Shows
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsThe Dolly 64 E01: Round Of 64Welcome to our Dolly 64 season -- in which we use a highly scientific*, legally binding* March Madness-style bracket to determine the most quintessential Dolly Parton track of all time! In our first episode, we make Final Four predictions, scheme in the style of Tammany Hall, wonder why Mark's parents aren't president, distinguish between country and kuntree, and honor the "old coot at the edge of town" Partonian subgenre. Daddy, come and get an all-new episode of MASTAS!
*...no
Intro and outro by Andrew Byrne. Visit us on Patreon for more!
SHOW NOTES
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2026-02-231h 00Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsMadonna's Studio Albums, Ranked Episode 1 (1983-1994)Welcome to Part 1 of our ranking of all 15 of Madonna's studio albums! The Material Girl's woeful underrepresentation on our podcast continues, as we start with the eponymous Madonna and continue through Bedtime Stories. Along the way, we explain the ranking and heatmapping processes we used, and discuss MTV imprinting, the "dust bunnies" of otherwise-solid albums, how The Immaculate Collection shifted our perceptions of Madonna's '80s output, and that time the Good Lord Himself gave Mark permission to buy a record at WalMart. Limber up those skip-button fingers and join us!
Intro and outro by David Gregory By...
2025-12-151h 25Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsBilly Joel's "The Stranger," Ranked (with Dan Rogge!)Dan Rogge is back (-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack) to help us discuss and rank William's 1979 breakthrough release, "The Stranger" -- complete with derogatory Lost In Translation references, mediocre parental reviews of jukebox musicals, coherent statements on alienation, Mrs. Dash sponcon, the sound of the Fortunoff elevator, and why Mark needed a looseleaf notebook at the gym. Grab some stale boardwalk popcorn, Virginia, because it's on!
Intro and outro by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli. Visit us on Patreon for more!
SHOW NOTES
Billy Joel's "Glass Houses," Ranked (with Dan Rogge!)
Record Of The Year Showdown, Episode 2: 1975-1990
Am...
2025-09-291h 22Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsBilly Joel's "Glass Houses," Ranked (with Dan Rogge!)Don't ask us why* we decided to hurl a rock at William Joel's 1980 release, "Glass Houses" -- but we're ranking that album with the help of Ambassador To Long Island Pop Culture Dan Rogge. Along the way, we met a shark named Leyna, contemplated essential Billy-ness and Blondie cosplay, added to the list of songs Mark can't retain, and went behind the scenes of an ill-advised French mash note. Grab a "Monsieur Massapequa" tee and get your karaoke picks in; it's time for another MASTAS ranker!
*it was not the terrible news about the tour cancellation; we'd...
2025-05-261h 22
River City PodcastHVAC Essential Tips with Mark BlankenshipToday, Jess Ellett speaks with Mark Blankenship, the founder of Blankenship Mechanical. Since launching the company in 2004, Mark and his team have built a reputation for delivering prompt, reliable, and high-quality sales, service, design, and installation for both residential and commercial clients.In this episode of our special HVAC series with Blankenship Mechanical, Jess and Mark explore the most common HVAC issues homeowners face and their solutions. Mark also shares essential seasonal maintenance tips to help keep your system running smoothly year-round. Don’t miss these expert insights to ensure your home stays comfortable in every season!...
2025-04-0716 min
LIGHTS UP!THE COFFIN MAKER by Mark BlankenshipIn this episode of the Lights Up! podcast, Mark Blankenship shares his insights on creating immersive experiences, reflecting on the significance of movement in narrative influenced by his love of the Greek tragedy. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of theatre and the shared responsibility of storytellers and audiences in shaping demand for fresh perspectives.Beyond his work as a playwright, Mark Blankenship is a seasoned arts journalist and editor. His contributions have appeared in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Variety, and American Theatre. Mark's multifaceted career also includes roles as a dramaturg...
2025-03-1758 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsGrammys 2025: Underdogs and Roller RinksWe end the Best New Artist season where it all began for the podcast: the Grammys. We're talking today about the 67th Grammy Awards' "big 4" categories, plus a couple of wildcards -- and along the way, the American need for underdogs, nominations of encouragement, Mark's "Folkmore" playlist, Uncanny George Valley nightmares, couples skate, and a purse dog named Aristotle. Grab an electric clarinet and join us! (Throw the clarinet in the garbage first. THEN join us.)
Intro and outro by David Gregory Byrne; for more information, visit patreon.com/mastas.
SHOW NOTES
Nominations list...
2025-02-031h 30Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsBest New Artist Breakdown 03: 1977-1984Disco, NuRo, and not knowing where to look during "Afternoon Delight" -- it's all part of our third episode, when we're also talking about Starman's dinner party, the mayonnaise filter, the Michael McDonald industrial complex, and Mark's request to dump all the geography-named bands into one planetary supergroup. There's only one way to lift the Best New Artist curse, and that's to listen now.
Intro and outro by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli. For more information/to become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.
SHOW NOTES
The list of Best New...
2024-11-181h 05Mark And Sarah Talk About Songs'90s Soundtrack Flashback, Episode 01: SinglesWelcome to our '90s Soundtrack Flashback mini-season! We're ranking the soundtrack albums from four legendary 1990s movies, starting with grunge-adjacent rom-com Singles. We waded into the great plaid middle of this disc to talk about the insouciance of Cameron Crowe stories, when it's okay for grunge gods to laugh, the conversation between this genre and punk (and Zep), and "hard rock for the school bus." Grab a Crystal Pepsi and a flannel buttondown and join us!
Intro and outro by David Gregory Byrne; interstitial music by Alice In Chains. For more information/to become a patron o...
2024-07-011h 07Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsWeird Al vs. Everybody Episode 17: "Money For Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies"You can't always control what people do with your art once it's out in the world -- something Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits may have learned the hard way with both the original "Money For Nothing" AND Weird Al's re-imagining of the song via a dream sequence in UHF. Essential references versus essential songs, 20th-century TV's preoccupation with yokels, and resting Don Henley face...they're all in this episode, so finish up that microwave-oven install and listen.
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by the Allman Brothers Band. For more information/to become a...
