Shows
Strong Songs"Where The Streets Have No Name" and "With Or Without You" by U2Strong Songs Season Seven kicks off with two of the most famous songs ever recorded, from one of the biggest bands in the world. U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You" make up two-thirds of the three-song "suite" of hit singles that kicked off their 1987 album The Joshua Tree. As it turns out, the two songs have a lot to say to one another! They also have a lot to say about how U2 wrote music, and about the beautiful, messy human process of collaborative creativity.Written by: U2...2025-03-0759 min
Strong SongsRediscovering Stevie Wonder, with Wesley Morris and Josh GwynnKirk talks with Wesley Morris and Josh Gwynn about the endless world of Stevie Wonder. Morris and Gwynn are host and producer, respectively, of the brilliant new six-part podcast series The Wonder of Stevie.Check out Josh Gwynn's terrific pop culture podcast Back Issue, Wesley Morris's culture podcast Still Processing, and Morris' essential writing on Aretha Franklin, Jam & Lewis, Meshell Ndegeocello, and his mustache, as well as his 2019 essay about Black American Music.REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:"Wild Wild West" by Will Smith, Kool Moe Dee, Rub Fusari, and Stevie Wonder, 1999"Straight, No Chaser"...2024-10-041h 19Strong SongsPost-Season Update, Summer Plans, & Some Music RecsAn update on what's next now that Season Six is complete, along with some book and music recommendations!BOOK RECOMMENDATIONSThe History of Jazz by Ted Gioia, 3rd edition - 1997, revised 2021Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning by Gary Marcus, 2012MUSIC RECOMMENDATION LINKSSteve Pardo - DOS - (also in Video Game form on Steam)Completions - I Needed HelpRuth Moody - WandererThe Onesies - The Onesies Dig With the Wrong FootSheena Ringo...2024-07-1230 min
Strong Songs"Born to Run" by Bruce SpringsteenIn the season six finale, Kirk takes a deep dive into Bruce Springsteen's signature song, 1975's "Born to Run." It's all here: tremolo guitar riffs, glockenspiel arpeggios, endless sus chords, and a sax solo for the ages. Baby, we were born for it.Written by: Bruce SpringsteenProduced by: Springsteen, John Landau, and Mike AppelAlbum: Born to Run, 1975Listen/Buy via LynkifyALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" and "Thunder Road" from Born to Run, 1975Born to Run live at Madison Square Garden, 2000, and live in...2024-06-281h 00
Strong Songs"Easter Theatre" by XTCStage left! It's time for Strong Songs to talk about XTC. Stage right! Now the song is picked, analysis can begin. Stand up! If we listen close, we'll hear some lovely notes...On this episode, Kirk takes the stage alongside "Easter Theatre," the first single off of XTC's 1999 experimental symphono-pop album Apple Venus: Vol. 1. Bring on the bassoons and power up the mellotron; we've got some shapes to stack.Written by: Andy PartridgeProduced by: Haydn Bendall & Nick DaviesAlbum: Apple Venus Vol. 1, 1999 and Instruvenus, 2002Listen/Buy via Songwhip2024-05-3157 min
Strong Songs"Limb by Limb" by PhishPhish may be known for their 30-minute live jams, but turns out you can distill their best qualities into a song one-tenth that length. To that end, Kirk picks apart and reassembles their 1998 studio recording of "Limb By Limb" in all its polyrhythmic, guitarpeggiated glory.Music by: Trey Anastasio, with Page McConnell, Mike Gordon & Jon FishmanLyrics by: Tom Marshall & Scott HermanAlbum: The Story of the Ghost (1998)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"You Enjoy Myself" by Trey Anastasio from Junta, 1989"The Story of the Ghost"...2024-05-1759 min
Strong Songs"Heart of Glass" by BlondieYou came, you saw, you voted, and you picked Blondie as Strong Songs' first listener-selected artist! After weighing a number of possible songs to focus on, Kirk decided to go with the 1978 hit that took them from the punk clubs of New York to dance floors around the world.Wanna pick an artist for Season Seven? Go join the Patreon!Written by: Deborah Harry and Chris SteinProduced by: Mike ChapmanAlbum: Parallel Lines (1978)Listen/Buy via SongwhipSpecial Guests: Katelyn and Laurie Shook, a.k.a...2024-05-0356 min
Strong Songs"The Way" by Meshell NdegeocelloMeshell Ndegeocello is: a fearless songwriter, an outrageously funky bassist, and a groundbreaking producer who knows just how to get the most out of each musician she hires. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into "The Way," the second track off of her 1996 record Peace Beyond Passion, and shines a light on some of the things that make her one of the greats.Written by: Meshell NdegeocelloAlbum: Peace Beyond Passion (1996)Special Guest: Sam HowardListen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"The Womb," "Ecclesiastes: Free My...2024-04-1957 min
