Love”, Commodores - “Easy”, Faith No More - “Easy”, Lionel Richie - “All Night Long (All Night)”, U.S.A. for Africa - “We Are the World”, Gloria Gaynor - “I Will Survive”, Johann Pachelbel - “Canon in D,” P 37, Vitamin C - “Graduation (Friends Forever)”, Green Day - “Basket Case”, The Beatles - “You Never Give Me Your Money”, The Chordettes - “Mr. Sandman”, The Strokes - “15 Minutes”, Jonas Brothers - “Sucker”, Adele - “Million Years Ago”, Maroon 5 - “This Love”

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Sidetrack - The NTM Ultimate Holiday Playlist

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:08 +0000

Is Thanksgiving week already too late to start talking about Christmas music? In this Sidetrack, Nichole and Mark put on their festive sweaters, spike the eggnog, and share the greatest holiday songs. What’s the laziest holiday banger? Which Jewish songwriter wrote the best Christmas song? Does Nichole finally understand what “new wave” means? Tune in to find out, and catch us next week for a normal episode!

Music heard in this episode: Fugees - “Ready or Not”, Ohio Players - “Jive Turkey”, Punchline - “It’s a New Year (Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself)”, Hannah Waddingham and Jason Sudeikis - “(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home”, Danny Elfman - “What’s This?”, The Civil Wars - “Tracks in the Snow”, Taylor Swift - “Last Christmas”, Bing Crosby - “White Christmas”, Peter, Paul and Mary - “Light One Candle”, Bruce Springsteen - “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, Earth, Wind & Fire - “December”, Mykola Leontovych - “Carol of the Bells”, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber - “All I Want For Christmas is You (Superfestive!)”

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‘Don’t Let Me Down’ by The Chainsmokers and Rhythmic Distortion

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:26 +0000

This week, the team nod their heads to The Chainsmokers’ catchy dance hit “Don’t Let Me Down” from 2016. While Mark shows off some shifty rhythms, Nichole is let down by all-or-nothing thinking… and some therapists. And who’s more motivated to be at school, psych majors or music majors?

Other Music heard in this episode: The Chainsmokers - “Closer”, The Chainsmokers - “Something Just Like This”, Marshmello - “Summer”, Daya - “Hide Away”, Christina Aguilera - “What a Girl Wants”, The Eagles - “Life in the Fast Lane”, Charli XCX - “Talk Talk”, HAIM - “Walking Away”, Taylor Swift - “Karma”

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Sidetrack - Why Superman is Hopepunk (with Elysia Brenner)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:28 +0000

When is it punk to be kind and rebellious to be optimistic? We welcome Lorehound and Wool-Shift-Dust co-host Elysia Brenner to do what she does best: deep dive on pop culture through angles nobody else is taking. Using the new Superman film as a starting point, we talk the literary movement “hopepunk” as a new form of counter-culture, and wonder at the musical aspects of this unique way of looking at stories. Be sure to check out the Lorehounds podcasts and catch us next week for a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - “Heads Will Roll”, Led Zeppelin - “Ramble On”, Janelle Monae - “Crazy, Classic Life”, Frank Turner - “Punches”, Billy Bragg - “The Milkman Of Human Kindness”, The Mighty Crabjoys - “The Mighty Crabjoys Theme”, Teddybearts (feat. Iggy Pop) - “Punkrocker”, The Stooges - “Loose”, Public Image Ltd. - “Public Image”, Joy Division - “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, The Verve - “Bittersweet Symphony”

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‘One Way or Another’ by Blondie and Monophonic Grit

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:00:25 +0000

Why write both a melody and a chord progression when just one will do? Here our hosts follow along with the 1978 punk anthem “One Way or Another” by Blondie. Mark marvels at the simplicity and unity between the song’s tune and chords, while Nichole wonders if the modern world has lost all its toughness. And, Mark declares war on all Baby Boomers (or something).

Other music heard in this episode: Blondie - “X Offender”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Blondie - “Rapture”, Blondie - “The Tide is High”, Blondie - “Maria”, Bobby McFerrin - “The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother)”, Hildegard von Bingen - “Ave Generosa”, Handel - “‘Lascia ch’io Pianga”, Pearl Jam - “Better Man”

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Sidetrack - The Ballpark Organist Who Won the World Series (with Steve Hogan)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:48 +0000

Who is the MVP of the best baseball teams? The ballpark organist! Our guest on this episode, Steve Hogan, is musically responsible for three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants. We talk with Steve about the way music plays an important role in sporting events and, of course, we have to get deep into the details. Celebrate this year’s Fall Classic with a fun conversation on the unique blend of tradition and newness that is ballpark music. Next week: a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Steve Hogan - “Woodson by Night” from ‘Elements’ by Mark Popeney, Steve Hogan - “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, Rihanna and Calvin Harris - “We Found Love”, Europe - “The Final Countdown”, Steve Hogan - “The Star-Spangled Banner”

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‘Kiss From a Rose’ by Seal and Picardy Positivity

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:23 +0000

Why can’t Mark keep the Batman films straight in his mind? This week, the light hits the gloom on Seal’s 1994 baroque pop gem “Kiss From a Rose.” Mark is fascinated by the clashes between major and minor in this song, and Nichole likens that to Jung’s shadow self that lurks in all of us.