2024-04-0116 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsWeird Al vs. Everybody Episode 3: "Bedrock Anthem"Grab a tube sock for your privates: it's time to pit the Red Hot Chili Peppers against Weird Al! Before Mark makes the pun that drives our listenership numbers off a cliff, we're discussing the omnipresent Chilis hits "Under The Bridge" and "Give It Away"; how many songs Weird Al might have tried to fit his Flintstones joke set into before settling on these; the five items '90s dorm rooms had to contain lest their occupants risk expulsion; and the difference between "sexy" and "just always naked all the time." Hashtag justice for the Bee Girl: it's an...
2024-02-0522 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsDo Call It A Comeback, Episode 9: The Elite 8We're down to eight great comeback songs; which ones will join the Do Call It A Comeback season's Final Four? We're quoting Wayne's World, we're putting things in plaid place out of eight, we're remembering upsetting Beatles gifts, we're adding salt to temp tracks, and we're wondering why it so often seemed like nobody cared about Laura Branigan's reputation. Transmitting live-to-tape from the floor of the Utah legislature while on a date with Bonnie Raitt, it's Mark And Sarah Talk About Songs!
Our intro is an LL Byrne J mash-up, and our outro is by Squeeze. For m...
2023-11-1347 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsDo Call It A Comeback, Episode 6: Round Of 32 BMark's spreadsheet of history has spoken: we're choosing the rest of the Do Call It A Comeback season's Sweet 16 this week! From the top of the pallet of improbable late-'80s comeback songs, we're surveying the joyful geeky dance of Robin Gibb, the 20 percent of our income we owe to Duran Duran, the most tiresomely groovy Ben & Jerry's flavors, Canadian spellings, and what's playing when we're drinking a Crystal Light at the hotel spa. What would The $1.98 Video Show have looked like? Find out in our latest episode!
Our intro is an LL Byrne J mash-up, and o...
2023-10-231h 00Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsFirst-Name Basis, Episode 3: The Third 10"Mark and Sarah: why ya buggin'?" Why aren't we buggin' in the third ep of our First-Name Basis season: the weird fade-out during Barry Manilow's "Mandy"-ending glory note, "Mary"-song vote-splitting, SEO retitling, cheerleader moxie, the all-killer-no-filler pop charts of 1984, and Reality Bites as a crystal ball into adulthood. We're also craving Girl Scout cookies and honoring Wilson Pickett's narrative restraint as we continue crafting the season's Top 20, so call up your Aunt Khaleesi and tell her there's an all-new MASTAS!
Our intro is [deep breath] Elliott Smith, Ben Folds, Andrew Byrne, Laura Barger, AND Jack B...
2023-06-1955 min
Chiamo Dopo144. Mark Blankenship - writer, critic and podcast creator // ENGLISH //ENG: Mark Blankenship, writer, critic, podcast creator talks to Jack about art, culture, music, writing, Kenny Loggins and...Maneskin!(This episode is in English!)ITA: Mark Blankenship, scrittore, critico e podcast creator, parla con Jack di cultura, arte, musica, scrittura, Kenny Loggins e...dei Maneskin!(Questa puntata è in inglese!)
2023-05-0953 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsRecord Of The Year Showdown, Episode 9: The Final 4Mark's shenanigans aside, we had an easier time ranking our semifinal group than we'd expected -- but we didn't necessarily expect to go on a sentimental journey with TLC, Sarah Palin's nephew LARP Jr., cutesy Aretha, braided beards, and an open invitation to Gotye to come on/edit the podcast. But a full moon and Sarah's all-covers clip choices put us on the emotional road to our season finale. Don't worry, we will still always love you (and have not gotten killed by John Ramos) in our penultimate ROTY episode.
Our intro is by Whitnaurack Bargellston, and...
2023-03-1346 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsRecord Of The Year Showdown, Episode 8: The Elite 8"This'll be cinchy! [cut to: sobbing]" We thought we'd have a more straightforward time of our quarterfinal rankings, but alas, no. We did have a Whitney-koan reader mail, a visit from Katharine Hepburn, the aural equivalent of a sped-up Bob Ross episode, and music-minister shout-outs before Julio got the stretch and carted off four more beloved songs. Grab a fine-tooth comb and join us for Episode 8 of the Record Of The Year Showdown.
Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne with an assist by Whitney Houston, and our outro is by the Sundays. For more information/to...
2023-03-0649 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsRecord Of The Year Showdown, Episode 7: The Sweet 16More like the BITTER-sweet 16, the episode that forces hosts and listeners alike to make terrible choices, as well as rank things politically, salute album-cover pets of yore, choose which Adele hills to die on, pit Henry Mancini against Leonard Nimoy, mourn the consensus "blech," and dodge the ire of John Ramos whilst deploying Emilio Estevez fist-pumps. Is today a "Beat It" day, or is Sunny coming home to Mark Ronson's name on her mailbox? Lace up those skates, boo: it's Episode 7 of the Record Of The Year Showdown.
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne with an assist...
2023-02-2758 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsRecord Of The Year Showdown, Episode 6: Round Of 32, '91-'22The Round Of 32 is a plot-heavy affair: Coldplay premonitions, beautiful German cheese, learning to love advisedly off-putting pop, and songs that grab you by the nip. As the decisions get more agonizing, Aunt Doreen punches Grampy Blankenship in the face, and we discover that the ghost in the machine is -- and will continue to be -- Whitney. Get ready to scramble a goose egg; it's the second half of the ROTYS Sweet 16.
Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Whitn-- er, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. For more information...
2023-02-2038 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsRecord Of The Year Showdown, Episode 1: 1959-1974Welcome to our Record Of The Year Showdown season! With listeners' help, we're going to find out which Grammy-winner for ROTY is the best of the 64 winners to date...or maybe just the least baffling and unconscionable. How are we doing this? It's sort of a bracket; we'll explain up top, and then we'll talk about cobwebby rocking chairs, how anyone managed to get laid during the Eisenhower presidency, rewarding artists who don't "take the pot," and songs we can't get all the way through. Grab a triple espresso for all those instrumentals: it's an all-new season of MASTAS!
