

Mark And Sarah Talk About Songs
Mark Blankenship & Sarah D Bunting
Mark Blankenship and Sarah D. Bunting are journalists, friends, and music fans who love talking about pop music of all stripes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 25, 2018 • 35min
Episode 86: The Smiths, Morrissey, And Marr
We're not miserable people, but we still love The Smiths. Go figure! Sarah tees up one tune each from the Smiths, Morrissey, and Johnny Marr, which leads to jaunty lyrical analysis, MANY disagreements about the band's best work, and a reminder that Mark's husband once mowed the lawn in all black, because his soul insisted he should. Mark's husband (Andrew Byrne) also delivers our intro, and the outro comes from Teenage Fanclub. Share your Smiths musings via email (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), Facebook (facebook.com/mastas.podcast), or Twitter (@talksongs). And for bonus content, become a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 18, 2018 • 48min
Episode 85: Why Aren't These Songs Super-Famous, With Pam Ribon
It's time for musical justice! Joined by the glorious Pam Ribon, we discuss three songs that should be famous, but somehow aren't. Come for Beyonce, Annie Lennox, and Bic Runga, but stay for Billy Joel stripteases, unusual uses for cream soda, and the cockney rage of Teddy Ruxpin III. ALSO: Pre-order Pam's rom-com graphic novel, MY BOYFRIEND IS A BEAR. And go enjoy WRECK-RALPH 2 this fall, which she wrote! Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Weezer, and our contact info remains the same. Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @talksongs, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, and get special content as a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 11, 2018 • 51min
Episode 84: The Cars, "Magic"
We kick off 2018 with a truly magical episode, in the sense that "Magic" by the Cars is a fantastic song. Joined by special guest Kevin Smokler, we discuss making rock look easy, polishing your production juuuust enough, and getting over yourself to enjoy a bouncy hook. Plus, we explore the many ways to pronounce "Ocasek" and the secret history of our patron saint, Soikus Paynoot. Speaking of...Soikus delivers our theme song this week, and our outro is by Fountains of Wayne. Stay in touch via email (talkaboutsongs [at] gmail [dot] com), Facebook (facebook.com/mastas.podcast), or Twitter (@talksongs). And if you want access to special content, then become a patron at Patreon (patreon.com/mastas).
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 28, 2017 • 47min
Episode 83: Our Top 10 Hits Of 2017 -- And 1967 (1-5)
As we finish our countdown of our favorite songs of 2017 and 1967, we're startled to discover that a horn line has made us pregnant, a bouncy New Wave groove has masked our rage, and a gentle country song has essentially reminded us to love. And speaking of love: We love YOU, our listeners, for being such wonderful companions on our weekly wanders. See you next year! Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, our outro is by Cat Power, and the best ways to reach us are @TalkSongs (Twitter), patreon.com/mastas (to become a Patron), talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, or facebook.com/mastas.podcast.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 21, 2017 • 42min
Episode 82: Our Top 10 Hits Of 2017 -- And 1967 (6-10)
We're counting down our 10 favorite songs of 2017 AND ALSO 1967. Because that's how we roll, y'all! In this episode, we look at #s 10-6 on both lists, which lets us cover everything from sultry R&B piano to #MeToo anthems to the surprising excellence of One Direction's solo efforts. Join us next week for our top 5 in both years! Our theme song is by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger, and our outro is by Van Morrison. This episode also contains a birthday chart reading, and if you'd like your own, just email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com. You can also tweet us at @talksongs or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To become a patron and get access to special content, just head over to patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 14, 2017 • 32min
Episode 81: The Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin, "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves"
MASTAS is doin' it for ourselves! And by "it," we mean "discussing a classic cut by Eurythmics and Annie Lennox." Diverging opinions on the song lead to lively chat about Aretha's eras, the good and bad of '80s pop, and the reason we need so many different kinds of feminist art. Plus, there are references to semiotics, Swann's Way, and coffee shops! Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, our outro is by that blue-eyed soulster Huey Lewis. If you want to join the fun, become a Patreon sponsor at patreon.com/mastas to get bonus content and voting privileges in ranking episodes! Tweet us at @talksongs, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, and email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 7, 2017 • 59min
Episode 80: Pat Benatar's Greatest Hits, Ranked
MASTAS is a battlefield! As we rank the songs on Pat Benatar's "Best Shots" album, Sarah briefly quits the podcast, parts of Mark are predicted to explode, and "The Legend Of Billie Jean" is revealed as the film that unites the planets. Special thanks to our patrons, whose votes directly impacted the rankings. To become a patron, join us at patreon.com/mastas. Meanwhile, our theme music is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Karla Bonoff. Lastly, you can tweet us at @talksongs, email us at talkaboutsongs[at]gmail[dot]com, and facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 30, 2017 • 23min
Episode 79: TLC, "No Scrubs"
We get very crazy and somewhat less sexy and cool as we discuss TLC's "No Scrubs," covering everything from the personae of girl group members to the sassy fun of response songs. Plus, we acknowledge the ongoing cultural contributions of Meadow Soprano. Our outro is from Salt 'n Pepa, and the intro is by Andrew Byrne. To reach us, email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, tweet us at @TalkSongs, or Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast. To support MASTAS (and get bonus content!) become a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 16, 2017 • 18min
Episode 78: The Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
At long last, the Rolling Stones get MASTAS-ized. We're talking about the folksy wisdom and iconic backing vocals of "You Can't Always Get What You Want," not to mention the value of community music, the ways that chart peaks don't always reflect quality, and the hope that America can chill out for a second. Our theme song is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Gary Jules. Wanna be part of the fun? Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, and tweet us at @talksongs. And if you want to help us keep the lights on (AND get access to bonus content), become a patron at patreon.com/mastas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 9, 2017 • 23min
Episode 77: Halsey, "Bad At Love"
Screw daylight savings: It's always sunny at MASTAS! We're in an especially good mood this week, since we're talking about the bisexual badassery of Halsey's song "Bad at Love." We also create a playlist of musical theater songs that make us happy. We're chorus kids at heart! Wanna sponsor your own playlist? Make a request? Email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, FB us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast, or tweet us at @TalkSongs. Wanna hear bonus content? Become a patron at patreon.com/mastas. Digging our theme music? Our intro is by Jack Baldelli and Laura Barger, and our outro is from Broadway's own "Guys and Dolls," heard here via Margaret Whiting and Jimmy Wakely.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