Strong Songs"Águas de Março (The Waters of March)" by Antônio Carlos Jobim & Elis ReginaKirk digs into the work of master composer Antônio Carlos Jobim via his timeless 1974 duet with Elis Regina on his song "Águas de Marçco," known Stateside as "The Waters of March." He's joined by special guest Frederico Barros, Professor of Musicology at Federal University of Rio De Janeiro.Written by: Antônio Carlos JobimPerformed by: Jobim and Elis ReginaAlbum: Elis & Tom (1974)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"The Girl From Ipamena" and "Desefinado" by Tom Jobim from Getz/Gilberto, 1964"Corcovado (Quiet Night of Quiet Star...2024-03-2256 min
Strong Songs"Black Hole Sun" by SoundgardenTurns out some songs stand on their own, however memorable-slash-horrifying their music video might have been.Written by: Chris CornellProduced by: Michael BeinhornAlbum: Superunknown (1994)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"Spoonman" and "The Day I Tried to Live" by Chris Cornell and Soundgarden from Superunknown, 1994Kim Thayil interview at SongfactsNorah Jones' cover of "Black Hole Sun," Live in 2021"In My Life" by Lennon/McCartney from Rubber Soul, 1965The 2021 Strong Songs interview with session guitarist Andrew Synowiec"Tom Sawyer" by Rush from Moving Pictures, 1981----LINKS-----2024-03-0856 min
Strong Songs"In Your Eyes" by Peter GabrielStrong Songs Season Six kicks off with a widely requested classic: Peter Gabriel's 1986 yearner "In Your Eyes." Because why hire one rhythm section when you can hire two for twice the price?Written by: Peter GabrielProduced by: Daniel LanoisAlbum: So (1986)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:Rick Beato's Interview with So producer Daniel Lanois"DIY" by Peter Gabriel from Peter Gabriel 2: Scratch, 1978"Sledgehammer," "Don't Give Up," and "Big Time" by Gabriel from So, 1986Kwame Ansah-Brew demonstrates the Talking Drum----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! 2024-02-2353 min
Strong SongsThe Band: The Last WaltzFor the Season Five finale, Kirk takes a look at The Band and Martin Scorsese's beloved 1978 concert film The Last Waltz - "The beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning."Featuring music by The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth HudsonDirected by: Martin ScorseseAlbum: The Last Waltz (1978)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:"The Weight" by Robbie Robertson as covered by The Staple Singers and Aretha FranklinStudio versions of several songs from the show, featured on The...2023-12-151h 05Strong SongsStrong Solos, Vol. 2: Electric Guitar-alooThe electric guitar is a beautiful, maddening instrument, and man does it sound good in the right hands. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into solos by guitar legends Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Larry Carlton.FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Seven Come Eleven" by Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman, recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1939"Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery from Boss Guitar, 1963"Hey Joe" by Billy Roberts recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on Are You Experienced?, 1967Larry Carlton's solo on "Kid Charlemagne" by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (AKA Steely Dan...2023-11-171h 04
Strong Songs"Wichita Lineman" by Jimmy Webb & Glen CampbellI hear you singin' in the wire... I can hear you through the whine... and the Strong Songs podcast is talking about one of the best songs of all time.On this episode, Kirk takes on Jimmy Webb & Glen Campbell's ethereal workin' song "Wichita Lineman," an ode to the profound poetry within all of us. It's a song without a chorus or a bridge that still feels complete, thanks largely to the way it subtly climbs from the street, to the wire, and up into the heavens. Written by: Jimmy WebbProduced by: A...2022-05-0653 min
Strong SongsYear Three, In ReviewKirk takes a look back at the many musical memories of Strong Songs Year Three.Year Three is over, and it's time to revisit the songs analyzed, the questions answered, and the interviewees interviewed. SCHEDULING NOTE: The show will be off for December, and will return for Year Four in January 2022. 2022! Feels weird to type that out.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"Space Oddity" by David Bowie from David Bowie, 1969"Starman" by David Bowie from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, 1972"HIde and Seek" by Imogen Heap fr...2021-11-1746 min