2023-01-161h 07Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsBeats Around The Bush, Episode 07: Cringe-Hop Is Too Legit To QuitWe're wrapping up our second "embarrassing radio hip-hop" ep with Marky Mark, Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, and two by Young MC. Different Wahlbergs for different times in one's bunk, Myra Cormier truthering, rap conceived by dudes named Kev to sell plastic toys, the drums you find in the dumpster behind KMart, and cheekbones that could cut ham -- it's all here in the lucky (?) seventh episode of Beats Around The Bush.
Our intro is the "Straight Up" PSA, and our outro is Tribe Called Quest. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas. To...
2022-12-0549 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsBeats Around The Bush, Episode 04: May The JVC Force Be With YouSarah is obsessed with late-'80s Bronx/Central Islip outfit JVC Force! Mark...is also on this podcast! ...But seriously, folks: we're unpacking a handful of tracks from "Doin' Damage," peering into the 1990 divide, and pouring one out for our shortest episode. Wheel that seafood tower on over to our table and listen in.
Our intro is J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E., and our outro is the Commodores. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas. To buy our book, click here.
SHOW NOTES
The Blotter Presents 024
Strong Isl...
2022-11-1434 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsBeats Around The Bush, Episode 01: Hippie Hop HoorayWelcome to our Beats Around The Bush season, in which we investigate the rap and hip-hop that brought us joy during/near the first Bush presidency, 1988-1993ish. After we try to explain our construction of this framework, we dig into our first BATB topic: "hippie hop," the relaxed/baked grooves of the time from artists like De La Soul, PM Dawn, Us3, Digable Planets, and Arrested Development. Who has the sexiest flow? Which group's album sent Sarah tumbling off her dorm futon? Does Mark have middle-school poetry sins to atone for? How ya doin', Al(s): it's a b...
2022-10-2457 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsThe Lilith Fair 40, Episode 08: The Final RankingWho is the Lilith Fairest of them all? At last, our answer -- but first, we look at last-comers Heather Nova, Jewel, Paula Cole, Des'ree, and Natalie Merchant. And we ask a few more questions, like which sophomore year lyrics belong to, high school or college; whether we feel truly confident in our Lilithosity metrics; who's our favorite liberal scold; and when someone's going to form a lit-mag EIC union. All this, plus a surprise 40th-place finish, a Mark-rage epilogue, and a potato gun loaded with C-minus Dylan lyrics in the Lilith Fair 40 season finale.
Our intro...
2022-09-121h 08Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsThe Lilith Fair 40, Episode 04: The Fairing 20The Lilith Fair 40 reaches the halfway mark -- what better time to confront the contribution of festival founder Sarah McLachlan, along with Macy Gray, Dionne Farris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Dido? We also remember childhood soundtracks, acknowledge "listen boo-boo" energy, blank on Shiri Appleby's name (sorry, lady!), spread German mustard on car singing, and play hacky-sack at the center of the Lilith/WB Venn. Help us separate love and Lilithosity in our Top 20 episode!
Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by I'm With Her. Interstitial music provided by Edie Brickell...
2022-08-1546 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsThe Lilith Fair 40, Episode 03: 15 To LifeMark gets emotional, Sarah gets confused, and the Lilith/WB Venn gets unpacked: it's the third #LilithFair40 episode, with the Indigo Girls, Letters to Cleo, Alanis, Liz Phair, and Michelle Branch rounding out the top 15. Secular hymns, hidden fists, zines, cool girls, and Dawson Leery (...again!): the quest for the Lilith Fairest of them all continues.
Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Dolly Parton. Interstitial music provided by Etta James. To contact us or buy our books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.co...
2022-08-0851 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsThe Lilith Fair 40, Episode 01: The First 5It's the first "real" episode of the Lilith Fair 40: Dar Williams, Meredith Brooks, Frente!, Suzanne Vega, and The Corrs inaugurate our chart, with help from the MCSL "listies" mixtape, greasy-haired sad boys, how to sing about a building collapse, incomplete subversion of the male gaze, and sibling bands to fall asleep to. All this, and Mark may have identified his overall #1 song -- in the first five minutes! Put on an extra layer of crystal deodorant, because we're on a journey here, people.
Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by...
2022-07-2537 minMark And Sarah Talk About SongsAmerica's Damp 40, Episode 06: The Dirty 30Three quarters of the way through the America's Damp 40 countdown! Wading into the swamp this week are Nicolette Larson, Bread, Barry Manilow, Jim Croce, and the Garden State's own Dr. Hook, and as Mark fondly remembers a bank vestibule and conjures a mating dance involving a drink with grenadine in it, Sarah wonders if the titular Mandy has called the police. Foundational texts of moisture, dramaturgical research on pay phones, the Beverly Hills, 90210 Spring Dance, and the many sins of Shel Silverstein all come up for discussion during the ongoing reign of Dan terror we're calling Episode 06.
O...
2022-05-0943 min
Quaid In FullS06E05: Far From HeavenWelcome to MASTADQ: Mark And Sarah Talk About Dennis Quaid! Mark Blankenship slid into the guest chair (not a euphemism) to discuss Far From Heaven, the line between melodrama and tragedy, and how Todd Haynes's 2002 homage to Douglas Sirk and "women's pictures" lets the paintings that are Cathy and Frank Whitaker become real. Sarah revisits a ten-year-old review that wasn't fair to Quaid's performance; Jeb files his ratings from his score-poisoning sickbed (and unearths another DQ-blocking runner); and we all wonder how to rate a performance that won awards, but isn't very Quaidy. Take a break from sourcing the...
2022-02-2446 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 247: Julia Michaels, "All Your Exes"Will this be Mark's favorite song of the year? And can he convert Sarah? The maturity ship sails with mentions of Alanis, Miranda Lambert, Hopkins (drink!), and the cool girl looming large.Our intro is by David Byrne (not that one), and our outro is by Ivy. For more episodes and/or to buy our book, visit our website at markandsarahtalkaboutsongs.com, and get even more eps and discussion on our Patreon page, patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2021-11-0816 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 233: George Benson, "On Broadway"As we talk about George Benson's cover of "On Broadway," Mark makes visceral sounds about the singing, Sarah makes a case about the lyrical storytelling, and we both make references to chair-dancing. Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by The Candy Skins. To contact us or buy our books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted...
