Brothers in Song
Joe and Dan, brothers and musicians, discuss influential albums and a variety of musical topics, learning about each other along the way.
Episodes
The B-52s
We live in strange times. Maybe one of the ways to cope is to get a little strange ourselves. If you only know the B-52s from the song Love Shack, you need to listen to their weird and wonderful debut album.
Beatles vs. Stones
It's a question we've been pondering since the dawn of time...
Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE
Does experimentation and risk taking automatically make an album more interesting? Or do you need an album that has a more familiar template to keep your interest? This record definitely falls into the former category. Listen to it. Then listen to us, and make your decision.
Rush - Moving Pictures
Some people love to hate on Rush. To that we say, poppycock! Open your ears! Also follow us on Instagram and Threads @brothersinsong
Back in the Saddle Again!
Thank you for bearing with us during our little hiatus. We're back to give you a little update. A new full-length episode is on the way soon! Good to be back!
Panic! At The Disco - Viva Las Vengeance
On this episode we take a look at this band's final album, an ambitious piece chock full of classic rock influences. But does the band (Brenden Urie) emulate their heroes a little too well?
Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Where do you turn for inspiration during difficult times? We turn to music. Join us as we appreciate and analyze this truth bomb from 1988.
Wilson Phillips
You don't need to hold on for one more day! A new episode of Brothers in Song has arrived! We've got a very interesting 2025 planned. Please support us by writing a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform.
Destination ... Christmas
Our annual holiday gift to our listeners. We talk about behind the scenes stuff and a very whacky Christmas album by Fred Schneider of the B-52's. Thanks for listening in 2024. See you next year!
Kris Kristofferson - The Silver Tongued Devil and I
On this episode we explore another luminary of classic country. Like Cash, Parton, and Nelson, Kris Kristofferson has a charm all his own. But is it enough to overcome shabby recording techniques?
Also, please check out the debut release by iconograph, Dan's very own music project. Follow the link below to listen!
https://tr.ee/2rrSQzpPPc
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
Dan has been hyping up this album to Joe for ... well, forever! But was there too much hype? Let's find out.
How Not to Release Your Own Music
Dan spent his summer break releasing his debut EP! Follow the link below to listen. What does it take to do such a thing with no money or expertise? Joe wants to find out. Glad to be back from summer break. Thanks for joining us!
iconograph - beautiful goodbye
https://linktr.ee/iconograph
Artists We Hate (Who Made Songs We Love)!
Hate might be a strong word, but on this episode we celebrate several songs we genuinely enjoy by artists that we're not all that crazy about. In addition, Dan tries to make amends for a transgression from our last episode.
Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong. Below are some fun links to enhance your enjoyment of this episode.
RHCP Scar Tissue is better out of tune
https://youtu.be/Daw93bRH
Stephen Sondheim - Merrily We Roll Along.
Finally! It sure took a long time for two musical theater kids with a music podcast to discuss a musical. We definitely had fun with this one, and we hope you do too. Follow us on IG @brothersinsong. Feel free to drop us a line or ask a question.
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Brothers in Song ain't nothin' to f**k with! And neither is the Wu-Tang Clan. Underestimate this hip-hop super group at your peril... not that our highly sophisticated listeners would ever do such a thing. Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong
Boyz II Men - Cooleyhighharmony (with Anissa {our sister})
It's fun for (almost) the whole family on this episode. Our sister Anissa joins us to discuss middle school dances, sibling rivalry, and this classic album from the 1990's. Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong.
Whiplash
Well... we guess we're movie critics now too! Join us as we discuss the 2014 film, Whiplash. We talk about the realistic and not-so- realistic aspects of the movie as well as our own experiences in the performing arts. We've met a Fletcher or two in our own lives. Follow us on instagram @brothersinsong.
Year End Picks 2023
Hear are a few of our picks for music we were into this year but didn't have a chance to talk about on the show. Thanks for listening friends! We wish you all the best in 2024!
Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours
The problem with icons is that they become shorthand for an era, a particular place and time. That's why the music of icons like Frank Sinatra (and many others we've covered on the show) need a little bit of exploration to understand why they're icons in the first place. Also, a furry friend makes a guest appearance. Make sure to find and follow us on IG @brothersinsong.
Re-release: Halloween Spooktacular!
Enjoy this re-release of our Halloween Spooktacular from last year. A playlist is available for all the songs we discuss on the program plus a few more! Enjoy... IF YOU DARE!!
Brothers in Song Halloween Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kp56TBsIpWrELBn5kMApf?si=qCGK3qaLRByvoSVJ5FciuA
Souxie and The Banshees - Juju
It's spooky season so it's time to put on your black eyeliner with Siouxie and The Banshees. Once you listen to this record, the influence on the music that follows is blatantly obvious. If you like us, make sure to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Spread the word, and follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong
Cream - Fresh Cream
We're back from summer break! Feel free to enjoy our discussion on this highly influential (and perhaps somewhat forgotten about) rock & roll classic.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Johnny Cash
Our next stop for Choose Your Own Adventure brings us a visit with inimitable Johnny Cash and one of his final albums. We find that the Man in Black still has it, even as he rides off into the sunset. We apologize for some ambient noise in the recording, it was raining, and we didn't realize the mic was picking it up. Also, we're going to take a little summer break for a month or so. See
Choose Your Own Adventure: Huey Lewis
Summer is supposed to be full of adventures. So to kick off our Choose Your Own Adventure experiment, Joe surprises Dan with a dad rock favorite, the Huey Lewis album, Fore! Hope you have some great adventures planned for your summer. Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong.
Doja Cat -Hot Pink
If you're following along, listening to these albums at home, keep your kids away from this one. It's rather... risque. Pearl clutching aside, Doja Cat has put together a pretty entertaining pop album underneath all of the NSFW content. If you haven't already, please follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong and share the show with a friend.
Simon & Garfunkel - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme
Ok. This seems like an obvious one. If you think we definitely should've heard this album by now, we're not going to argue with you. Be that as it may, we've corrected this oversight. But can anyone explain the beef that Paul Simon seems to have with Bob Dylan??
Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong
Musicians with a Day Job (plus Acoustic Guitar Songs) with Greg Massi
On this episode we are joined by our old friend from our hometown, Greg Massi. Greg is a guitar player, composer, and podcaster who plays in multiple bands and just got back from a European tour. We talk about staying motivated to be creative amidst having to do all the things needed to maintain a "regular life." Whatever that means... We also talk with Greg about some underrated acousti
Guilty Pleasures!
Here at Brothers in Song, we recommend that you don't feel guilty about your pleasure. But there may be some musical styles you love that are in stark contrast to what you normally listen to or may not be approved by your friends. Well, we say, screw that! In this episode we talk about some of our favorite guilty pleasures. So cut yourself an extra slice of cake and have a listen! However, if
Perfume Genius - Too Bright
Even today, word of mouth is sometimes the best way to discover new music. We never would have discovered this odd yet beautiful work by Perfume Genius without a friend's recommendation. Let us know what you think about it on Instagram @brothersinsong. Thanks for listening!
Trios!
Great things come in threes. There are three ingredients in an old fashioned, three periods in a hockey game, and three stooges. In this episode we talk about three of the best opera trios you're ever likely to hear. Follow the links below to see and hear the performances we talked about. Enjoy!
Mozart - Le Nozze di Figaro https://youtu.be/hLD2fn5Pf7Y
Charles Gounod - Faust
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
Do you have some skinny jeans and black eyeliner in the back of your closet that you're looking to wear one last time for nostalgia? Now's your chance! We start off 2023 with the emo magnum opus, The Black Parade, by My Chemical Romance. If you're skeptical of the emo genre, this one might surprise you. It's a bit more sophisticated than we thought. Let us know what y
So this is Christmas?
