Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures
Bill and Frank's Guilt-Free Pleasures is a podcast that celebrates and defends songs that have been unfairly maligned by gatekeepers of musical taste. The hosts aim to storm the city gates of musical snobbery and invite listeners to join them in appreciating these often-dismissed tracks.
Episodes
Bonnie Tyler: Total Eclipse of the Heart" (Rerun)
Mike V. recommends this one from way back on April 5, 2024. It's a fitting tribute episode as well, since Bonnie Tyler's funeral was this past week. Thank you for joining us for our rerun season! We hope you enjoy the (re)listen!
Links:
Official Video
Dan Band from Old School
Nicki French Hi-NRG extended version
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Montell Jordan (not Williams): "This Is How We Do It" (Rerun)
In honour of network TV, we are running reruns over the next few weeks. These will all begin with a listener recommendation and a bit of a reflection by us before we go into the classic episode. We hope you enjoy the revisit! (We never go whack on an old school episode)
This Is How We Do It Official Video
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Pete Townshend: "Let My Love Open The Door" (Muppet Music)
This is one of those songs we imagine that many know this melody, but not necessarily the name of the song or its singer. It graced the soundtrack of several movies from the 90s and 00s, but its lyrical content was kind of a mystery. This episode aims to explain it all! Be prepared to find out "Who" Pete Townshend is, how Jesus inspired "Let My Love Open The Door," why we can't stop talking about
Jesus Jones: "Right Here, Right Now" (Frank's Time Travel Decision)
We're not sure that the sentiment has remained the same in recent years, but Jesus Jones' "Right Here, Right Now" captures the hope of the very early 90s, where the fall of the Berlin Wall meant everything good was possible. We not only cover the history of the song and look at its meaning in our lives, but Frank must also decide what he would in his time travel (fictional) biopic. Thanks for join
Roxette: "Joyride" (For Benjamin)
Hot Tamale Pearson and Cold Fish Huizer are not stealing a car this week, but we are nevertheless taking you on a "Joyride!" Inspired by a sweet love note from songwriter (and vocalist) Per Gessle, "Joyride" represents Roxette at their peak powers: Per’s lyrically surprising verses, Marie Fredriksson’s powerhouse chorus, and a video for the ages. No wonder its namesake album is one of the best sel
Tiffany: "I Think We're Alone Now" (The Dawn of Mall Pop)
How has it taken us this long to finally cover Tiffany’s massive number-one hit? Well, here we are! Recorded when she was only 14, this track officially marked the first number-one song by an artist born in the 1970s, ushering in a whole new generation of teen pop royalty. Whether you’re Team Tiffany or Team Debbie, join us as we celebrate the dawn of mall pop.
Links:
Official Music Video
Tiffany
En Vogue: "Free Your Mind" (Um-Dahs and Cowbells)
Who would’ve guessed the R&B queens of En Vogue could rock this hard? But rock hard they do on this track off their sophomore album, proving they were genre-defying powerhouses. We’re diving into the history, the heavy riffs, and the enduring legacy of an anthem whose message still resonates today (unfortunately). Free Your Mind, and the rest will follow!
Links:
Official Video
Live Performan
Journey: "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
There are a lot of different Journey songs that we could have picked, but “Separate Ways” packs a special punch. It is certainly anthemic, but it’s more complicated when considering its musical and lyrical content. And its music video is legendary.
Links:
Official Video
Cillian Murphy reading W.B. Yeats
VH1 Behind The Music
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Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson: "Beauty and the Beast" (with Tabitha VandenEnden)
Tabitha VandenEnden returns to help us pay tribute to Peabo Bryson and dive deep into the 1991 classic, "Beauty and the Beast." It is quite the journey! Be our guest as we explore the history and analysis of the song, discuss Gaston's false economy, question whether the Beast looked better before the transformation (he does), and see if we can keep this whole episode on the rails.