2021-07-1918 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 227: Trisha Yearwood, "She's In Love With The Boy"Tease up those bangs, because we're talking about Trisha Yearwood's 1991 country hit "She's in Love With the Boy." Why is Mark crying? Why is Sarah talking about subversive feminine narratives? Why are we using these accents? Listen and find out! Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Steve Wariner. To contact us or buy our books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...
2021-05-3126 min
The EuroWhat? Podcast: Eurovision News & ReviewsCritical ConditionMark Blankenship joins us to discuss the Eurovision auto-qualifiers. Are the Big 5 and the Netherlands in good shape or are they in critical condition?
Critical Condition Summary
News
Great American Pop Culture Quiz Show
Eurovision Village (Opens Saturday, May 15)
Where Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest in the US?
Welcome, Mark Blankenship!
Mark and Sarah Talk About Songs
The Big 5 and host country the Netherlands:
France - Barbara Pravi - "Voila"
Germany - Jendrik - "I Don't Feel Hate"
Italy - Måneskin - "Zitti e Buoni"
Spain - B...
2021-05-1145 min
The Daily People Podcast"Culture Creates Champions" with Bill BlankenshipBill Blankenship is an American Football Head Coach. He has spent over 30 years in the coaching business as a High School Head Coach and College Head Coach. Bill Blankenship has a very interesting take on what it means to be a leader in 2021 as well as how to help student-athletes be winners on and off the field.
Thanks for listening to the podcast!
Please follow “The Daily People Podcast” on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram and rate it 5 ⭐️’s on Apple Podcasts. Follow your host, John Mark Spier on Twitter @jmarkspier
My goal is to give...
2021-02-1553 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 217: Fiona Apple, "Heavy Balloon"Mark and Sarah don't agree about Fiona Apple's "Heavy Balloon," but the reasons they disagree may delight you! Stick around for talk of overabundant metaphors, wild musical experiments, and the sweaters worn by phantoms. Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by The Sundays. To contact us or buy our books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by...
2021-01-2523 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 216: The Cult, "She Sells Sanctuary"We aren't IN a cult -- that's another Mark and Sarah -- but we are LISTENING to The Cult! Their song "She Sells Sanctuary" has us talking about glam rockers in alt-rock drag, good songs we struggle to remember, and the preponderance of Jennifers. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by The Verve. To contact us or buy our books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...
2021-01-1819 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 213: Fun Home, "Ring Of Keys"Mark has finally selected a song from a musical -- "Ring of Keys" from Fun Home -- and it's got us talking about child actors, the adults we want to become, and the reason Sarah's books are color-coded.Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Booker T. To contact us or buy our pop music books, visit MarkAndSarahTalkAboutSongs.com. To become a patron of the show, visit patreon.com/mastas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2020-12-1427 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsMark And Sarah Quiz About Songs 01: Hits Of 1991Welcome to the first episode of our new music game show, Mark and Sarah Quiz About Songs! Play along with three of our listeners as they try to guess the hits of 1991. We also save plenty of time to talk about chart facts, musical obsessions, and the pins you should wear on a jean jacket.
Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To get access to bonus content...
2020-08-0349 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 192: Marvin Gaye, "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"Talking about Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" means talking about how covers can redefine songs, and how Gaye himself can always make us feel things. We also navigate Mark's disdain for the movie Practical Magic and once again let ourselves revel in Pip shade.
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Marvin Gaye. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To get access to bonus content (and vote...
2020-06-2229 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 182: The Stills, "Changes Are No Good"We get our indie feelings out with a song from Canadian rock band The Stills. Meanwhile, Mark surprises Sarah on his journey with this week's tune, and Sarah makes Mark realize he misunderstood something she said like 100 episodes ago.
Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Boards of Canada. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To get access to bonus content (and vote in ranking episodes), become a patron...
2020-03-3023 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 168: Reba McEntire, "Fancy"We celebrate Mark's birthday with the campy masterpiece that is Reba McEntire's "Fancy." Take a shot of moonshine every time we mention fake fingernails, celebrate sex positivity, or slip into southern accents!
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne and our outro is by Reba's daughter-in-law. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To get access to bonus content (and vote in ranking episodes), become a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy...
2019-12-0928 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 162: The Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated"On the surface, we're talking about "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones, but deep down, we're talking about our own fitful history as punks (or "punks.") Listen on for Sarah's concertgoing history and Mark's brief stint in a band called Violet Cycle.
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by The Queers. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To get access to bonus content (and vote in ranking episodes), become...
2019-10-1726 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 149: Scissor Sisters, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'"It's the end of Pride Month, so you'd better believe we're talking about the gloriously gay "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" by Scissor Sisters. And we're Mark and Sarah, so you'd ALSO better believe this gets us talking about Apollo, Dionysus. secret sexy slang, and true crime books. Plus, we answer a listener's voicemail question about our favorite melancholy songs!
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Clinton. Want to leave us a voicemail? Just call 646-389-0767! You can email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, or Facebook us at...
2019-06-2727 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 144: Fergie, "Fergalicious"Fergie's aggressively, deliciously stupid song "Fergalicious" gets us talking about intentional superficiality, women describing themselves as commodities, and all the reasons fifty year-olds don't have to give AF about anything. Plus, there's a listener-requested playlist about the best songs for preparing to go out!
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Fantastic Plastic Machine. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in ranking episodes? Become...
2019-05-2338 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsMarch MASTAS Single 03: Florid And Fabulous RegionMarchMASTAS continues with the bottom left portion of the bracket, the Florid And Fabulous region! All the extra-est moments of '80s British music, plus our predicted upsets...and Mark threatens pod divorce over Sarah's 6/11 matchup pick. Don't forget to vote on our Facebook and/or Patreon pages!
Best British Bands Of The '80s: The Bracket (http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=471198)
Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in ranking episodes? Become a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
2019-03-0522 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 131: The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," RankedAt long last, we discuss the Beatles, with a ranking of every song on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Which track does Sarah consider an all-time top 10? Which one makes Mark froth with rage? Listen on to find out!
Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by The Monkees. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in ranking episodes? Become a patron at patreon.com...