Strong SongsTalking Heads: Stop Making SenseWhat is this, a film podcast?? It's time for something a little different, as Kirk puts down his record player and climbs onstage for Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads' classic 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. It's a tour through the first hour of the film, from "Heaven" to "Burning Down the House" to "Once in a Lifetime," with some quick stops along the way.Songs by: Talking Heads (David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison)Featuring: Steve Scales (Percussion), Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt (Vocals), Alex Weir (Guitar/Vocals), and Bernie W...2021-11-0359 minStrong SongsThe Producer's Philosophy, with Brian BenderKirk sits down with producer, composer, and master mixer Brian Bender to talk about the state of the recording art.Brian Bender has been making records since the early 2000s, from slinging cable at legendary NY spots like Electric Lady and the Hit Factory to running his own studio, The Motherbrain, in Los Angeles. He’s worked with countless artists and worked on dozens of films and TV shows. He’s also the guy who taught Kirk how to play Street Fighter back in grade school.On this episode, Kirk reunites with his old buddy to t...2021-07-281h 15
Strong SongsGood Synths, Bad Acoustics & MoanaMailbag episode! Kirk tackles your questions on subjects ranging from a Warren Zevon piano part, to the unfortunate prevalence of bad acoustics at live shows, to why Moana is such a good movie.It's been a rough week; thanks everyone who wrote in.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Flaming” by Pink Floyd from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, 1967“Golden Brown” by the Stranglers, 1981“Woke Up Today” and “In My Room” by Jacob Collier from In My Room, 2016“Reckless” by Nate Wood/Four from X.it, 2019“Stranger Things” by Kyle Dizon and Michael Stein“Succession” by Nicholas Britell“Hillbilly H...2020-09-1654 minStrong Songs"Chicago" by Sufjan StevensD, A, C, G. Four chords, placed end to end, repeated over and over again.On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into Sufjan Stevens's "Chicago," the centerpiece of his brilliant 2005 album Illinois. It's a towering construction supported by four chords, with building blocks of vibraphones, wurlitzers, strings, and choral harmonies.D, A, C, G. Eyes on the road; all things go.Artist: Sufjan StevensAlbum: Illinois (2005)Written by: Sufjan StevensListen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"The Bird Women of...2020-05-2757 minStrong Songs"Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie LennoxAre you living in an empty room, with all the windows smashed? Then this is the podcast episode for you.It's time for a deep dive into Annie Lennox's 1992 pop banger "Walking on Broken Glass," with all its syncopated pianos, string section interludes, ever-changing backup vocals, and tasty guitar cameos. Won't you pick the pieces up?Artist: Annie LennoxAlbum: Diva (1992)Written by: Annie LennoxListen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" by The Miami Sax Quartet from Four of a...2020-05-1359 minStrong Songs"Last Goodbye" by Jeff BuckleyThe bells in the church tower chime, so it's time to grab our Telecasters and talk about Jeff Buckley.Specifically, it's time for a deep dive into Buckley's "Last Goodbye," one of the centerpiece songs on his sole studio album, Grace. There'll be spacious drums, grand basslines, spiraling string parts, alternative guitar tunings, and of course, loads of beautiful singing.Artist: Jeff BuckleyAlbum: Grace (1994)Written by: Jeff BuckleyListen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Mojo Pin,” "Grace," "Hallelujah" and "Corpus Christi Carol" all from...2020-04-2959 minStrong SongsApril Makes Fools of Us AllOn this episode... a prank.April Fools’ Day has run its course, which means it’s time to update this episode description to accurately reflect what’s in the episode. Hopefully this joke made some listeners laugh, and didn't ruffle too many feathers.The actual full episode on Miles Davis’s “So What” should be live as of this update, and next in your feed.To give credit where it's due:Song: "Never Gonna Give You Up"Artist: Rick AstleyAlbum: Whenever You Need Somebody (1987)Written by...2020-04-0110 minStrong Songs"God Only Knows" by The Beach BoysAs sure as there are stars above you, Strong Songs will be here to deliver musical deep-dives straight into your eardrums. This week is no different, as Kirk picks apart Brian Wilson's chamber-pop masterpiece "God Only Knows."The sleigh bells ring, the french horn solos, and The Wrecking Crew lays down the foundation for an immaculate collection of chords and melodies, all placed over a bass line that's as Bach as it is Beach-y. Turns out there's a reason so many people call this the greatest song ever written.Artist: The Beach Boys...2020-03-1856 minStrong Songs"Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" from The WitcherWhat's that you say? You'd like a bonus mini-episode all about the cheeseball fantasy earworm "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher"? Well, Kirk is happy to oblige.This mini-sode started as a segment in next week's mailbag episode, but it became involved enough that Kirk decided to spin it out into its own little thing. Hopefully it gives all you Witcher fans out there a better appreciation for why you can't get this song out of your head, and if it gets the song BACK in your head in the process... well, sorry. Or maybe you're welcome?2020-02-1016 minStrong SongsRhythm + Harmony = MusicKirk breaks down the two most fundamental aspects of music: rhythm and harmony. There's the Y-axis, harmony, which tells us which frequencies we're hearing in which combinations. And there's the X-axis, rhythm, which tells us how those frequencies are playing out over time. Much like most music, it's a mix of math and magic that takes many moons to master.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton, performed by Whitney Houston"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971The Pentatonix cover of "Havana" from Top Pop, Vol. 1"Stayin' Alive" by...2020-01-2954 minStrong Songs"Lovefool" by The CardigansYou don't have to cry, pray, or beg - Kirk is happy to break down one of the 90s' most iconic pop hits without any further encouragement.Yes, it's time to take apart The Cardigans' 1996 hit "Lovefool," a song that sounds one way when it's that Romeo + Juliet song that's on the radio all the time, and another way when it's the centerpiece of First Band on the Moon. Kirk zooms out a bit more than usual to place this song in the context of its (fantastic) corresponding album, and to hopefully help everyone better appreciate the...2020-01-2249 min
Strong Songs"Kiss From a Rose" by SealThere is so much a man can tell you, so much he can say... especially if that man is named Kirk, and the thing he's telling you about is Seal's "Kiss From a Rose." Kirk goes back to the 90s for a close look at Seal's Grammy-winning, Batman-adjacent power ballad and finds a song that's much more interesting than he even remembered. It's an indulgent world of thick counterpoint, long phrases, harp flourishes, and oboe solos, with some of the richest vocal arranging this side of a chamber choir.Band/Artist: SealAlbum: Seal II, 1994...2019-10-1652 minStrong Songs"Like a Prayer" by MadonnaLife is a mystery, everyone must stand alone... except for everyone listening to this episode, because we're traveling together through doubt and deliverance with Madonna's "Like a Prayer." Kirk takes a look at the high-contrast drama of the megastar's 1989 megahit, with its cathedral-like verses, bus-driving guitar rhythms, bouncy basslines, and perfectly placed Latin percussion flourishes. The music video got a lot of attention back in the day, but there's plenty in the song itself to celebrate, from Prince's mystery guitar to Madonna's vulnerable vocals to the joyful power of the Andraé Crouch Choir.Band/Artist: Madonna2019-09-0444 minStrong SongsStrong TV Songs: Animated EditionIt's time for something a little different, as Kirk takes a look at the theme songs from some of the most beloved animated TV shows of all time.This super-sized episode focuses on five different pieces of music, each of which is the theme for a different animated show. It's a ton of music in a variety of styles, full of frantic key shifts, earwormy melodies, bodacious drum fills, and a surprising number of saxophone solos.FEATURED SONGS, IN ORDER:"The Simpsons Theme" by Danny Elfman, 1989"Duck Tales" by Mark Mueller, 1987"Rescue Rangers" by...2019-08-071h 10Strong Songs"Bohemian Rhapsody" by QueenIs this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Well, either way, this is definitely an episode of Strong Songs about Queen's genre-blending rock saga "Bohemian Rhapsody." Kirk dives into Freddie Mercury's operatic opus and learns a lot about vocal technique, piano motifs, harmonic easter eggs, studio production, Strategic Brian May Deployment™, and all the ways doubling a track can make your voice sound cool in the studio.Band/Artist: QueenAlbum:A Night At The Opera, 1975Composed by: Freddie MercuryProduced by: Roy Thomas BakerListen/Buy via Albu...2019-02-2049 min
Strong SongsThe Beatles, Brubeck, Bond and BeyondIt's time for an extra-long episode as Kirk answers your questions about Phil Collins drum solos, musical Wilhelm screams, odd time signatures, Beatles instrumentation, drop-tuned guitars, Bond music, and much more.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins from Face Value, 1981Jennifer Hudson sings "The Star Spangled Banner" by Frances Scott Key and John Stafford Smith at Super Bowl XLIII, 2009A YouTube compilation of the Wilhelm ScreamAn excellent Vox video on the history of the "Orchestra Hit" sample"When I Think of You" by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis from Control, 1986"In My L...2019-01-2348 min