Other music heard in this episode: Seal - “I Put a Spell on You”, Seal - “Crazy”, Seal - “Prayer for the Dying”, Push - “Lay it on the Line”, Tomás Luis de Victoria - “O Magnum Mysterium”, John Dowland - “Flow My Tears”, Alice in Chains - “Down in a Hole”, Gnarles Barkley - “Crazy”, TLC - “Waterfalls”, Sublime - “Same in the End”, Weezer - “Holiday”, Taylor Swift - “Betty”

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Sidetrack - When Superfans Get the Keys to the Kingdom (with Bree Nguyen)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:35 +0000

When should “Crazy Mariah Carey Girl” be the first line on your resume? Music and tech executive-turned professor Bree Nguyen will tell us! On this Sidetrack, we talk with Bree about the crazy story of how one Mariah-obsessed teen was put in charge of online marketing for one of the greatest performers of all time, and turned it into a full career. Our conversation touches on wholesome fan communities, what Mariah likes to do in an elevator, and more. Our first guest is one you won’t want to miss! See you next week for a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Dani California”, Mariah Carey - Fantasy (feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard)”, Mariah Carey (ft. Jay-Z) - “Heartbreaker”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions”, Mariah Carey - “Emotions (MTV Unplugged)”

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‘Emotions’ by Mariah Carey and Oxytocin Octave Displacement

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:00:18 +0000

Can a song be a hit when everyday people aren’t good enough to sing along? In this episode, we embarrass ourselves following along with Mariah Carey’s 1991 classic “Emotions.” Nichole goes deeper than she’s ever dreamed of about how we’re just meat puppets whose emotions are caused by a bunch of funny-sounding chemicals floating in our brains. Meanwhile, Mark is really into how Mariah goes higher than the heavens above. Also, our hosts have their monthly therapy session about imposter syndrome.

Other Music heard in this episode: Tim Storms - “Lonesome Road”, The Emotions - “Best of My Love”, Alessandro Moreschi - “Hostias et Preces”, Spandau Ballet - “True”, Tears for Fears - “Change”, HAIM - “The Steps”, Third Eye Blind - “Semi-Charmed Life”

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Sidetrack - Mark and Nichole’s Eras Playlist

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:55 +0000

What songs explain the twisted minds of our co-hosts? In this sidetrack, Mark and Nichole share the soundtracks to their own life stages. What toys was a young Mark obsessed with? Just how evil were Nichole’s middle school bullies? Tune in to feast on our exposed guts, and check us out next week for a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Dire Straits - “Money for Nothing”, Another Bad Creation - “Iesha”, Spin Doctors - “Two Princes”, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - “No Treaties”, Dishwalla - “Counting Blue Cars”, UB40 - “Red Red Wine”, Sublime - “Scarlet Begonias”, Blink-182 - “Going Away to College”, The Reindeer Section - “Where I Fall”, Moxy Früvous - “Michigan Militia”, The Flaming Lips - “Do You Realize??”, The Beatles - “Something”

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‘Cardigan’ by Taylor Swift and Episodic Anacrusis

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:00:55 +0000

Why did it take us so long to get to Taylor? Welcome to season 2 of Nevermind the Music! Here, we look under someone’s bed and pickup that old “Cardigan,” Taylor Swift’s vibey hit from 2020. Mark has found a dreamy rhythmic trick that Taylor and producer Aaron Dressner use to weave the music forward. Nichole looks backward, talking about different kinds of memory and how they make this a great COVID-era song and album. Also, obviously, hear Nichole’s well-informed pick of the greatest NFL tight end of all time!

Other music heard in this episode: Taylor Swift - “Peace”, Taylor Swift - “Invisible String”, Taylor Swift - “The 1”, Nickel Creek - “To the Airport”, Smash Mouth - “All Star”, Bare Naked Ladies - “One Week”, Prince and the New Power Generation - “Diamonds and Pearls”, Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee - “Despacito”, Taylor Swift - “Mad Woman”, Taylor Swift - “Seven”, Taylor Swift - “Cassandra”

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Sidetrack - Season 1 'Awards Show'

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What were the best moments of NTM Season 1? In this finale podcast, Nichole and Mark rate their favorite songs, funniest moments, deepest thoughts, biggest misses, and more. Come back next week as we start Season 2!

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'Lithium' by Nirvana and Set Theoretical Ego-Dystonia

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Has Mark finally gone too far? In this episode, we finally turn to Nirvana, with their iconic 1994 anthem “Lithium.” Mark writes a term paper on mic, putting his music theory skills to use for the forces of… good, or evil? Nichole takes things in a totally different but equally fancy direction, musing on solipsism, and how Kurt Cobain seems to have been exceptionally ego-dystonic for a rock star. Tune in to learn what the heck we’re talking about!

Other music heard in this episode: Arnold Schoenberg - “The Book of the Hanging Gardens”, Pierre Boulez - “Le Marteau Sans Maître”, Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

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Sidetrack - Season 1 Mailbag 3

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:49 +0000

Can we nap to heavy metal? Did Evanescence save a plane full of people? Did we really miss the mark with Weezer? In this super-sized episode, we hear one last batch of listener questions for Season 1! Come back next week for the last regular episode of our first season!

Music heard in this episode: Luciano Berio - “Sinfonia: III - In ruhig fliessender Bewegung”, Evanescence - “Bring Me to Life”, Sugar Ray - “RPM”, LL Burns - “Don’t Call Me at Home”, Bonobo - “Recurring”

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'Circles' by Post Malone and Running Away With the Tune

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Why do we always keep coming back? Here we break down Post Malone’s 2019 summer jam “Circles.” Mark has some thoughts about how the melody feeds on itself, but Nichole would rather talk about what it would be like to “check out” and completely disengage from society. We dare you to DOOOOOO something!

Other music heard in this episode: Post Malone - “White Iverson”, Post Malone - “Rockstar”, Post Malone - “Psycho”, Post Malone - “I Like You”, Aaron Neville - “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, Adriana Caselotti - “Someday My Prince Will Come”, Taylor Swift - “I Knew You Were Trouble”, Huey Lewis & The News - “Stuck With You”

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Sidetrack - Psychics are Good Psychologists

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did either of us ever think we’d have an episode about psychics? For some reason, we have a fun conversation about paranormal mental abilities, what exactly we believe, and how it all connects to psychology. Come on back next week for a full episode!