Links:
Official
Chesney Hawkes: "The One and Only" (For Lara)
This week's episode was a big hit in the UK but not so much in our own continent. Nevertheless, it has endured in our memory and in the the playlist of the cool people we know. One of them is a listener who recommended this song! We take a look at Chesney's life that led him to getting a number one hit at only 19 years of age. We also discuss how this tune helped us accept ourselves, and we hope,
Cutting Crew: "(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight" (with Dave Kitchen)
Dave Kitchen joins us for a wild episode that involves a go-go gadget trenchcoat, a sorryfans website, la petite morte, journals that should have never been written, and the introduction of a new genre: drama rock.
Links:
Official Video (Lesser seen UK Version)
Official Video (US Version)
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Parachute Club: "Rise Up" (Share your power)
This week we are bringing you one of the key bands to come out of the Queen West music scene. They may not have had quite the same success outside of Canada, but that doesn't diminish the quality of their music. So if you've never heard The Parachute Club, prepare to be lifted up. If you have heard the band, then you know that you're in for a good time! Despite the meanness of Bryan Adams manager,
Chicago: "Look Away" (Thumbs Up!)
Get ready to embrace your inner 80s ballad lover as we take a deep dive into the history, production, and legacy of Chicago's massive 1988 single, "Look Away." We unpack the details of how Diane Warren's heartbreak anthem climbed its way to number one but also set the stage for our own relationship woes. Come join us, open your hearts, and get guilt-free!
Links:
Original Video
Diane Warren live ve
Kenny Rogers: "The Gambler" (Don Schlitz cracks an eggs of knowledge on our heads)
It is hard to imagine a time when "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" didn't exist. We are are now considering (especially with the advent of quantum mechanics) that perhaps it has existed for time eternal. There is so much to discuss with Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler." There's the story of its writing (rest in peace, Don Schlitz). There's many versions. There's the dead muppet
Kim Carnes: "Betty Davis Eyes" (not the boogie-woogie version)Links
This song knows how to make podcast pros like us blush. "Betty Davis Eyes" was a gigantic hit when it arrived in 1981. We discuss it's history, its legacy, and our varying degrees of comfort with the subject matter.
Links:
Video
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Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes: "Up Where We Belong" (Honey & Vinegar)
Like Richard Gere and Debra Winger's characters in "An Officer and a Gentleman", "Up Where We Belong" had to persevere against the odds to become the massive hit that it is. We discuss Joe Cocker's redemption, Jennifer Warnes selflessness, the power of a "Sloppy Joe" piano, and so much more.
Links:
Still Standing Here Today Grammy Performance
Official Video
Academy Award Performance
1992 Performan
Whitesnake: "Here I Go Again" (Fancy Tough Guy Music)
We finally delve into the iconic rock anthem "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake, a song that has a far more interesting background than neither of us could have imagined. Despite Robert Plant’s insistence that David Coverdale should be called David “Cover singer,” this huge hit is major part of rock n’ roll and music video history – and yes, we will be talking about Tawny Kitaen, too. Like Bill’s cal
The Traveling Wilburys: "Handle With Care" (In memory of Frank's computer screen)
The greatest supergroup EVER! We discuss how it all came together and why this song means so much to us still today.
Links:
Official Video
Concert for George Version
The True History of The Traveling Wilburys
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Yvonne Keeley & Scott Fitzgerald & James Cromwell: "If I Had Words" (from "Babe")
This one is a special one for Bill. We hope you enjoy our trip through If I Had Words, beginning with Camille Saint-Saëns' (Organ) Symphony No. 3 in 1886 and arriving at the movie "Babe" in 1995.
Yvonne Keeley & Scott Fitzgerald Video
James Cromwell Version
Mice Version
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Lionel Richie: "Hello" (He starts with "I Love You")
Only Lionel could lead with "I love you" when finding the girl of his dreams. We discuss why he can pull this off and why "Hello" is so amazing. We also do so much more! Get ready for an emotional ride.
