Music A To Z Podcast
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Understanding Music, One Letter At A Time

U Is For Underworld

8/31/2022

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Steve and Doug close out the summer with British rock band turned house-techno-electronica trio/duo/trio (phew!) soundtrack gurus Underworld! The fellas also chat about changing genres, the delicate art of soundtracks, and musical projects that transcend albums.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
Karl Hyde -> Brian Eno -> Adrian Belew/Robert Fripp

Songs Featured This Week:
Dirty Epic - dubnobasswithmyheadman
Stand Up - Change The Weather
Jumbo - Beaucoup Fish
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T Is For Tears For Fears

4/27/2022

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Steve and Doug go back to one of the most successful bands out of the 80's that defined an era, and possibly therapy: Tears For Fears. The band went from a group of teens in the post-punk scene to some of the most innovative pop songs, but what slowed down their momentum? Along the way, they also chat about solo acts, perfect cover songs (again), CD's on eBay, and Steve's weird encounter with Terry David Mulligan.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
Tears For Fears -> Peter Gabriel -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Tears For Fears -> Phil Collins -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Tears For Fears -> Mel Collins -> King Crimson

Songs featured this week:
Shout - Songs From The Big Chair
The Tipping Point - The Tipping Point
Mad World - The Hurting
Last Days On Earth - Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
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S Is For Stars

1/15/2022

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It's the band we've spoken about the most that haven't done an episode on yet: here it is! Canadian band Stars, and their constantly evolving sound. From pop hits to experimental electronica, Stars constantly strives to mature their sound. The fellas also talk about Taylor Swift dishing on her exes, pop hooks, and helping out your fellow bands.

Music featured this week:
Take Me To The Riot - In Our Bedroom After The War
We Don't Want Your Body - The Five Ghosts
Elevator Love Letter - Heart
In Our Bedroom After The War - In Our Bedroom After The War
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R Is For The Rosebuds

10/3/2021

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From North Carolina comes The Rosebuds, made up of duo Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp. The band goes from beach rock to cheesy synths to contemplative melancholia, all within one remarkable decade. Steve and Doug also chat about this year's Polaris Music Prize, Christmas albums, and the dynamics of breaking up your relationship when in a band together.

Music featured this week:
​Life Like - Life Like
Get Up, Get Out - Night Of The Furies
Woods - Loud Planes Fly Low
​Night Of The Furies - Night Of The Furies
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N Is For New Order

4/21/2020

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*Originally released March 21st 2019*

Doug and Steve come barreling back with the follow-up to their Joy Division episode, looking at the off-shoot band New Order. The boys talk about the evolution of pop music, Rhino Entertainment, and the rise of the Lizard People.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
New Order -> Stephen Hague -> Pet Shop Boys -> Andy Mackay -> Roxy Music -> Brian Eno / Bryan Ferry -> King Crimson
New Order -> Flood -> U2 -> Brian Eno -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson

Music featured this week:
​Bizarre Love Triangle - Brotherhood
True Faith - Substance 1987
Crystal - Get Ready
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M Is For M83

4/19/2020

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*Originally released January 19th 2019*

This episode, Steve and Doug tackle French act M83, from their humble electronica roots up through soundtracks, rock ballads, 70's infomercial themes, and haunting car chases in the middle of the night. Do it, try it!

Music featured this week:
Midnight City - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Oblivion - Oblivion [soundtrack]
Don't Save Us From The Flames - Before The Dawn Heals Us
Where The Boats Go - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
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L Is For Lydia

4/18/2020

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*Originally released December 22nd 2018*

Doug and Steve look at a special request this week with Gilbert, Arizona, band Lydia! The guys chat about line up changes, preserving a band's image, forming a distinct voice, and whatever emo skaters are up to these days. Also, Steve discovers new ways to sleep.

Music featured this week:
Goodside - Liquor
Smile, You've Won - This December; It's One More And I'm Free
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas [single]
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K Is For Kasabian

4/17/2020

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*Originally released October 18th 2018*

Steve and Doug are back to tackle the UK electronic rock band Kasabian. What does visual aesthetic have to do with an album? Where does politics end and the club begin? What does production work really do for an album's sound? And how awesome can facial hair truly be? Believe it or not, the guys manage to chat about it all!

Music featured this week:
​Empire - Empire
Goodbye Kiss - Velociraptor!
You're In Love With A Psycho - For Crying Out Loud
U-Boat - Kasabian
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H Is For The Helio Sequence

4/10/2020

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*Originally released July 2nd 2018*

This episode, Steve and Doug look at Beaverton, Oregon, band The Helio Sequence! The fellas also chat about the rise of Modest Mouse, and working in a record shop, while Doug continually tries to sidetrack Steve with Menamena.

Music featured this week:
Don't Look Away - Love And Distance
Just Mary Jane (Calypso) - Com Plex
Red Shifting - The Helio Sequence
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G Is For Grand Hallway

4/9/2020

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*Originally released June 7th 2018*

The fellas take a jump over to Seattle to look at Grand Hallway, the chamber pop project spearheaded by Tomo Nakayama. The guys talk a bit about Spotify, Sasquatch Music Festival, and doing chores.