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'I Say a Little Prayer' by Dionne Warwick and Total Meter Institutions

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Don’t you just love a good beat switch? Here we pray to Dionne Warwick’s sneaky-fancy hit from 1967, “I Say a Little Prayer.” While Mark wants to marvel at the changing time signatures in this song, Nichole is most interested in what the song shows about the life situations of military families. Are these ideas related? Nichole certainly makes a good stab at explaining how they might be!

Other music heard in this episode: Aretha Franklin - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Lou Johnson “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”, Dionne Warwick - “That’s What Friends are For”, Tennessee Ernie Ford - “Sixteen Tons”, Diana King - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Outkast - “Hey Ya!”, The Bee Gees - “Jive Talkin’”, Hozier - “Take Me to Church”, Blondie - “Heart of Glass”, Little Richard - “Tutti Frutti”, Pat Boone - “Tutti Frutti”

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Sidetrack - Michael Jackson and Problematic Artists

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What do pop stars and 19th-century opera composers have in common? Some of them are awful people! After avoiding it for months, we finally have the conversation about what it means to love music created by potentially terrible people. There’s a whole lot of Michael Jackson talk. No answers are found but a whole lot of interesting questions are raised. Tune in next week for a full episode!

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'Waiting' by Green Day and Unplugging Your Overtones

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When is one note actually a bunch of notes? Here we listen closely to Green Day’s rock radio earworm “Waiting,” from 2000. Mark quite literally pulls apart some notes to figure out whether a chord is major or minor. And Nichole talks about why waiting is so hard in our modern age, and wonders if there is a better way. Also, does Nichole have perfect pitch?

Other music heard in this episode: Green Day - “When I Come Around”, Green Day - “Good Riddance (The Time of Your Life)”, Green Day - “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, Green Day - “J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)”, Green Day - “Scattered”, Green Day - “Whatsername”, The Kinks - “You Really Got Me”, Puddle of Mudd - “Blurry”, Huun-Huur-Tu - “Aa-Shuu Dekei-oo”, Sarah Hopkins - “Past Life Melodies”

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Sidetrack - The Best Concerts Ever

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Which one of us broke the most laws for the sake of seeing a great show? In this sidetrack, we reminisce about some of our favorite concerts, some from years ago and some much more recent. Check us out next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode - The Flaming Lips - “She Don’t Use Jelly”, The Rise Against - “Give it All”, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - “Teach Your Children”, Gin Blossoms - “Hey Jealousy”, My Morning Jacket - “One Big Holiday”, Steve Reich - “Music for 18 Musicians”, Fiona Apple - “Criminal”, Nickel Creek - “Rest of My Life”, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”

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'bury a friend' by Billie Eilish and Nightmare Sequences

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When we all fall asleep, where do we go? In this episode, we dig up Billie Eilish’s mysterious 2019 gem “Bury a Friend.” Mark shows how the song gets its creepy vibe in part by using some very simple and clever melodic tricks. Nichole talks about the monster under the bed and how nightmares can actually play a useful role in treatment. Also, why are lullabies so creepy?

Other music heard in this episode: Billie Eilish - “Ocean Eyes”, Ariana Grande - “Problem”, System of a Down - “Hypnotize”, Justin Timberlake - “Mirrors”, Meghan Trainor - “All About That Bass”

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Nichole Ranks the Weird Instruments in Pop Songs

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Hey, who ordered the nipple gong? In this sidetrack we celebrate the unusual instruments that grace us in pop music. From the hurdy-gurdy to the musical saw, underappreciated instruments, we salute you! Tune in next week for some normal instruments in a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Kate Bush - "The Dreaming", Earth, Wind & Fire - "Evil", The Beach Boys - "I Know There's an Answer", Depeche Mode - "Everything Counts", The Troggs - "Wild Thing", Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away", Neutral Milk Hotel - "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea", Buddy Holly - "Everyday", Korn - "Shoots and Ladders", The Rolling Stones - "Lady Jane", Donovan - "Hurdy-Gurdy Man", Metallica - "Low Man's Lyric", Soundgarden - "Spoonman", Incubus - "Aqueous Transmission"

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'Stellar' by Incubus and Backbeat Ambiguity

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

How do you do it? Here we meet in outer space with Incubus’ 2000 rock radio staple “Stellar.” Mark can’t get enough of how rhythmically confusing the song is, with different possible ways to count the beat. Nichole tries to figure out why that kind of thing tickles us so much, and how we change our attitudes and identity over time. Listen close and learn something about how stupid Mark was in high school…

Other music heard in this episode: Incubus - "Drive", Incubus - "New Skin," Incubus - "Pardon Me," Incubus - "Redefine", Mike Einziger - "Wake Me Up", Wynonie Harris - "Good Rockin' Tonight", Queen - "We Will Rock You", The Beach Boys - "Slip on Through", 311 - "Loco", Chris Thile - "On Ice", Coldplay - “Clocks”

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Sidetrack - Girly and Manly Musical Instruments

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Who’s your favorite female trombone player? Male flautist? Here we talk about how some instruments are weirdly gendered, find out which girly instrument Mark tried to learn, and hear a bit from Nichole about the brain differences between the biological males and females. Is all this nature or nurture? See you next week for a full episode!

