

What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About Arctic Monkeys
Adam Scott Glasspool, Steve Murphy, Lucas Way
A podcast that dives deep into discographies - one artist per season. Hosts Adam, Steve, and Lucas go album by album, track by track, exploring how context shapes our experience of music, why fans become obsessed, and what music really is. With three hosts coming from wildly different levels of musical knowledge, expect sharp analysis, wild tangents, hot takes, and more information about the artists (and the hosts) than you ever asked for. Currently exploring the discography of Arctic Monkeys. Previous seasons featured Manic Street Preachers, Muse, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Lauryn Hill, and R.E.M.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 56min
Another Christmas Episode
The Big Mates get festive.Join us for another Christmas of mostly the same stuff as the previous ones. Are you ready for Christmas? What's your favourite Christmas? What are your favourite Christmas songs? Is Die Hard having a Christmas movies?It's all here, and it's all the same! Some games, a round of guess the intro, and some mentions of the holiday season!We'll be having a little break over the holiday period - we return on Monday January 8th, and we'll begin our deep-dive into the second R.E.M. album, Reckoning!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 28min
Murmur (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss head shapes, nostalgia, the sequel to Gladiator, and Murmur by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas conclude their track-by-track analysis on R.E.M.'s debut album, released in 1983. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They touch on the events surrounding the album's release, the critical reaction of the time, and how we view the legacy of a record called "one of the greatest debut albums of all time" in today's musical landscape.How does the album work as a whole? How does it come across in modern times? What is 'twee'? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is our Xmas Special, out on Monday December 18th!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 29min
Murmur (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss niche British TV theme tunes, inherent emotion, time signatures, and Murmur by R.E.M.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their track-by-track analysis on R.E.M.'s debut album, released in 1983. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.They touch on indecipherable lyrics, late evening football games, nostalgia, and the mechanics of songwriting.What is a Moral Kiosk? Does Talk About the Passion sound like Hans Zimmer? What crimes are good? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out on Monday December 11th and will conclude our track-by-track analysis of Murmur.Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Our Sponsor this week is Unfold. Find out more at www.cristinabonnet.comCheck out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 36min
Murmur (Pt. 1)
The podcast delves into the writing and recording process of R.E.M.'s debut album, 'Murmur,' and its place in the band's discography. They discuss how the band found their producers, their decision to sound different, and the legacy of Radio Free Europe. The hosts share their thoughts on the album as a whole, the first few tracks, and the evolution from their EP. They also touch on deciphering the album's mysterious lyrics and the impact of vinyl albums.

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
R.E.M. Live at the Raleigh Underground 1982 Commentary
The Big Mates provide casual and tangential audio commentary for R.E.M. Live at the Raleigh Underground 1982.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live performance (and a whole host of other, completely unrelated things) as broadcast on TV. Shot on just two cameras and only recently remastered, the show offers an interesting glimpse into the early days of the band, performing here before they'd even released an album!Head to YouTube to watch along:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sBVX9kRmBEOr don't - the episode works fine either way!Our next episode comes out Monday November 27th and sees us begin our deep dive into Murmur, the debut album from R.E.M.!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Nov 13, 2023 • 2h 32min
Chronic Town
The podcast explores the origins of rock music, the emergence of the Athens music scene, and the recording process of R.E.M.'s debut EP 'Chronic Town'. They discuss the contrast in songs, the importance of lyrics, and analyze R.E.M.'s track 'Stumble'. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Patreon.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 36min
Season 6 Introduction: R.(w)E.M.joying This?
Season 6 of the podcast begins with an exploration of the band R.E.M. and the question 'what is music'. The hosts discuss their plan to analyze every song on every album, the impact of nostalgia and gateway bands, their personal connection to R.E.M., the band's understanding and influence, their struggles with remembering lyrics, and the dynamics within R.E.M.

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 33min
Billie Eilish Round-Up
The Big Mates discuss the O2, boybands, reality television, and catch-up with Billie Eilish.Adam, Steve, and Lucas jump back into the career of Billie Eilish to find out what she's been up to since they finished Season 3, Should Eilishen?They discuss songs written for a Pixar film, the 2 track EP Guitar Songs, her contribution to the soundtrack for Barbie, and also touch on her Happier Than Ever World Tour, TikTok virality, and get to say the word 'blosh' again! What has Billie been up to? What was Lucas made for? Are Steve and Adam 13 year-old girls from Canada? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out next Monday, November 6th, and will see us begin a brand new season!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 37min
Muse Live at the O2
The Big Mates discuss queues to nowhere, calamari, tickets prices, and go to see Muse live at the O2.Adam, Steve, and Lucas travel to London in order to experience a live show by Muse at the O2 arena. They discuss their expectations, Muse's live prowess, and both their initial and considered reactions to the performance. What do they play? Can Lucas put up with standing? Can Adam put up with Muse? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out next Monday October 30th, and will see us providing a round up of Billie Eilish songs we've missed over the last few months!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 58min
Lauryn Hill Final Thoughts
The Big Mates discuss socialising with the fellowship, Uatu the Watcher, lists, and their final thoughts on Lauryn Hill.Adam, Steve, and Lucas look back on the last 9 weeks of musical examination, place the career of Lauryn Hill into context, and discuss their feelings and opinions on her music.They take in critical reception, cultural impact, and sum up each album of the her discography. They also find time to discuss their album rankings, final scores, and their Top 10 Lauryn Hill songs.Does context affect the way we listen to music? Does knowing the history of an artist give you a better appreciation of their output? And, more importantly, do we Ms. Lauryn Hill? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Our next episode is out next Monday!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comGet access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!Support our show when starting your own podcast!By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379Check out our merch!https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comDonate to our podcast!https://ko-fi.com/whatismusichttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show