2019-01-101h 34
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 121: Travis Tritt, "Foolish Pride"When is a generic country song actually the best country song? As they discuss Travis Tritt's weepy "Foolish Pride," Mark and Sarah realize they don't entirely agree on the answer. However, they both HAVE an answer, which leads to extended metaphors about living rooms and a return to the idea of male emotion in popular song.
Our theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Steve Wariner. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook...
2018-10-1819 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsMASTAS Presents: Money Can't Buy You Podcast 01, "Money Can't Buy You Class"On Episode 1 of the new MASTAS spin-off, Dan and Tracie and Mark and Sarah dig into the vanity singles of the Real Housewives, beginning with New York City and the first song from the great Countess Luann. Considering it first appeared on the show in 2010, the song is also a testament to Luann's ability to keep it (and her) in the cultural conversation, because, as they say: elegance is learned, relevance is earned. Then we break down the song construction of this classic single, and debut Dan and Tracie's melancholy re-interpretation of "Money Can't Buy You Class." SHOW NOTES B...
2018-08-2745 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 114: Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation 1814," RankedWe are a part of a MASTAS Nation! By which we mean we're ranking every song on Janet Jackson's classic album "Rhythm Nation 1814." Along the way, Sarah startles herself by loving a slow jam, Mark chair-dances so hard he almost hurts himself, and we both have some strong advice for pop stars who make political statements. Plus, we welcome our first-ever return customer for a pop chart astrology reading! Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Janet Jackson. This episode was recorded at King Killer Studios in Brooklyn. Want to request a song, buy a birthd...
2018-08-231h 11
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 111: Bruce Willis And Don Johnson (with special guests Dan and Tracie!)There was a time when both Bruce Willis and Don Johnson had hit songs, and we're talking about both "Respect Yourself" AND "Heartbeat." This week, "we" means Mark, Sarah, and our very special guests Dan Rogge and Tracie Potochnik. Listen on for info about the exciting MASTAS spin-off, along with talk about TV stars with pop music dreams, the value of the Pointer Sisters, and how Don J. made a proto-Lemonade. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Jack Wagner. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us...
2018-08-0240 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 107: Bond-Movie Songs, RankedMASTAS is for your ears only as we rank 7 Bond themes that reached the top 10. Will the sky fall as we discuss everything from Duran Duran's sex appeal to Sheena Easton's Oscar misadventures? Will we live and let die after Mark's shocking revelation about his dessert preferences? Listen and find out! Our theme this week is the Bond theme. Obvs. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in ranking episodes? B...
2018-06-2857 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 100: Surprise PartyIt's our hundredth episode! To celebrate, Sarah and Mark surprise each other on-air with their song choices, and their esteemed colleague Tara Ariano delivers a surprise listener request. Will they like the unexpected choices? Will they occasionally squeal with delight? Will Teddy Ruxpin have an opinion? Listen to find out! The intro for this episode is by everyone who's ever written a MASTAS theme. The outro is by Chemical Brothers. To support our next 100 episodes -- and get bonus content -- join us at patreon.com/mastas. To make a request, email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us a...
2018-05-1046 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsSingle No. 13: Ranking Whitney Houston's 'Bodyguard' SongsMark journeys through Whitney Houston's songs on the 'Bodyguard' soundtrack, ranking each one alongside the Patreon patrons. This leads to chart facts, appreciations of sass, and a sidebar about your friend's dad who wanted you to call him by his first name. Want to discuss the NON-Whitney songs on this soundtrack? Join us at patreon.com/mastas for even more 'Bodyguard' action. Want to make a request or just say hello? Email us at talkaboutsongs[at]gmail[dot]com, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or tweet us at @TalkSongs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
2018-04-2431 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 97: Hit-Single TV Themes Of The '90sWe don't wanna wait...to get on with this ranking! If you need a podcast that discusses '90s TV themes which were also chart hits, then we'll be there for you. We're also searching our souls to explain our feelings about Dawson, strong margaritas, and Bryn Mawr. All that, plus a super-funky birthday chart reading! (More on Jamie Walters from Mark right here.) This week's intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and the outro is by Crowded House. Wanna get closer to free...ing up our ability to make this podcast? Become a sponsor at patreon.com/mastas. W...
2018-04-1955 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 95: Outkast, "Hey Ya"The massive Grammy-winner from Andre 3000 and Big Boi left Sarah cold...at first, but soon enough she and Mark were hip-deep in an exploration of Elvis, Queen Bey, jukebox America, and how much Beatles-adjacent content Mark can tolerate. (Answer: some!) And don't miss a novelty-song birthday reading that reveals one listener's Rick Dees-tiny! Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Mr. James Brown. Wanna make a request or just say hello? Tweet us at @talksongs, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com. Join us at ...
2018-03-2930 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 93: Ace Of Base, "The Sign"Who needs fluent English when you've got dope Scandinavian beats? Mark and Sarah succumb to the joy of Ace of Base's "The Sign," meaning they write their own vaguely grammatical lyrics, have specific memories about nerding out to this music in a friend's pickup truck, and figure out the exact number of times you can hear this track before it drives you crazy. Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Stereo MCs. We'd love to hear from you! So send us a request at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com or tweet us at @TalkSongs o...
2018-03-1518 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 91: 2018 Oscars Best Song Nominees, Ranked (With Joe Reid!)Look out, 'cuz here we come! Joined again by the delightful Joe Reid, we're unraveling the mysteries of this year's Oscar-nominated songs, and we're ranking our favorites to determine a winner. We stand up for some of these tracks, and we pray some of them to get washed away by a mighty river. And of course, we remember to go deep with Oscar facts, Broadway shade, and pre-exhaustion for meaningful performance numbers. (NB: Still some sound issues for Mark in this episode; we should have it solved by next time! Thanks for your patience.) Our intro is by Laura Ba...
2018-02-281h 05
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 88: Four Journeys With Walker HayesA few weeks ago, Mark discovered the remarkable songwriting of Walker Hayes and told Sarah about it. Inside his songs, Sarah discovered some stirring similarities to her own life. This led to our current episode, where we dig into four Hayes tunes, geek out over their structural ingenuity, and remember yet again that great music can show you back to yourself. Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Lou Reed. Wanna be a patron and get special content? Join us at patreon.com/mastas. Want to commission a birthday reading or make a request? E...