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'Cuz I Love You' by Lizzo and When Hindsight is Out of Key

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did I hear a music major alert? Grab your college degree and geek out with us about Lizzo’s 2019 soul/hip-hop hybrid “Cuz I Love You.” Mark can’t stop crying thinking about the musical foreshadowing that occurs in this song’s bombastic hook, and how that fits perfectly with its genre blending stew. Nichole brings it all together through cognitive biases, especially that pesky hindsight bias.

Other music heard in this episode: X Ambassadors - "Renegade", The Flamingos - "I Only Have Eyes For You", The Specials - "Ghost Town", The Beatles - "Help!", Styx - "Renegade"

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Sidetrack - Peaking Too Soon

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What do artists owe the audience? In this sidetrack, we talk about when fans only want to hear an artist’s old material, even when they keep making new great music. The hosts share some artists they think haven’t received enough attention of late, and ponder what it means to be a “real fan.” Lastly, when is it OK to be “that guy” at a concert?

Music heard in this episode: Fiona Apple - “Criminal”, Fiona Apple - “Shameika”, Nickel Creek - “The Lighthouse’s Tale”, Nickel Creek - “Holding Pattern”, The Beach Boys - “‘Til I Die”

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'Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper and Off-Beat Personality

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What’s a better introduction to an artist, a ballad or a bop? With all due respect to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” we’d rather overthink Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 hit “Time After Time.” Mark has something to say about the relationship between syncopated rhythms (big word alert!) and the song’s themes, while Nichole shares the psychological take on whether people’s personalities can change or stay the same (time after time). Importantly, the hosts end by considering which The Breakfast Club character they most embody.

Other music heard in this episode: The Hooters - "And We Danced", Dire Straits - "Money for Nothing", Bonnie Tyler - "Total Eclipse of the Heart", Scott Joplin - "Maple Leaf Rag", Louis Jordan - "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie", Daft Punk - "Around the World", Aretha Franklin - "Chain of Fools", Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe"

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Bonus! Music Study Group Part 3

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What are all these hashtags all over my sheet music? In our final music review session, Mark and Nichole talk sharps, flats, scales, and chords. Get your head on straight with all things pitch before the class withdrawal deadline! Another full episode next week!

Music heard in this episode: Coolio - “Gangsta’s Paradise”

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Sidetrack - Mark's Lousy High School Music Teacher

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Which one of us was learned good? Nichole gushes about Mr. Joe Mulligan, her amazing high school music teacher, while Mark laments the sad story of <NAME REDACTED>, his below-average high school music teacher. See you next week for a full episode!

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Bonus! Music Study Group Part 2

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did you learn your fractions? In this bonus episode, Mark and Nichole break down timing in music, including both rhythm and musical form (and key lime pie). The paper is due next week, so you’d better attend so the TA can review your outline before you fail this class and lose your football scholarship! Regularly-scheduled Sidetrack next week!

Music heard in this episode: The Beatles - “And Your Bird Can Sing”

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'Undone - The Sweater Song' by Weezer and the Blue Notes of Depression

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wait, was “Undone” really the most popular early Weezer song? In this epic episode we unravel Weezer’s 1994 hit (in some universes, at least), “Undone - The Sweater Song.” After discussing the hosts’ history with the band, Mark follows a thread of connection between some of the iconic elements of the song and older - much older - kinds of music. And Nichole finally gets Mark to understand what this song seems to really be about: depression.

To hear more of Nichole’s story, check out the episode “Burnt Toast” from the Scissors N Scrubs podcast from March 2023.

Other music heard in this episode: Weezer - “Say it Ain’t So”, The Rentals - “Friends of P”, Wheesor - “Undone - The Sweater Song”, Weezer - “Africa”, Weezer - “Perfect Situation” - Richard Berry and the Pharaohs - “Louie Louie”, René Touzet - “El Loco Cha Cha Cha”, Metallica - “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”, Robert Johnson - “I Believe I’ll Dust By Broom”, Mead ‘Lux’ Lewis - “Honky Tonk Train Blues”, The Jimi Hendrix Experience - “Purple Haze”, The Beatles - “Taxman”, Garbage - “Supervixen”, Jet - “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”

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Bonus! Music Study Group Part 1

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What’s with all the fancy terms? In this bonus episode, Mark and Nichole convene the study group just in time to help with your homework. In this meeting, the hosts talk through the terms and concepts associated with how music sounds, and be ready when big words like timbre, staccato, fortissimo, and polyphony show up on the final! Next week, back to a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Fleet Foxes - “Mykonos”, Fleet Foxes - “Mykonos (Alternate Version)”

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Sidetrack - Season 1 Mailbag 2

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

How is Taylor Swift Like Super Mario Bros. 3? Which Star Trek has the coolest theme music? This week, we dip back into the well of listener questions! Come back next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Stephen Schwartz - excerpt from Godspell, Great Grandpa - "English Garden", Kris Kross - "Jump", Russell Watson - "Where My Heart Will Take Me", Max Richter - "On the Nature of Daylight", Takashi Tateishi - "Bubbleman", Nobuo Uematsu - "Forever Rachel"

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‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ by Kylie Minogue and Catchy Intrusive Thoughts

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Won’t you stay? In this episode we get Kylie Minogue’s 2001 club standout “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”… stuck in our heads. Why? Because of some very simple but very effective melodic tricks: variation. Catchy hooks like this make Nichole think of intrusive thoughts, and all the hilarity and darkness that conversation leads to.

