Strong Songs

Ruth Moody, a talented singer-songwriter and member of The Wailin' Jennys, dives deep into the art of songwriting and lyric crafting. She and the team explore the emotional impact of music in games and discuss the intricate techniques behind iconic songs like 'White Trash Wedding.' The conversation highlights the influences of bluegrass and the blues, plus how various music notation styles evolve creative expression. They also delve into the artistry of live performances versus recorded music, emphasizing the unique experiences each offers.

Discover the fascinating journey of a beloved song, as the origins of "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" unfold from a personal demo to a collaborative masterpiece. Dive into Sting's unique songwriting style and the intricate musical arrangements that give the track its emotional depth. Explore how the melody captures themes of unrequited love, enhanced by rich instrumentation and Caribbean rhythms. Finally, hear reflections on the magic of music creation that make this classic resonate with listeners.

Dive into the fascinating journey of the jazz standard 'All The Things You Are,' tracing its Broadway roots to its modern jazz significance. Discover how the song's intricate harmony appeals to improvisation and highlights the evolution of jazz from big band to bebop. Explore the different interpretations by legendary artists, showcasing the influence of figures like Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie. Finally, enjoy a fresh reinterpretation recorded by a talented ensemble, celebrating the joy and adaptability of this timeless classic.

Dive into the iconic power ballad 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'! Discover the dramatic composition and emotional depth that still captivates today. The collaboration between Bonnie Tyler and Jim Steinman is explored, revealing the song's legendary status. Analyze the intricate harmonies and vocal arrangements that contribute to its powerful narrative. Experience the exploration of innovative mixing techniques and time signature shifts that define this 80s classic. Get ready for a musical journey that uncovers the magic behind the song!

Nevada Jones, a skilled voice teacher and composer known for working with transmasculine vocalists, joins the discussion. Highlights include the rhythmic complexities of The Police's 'Bed's Too Big Without You' and the emotional resonance of Megadeth's iconic 'Tornado of Souls' solo. They dive into the soothing allure of background jazz music on streaming platforms and explore the connections between AI, human musicianship, and the importance of vocal support. Plus, insights into the funky intricacies of Sly Stone's 'Sex Machine' and the charming theme from 'Bluey.'

Dive into the whimsical world of Muppet music, starting from the iconic 'Sesame Street Theme' and its roots in blues. Discover the playful jazz influences behind 'Mah Na Mah Na' and its unique charm. Explore the funky rhythms of 'Pinball Number Count,' enriched by the legendary Pointer Sisters. Reflect on the heartfelt depth of 'Rainbow Connection,' capturing the essence of hope and connection. The podcast is a delightful journey through the innovative musical legacy that shaped generations!

Dive into a deep analysis of The Mars Volta's dense masterpiece, 'Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of),' where complex time signatures and intricate guitar riffs reign. Explore how the band’s cultural roots and personal journeys shape their sound. Discussion includes the evolution of vocals, dynamic guitar solos, and the emotional landscapes crafted in their music. Delve into the transformative listening experience and the powerful bonds formed through live performance, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity that defines this iconic album.

Fiona Apple, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her emotionally resonant lyrics, dives deep into her iconic single "Fast As You Can." She shares insights about her artistic evolution and the powerful collaborations with Jon Brion and drummer Matt Chamberlain that defined her sound. The conversation explores themes of authenticity and individuality, while also analyzing the song's intricate musical elements and emotional depth. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the duality of agency and regret woven through Apple's evocative lyrics.