2018-02-0846 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 86: The Smiths, Morrissey, And MarrWe're not miserable people, but we still love The Smiths. Go figure! Sarah tees up one tune each from the Smiths, Morrissey, and Johnny Marr, which leads to jaunty lyrical analysis, MANY disagreements about the band's best work, and a reminder that Mark's husband once mowed the lawn in all black, because his soul insisted he should. Mark's husband (Andrew Byrne) also delivers our intro, and the outro comes from Teenage Fanclub. Share your Smiths musings via email (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), Facebook (facebook.com/mastas.podcast), or Twitter (@talksongs). And for bonus content, become a patron at patreon.com/m...
2018-01-2534 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 80: Pat Benatar's Greatest Hits, RankedMASTAS is a battlefield! As we rank the songs on Pat Benatar's "Best Shots" album, Sarah briefly quits the podcast, parts of Mark are predicted to explode, and "The Legend Of Billie Jean" is revealed as the film that unites the planets. Special thanks to our patrons, whose votes directly impacted the rankings. To become a patron, join us at patreon.com/mastas. Meanwhile, our theme music is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Karla Bonoff. Lastly, you can tweet us at @talksongs, email us at talkaboutsongs[at]gmail[dot]com, and facebook us at facebook.c...
2017-12-0758 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsSingle No. 6: New Songs You Need, Vol. 2While Sarah's away on assignment, Mark suggests four new songs (and one forgotten '80s hit) that you need to hear right now. What'd you think of his choices? Let us know on Twitter at @talksongs, on Facebook at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or on email at talkaboutsongs [at] gmail [dot] com. And don't forget to become a MASTAS patron at patreon.com/mastas, which will give you access to all sorts of bonus content. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted b...
2017-10-2612 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 72: Fountains Of Wayne, "Stacy's Mom" and "Red Dragon Tattoo"Stacy's mom. Thinks MASTAS is the bo-omb. ...While we talk about that hit by Fountains Of Wayne (plus their lesser-known cut "Red Dragon Tattoo"), we also get real about ironic pop songs, female characters who deserve justice, and that time Mark thought he was smarter than G.B. Shaw. This week's theme is by Andrew Byrne, and the outro is by Ivy, which will make particular sense once you've heard the episode. To reach us, just shoot us a message on Facebook (facebook.com/mastas), Twitter (@talksongs), or email (talkaboutsongs [at] gmail). To become a patron and get access to...
2017-09-2126 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 67: Richard Marx, "Satisfied"It's Mark and Sarah Talk About Mullets! And specifically, the tonsorial glory of Richard Marx. We also discuss his song "Satisfied," the rare ability to write commercial songs that don't suck, and an abundance of David Coles. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Dolly Parton, and if you want access to top-secret MASTAS episodes, then become a Patreon sponsor at patreon.com/mastas. We'd also love to hear your requests and comments, so hit us up at twitter.com/talksongs or facebook.com/mastas.podcast.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
2017-08-1019 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsSingle No. 3: New Songs You Need, Vol. 1Bonus episode! In this MASTAS Single, Mark goes solo to recommend four new songs that you need right now, including cuts from Haim, New Politics, Sara Evans, and Delta Rae. Let us know if you dig them!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-07-3111 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 64: Three By '80s StarshipSelling out never sounded so good! With a soldier's bravery, we investigate Starship's three number-one hits of the '80s: "We Built This City," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara." And you'd better believe that OUR Sarah is still crying foul about that last one. Plus, Mark has a whole Starship story that involves high-top Converse! Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro music is by Jefferson Airplane. Which is kinda-sorta the same band as Starship! If you want to tell us something or request a song, then tweet at @TalkSongs or email us at...
2017-07-2040 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 63: Ben Folds, "The Luckiest"The tears flow freely as we discuss "The Luckiest," Ben Folds's perfect gem of a love song. We also talk about each other's weddings, the Jason Isbell concert where Mark almost left his drink at the bar, and Sarah's enduring connection to a speech in "The Opposite of Sex." Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Jason Isbell. Follow us on Twitter at @TalkSongs, and for access to top-secret bonus content, become a MASTAS sponsor at patreon.com/mastas!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...
2017-07-1334 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 60: Tori Amos's "Little Earthquakes," RankedTurns out we haven't been silent all these years: We've been podcasting, which is rather noisy. Today, we're making noise about Tori Amos and ranking every song on her album "Little Earthquakes." This leads to some surprising disagreements, an Andrew Lloyd Webber reference, and a story about Mark, his dad, and the Divinyls. Today's outro is by Joni Mitchell, and our theme is by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger. And here's some great news: You can become a MASTAS producer! Support us at Patreon to unlock special content, interact with us in fresh ways, and help us keep the lig...
2017-06-151h 11
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 58: The Backstreet Boys, "I Want It That Way"We are. Your MAS-TAS. Your true. Pod-cas-tass. Backstreet Boys infuse our spirits with "I Want It That Way," and we talk about the best way to get over one's self and just enjoy a pop song. Vin Diesel and Megan Fox sneak in there somehow, and so does a BSB documentary from a few years ago. Plus, listen past the credits for an outtake of Mark losing his mind! On the subject of boy bands, this week's outro is "New Kid (On The Block)" by Barenaked Ladies, and our theme is by future boy-band impresario Andrew Byrne. Remember: legally do...
2017-06-0125 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 56: Single Moms In PopJust in time for Mother's Day, we're talking about pop songs featuring single moms. As a chorus of birds chatters outside Sarah's house, we consider how society's shifting attitudes about motherhood are reflected in a variety of dope hits. We also consider roller skating, Motown writer's rooms, and beats that make any subject enjoyable. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting, This week's theme song is by Andrew Byrne. The outro is "Mama" by Spice Girls. Tweet us at @TalkSongs. And please download all the songs we discuss legally.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...