And what have we done? Well, we've put together list of songs with Christmas associations that may or may not be appropriate for the season. Is Die Hard a Chistmas movie? Maybe. Are these songs Christmas songs? Also maybe! Please follow the link below to listen to the songs we discussed plus more. And finally, a sincere thanks to all our listeners for spen
Re-release: Xmas Music Extravaganza!
Happy Holidays faithful listeners! To help you get the season started right we offer you this re-release of last year's Xmas music episode. Fear not, we have another in the works that will drop soon. We just didn't want you to have to scroll through a year's worth of content when you inevitably wanted to listen again to get yourself in the holiday spirit. There's a link to
Billie Holiday - Lady Sings the Blues
Here's the thing about icons, after a while people take them for granted. No one should ever do that with the inimitable Billie Holiday.
CW: We briefly mention the assault Holiday experienced as a child and later racial violence during our discussion of the song, Strange Fruit.
Halloween Spooktacular!
Boo! Grab a nice big bowl of candy corn and a gallon of apple cider and hunker down as we discuss creepy, disturbing, and ominous songs for Halloween! There's a link below to listen to our special Halloween playlist. Programming note: Brief discussions of violence and suicide. Also, more cursing than usual. Not for the kiddos!
Halloween Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kp56TBsIp
Sam Cooke - Ain't That Good News
Sam Cooke is an often forgotten all-time great in the history of popular music. Don't worry. We forgot about him too, but we're trying to remedy that fact. In this episode we go over all the highs and lows of his final album released just after his untimely and controversial death in 1964.
Jay-Z - The Black Album
We finally got around to listening to some hip hop! Breaking News: This stuff is good, and Jay-Z is a true craftsman. We apologize for some of the audio quality on this cuz internet. We'll do our best to get things ironed out for next time. Thanks for listening, friends!
Zac Brown Band - Jekyll + Hyde
Welcome back, loyal listeners! Zac Brown shows a diverse array of musical interests on this album. But does it all work together? Listen and find out.
Summer Playlist!
Sometimes you just gotta pivot. To cap off our "regular season" before summer break we share our Summer Playlist, which is available for your listening pleasure by following the link below. Our promised movie score episode we planned for this week will drop when we return from summer break. We just didn't have time to give it the attention it deserves at the moment. Please
Björk - Homogenic
Björk is often dismissed as a weirdo by the general public and comedians on SNL. But have you ever really taken the time to listen to her music? Join us as we discuss Björk's third album, Homogenic. One listen reveals a haunting, beautiful work even if it is unconventional.
Follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong
Items for purchase https://brothers-in-song.creator-spring.com
Toto - Toto IV
"Africa" is a great song. And it's been covered over and over and over again. But what about the rest of this record? Turns out things get a little weird. Did Toto make an album for music nerds? Check out the link below to see the late, great drummer, Jeff Porcaro explaining the Rosanna shuffle. Also, if you really haven't had your fill of "Africa" covers yet, h
Guitar Heroes!
What does it mean to be a guitar hero? In this episode we attempt to answer this question and discuss some favorite guitar players. Of course, we couldn't go about this the conventional way, and there are a couple of unconventional choices on our list. Speaking of lists, check out the link below for a playlist of the songs we discuss on the episode plus some extras just for fun.
Doobie Brothers - Minute by Minute
Near the beginning of this episode, Dan makes a startling confession. Joe and Dan agree that Michael McDonald's singing is strange yet beautiful. Also, check out the link below to witness the glory that is "On My Own," the classic duet between McDonald and Patti LaBelle.
https://youtu.be/KsH63qJlIMM
Beyonce - Lemonade
This album and accompanying mini-movie was a phenomenon upon it's release a few years ago. Did it deserve the hype? Spoiler: Yes! Yes, it did. There was so much to get into here, and we hope we did it justice. Follow us on Instagram! We post funny music memes!