Links:
The Number Ones by Tom Briehan
The Epic Music Video
Singing with Jimmy Fallon
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Calloway: "I Wanna Be Rich" (and have just a little love, peace and happiness)
It's refreshing to hear the bold honesty of Calloway. What do they want? They want to be rich! (And also for/full of love, peace, and happiness.) For this episode, we discuss money, lots and lots of money, we explore some incredible categories (the Hallmark movie is back!), and we also dive into the history of Calloway. From what we've learned, they got their wish in the end.
Links:
Official Vid
David Foster: "Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire" (from a Ski Movie Villain)
We’ve never tried this before, but we’re going for it: today’s song is an instrumental. We kept a slight safety net, since a version with lyrics does exist, but the 'Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire' is best known for the way its keys, synths, and sax evoke their own kind of poetry. Join us for a journey involving dewy meadows, aggressive unicorns, and ski movie villains. Buckle up, friends.
Link:
Joe Jackson: "Steppin' Out" (with Dave Kitchen)
Dave Kitchen brings us what he feels to be a "quintessential guilt-free pleasure." Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out" is undeniably of its time, but what a glorious time that was. We discuss the backstory of the song as well give a close reading of its lyrics. We also discuss the New York City of 1982, which is nearly a world away from the NYC of today. Be prepared to be transported back to another time
Lou Bega: "Mambo No. 5" (Hi Monica!)
This is a big moment for Frank - he's been wanting to do Lou Bega's giant signature tune for a long time. Bill isn't nearly as enthused, but this is not Hate Month, and so it's time to let a little bit of Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica into our lives. Ladies and gentleman: here is our episode on "Mambo No. 5!"
Link:
Official Video
Thank you for listeni
Thompson Twins: "Hold Me Now" (Adventures in Babysitting with The Julies)
We're very excited to have The Julies back as guests! "Hold Me Now" suits both the aesthetic of our show as well as the taste of our friends. Beyond exploring the musical layers of the Thompson Twins' biggest hit, we unpack the memories tied to the track: namely, Frank's childhood longing for his babysitter.
The Julies have a great new album out. You can find and buy Cherisher here and stream it
Was (Not Was): Walk the Dinosaur (Boom Boom Acka Lacka Lacka Boom)
While often remembered as a catchy novelty track, Was (Not Was)’s “Walk the Dinosaur” is actually about our own imminent extinction through nuclear annihilation. Who knew the song would continue to be relevant almost forty years after its release? We trace the band’s humble beginnings in Michigan to their surprising success throughout the 80s, with guest vocalists that included Leonard Cohen, Ozzy
Simply Red: Holding Back the Years (Holding ONNNNN)
Mick Hucknall may be a polarising figure in the British media (well, I guess it mostly is only the "hate" pole), but how can anyone deny the power of "Holding Back the Years"? It's a song birthed in a stream of consciousness writing exercise but steeped in a history of childhood sadness. We discuss our own sadness, give a deep analysis of the song and video, and we also discuss why we refuse to pa
Dan Hill: "Sometimes When We Touch" (Hold the last note without crying, Frank!)
Today, we dive into Dan Hill’s 1977 mega-ballad, "Sometimes When We Touch." Often labeled the ultimate "weeper," this track explores themes of masculine fragility and raw vulnerability. These concepts commonplace today but groundbreaking for the late 1970s. We discuss how a 19-year-old Hill penned these intense lyrics to compete for the affection of a polyamorous woman who was simultaneously datin
Mr. Mister: "Broken Wings" (You got to release the one you love)
We go deep in this week’s episodes by delving into the complexities of relationship-mending. For example, the only way to keep someone is to let them go. It’s the paradox of Broken Wings, and we are here to learn to fly again. Despite a bad coffee order to start things, we get right on track and discuss the enduring influence of Khalil Gibran on music - or at least on a few Beatles songs and this
Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair: "Opposites Attract" (feat. MC Skat Kat)
For a good few years, Paula Abdul was an unstoppable force in music. We discuss her beginnings and the creation of her bestselling debut album. It all culminates in this song - her 4th #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit featuring a rapping randy alley cat. It's a natural fact!