Other music heard in this episode: Kylie Minogue - "Locomotion", Little Eva - "The Locomotion", Failure - "Stuck On You," The Killers - "Mr Brightside", David Bowie - "Rebel Rebel", Bruce Springsteen - "Born in the USA"

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Sidetrack - Nichole on the Tragedies and Triumphs of TLC

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Did you see a rainbow yesterday? An outtake from our episode on “Baby-Baby-Baby,” Nichole dives deep about Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ struggles, passing, and genius, and pays homage to the resilience of the other members of the group. Tune in next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: TLC - “Baby-Baby-Baby”

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‘Baby-Baby-Baby’ by TLC and When Ambiguity is Great

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Is Mark going to flake it up? He can’t figure out what the heck key is TLC’s 1992 jam “Baby-Baby-Baby” in. The internet thinks it knows, but maybe we’re better off embracing the mystery.. Nichole certainly thinks she knows for sure who the best girl group of all time is, though, and shares some thoughts on the fascinating dynamics of the group. We end with one big question: what three 90s albums best embody our hosts’ personalities?

Other music heard in this episode: TLC - "Waterfalls,” Des'ree "You Gotta Be", Psychedelic Furs - "Love My Way", Fleetwood Mac - "Dreams", Incubus - "Dig"

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Sidetrack - Sharing Song Credit

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Should artists always get a share of the songwriting credit? This week, we discuss songwriting and who exactly deserves the credit and profit from a successful song. Also, Mark looks back on how his view of authorship and his own songwriting priorities have changed over the years. Check us out next week for a new full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Claude Debussy - “Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune”

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‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears and Rhythms from the Big Chair

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Was this song written just for this podcast? Tears for Fears’ 1985 smash “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is so perfect that even the band name is a psychology reference. Oh, and the album title is a callout to dissociative identity disorder. Mark takes that and runs, connecting that to the unusual pace the chords of the song shift. Nichole also wonders: does everybody actually want to rule the world?

Other music heard in this episode: Tears for Fears - "Mothers Talk," Tears for Fears - "Head Over Heels", Tears for Fears - "I Believe," Tears for Fears - "Mad World," Miles Davis - "So What", Earth, Wind & Fire - "Shining Star", Live,- "Lightning Crashes"

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Sidetrack - Nichole Reacts to the NTM Theme Music

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wait, we have ad music? In this sidetrack, Nichole hears the podcast theme music and ad music for the first time. She has her favorites and… um, what’s the opposite of favorite? See you next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Mark Popeney - Nevermind the Music Theme, The Slackademics - "This Dance", The Slackademics - "Outrageous Vibe"

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‘Grenade’ by Bruno Mars and Codependent Minor Scales

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Why won’t someone help that poor man carry his piano? Here we sweat over Bruno Mars’ 2010 hit ‘Grenade.’ Mark thinks a lot of the heaviness of this song is due to the use of an interesting tweak on the minor key, while Nichole tries to get to the bottom of what might be going on in the head of the song’s sad protagonist.

Other music heard in this episode: Kesha - “We R Who We R”, Bruno Mars - “The Lazy Song”, Adele - “Rolling in the Deep”, Hall & Oates - “Maneater”, Bruno Mars - “Treasure”, Bruno Mars - “Lock Out of Heaven”, Bruno Mars - “Finesse”

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Sidetrack - Why ‘What a Fool Believes’ by The Doobie Brothers is the Greatest Song of All Time

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Can you sing like Michael McDonald? Probably not, but it’s fun to try! In this Sidetrack, Mark makes the case that the 1978 Doobie Brothers gem is the greatest song of all time. Well, it and all the other songs it shares that title with. Can he convince Nichole? See you next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: The Doobie Brothers - “What a Fool Believes”, Jimmy Fallon - “I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)", Kenny Loggins - “What a Fool Believes”

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‘Hotline Bling’ by Drake and Possessive Interruptions

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What does that bling mean, Drake? Tell us! Here we’re picking apart Drake’s 2016 meme-factory “Hotline Bling.” Mark really wants to talk about how this song is built on a series of surprises and interruptions, and Nichole… well let’s just say Nichole wants to pick a fight. Ever since I left the city…

Other music heard in this episode: ToonLink/Nosquist - "Wii Shop Bling", Timmy Thomas - "Why Can't We Live Together", Drake - "Come Through", Drake - "Furthest Thing", Drake - "March 14", Kendrick Lamar - "Sing About Me,, I'm Dying of Thirst", The Beatles - "A Day in the Life", OutKast - "Ghettomusick"

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Sidetrack - The Barbershop Quartets are Coming for Mark

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do you balance change and tradition? In this Sidetrack, we talk about either the geekiest cool thing, or the coolest geeky thing in the world: barbershop quartet music! Mark shares some music and stories, and brings up a confusing tension he has seen within the music. This one gets surprisingly “real.” Catch us next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Rockapella - “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?”, The Buffalo Bills - “Sweet Adeline”, Boyz II Men - “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”, The Be Sharps - “Baby on Board” - The Buffalo Bills - “It’s You”, American Quartet - “Denver Town”, Bluegrass Student Union - “Swanee”, Bluegrass Student Union - “Stardust”

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‘Long Train Runnin’’ by The Doobie Brothers and Flashbulb Cadences

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Without love, where would you be now?Join us as we inhale some of that 1973 classic “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers. Mark draws our attention to a chord that finds a powerful new meaning in this song, which reminds Nichole of how our strongest memories are very much dependent on the context. But seriously, everyone, Tom Johnston or Michael McDonald?