Hootie & The Blowfish - Cracked Rear View
Join us as we have an extremely ok time discussing the very alright band, Hootie & The Blowfish. We try to remember why this band was so damn popular. Were there some good reasons for them selling tens of millions of records? Or was the Hootie phenomenon just another one of those cases of inexplicable 90's weirdness? Check out the link below to one of their music videos
Willie Nelson - Shotgun Willie
As promised (almost a year ago) we give you our Willie Nelson episode! Pour yourself a little whiskey, or something less potent if you prefer, and enjoy. Also, at the beginning of the show, Joe and Dan chat about a little musical field trip they went on a few weeks ago. If you've been following the Instagram account you'd know exactly what that field trip was. Speaking of w
Why We Love Tenors!
It's The Three Tenors! No not those other guys. Dan and Joe are joined by brother-in-law, Matt to discuss why operatic tenors are so awesome. Specifically, we talk about five singers we admire, and one song that showcases each of their vocal abilities. The list and the links to the performance can be found below. Don't forget to give us a review on your favorite podca
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
Often the Venn diagram of musical taste has quite a bit of overlap for Joe and Dan. But for the second episode in a row there's a divergence of opinion. Can Dan help Joe gain some appreciation for this influential 90's cult classic, or will he remain loveless? Listen and find out!
If you enjoyed the show, give us a rating on your favorite podcast app!
fun. - Some Nights
After nearly resorting to fisticuffs, the brothers agree to disagree about certain aspects of this album. Are you Team Joe or Team Dan? Choose wisely! And follow us on Instagram so you can let us know what you think.
Unsung Grunge
Throw on your favorite thrift store flannel and your Doc Marten's and take a stroll down a rainy Seattle memory lane as we reminisce about Grunge. We talk about our formative memories of this music scene as well as take a look at some lesser known Grunge tracks. As an added bonus we've included a link to a playlist below that includes the songs featured on this episode as well as some other
Ray Charles - What'd I Say
The Genius. What can be said about Ray Charles that hasn't already been said? Well, we give it our best shot. Kindly follow the show on Instagram @brothersinsong.
Taylor Swift - folklore
We're back with our first episode of 2022! Thanks for your patience, friends. There are few fanbases more devoted than Taylor Swift's. So we take a close listen to her surprise 2020 quarantine release, folklore. What do they know that we don't?
Christmas Music Extravaganza!
Season's greetings, Dear Listeners! On this very special episode we discuss which Christmas songs should be on the naughty list and which end up on the nice list. As a special gift for our listeners who've come along for the inaugural season of Brothers in Song, we've included a link below to a Spotify playlist containing all the songs on the nice list! This is our last episode f
Ralph Vaughn Williams - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
In this episode we take another foray into classical music. Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is extremely easy on the ears. But will people slow down and take the time to listen in the 21st century? This piece is technically a re-imagining of someone else's work, so we also talk about covers and what makes a good one. There are links to the songs we discuss below. As us
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Would you look at that? These godfathers of metal were writing thoughtful songs about the human experience this whole time. All you had to do was listen. Don't worry we haven't hidden any subliminal messages in this (Hail Satan) podcast.
Helpful Links
War Pigs Live 1970
https://youtu.be/K3b6SGoN6dA
Tony Iommi talks about his finger injury
https://youtu.be/5TyktFhsM38
Cold Play - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Do you hate Coldplay?! Cuz we... don't actually. They're kind of...what's the word? Oh yeah. Good! Enjoy this new episode, now with 20% more tangents and a brief cameo by Dan's cat, Holly. Follow the handy dandy links below for more cool stuff, and follow us on Instagram!
Live performance of Viva La Vida
https://youtu.be/9ldOuVuas1c
Life in Technicolor II
Patti Smith - Horses
There's some difference of opinion here, but it doesn't quite go the way that listeners of the show might expect. One thing we can agree on is that the musical landscape would not be the same without Patti Smith. The world of music needs its pioneers! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @brothersinsong for the latest news and to link to our merch store.