Links:
Official Video
Video before rotoscoping
Paula Abdul in 1978 - "The Party Song"
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Len: "Steal My Sunshine" (with Nathan Holmes)
Nathan Holmes rejoins us for an episode that will bring you back those summertime vibes even if it is the coldest time of the year (as it is for us at this moment in Canada). Len's "Steal My Sunshine" holds a special place in our hearts as the three of us all feel personally connected to the song. Bring out your butter tarts and your eight-foot heap slurpees: let's have a million miles of fun as w
Seal: "Crazy" (The only way to survive)
Although written about the world events that marked the end of the 1980s, Seal's "Crazy" can easily be about our own tumultuous times. Join us as we discuss the song's backstory and give our contemporary analysis of its lyrics. So fire up your speedboats and get ready for a montage sequence: it's time to get a little crazy.
Links:
Official Video
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Mike + The Mechanics: "All I Need Is A Miracle" (Tinder and the Genesisverse)
Bill is very excited to bring this episode to you. Not only is it a song out of the Genesis Extended Universe (GEU), but it also features Paul Carrack (which means this is part of the Carrackverse). It is also a song about long shots, which means this resonates with Bill's love life - Miracles DO happen. Get off your phone, Frank!
Links
Original Version Video
'96 Version Video
Top of the Pops '86
The Outfield: "Your Love" (Sung in Stingsetto)
Where did Josie go after all? And can her friend be trusted? We certainly know that Josie's boyfriend isn't a man of honour, unless Frank's Hallmark movie is to be believed. Besides these questions, we cover the history of The Outfield, analyse "Your Love," and give a deep analysis of its music video. We're glad you joined us!
Links:
Official Video
SNL Sketch
Acoustic Version
Katy Perry Version
B
The Pogues: "Fairytale Of New York" (with Dave Kitchen)
"That’s the challenge of the song: he’s giving us these people at Christmas and forcing us, in the spirit of the season, to find grace for them. He’s channeling the fundamental nature of Christmas." - Dave Kitchen
In honour of Bill's brother-in-law, Kurt, we are finally featuring the song that Nick Cave said spoke with "profound compassion to the marginalised and the dispossessed." It's a Christma
The Cranberries: "Zombie" (with Dee and Jeff from "So Much Crime, So Little Time")
We are joined by our friends Dee and Jeff from the true crime review podcast So Much Crime, So Little Time to discuss a song based on a true crime. The Cranberries' "Zombie" is a song written in reaction to the 1993 Warrington bombings by the Provisional IRA that killed two children. We delve into the history of the band as well as the background behind the writing of the song. We also discuss Dee
Elvis Presley: "Burning Love" (with a hunk of Hawaii on the side)
The King has come to Guilt-Free Pleasures! There are many great Elvis songs, but this one is our favourite. Get on your white superhero sequined jumpsuit and get your karate kicks kicking - it's time to revisit 1972 Elvis Presley!
Live Elvis Version
Bruno Mars and his nephews
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Miley Cyrus: "The Climb" (Hope Month Ep 5)
When compared to the other songs featured in this podcast, this song is virtually brand new! We discuss Miley's early career and dive deep into the song that sent her career up to new heights. We also discuss the importance of enjoying the journey rather than the destination, but also acknowledge that is rarely said by those who tumble to their destruction while climbing the mountain.
Links:
The C
Aretha Franklin and George Michael: "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (Hope Month Ep 4)
Disclaimer: We were wrong! Aretha Franklin sang "America The Beautiful" at Wrestlemania 3, not Wrestlemania 1.
Hope month goes into episode 4 with this number 1 hit by Aretha & George. Faith and Hope abide, as the apostle Paul says. But the greatest of these is love, and you can feel it throughout this entire song. We dive into the hilarious stories behind the recording of the song and give yo
The O'Jays: "Love Train" (Hope Month Ep 3)
You can't get much more hopeful if you are hopping on a love train! We discuss the O'Jays' biggest hit and do our best to situate you in the history and geography of the early 1970s. Get on board!