2017-05-1143 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 55: Four By PhairSarah wanted to talk about a Liz Phair song, and then it became FOUR Liz Phair songs. And even that seems a little scant, actually, as we dive into the far-reaching excellence of her music, the weird demands of her fans, and the unlikely heartbreak of the cast of 24. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting. Theme song by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger. Outro by Liz Phair. Visit us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. And don't forget to legally download the music you enjoyed in this episode.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an...
2017-05-0443 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 54: Stone Temple Pilots, "Plush"We have theories about grunge! MANY THEORIES! A discussion of "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots leads to everything from the band's unexpected evolution to the possibility that true-crime shows inspired the whole genre. Listen closely for Mark's special grunge vocals and Sarah's explanation of our whole Candlebox thing. MASTAS is Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting. Theme song is by David Gregory Byrne. Outro by Foo Fighters. Please visit us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast and don't forget to download everything you hear legally.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...
2017-04-2727 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 53: Roxette, "Listen To Your Heart"Roxette uses "Listen To Your Heart" to blast us with power-ballad glory. That gets us talking about the value of being earnest, the glory of not-quite-English lyrics, and the exciting (for Mark, at least) chart facts surrounding Sweden's most popular bands. Bonus drinking game: Take a shot every time we say "Scandi"!
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2017-04-2018 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 47: Yaz, "Only You"Don't get sad; get MASTAS! We're savoring the danceable ache of Yaz's "Only You," which several listeners asked us cry about together. We're also discussing our respect for frontwomen, a time that Sarah used to drive around acting crazy, and Mark's ludicrous British accent.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-03-0925 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 46: Best (And Worst) Oscar-Winning SongsMASTAS would like to thank the Academy for...some of these Oscar-winning songs. But for some of them, we'll never forgive them! As we talk about Oscar highs and lows, we also reflect on Celine Dion's teeth, Sarah's time at Talbot's, and Mark's unforgettable trip to China.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-02-2350 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 45: Gladys Knight And The Pips, "Midnight Train To Georgia"Gladys Knight is basically Sophocles, y'all. Or at least, we find a way to link "Midnight Train to Georgia" to classic Greek drama. There are also stops at Mark's college years, Sarah's sympathies for '70s ladies trying to lean in, and the allure of hot backing vocals.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-02-1619 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 44: The 59th Grammy AwardsAnd the award for Sassiest Podcast goes to...MASTAS! Unless Adele wins, that is. Either way, we're talking truth about this year's Grammy nominees for Record and Song of the Year. Listen for Bieber shade, Rihanna praise, and the origin story for Mark and Sarah's entire deal.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-02-0949 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 42: Tim McGraw, "I Got Friends That Do"Mark and Sarah aren't particularly religious, but when Tim McGraw compares himself to God, they still get up in arms. His insidiously "sensitive" song "I've Got Friends That Do" provokes rage about everything from arrogance to disrespecting Dolly Parton to halfheartedly suggesting the existence of parallel universes.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2017-01-2625 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 36: Madonna's "Immaculate Collection," RankedMark and Sarah have basically been preparing for 26 years to rank every song on "The Immaculate Collection." Now that day has come. Get ready for personal memories, passionate stances, and several gasps of surprise. Get ready, too, for a ton of song clips, because how can you choose just one? (Editor's note: you may experience some echoing in parts of the recording. We apologize for any inconvenience.)
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2016-12-081h 23
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 34: Chicago, "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"MASTAS loves dad-rock! In particular, Sarah's dad loves Chicago, which gets us talking about the brassy horns of "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" Then Mark uses his "skeezy lounge lizard" voice, Sarah goes deep with road trip memories, and John Fogerty gets confused with J. Geils. Mark's dad won't be happy about that last one.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...
2016-11-1715 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsJASTAS: Til Tuesday, "Voices Carry"Mark's not feeling well, so special guest John Ramos sat down with Sarah for a discussion of Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry," including the secret history of the song's cast of characters, swearily relatable feminist icons, and Sarah's cassette-klepto situation. Theme song by Tara Ariano!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-11-0427 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 30: Robyn, "Call Your Girlfriend"Swedish diva alert! MASTAS goes electro with Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend," which gets Mark all tongue-tied with enthusiasm and gets Sarah wondering if the beat and the subject matter are such a good fit. Plus, there's important discussion of Old Lady Walks (tm).
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-10-1317 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 28: Lefty Folk Songs We Love (...To Hate?)When is a lefty folk song terrible and when is it wonderful? Mark and Sarah make arguments on both sides, getting their social consciousness going with Indigo Girls, Simon and Garfunkel, Dar Williams, and at least one mention of Corazon Aquino.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-09-2944 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 25: American Anthems / Bruce Springsteen, "Born In The USA" and the Dixie Chicks, "Not Ready To Make Nice"We're rocking the vote (or something) with Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" and Dixie Chicks' "Not Ready to Make Nice," which may be the most politicized pop songs of the last 35 years. In between the punditry, Sarah does her best Bruce impression, Mark invents a rap about big booties, and nobody cuts Billy Joel any slack.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...
2016-09-0934 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 23: Scandal feat. Patty Smyth, "The Warrior"Shootin' at the walls of MASTAS! Kevin Smokler's listener request, '80s classic "The Warrior," gets Mark talking about his childhood dance parties, Sarah discussing her Patti Smith/Patty Smyth confusion, and both of us praising the women of Reagan-era rock. Now pardon us while we fist-pump to a killer (Homeric?) chorus.
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2016-08-2618 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 22: Tinie Tempah, "Written In The Stars"Mark and Sarah Disagree About Songs! Opinions are divided on Tinie Tempah's hit featuring Eric Turner, which leads to lively debate about rap-rock, the numbing power of sports promotion, and a shuddering remembrance of Limp Bizkit.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-08-1812 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 21: Olympics Songs feat. Mancini Houston Smith Estefan Perry LLCAnd the participation ribbon goes to...MASTAS! As Olympians compete in Rio, we rank five songs with various ties to the Olympic games. As medals are awarded, there's also talk of Whitney Houston's glory, unexpected uses for cotton, Sarah's memories of the Fresh Prince, and Mark's favorite babysitter, plus Bebel Gilberto sings us home!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-08-1040 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 18: Led Zeppelin/Dread Zeppelin/Dolly Parton, "Stairway To Heaven"Mark can't remember ever hearing "Stairway to Heaven," so Sarah (and special guest Olivia) take him on an educational journey through the Led Zep original and notable covers by Dread Zeppelin and Dolly Parton. This leads to detours through the power of guitar solos, the band T-shirts New Yorkers love most, and art you can make with potatoes.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...