Other music heard in this episode: The Doobie Brothers - “Listen to the Music”, The Doobie Brothers - “Minute By Minute”, Chuck Berry - “Johnny B. Goode”, Soul Brother Six - “Some Kind of Wonderful”, Bluegrass Student Union - “Goodbye My Coney Island Baby/We All Fall”, Bonnie Raitt - “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, Muse - “Big Freeze”, fun. - “We Are Young”

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Sidetrack - Mark Geeks Out About Minimalism

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Einstein on the what? Follow Mark and Nichole down the rabbit hole (or up to the loft apartment in Manhattan) as we talk about musical minimalism, a quirky and surprising style that still influences music today. Join us next week for another full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Steve Reich - "Piano Phase", Steve Reich - "Electric Counterpoint", The Who - "Baba O'Reilly", Terry Riley - "A Rainbow in Curved Air", Philip Glass - "Einstein on the Beach", Arvo Part - "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten"

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Bonus! - Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music (feat. David Lorehound)

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:00:00 +0000

What better excuse for a bonus episode than the great new SNL documentary? David from The Lorehounds joins Mark and Nichole for a deep dive on Questlove's documentary chronicling Saturday Night Live's extraordinary musical history. The hosts break down the documentary's remarkable opening medley, discuss how SNL transformed live television music performances, and explore the show's role in launching countless musical careers. From iconic impersonations to controversial live moments, they examine how SNL became a premier showcase for musical innovation and artistic expression over five decades. Tune in tomorrow for our regularly scheduled Sidetrack (and next week for a full episode!)

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‘Levitating’ by Dua Lipa and Modular Melodic Personalities

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Are we shining just the way we are? Here we piece apart Dua Lipa’s 2020 dance-pop gem “Levitating” and see how much the writing process matters. Mark stacks up the idea that this song’s melody seems to be built of tiny lego bricks rearranged in an infectious pattern. Meanwhile, Nichole relates this way of looking at things to personality trait theory - can Mark accurately self-diagnose his personality type or is it just wishful thinking?

Other music heard in this episode: Dua Lipa - "Don't Start Now", Devo - "Whip It", Nirvana - "On a Plain", Philip Glass - “Dance 1” from "Einstein on the Beach", Cory Day - "Wiggle and Giggle All Night", Artikal Sound System - "Live Your Life"

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Sidetrack - Tackling Tough Topics in Class

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Should we share our opinions with our students? Here we finally talk through those tricky and controversial conversations that sometimes come up in class - and our role in them. Join us next week for a full episode!

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‘I’m Sprung’ by T-Pain and We’re All Missing the Point About Auto-Tune

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Why was anybody surprised that T-Pain was a great singer? We shouldn’t have been. In this episode we tune to T-Pain’s debut single, 2005’s “I’m Sprung.” We deep dive on auto-tune and how this song shows how much music culture underestimated T-Pain back when he first came on to the scene. Also: shawty!

Other music heard in this episode: T-Pain - “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')”, Billie Holiday - “Strange Fruit”, Kanye West - “Love Lockdown”, The Velvet Underground - “I’m Waiting For the Man”, fun. - “Some Nights”, Toadies - “Possum Kingdom”, Billie Eilish - “Bad Guy”

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Sidetrack - The 2025 Grammy Awards

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Is Taylor going to grab #5? In this sidetrack, we go deep on the eight records nominated for “Album of the Year” at the 2025 Grammys. Listen with us as Mark and Nichole choose their champions and guess which artists will come away with the top honors in this year’s music industry love-fest. Check us out next week for a normal episode!

Music Heard in this episode: André 3000 - “BuyPoloDisorder's Daughter Wears a 3000® Shirt Embroidered”, Chappell Roan - “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl”, Chappell Roan - “My Kink is Karma”, Jacob Collier - “Summer Rain”, Jacob Collier - “Wellll”, Beyoncé - “Riiverdance”, Beyoncé - “Alligator Tears”, Beyoncé - “II Hands II Heaven”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”, Sabrina Carpenter - “Juno”, Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather”, Billie Eilish - “The Greatest”, Charli XCX - “So I”, Charli XCX - “I Think About it All the Time”, Taylor Swift - “Clara Bow”, Taylor Swift - “thanK you aIMee”

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‘Everybody Talks’ by Neon Trees and Tense Rumors

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Why does Mama always gotta back-track? We nose our way into Neon Trees’ 2011 banger “Everybody Talks.” While Nichole ponders the subconscious id, Mark breaks down how this song has a tremendously tense build up to its explosive hook.

Other music heard in this episode: Temple of the Dog - "Hunger Strike," Temple of the Dog - "Say Hello 2 Heaven," The Left Banke - "Walk Away Rene", The Left Banke - "Pretty Ballerina," Another Bad Creation - "Iesha," Another Bad Creation - "Playground," The Beatles - "Across the Universe", Beyonce - "Ego", The Police - "Message in a Bottle", MGMT - "Electric Feel"

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Sidetrack - Season 1 Mailbag 1

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What makes us hate a particular song? What’s the best possible beginning to a mixtape? In this episode, we finally dive in and answer listener questions! Come back next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Gracie Abrams - “That’s So True”, Linkin Park - “Casualty”

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‘Defying Gravity’ from Wicked and Holding Space for add9 Chords

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Don’t you love that “misunderstood villain” song sung by Idina Menzel? Wait… which one? In this episode, we follow the yellow brick road to the iconic “Defying Gravity” from the 2003 musical and 2024 film “Wicked.” While Nichole wants to talk about important things like empowerment and social movements, Mark has his ears fixed on one of the most iconic sounds of the musicals of the 90s and 2000s.

Other music heard in this episode: “Seasons of Love” from Rent, “Over the Moon” from Rent, “Without You” from Rent, “Wicked Little Town” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, “Falling Slowly” from Once, “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” from Next to Normal, “Wait for It” from Hamilton

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Sidetrack - Culture Shock and Why Nichole Hates California

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ever moved from Nashville to L.A.? Mark and Nichole reminisce about their big moves and the big changes they brought. Nichole somehow finds a way to bring the conversation to a big California-bashing session. Cheap shot, Nichole, cheap shot. Be sure to join us next week for a full episode!