Links:
Original Video
Last Days Disco Subway Dance Scene
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Linda Ronstadt and James Ingraam: "Somewhere Out There" (Hope Ep #2 with Tabitha VandenEnden)
Welcome to the "cry-iest" episode of our podcast. Frank cannot contain his emotion when discussing James Ingraam's voice and the plight of Fievel and Tanya from "An American Tail." We also welcome Tabitha VandenEnden to discuss kids choirs, the power of an alto voice (even if you wish you were a soprano), and a song full of hope despite that big somewhere out there.
Links:
Official Video
Movie Ve
Styx: "Show Me The Way" (Hope Month Ep #1)
Today we are beginning a new series called "Hope Month" as we examine and celebrate the songs that point to a brighter future. What better way to start than with Styx who make a pointed request to the Divine as they scramble for hope: "Show Me The Way." We (briefly) discuss the band's history and take a deep dive into the meanings behind the song, including an examination of how Dennis DeYoung is
Eurythmics: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
"Sweet Dreams" gives us the chills (in a good way!). We do our best to bring you the song in its original context - not on a Halloween playlist but within the wider context of Eurythmics' second album (which brought their career to epic heights). We take a close look at how the song effectively mesmerizes the listener while still giving the unsettling feeling that something sinister is out there.
Howard Jones: "No One Is To Blame" (Phil, Fidelity and Draculas)
Fidelity, Phil Collins, and Draculas - we cover a wide range of topics in this week's episode on Howard Jones' "No One Is To Blame." Besides our customary song analysis, we also revisit Bill and Frank's earlier jobs (in shoes and construction) and the lessons learned from staring at restaurant menus without eating any food.
Official Video
Howard Jones on Top of the Pops with the mime
Rachael Sage
Crowded House: "Don't Dream It's Over" (with Dave Kitchen)
Hey now, hey now, we're bringing you one of the most comforting and reassuring songs we know. Dave Kitchen joins us for his 23rd episode (not to be too gauche about it) and we dive into the signature song of Crowded House. Beyond an in depth musical, lyrical, and visual analysis, we also discuss kiwis, a Hallmark movie set in New Zealand, and the feeling of floating down a lazy river to Neil Finn'
Cher: "If I Could Turn Back Time" (Bagels And Whale Calls)
A video featuring a seat belt outfits and a tattooed buttox might have made this song controversial, but this song has outlasted any naysayers. We dive into Cher's signature hit, "If I Could Turn Back Time," and discuss its history and lasting impact. Themes of regret and second chances speak directly to our heart, while a pitch for a time-travelling film featuring a bagel baker and whale calls sp
Mariah Carey: "Hero" (Hate Month Ep #4)
Our final episode of hate month has Frank bringing his love for Mariah Carey’s “Hero” to the table while Bill brings his hatred. Can Frank turn Bill to the Mariah side? Will the podcast survive this song?
Links:
Official Video
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Nickelback: "Far Away" (Hate Month Ep #3)
Hate month continues with Bill bringing the most controversial song choice to our podcast. There is a lot of hate out there for Nickelback (and Frank “represembles” it in his reaction), but Bill is convinced he is not alone in his celebration of “Far Away.” He hopes you are convinced after this episode to give this song an open-hearted listen - are you ready to take up the challenge?
Official Vide
Toni Braxton: "Un-Break My Heart" (Hate Month Ep #2)
Hate month continues - this time it is Frank’s turn to bring a song to draw Bill’s ire. “Un-Break My Heart” is Toni Braxton’s signature song and it breaks Frank’s heart every time he hears it. It also causes Bill pain, but in a different way. Thank you for joining us! We’d love to hear where you stand on this tune.
Links:
official video
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Goo Goo Dolls: "Iris" (Hate Month Ep #1)
In order to shake things up, we are beginning a special series called "Hate Month," where one of us brings a beloved song that the other host hates. Bill draws first blood in this episode with “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls (much to Frank's dismay).