2016-07-2140 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 17: Sia, "Reaper"This podcast is just like Sia: You can't see our faces, but you CAN hear our voices! This week, we're talking about "Reaper," Sia's bouncy ode to cheating death. Along the way, Sarah writes the world's weirdest fanfic, Mark wonders what kind of lemonade you bring to a morbid pep rally, and we both get fired up about how female artists are treated. Use the comments to share your favorite Sia song, Six Feet Under memory, or story about convincing death to chill for a minute!
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2016-07-1434 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 16: The Monkees, "Circle Sky"Hey hey, we're the MASTAS! ...Ahem. The point is, we're digging this killer '60s jam from the Monkees, and we're talking about how the band members went from TV show jokes to venerated rock icons. That doesn't mean we account for the Monkees movie, though. Meanwhile, Mark tries to remember the name of Linda Ronstadt's band and Sarah wonders how many times Mike Nesmith's songwriting has gotten him laid. (Let us know, Mike!)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by...
2016-07-0118 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 15: Guns N' Roses, "November Rain"It's a sad day for wedding cake as we discuss Guns N' Roses big hairy spectacle of a big hair ballad. Get ready to learn about Mark's weird habits from middle school, Sarah's deep research on this killer music video, and the ways Smashing Pumpkins might have had more fun if they had just been around in the '80s. (Note: Mark forgot to mention it in the episode, but he'd like you to know this is the longest song ever to reach the Top 10.)
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2016-06-2321 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 14: Bastille, "Pompeii"Somehow, talking about Bastille's big hit from last year sends Sarah to her college English papers, Mark to his lifelong obsession with Suzanne Vega, and both of us to a surprisingly emotional reflection on the role of the human body in making music. Plus we pinpoint the exact moment that Coldplay became a bunch of jerkwads!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data...
2016-06-1618 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 12: Young MC's "Principal's Office" And DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince's "Parents Just Don't Understand"Mark and Sarah get funky fresh with Young MC's "Principal's Office" and DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Parents Just Don't Understand." In between dope late-'80s beats, we discuss the sneaky wit of party rap, the power of your drive-thru order, and the difference between charming confidence and sheer jackassery.
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2016-05-2626 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 11: Chic's "Le Freak" and R. Kelly's "Ignition (Remix)"Mark's friend Erin requests "Le Freak," which takes us to Mark's birthday pop chart reading and funky dances you can't do at home. Then a listener requests R. Kelly's "Ignition (remix)", and we try to process the gross things America avoided when the song became a hit. Tweet us at TalkSongs to tell us how to dance the freak or how to bleach R. Kelly from our minds.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...
2016-05-1924 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 10: John Parr, "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)"Joe Reid returns to request "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)", which gets us ALL up in the business of '80s movie songs and their inspirational key changes. Plus, Sarah remembers horrifying high-school traditions and Mark recalls that time he invented a stupid dance. Tweet at us @TalkSongs with our favorite "watch the video instead of the movie" songs.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...
2016-05-1221 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 9: Joplin Carlile LLC, "Get It While You Can" And "That Year"It's wailin' ladies this week, with Janis Joplin's immortal "Get It While You Can" sharing the docket with "That Year," a cathartically sad song by Brandi Carlile. That leads us to Janis's enduring awesomeness, cover versions that trump the originals, and that time Mark thought he was reincarnated. Tweet us at talksongs to tell us about your Janis memories, your Brandi Carlile favorites, and the songs that make you feel it all.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
2016-05-0424 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 8: Jewel-erdome! "You Were Meant For Me" vs. "Hands"Welcome to Jewel-erdome, where two awful Jewel songs enter and only one leaves. As we decide which single commits the greater crime, we discover Mark's rage for terrible lyrics, Sarah's dark past with a cappella groups, and yet another way that Dawson's Creek is relevant. Tweet us at talksongs to tell us who dies in YOUR Jewel-erdome! (Note: It's acceptable to say that your hopes are what die in Jewel-erdome.)
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2016-04-2821 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 7: Mazzy Star, "Fade Into You"Special guest Joe Reid joins us as we open the listener mailbag and pluck out Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You," our most-requested song. This sad '90s classic leads us everywhere from emotional trends in pop music to those short songs you put on mix tapes. Oh, and Sarah and Mark continue their ongoing discussion of Candlebox. Tweet us at TalkSongs with your requests, mixtape preferences, and ideal soundtrack cut from My So-Called Life. Special Guest: Joe Reid.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2016-04-2124 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 6: Jesus Christ Superstar, "I Don't Know How To Love Him"There’s a little Broadway and a little rage as we talk about “I Don’t Know How To Love Him.” Join us as we consider the anti-feminism of '70s ballads, the political power of musical theater divas, and Mark's dramaturgical dorkiness for Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tweet us at talksongs with your song requests, favorite musicals, and tip for Sarah's performance in Oklahoma!
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2016-04-1423 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 3: Madonna, "Get Together"In Episode 3, MASTAS FINALLY gets to Madonna. What took us so long?! While celebrating the neo-retro glory of "Get Together," we consider how Madge references her own past material, wonder why American radio hates people over 40, and admit that her weird religious references don’t bother us that much. Tweet us at TalkSongs to praise your favorite forgotten Madonna track, suggest songs for future eps, and share your enthusiasm for Mark's cheapo keychain.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
2016-03-2522 min
Mark And Sarah Talk About SongsEpisode 2: Luscious Jackson, "Naked Eye"In Episode 2 of MASTAS, Sarah asks us to ponder "Naked Eye" by Luscious Jackson, which leads to tributes to '90s ladyrockers, theories about the career prospects of former drummers, and fond/horrified remembrances of our Clinton-era hairstyles. Tweet us at TalkSongs to get your riot grrrl on, suggest songs for future eps, and tell Mark if he correctly remembered who was in Belly.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information...
2016-03-2220 min