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‘Party in the U.S.A.’ by Miley Cyrus and Pentatonic Life Transitions

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Are you nodding your head like, yeah? In this episode, we sing along to Miley Cyrus’ 2009 anthem “Party in the U.S.A.” While Nichole breaks down the cultural relativism of a big life change, Mark talks through how the song packs so much punch through the pairing of two different scales: the major and the pentatonic. And a Britney song was on!

Other music heard in this episode: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - "Party in the CIA", ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic - "Achy Breaky Song," Los Bohemios de Cuzco - "Wasimasillay", Matt Mallow and Sean Keane - "George White's Favourite," Giovanni Kiyingi - "Ekibbobbo", Katy Perry - "Roar," Pink - "Raise Your Glass," The Weeknd - "The Hills,"

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Sidetrack - Absurdly Specific Supergroups

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

How hot are keyboard players? In this absolutely serious and academic discussion, we dream up two musical supergroups. Rigorous standards of consistency were certainly upheld! Listen next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Nickel Creek - "Somebody More Like You", Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Breaking the Girl", Taylor Swift - "Out of the Woods", Carole King - "You've Got a Friend", Taylor Swift - "Wildest Dream," Haim - "Gasoline," The Descendants - "When I Get Old," Rancid - "Maxwell Murder," Bad Religion - "God Song", NOFX - "Moron Bros."

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‘The Way You Move’ by Outkast and Mental Schema Progressions

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Can you hear music that no one’s playing? This week we listen to Outkast’s 2003 eargasm “The Way You Move”. This song has a really cool chord progression, but… no instrument is playing it. What’s up with that? We talk about mental schemas and how good our brains are at filling in the blanks in all sorts of ways. Well, not Mark’s - he’s proven wrong in this one.

Other music heard in this episode: Roberta Flack - "Killing Me Softly With His Song," The Fugees - "Killing Me Softly With His Song", OneRepublic - "Counting Stars"

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Sidetrack - Why ‘For Me This is Heaven’ by Jimmy Eat World is the Greatest Song of All Time

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Can you still feel the butterflies? In this episode, Mark gives five reasons why Jimmy Eat World’s 1999 hidden gem “For Me This is Heaven” could possibly be the greatest song of all time. Nichole starts off very, very skeptical. Will Mark be convincing? Come back next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Jimmy Eat World - “The Middle”, Jimmy Eat World - “For Me This is Heaven”, Jimmy Eat World - “Sweetness”, Jimmy Eat World - “Polaris”, Jimmy Eat World - “Lucky Denver Mint”, Radiohead - “Let Down”, Jimmy Eat World - “Table for Glasses”, Jimmy Eat World - “Your New Aesthetic”, Jimmy Eat World - “Just Watch the Fireworks”, Jimmy Eat World - “Blister”

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‘Enjoy the Silence’ by Depeche Mode and Interval Introverts

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Who needs silence when you can have music? We break down Depeche Mode’s melancholy 1990 gem “Enjoy the Silence.” While Nichole can appreciate that silence, and shares how introversion and extroversion shape our personalities, Mark would rather blab about how the song’s chords and guitar riff are interconnected in a really cool and surprising way.

Other music heard in this episode: Adele - "Someone Like You", Sponge - "Molly"

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Sidetrack - Mark Pays Tribute to His Old Band, Dream Hydra

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

What’s wrong with a little celebration, now and then? In this sidetrack, Mark gets nostalgic for his old band, Dream Hydra, who released their debut (and only) album, Radiant, exactly ten years ago. He takes Nichole on a tour of the band’s music and we discuss songwriting, being in a band in LA, and more. Check us out next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Dream Hydra - “Lethal Affinity”, The Eagles - “One of These Nights”, Dream Hydra - “Checkmate”, Dream Hydra - “In the Ether”, Dream Hydra - “Let Go”, Journey - “Lights”, Dream Hydra - “Music Man”, Dream Hydra - “Burns Up”, Dream Hydra - “Never Gonna Stop” - Dream Hydra - “Writing on the Wall”, Dream Hydra - “The Rain”, Noteworthy - “The Rain”, Jimmy Eat World - “Just Watch the Fireworks”, Dream Hydra - “End of Time”, RX Bandits - “Overcome (The Recapitulation)”, Dream Hydra - “Numb”, Dream Hydra - “Four Prayers”, Dream Hydra - “Wake Up”

The “In The Ether” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI1lmWwhLMU

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‘Jumpin’, Jumpin’ by Destiny’s Child and Leaping Neuroplasticity

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ladies, did you leave your man at home? Leap into Destiny’s Child’s 1999 hit “Jumpin’ Jumpin’.” Mark talks about how a big part of what makes this song’s melody so cool is that it is so….um… jumpin’!, and Nichole explains what makes certain moments like this song catch the attention of our brain and memory. So, let’s make it hot, hot!

Other music heard in this episode: TLC - "No Scrubs", Whitney Houston - "Heartbreak Hotel", Donell Jones - "You Know What's Up", Destiny's Child - "Independent Women, Part II", Destiny's Child - "Say My Name", Destiny's Child - "Bills, Bills, Bills", Benjamin Britten - "Billy Budd", Buju Banton - "Boom Bye Bye"

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Sidetrack - The AI Apocalypse in Music and Therapy

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Is an 80%-quality pop song good enough for you? What about 80%-quality therapy? Here we sidetrack on the growing role of artificial intelligence in songwriting and mental health services. Oh, and we hang our heads at what it’s doing to college classes… Be sure to join us next week for a full episode!