Links (if your podcast provider supports them):
Official Video
Taylor Swift Duet
Buffalo 4th of July Performance
Thank you for being part of our journey
Eddie Money: "Take Me Home Tonight" (Ronnie Spector gets her due)
Beyond its surface reading, "Take Me Home Tonight" is also about the revival of the careers of Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector. This song is a triumph. In today's episode, we examine the histories of both artists that ultimately converge into this top ten hit, we analyse the song, and we bring back (albeit briefly) the theme of tender-hearted werewolves in a guilt-free pleasure.
Links:
Official Vi
Tina Turner: "The Best" (Happy Birthday, Frank!)
We recorded this on Frank's birthday and Bill chose this song in his honour. Despite Frank researching the wrong song, we feel it still all comes together. Stay tuned for the surprise birthday wishes at the episode's end!
Links:
Official Video
New South Wales Campaign
The Office Clip
Schitt's Creek Clip with Noah Reid
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Montell Jordan: "This Is How We Do It" (Conviviality and the Phrygian Mode with Mike V)
Mike V joins us to discuss this bonafide jam from 1995. We examine Montell Jordan's background and current status, analyse (and explain) the lyrics, discuss the Phrygian mode, and give an epic mixtape for the ages. We're all about conviviality here, so you can trust us when we say you will enjoy this episode: we never come whack on an old school track!
Links:
Official Video
Master Peace Church
Kim Wilde: "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (throw that guy down the catwalk!)
The ending of a relationship may be painful, but it's far worse for the narrator of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" - the ending never quite seems to come for this jilted lover. This song has resonated over the decades as evidenced by it's many versions, starting with original Supremes version and all the way up to recent times in Glee. Today we will be celebrating our favourite
Toto: "Africa" (with Kim Desing-McCardle)
Our friend Kim Desing-McCardle joins us to discuss one of her all-time favourite songs. This is a longer one, but we cannot do this song justice in a brief amount of time. Speaking of doing justice - we valiantly attempt to do our best three part harmony for our version of the chorus and prove that any imitation of this incredible song is second rate. But we certainly tried.
Links:
Official Video
Phil Collins: "Sussudio" (For Peter, who is a real person)
Sussudio is an incredible song, but would you sing along with it with your windows down in the car? We're here to help our friend Peter to sing it loud and proud for the whole world to hear! Sussudio may be indebted to Prince's "1999," but it's also it's own awesome thing. Join us as we celebrate Phil Collins' #1 hit!
Links:
Official Video
Howard Stern Version
Thank you for being part of our journ
Kelly Clarkson: "Since U Been Gone" (I'm SO moving on!)
It's kind of crazy to realize that this song is now over twenty years old. "Since U Been Gone" still feels fresh for us and we hope you understand why by the end of this episode.
Helpful links:
Original Video
Kelly Clarkson singing in the rain!
Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com to get on our newsl
Robbie Nevil: "C'est La Vie" (That's right!)