Van Halen - 1984
The 1980's were a strange and sometimes inexplicable era, but Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing is timeless. Naturally, we're in awe of his innovative style, but the other members of Van Halen made many meaningful contributions as well. Join us as we go off on a tangent about 80's pop culture and discuss a band that epitomized the 80's but still managed to transcend their era. Whe
Joni Mitchell - Blue
We're back from summer break! It's the 50th anniversary of this landmark album. Joe's never heard it before, so we had to fix that. Dan hasn't heard it in quite a while, and has some different thoughts 20 years after his first listening. Spoiler alert: It's still genius. It still holds up. Follow the link below to buy shirts. In fact, buy one in blue
Mini Episode: Tower of Power - You're Still A Young Man
Tower of Power might be one of the most under appreciated acts of the '70's. If you've never listened check out this gem of a ballad from their hit album, Bump City. It tells a slightly unconventional story with cool harmonies, fun vocal improvisations, and the horns... good gravy! The horns!
New full length episodes coming soon. Follow us on Instagram to hear the la
Mini Episode: Jeff Buckley -Grace
For those who don't know Jeff Buckley's music, he's largely to thank (blame?) for the version of the Leonard Cohen song, "Hallelujah" that seems to be overused for every poignant TV and movie moment of the past 15 years. But he was so much more than that. Though he died far too young, his unique and inimitable style has continued to inspire. This song, the title track from his on
Mini Episode: Counting Crows - Mrs. Potter's Lullaby
This song is repetitive, tortures a circus metaphor to death, it's almost eight minutes long, and we love it! Listen to find out why this is one of Joe and Dan's favorite Counting Crows songs. Don't forget to buy some merch so you can get your back-to-school wardrobe looking fly! Link below.
Shirts & Mugs
https://brothers-in-song.creator-spring.com
Mini Episode: PJ Harvey - Send His Love To Me
On today's episode, Dan introduces Joe to one of his favorite artists, PJ Harvey and the song "Send His Love To Me." It's an unrequited love song, yes, but it's so much more. Simple structure, but lush instrumentation. Common themes, but also, in-your-face and unsettling. This song is quintessential PJ Harvey if you've never heard her before. As a bonus, you also get a cell phone
Mini Episode: Guiseppe Verdi - "The Quartet" from Rigoletto
So you say you don't like opera, huh? Well, if you have ears you should really like this. The Quartet from Rigoletto is extremely complex, yet when it's done well, the music and performers make it seem effortless and undeniably beautiful. "Seem" being the operative word. Spend some time with it, and we're sure you'll agree this is some of the best music on Earth
Mini Episode: Pearl Jam - Alive
Welcome to our first Summer Sunday Mini Episode. In this one we finally talk about Pearl Jam, a band we've mentioned a number of times on the program. Alive is a great song that still holds up today, and it's now a classic rock staple. But it's a little weirder than you might think and doesn't have a whole lot of conventional elements that make up most hit songs. In any cas
Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life
New York City musician Kelsey Warren (AKA Blak Emoji) joins us to share his thoughts on one of his favorites, an album so f###king good we run out of superlatives and just start cursing. In the words of our guest, "If you don't like Stevie Wonder, I can't even trust you!" Kelsey is a great musician in his own right, and it was awesome to talk to him. Please follow the links below
Mumford & Sons - Delta
Things get pretty deep and philosophical on this episode. The brothers talk about life, loss, the wonder of nature, and of course, the humbling void of outer space. Don't worry. Somewhere in there is music to discuss. But that's what the best music does, right? It gets you to think and feel things! Per usual we ask you to check out the links below to help you en
The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
This sure ain't Surfin' USA! Pet Sounds is definitely one of those landmark albums that fans would admonish us for because we didn't listen sooner. On this installment Joe pays tribute to some of his favorite composers, and Dan falls down the research rabbit hole. We also try to identify a bunch of weird instruments. There's a lot to tackle here, so take the trip with us. &
John Legend - Love In The Future
Did Dan just enjoy another pop album? After a much needed "luftpause," we discuss John Legend's place in the culture as well as this varied and interesting 2013 album. Joe also gives us a little pop culture trivia to start us off. As always we nerd out on vocal stuff and provide a couple of interesting links below to help you enjoy this week's episode. Make sure to follow u
Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?