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‘Semi-Charmed Life’ by Third Eye Blind and When Radio Edits are Cool

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Don’t you just love a good clean <BLEEP> in the middle of a pop song? Cover the kids’ ears as we curse about Third Eye Blind’s iconic 1997 hit “Semi-Charmed Life.” We deep dive into the strange edits made to the radio and video versions of this song, and also chatter about radio edits in general. Hot take: one of us may prefer the clean versions of our some recent hits. I’m not listening when you say goodBYEEEEEEE!

Other music heard in this episode: Prince - "When Doves Cry," Cee-Lo Green - "Fuck You" and - "Forget You", Gayle - "ABCDEFU" (various versions), Lizzo - "Truth Hurts", Kidz Bop - "Truth Hurts", The Wiggles - “Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car”, The Presidents of the United States of America - “Peaches”, Caspar Babypants - “I Found You”

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Sidetrack - Nichole’s Superpowered Dreams

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Should Mark be practicing the guitar while he sleeps? The hosts talk about how much sleep they each need to function, and Nichole shares the crazy “world” of lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis. Wake up next week for another full episode!

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‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ by Stevie Wonder and Descending Worry Lines

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Why worry? In this episode, we fret over Stevie Wonder’s 1973 hit “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing. As Nichole ponders the good and bad sides of why we worry, Mark talks descending chromatic scales and how they give this song its playful intensity. Also, staying completely on topic, the hosts rank Illumination animated movies and talk great stage names.

Other music heard in this episode: Frankie Vallie - "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", JS Bach - "Crucifixus" from B Minor Mass, Boyz II Men - "Thank You", Getz/Gilberto - "Girl From Ipanema", Stevie Wonder - "Sir Duke"

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Sidetrack - Why Nichole is a Fan of Grief

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

How can something bad be good? In this outtake from our conversation about “Tha Crossroads,” Nichole explains why she thinks grief is a beautiful, uniting emotion, and shares a poignant metaphor. See you next week for a full episode!

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‘True’ by Spandau Ballet and the Money Notes of a Middle School Dance

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the nervous energy that filled the room at your first school dance? Mark wasn’t there, but Nichole remembers. Slow dance with us to Spandau Ballet’s 1983 classic “True”? Mark does have some theories about how certain chords and melody notes give the song its emotional punch, and Nichole talks us through the brain chemistry of love, and how it changes as we grow. The hosts also answer an important question: whether they’ve ever had a song written about them.

Other music heard in this episode: The Beatles - "I Dig a Pony," Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On," Al Green - "Let's Stay Together," Charlie Puth - "Attention," Common Plight - "Problems Over", Backstreet Boys - "I Want it That Way"

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Sidetrack - Our Favorite Cover Songs

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Can a cover ever be better than the original? In this episode, we ask that unthinkable question as we each bring in three of our personal favorite cover versions. See you next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: David Bowie - “The Man Who Sold the World”, Nirvana - “The Man Who Sold the World”, The Moody Blues - “Your Wildest Dreams”, Harley Allen - “Your Wildest Dreams”, Sublime - “Doin’ Time”, Lana Del Rey - “Doin’ Time”, Bad Religion - “We’re Only Gonna’ Die”, Sublime - “We’re Only Gonna Die for Our Own Arrogance”, Taylor Swift - “Shake it Off”, Ryan Adams - “Shake it Off”, The Beatles - “Yesterday”, Boyz II Men - “Yesterday”, Paul McCartney - “Maybe I’m Amazed”

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‘Tha Crossroads’ by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and the Four Rhythms of Grief

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:02:00 +0000

Do you have a go-to song when all a thug can do is cry, cry? Maybe you should consider Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s 1996 outpouring “Tha Crossroads.” Mark describes how the song hits so hard in part because of the unique rhythmic identity from each of the members of the group, while Nichole takes us through the stages of grief.

Other music heard in this episode: Steven Sondheim - "Being Alive", Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - "Flow Motion," Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - "Crossroad", The Isley Brothers - "Make Me Say it Again Girl", Tre - "Mary Don't You Weep," Migos - "Bad and Boujie," Public Enemy - "Bring the Noize," Jurassic 5 - "Quality Control"

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‘The Sign’ by Ace of Base and Jung’s Collective Parallel Minor

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:01:00 +0000

But where do you belong? In this episode, we break down Ace of Base’s 1993 not-quite reggae dance-pop megahit “The Sign.” Mark thinks he’s cracked the code on how the band used weird key changes to top the chart several times over. Meanwhile Nichole muses about whether this song’s lyrics relate to some fun ideas about the collective unconscious. Can the hosts get to the bottom of why Swedish pop music is so darn catchy?

Other music heard in this episode: Night Ranger - "Sister Christian," Motorhead - "Ace of Spades," The Beatles - "The Fool on the Hill," Elton John - "I'm Still Standing," Ace of Base - "All That She Wants," Ace of Base - "Don't Turn Around," Tina Turner - "Don't Turn Around," Aswad - "Don't Turn Around"

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‘That's What You Get' by Paramore and the Motivic Limbic System

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Wait, what exactly do you get when you let your heart win?! Here we tease apart Paramore’s 2007 power pop anthem of youthful mistakes, “That’s What You Get.” Mark thinks this song is such a banger because of a very old songwriting technique, and Nichole takes us on a journey of how our brain chemistry can lead us to make bad decisions - and then regret them.

Other music heard in this episode: Paramore - "Misery Business," Ludwig von Beethoven - "Symphony No. 5", Frank Sinatra - "The Way You Look Tonight," Lipps Inc. - "Funkytown,"

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Introducing Nevermind the Music

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:46:02 +0000

In this sneak peak, hosts Nichole (psychology professor) and Mark (music professor) banter about their new music podcast, Nevermind the Music. Join us each week as we light-heartedly pick apart a classic pop song from the perspectives of a songwriter and a psychologist. Nevermind the Music launches in September 2024!

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