We cover a range of songs for the ever-expanding mandate of our podcast, but Robbie Nevil's "C'est La Vie" is one of those songs that did very well when it came out, but it has been somewhat lost to time over the past few decades. Bill intends to bring it back to the listening public, while Frank wants to explain its connection to both Baywatch's Hobie Buchannon and Tom Waits "Rain Dogs." Hang on
Peabo Bryson: "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" (Bill reminisces and Frank croons)
Aptly timed to come out on the day of Bill's 13th anniversary with Ashley, "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" succinctly captures their love story. And to add (or subtract?) to an already perfect song, Frank gives us his most heartfelt vocals as he attempts to channel his inner Bryson. We take an in-depth analysis of the song and then we bring back some categories that have laid dormant for the pas
Tom Cochrane: "Life Is a Highway" (Happy Canada Day)
"Life Is a Highway" is the ultimate pep talk to get yourself out of your rut and back onto road. Dave Kitchen joins us for his 21st episode to discuss the importance of this song to our young 1990s selves and to Canada as a whole. We cover the song's history as well as its mark in popular culture. We revisit the Tom Cochrane - Bryan Adams war of the early 90s as well. Finally, we return to the Hal
Meryn Cadell: "The Sweater" (Wear Lip Gloss)
Adolescent longing is often dismissed, but we remember the pain and suffering of high school infatuation all too well. Meryn Cadell's "The Sweater" captures this with both humour and empathy, and we want to make sure that we bring listeners back to this surprising hit from 1992. We explore Cadell's unique lyrical style, discuss one of the great professional figure skating performances of the 90s,
Belinda Carlisle: "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" (For Heather)
Inspired by a Heather's request, we are delving into the beloved 1987 hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle. We do our best to unravel the magic behind this quintessential pop anthem (but of course, the magic always remains). From the fascinating story behind the creation of the tune to Carlisle’s signature vibrato to the irresistible production and bizarre video, we cover everythin
Erasure: "A Little Respect" (A Morning Episode)
In this episode, we record in the early morning to celebrate a song that embodies both power and vulnerability: ‘A Little Respect’ by Erasure. Join us as we embrace the early hour to discuss the profound nature of Erasure's anthemic ode to love, vulnerability, and acceptance. The dynamic between Bell and Clarke, with Clarke’s meticulous compositions (and impressive previous history) complemented b
In Memoriam: Our friend Kahlin Homes on Sugar Ray's "Fly"
Our friend Kahlin passed away this week and we are heartbroken. To honour her memory, we wanted to do our small part and re-post the episode she did with us from December 2023. This episode was a ton of fun and we hope you can feel it when you listen, too. We also hope you can hear the joy in Kahlin's voice and the laughter that fills the room as she reminisces about what Sugar Ray meant to her gr
Pat Benatar: "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" (catch the zeitgeist)
We discuss Pat Benatar's memorable anthem "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and it's unlikely beginnings - at a pillow punching therapy session in Toronto. We also discuss our own misadventures with punching and what it means to be in the cultural zeitgeist.
Thank you for listening! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. You can email us at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com, too. We'd love to
Neil Diamond: "Sweet Caroline" (with Dan Ducroix and the Flugelhorn)
"There are two types of people in this world: Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don't." - Dr. Bob Wiley, author of the renowned memoir Death Therapy.
As Dr. Bob suggests, you can divide the world into two (hopefully unequal) parts. You’ll find Bill and Frank on the bright side of the world where Neil Diamond is adored. This episode sees the return of Dan Ducroix, who fell in love with the
The Stampeders: "Sweet City Woman" (Pour Mon Ami)
“Sweet City Woman” is a quintessential Canadian song - it contains both English and French lyrics and it celebrates Toronto while using the language of the countryside. In this week’s episode, Frank attempts (and fails) to rename the podcast, we bring back Mel Bourque to help us understand the French version of the song, and we determine if we have Canadian accents
Links:
"Official" Video
SCTV C
Roy Orbinson: "You Got It" (A voice out of time)
It's hard to believe that this is a song from 1989 as Roy Orbison is an icon from the early days of Rock n' Roll, and his voice sounds just as powerful as it did 30 years before. We are glad to bring this song to you. We hope you (like us) are transcended to a higher plain when you hear his voice!
Official Video
Clips of the recording process of You Got It
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The Whispers: "Rock Steady" (with a side of Sun Chips)
There is something thrilling about a long-established band having a hit late in their career. They say pop music is for the youth of the day, so seeing a group of 40-year-olds continue to run with the wildebeests warms the heart. The Whispers proved that they can certainly “Rock Steady” with their younger peers. It also certainly didn’t hurt to be gifted an incredible jam by the soon-to-be legenda
The Cure: "Friday I'm In Love" (Kitch's 20th!)