Did Billie Eilish just make us contemplate life, art, and the meaning of existence?? We always end the show with the tagline, "Listen to some new music. You may surprise yourself." This was definitely a surprise to us. It only goes to show that repeated listening can lead you to hear things you hadn't heard before and change opinions.
We begin the episode talking abo
Richard Wagner - The Flying Dutchman overture
It's our first foray into classical music! If you didn't think it was possible for Joe and Dan to talk for 41 minutes about an 11 minute piece of music, you haven't been listening to the podcast very long! As usual, you'll get a couple of tortured analogies from Dan, and Joe uses his expertise to put everything in it's proper context. If you're inexperienced with opera or classic
Peter Gabriel - So
We know everyone loves In Your Eyes. (You do. Don't you?) But what about the rest of the hit album, So, by Peter Gabriel? Turns out there's a ton to like. Joe takes issue with some of the more "experimental" moments on the record, while Dan can't remember anyone's name. Not even Youssou N'Dour who contributed the distinctive vocal improvisations at the end of the aforementi
Nat King Cole - The Very Thought of You
"Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark." That's what entertainment pioneer, vocalist extraordinaire, and American icon, Nat King Cole said after his variety show, the first on network TV host by a Black person, was cancelled. Fortunately, though he did not have a long life, Cole left a huge body of work for us to enjoy. In this episode, the brothers go full on music nerd while dis
Dolly Parton - Jolene
More fun facts than a Dolly dress has rhinestones! First, we have a lively talk about Parton's cultural impact and recent resurgence in popularity. We spend the second half of the episode on Jolene. It's a short album, only 25 minutes long. But there's so much to hear and discuss, from Dolly's lyrics and voice to the highly skilled session musicians. Follow the links below
The Police - Synchronicity
"Every pod you make... Every edit you fake... Every hot take... Every mic you break, I'll be watching you..."
There are some bands that you just forget how good they are. The Police are one of those bands. Not that every track on this 80's classic is a gem. But the ones that are... Holy Hell! Joe makes an astute connection to composer Phillip Glass, and Dan manages to talk
Megadeth - Rust in Peace
ReAdy t0 HAvE YoUr FacE MELTED?!?! In this episode the brothers have a nuanced discussion regarding the finer points of this thrash metal staple. In addition, Dan tortures a couple of metaphors, and Joe needs a couple of Tylenol. Finally don't forget to check out the link below to see a very cool live performance by Megadeth that we talked about . Whether you like this stuff
Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox
There's a rift in the family! The brothers argue vehemently about the virtues of this album. Will they be able to mend their relationship or be estranged forever?? More importantly, will the podcast ever be the same?? As a bonus to the family drama, Joe gives everyone a crash course in vocal pedagogy. Don't forget to join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram
Erykah Badu - Baduizm
Ah, the 90's. The days of our youth! A familiar decade, but an unfamiliar album. How is it possible that we didn't pick this one up on CD at Sam Goody? Make sure you have a blank Memorex cassette in your boombox so you can press record as soon as the podcast starts!
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
What's the connection between Bruce Springsteen, opera singer, Maria Callas, and Broadway legend, Steven Sondheim? We thought you'd never ask!
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
Forged in a crucible of romantic turmoil among its members, this 70's classic produced a ton of hits. The brothers discuss the pros and cons of having so many songwriting cooks in the kitchen and veer off into tangents about Dobros, banjos, and goth/doom/folk artist, Chelsea Wolfe.
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