Strong 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: U2Produced by: Brian Eno and Daniel LanoisAlbum: The Joshua Tree, 1987Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:Classic Albums: The Joshua Tree, 1999, dir. Philip King, Nuala O'ConnorStrong Songs episodes "Rhythm + Harmony = Music," "The Four Electric Guitars," "'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel," and "Wichita Lineman' by Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | Paypal 🏠 HOMEPAGEstrongsongspodcast.com 👚 MERCHstrongsongspodcast.com/store 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: @Kirk_HamiltonBluesky: @kirkhamilton.com💬 STRONG SONGS DISCORD SERVER strongsongspodcast.com/discord🎧 STRONG SONGS PLAYLISTS Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS kirkhamilton.com/gear🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC kirkhamilton.com/music🎨 SHOW ART Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics--------------------FEBRUARY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElizabeth CulverMeryl AllisonCesarCorpus FriskyBen BarronCatherine WarnerDamon WhiteJay SwartzRushDaniel Hannon-BarryChristopher MillerJamie WhiteChristopher McConnellDavid MascettiJoe LaskaKen HirshMelanie AndrichJenness GardnerNathaniel BauernfeindPaul DelaneySami SamhuriJeremy DawsonAccessViolationDave FloreyFEBRUARY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSWiggy HashWhit SidenerJulie KellmanSimon HellmanBeaClaudia CartyDaniGlenn JacksonChristopher Selby SpinkPhilip KellyDaniel NervoKevin StaffordLawrenceSy JacobsirritableIan PiddAndrew HoferJordan GatenbyMelissa KuhnsAshleySeattleTransAndNonbinary ChoralEnsembleKevin MarceloSamantha CoatesJamesMark NadasdiJeffDan CutterJoseph RomeroOl ParkerJohn BerryDanielle KrizClint McElroyMordok’s Vape PenInmar GivoniMichael SingerMerv AdrianJoe GalloLauren KnottsDave KolasHenry MindlinMonica St. AngeloStephen WolkwitzRand LeShayMaxeric spMatthew JonesThomasAnthony MentzJames McMurryEthan LaserBrian John PeterChris RemoMatt SchoenthalAaron WilsonDent EarlCarlos LernerMisty HaisfieldAbraham BenrubiLee R.Callum WebbLynda MacNeilDick MorganBen SteinGrettir AsmundarsonSean MurphyRandal VegterKaya WoodallRobert Granatdave malloyAlan MaassNick Gallowayjohn halpinPeter HardingDavidJohn BaumanMartín SalíasStu BakerSteve MartinoDr Arthur A GrayCarolinaGary PierceMatt BaxterLuigi BocciaE Margaret WartonCharles McGeeCatherine ClauseEthan BaumanKenIsWearingAHatJordan BlockAaron WadeJeff UlmDavid FutterJamieDeebsPortland Eye CareRichard SneddonJanice BerryDoreen CarlsonDavid McDarbyWendy GilchristLisa TurnerPaul WayperMiles FormanBruno GaetaKenneth JungZak RemerRishi SahayJeffrey BeanJason ReitmanAilie FraserRob TsukNATALIE MISTILISJosh SingerAmy Lynn ThornsenAdam WKelli BrockingtonVictoria Yumino caposselaSteve PaquinDavid JoskeBernard KhooRobert HeuerDavid NoahGeraldine ButlerMadeleine MaderJason PrattAbbie BergDoug BelewDermot CrowleyAchint SrivastavaRyan RairighMichael BermanLinda DuffyEoin de BurcaKevin PotterM Shane BordersDallas HockleyJason GerryNell MorseNathan GouwensLauren ReayEric PrestemoncbalmainAngela LivingstoneDiane HughesMichael CasnerLowell MeyerStephen TsoneffJoshua HillGeoff GoldenPascal RuegerRandy SouzaClare HolbertonDiane TurnerTom ColemanDhu WikMelmaniacEric HelmJonathan DanielsCaro FieldDave SharpeNaomi WatsonDavidAlexanderAdam GeorgandisChris KGavin DoigSam FennTanner MortonAJ SchusterJennifer BushDavid StroudBrad CallahanAmanda FurlottiAndrew BakerAndrew FairL.B. MorseBill ThorntonBrian AmoebasBrett DouvilleJeffrey OlsonMatt BetzelNate from KalamazooMelanie StiversRichard TollerAlexander PolsonJustin McElroyArjun SharmaJames JohnsonKevin MorrellColin Hodo

Season seven kicks off with thrilling announcements, including early access for patrons and an enticing promotional offer. A new music listening club launches on Discord, inviting listeners to connect and share their love for music. Join the excitement and get involved as the community grows!