In today’s milestone episode, we celebrate Dave Kitchen's 20th appearance on Bill and Frank's Guilt-Free Pleasures, featuring The Cure’s iconic “Friday I’m in Love.” We recall the polarizing debates amongst our peers at the high school cafeteria over whether The Cure sold out (they didn't!), and Kitch brings us back to recognizing the unique duality of The Cure, reminding us how the band has regul
Taylor Dayne: "Love Will Lead You Back" (Maximum Dayne)
In today’s episode, we revisit the 80s pop sensation Taylor Dane and her iconic hit "Love Will Lead You Back." We delve into Dane’s overlooked legacy (seven top 10 hits over two albums!) and explore the emotional power of Frank’s favourite Taylor Dayne song. Even though Bill would have preferred to discuss “Tell it To My Heart” instead, he shares his evolving appreciation for today’s song, while F
Glenn Medeiros: "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You"
In this week’s episode, we jump into a song that's more than just a nostalgic tune—it's a fascinating slice of pop culture with an equally intriguing backstory. Prepare to delve into “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You,” a hit brought to life by Glenn Medeiros, whose music video might just be one of the most dangerous ever made—a song that sends us spiraling into conversations about love, nost
Barry White: "You're My First, My Last, My Everything"
In this episode we explore the sultry magic of Barry White, focusing on his iconic track "You're the First, the Last, My Everything." We discuss Barry's rise from the streets of Watts to his status as a soul legend, we unravel themes of love and seduction, we dive into the passionate lyrics and lush arrangements that define White’s sound, and we celebrate his artistry as both a vocalist and innova
Culture Club: "Karma Chameleon" (Watch out for those lobsters)
It's hard to believe that it's taken us this long to do "Karma Chameleon," but maybe we needed to be at our A-game to handle a song this amazing. If you were alive in 1983, you would have heard this tune everywhere and you would have loved it! We go deep into the background of the band and the song, and we find out that it's a lot darker than we realized. Nevertheless, the joys of the song endure
Suzanne Vega & DNA: "Tom's Diner
We explore the DNA remix of Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" by taking a deep dive into the song's history and cultural significance, particularly how the original version became an integral part of the MP3 narrative. We also discuss the themes embedded within the lyrics - a stream-of-consciousness portrayal of someone experiencing life through a pane of glass, which gives us not only a time capsule o
Real Life: "Send Me An Angel"
From Rad to Knuckles, Real Life’s “Send Me An Angel” sets a perfect t scene. We hope you enjoy our discussion of the history and analysis of an 80s classic!
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You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website. You can email us at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com, too. We'd love to hear from you. Please rate and review us wherever you listen!
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The Human League: "Human" (Guilty or Guilt-Free?)
The Human League's "Human" is both irresistible and ridiculous. Despite the reprehensible content, Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam create an earworm of a melody, and when combined with the not-quite-as-robotic-as-before vocals of Philip Oakey (which we continually mispronounce as "Oakley"), we can't help but return repeatedly to the tune. We discuss the history of the band, the song, and whether we can
Scandal feat. Patty Smyth: "The Warrior" (Bang Bang)
An incredible song with an absolutely ridiculous video, "The Warrior" is pure guilt-free pleasure. Besides discussing the history of the band, the song, and the video, we also explore Knuckles from Sonic The Hedgehog and its significance in Bill's life. And most importantly, we examine what it means to be a warrior in the world of love.
Links:
The Warrior video
Bon Jovi video with Scandal: Love's
Faith Hill: "This Kiss" (Ahhhhh)
We can't think of many songs with as much purity of heart than Faith Hill's "This Kiss." All the joy of early and enduring love is found here, as well as a remarkable story about how this song came together. We have a dearth of episodes on country music, but we hope this marks the beginning of more steel guitar days in the Guilt-Free Pleasureverse!
Links:
The video
1998 Country Music Awards perfor
Alias: More Than Words Can Say (I Need You Now)
The story of Alias is the story of tenacity. Coming out of the ashes of Sheriff, Freddy Curci and Steve DeMarchi were couriers by day and hard-working rockers by night as they honed their craft and waited for an opportunity to get back on the scene. The serendipitous resurrection of "When I'm With You" (check our previous episode) on the Billboard Hot 100 gave them the chance to get a record deal,
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