Music featured this week:
​Blessed Be, Honey Bee - Promenade
Little Sister - Winter Creatures
Piano Room - Yes Is The Answer
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F Is For First Aid Kit

4/9/2020

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*Originally released May 11th 2018*

We're back after a quick April break and looking at Swedish sisters First Aid Kit. Steve and Doug talk about musical families, the resurgence of folk into the pop world, and the return of ABBA!

Music featured this week:
​It's A Shame - Ruins
The Lion's Roar - The Lion's Roar
The Bell - Stay Gold
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E Is For Elliott Smith

4/7/2020

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*Originally released April 1st 2018*

A! What is ‘E up to?”, said A to Z.  Long story short, Z replied “Elliott Smith”, and then the fun began.  Join us as we take on the influential indie / lo-fi darling of the 1990s, and chat about songwriting tactics, substance abuse, experimentation, and the ever-controversial “posthumous release.”

Music A To Z says: "Hi."

Music featured this week:
Everything Means Nothing To Me - Figure 8
Condor Ave - Roman Candle
Needle In The Hay - Elliott Smith
Christian Brothers - Elliott Smith
Ballad Of Big Nothing - Either/Or
Cupid's Trick - Either/Or
Son Of Sam - Figure 8
King's Crossing - From A Basement On The Hill
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D Is For De Lux

4/6/2020

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*Originally released March 20th 2018*

From sunny Los Angeles, Doug and Steve look at New Wave (new New Wave? Newest Wave?) duo De Lux, and chat about awesome videos, observational lyrics, and how track length effects an album. It's hard not to show your influences, but while some bands are derivative, De Lux excels at keeping their voice.

Music featured this week:
Better At Making Time - Voyage
Someday Now - Generation
875 Dollars - More Disco Songs About Love
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C Is For Chairlift

4/5/2020

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*Originally released March 6th 2018*

Doug and Steve tackle another long-awaited request this week with Chairlift. The guys chat about the influence of Beyoncé, the power of singles, and visually awesome music videos, while Sidewalk Safari plays on repeat in their heads.

Music featured this week:
Bruises - Does You Inspire You
Met Before - Something
​Ch-Ching - Moth
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B Is For Bee Gees

4/2/2020

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*Originally released February 3rd 2018*

​Steve and Doug tackle one of the biggest challenges of their podcast history: the monstrous discography of pop act Bee Gees. The duo cover five decades worth of album releases and weigh the different eras of Bee Gees music against each other. They also chat about soulful love ballads, the evolution of cover art, and the Night Disco Died.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
Bee Gees -> Arif Mardin -> Hall & Oates -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Bee Gees -> Arif Mardin -> Phil Collins -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Bee Gees -> Arif Mardin -> David Bowie -> Robert Fripp / Adrian Belew / Tony Levin -> King Crimson
Bee Gees -> Don Felder / Glen Frey -> Eagles -> Don Henley -> Ian Wallace -> King Crimson

Music featured this week:
Stayin' Alive - Saturday Night Fever [soundtrack]
I Started A Joke - Idea
This Is Where I Came In - This Is Where I Came In
You Win Again - E.S.P.
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A Is For The Alan Parsons Project

3/31/2020

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*Originally released January 4th 2018*

Steve and Doug explore the history of The Alan Parsons Project as they move from progressive rock into pop and back again. The guys talk about music production, strange compilations, and skirting the pop culture line.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
Alan Parsons Project -> Pink Floyd -> Tony Levin -> King Crimson
Alan Parsons Project -> Mel Collins -> King Crimson

Music featured this week:
Eye In The Sky - Eye In The Sky
​More Lost Without You - A Valid Path
I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You - I Robot
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An Interview With Maya Rae

3/29/2020

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*Originally released November 19th 2017*

We kick off a new alphabet cycle by interviewing the lovely and talented Maya Rae! The group chat about the impact of social media on distribution, making connections with independent artist, and pursuing art just because you love it. Also, Steve quizzes Maya with a word association game.

Music featured this week:
​Sapphire Birds - Sapphire Birds
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1 Is For The 1975

3/27/2020

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*Originally released October 13th 2017*

Straight from Manchester comes the four fellas of The 1975. Listen as Steve and Doug chat about how a band can find it's identity, where they show off their influences, and why track order is critical for an album.

Music featured this week:
Chocolate - The 1975
Robbers - The 1975
Somebody Else - I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It
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Z Is For ZONK

3/26/2020

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*Originally released September 22nd 2017*

From San Francisco are the eclectic and fun ZONK! Steve and Doug chat about genres, live shows, productions, and Blade Runner.

Music featured this week:
Tittle Tattle - Our Five Worst Songs [EP]
Hard. Full. Often. - Tongue In Cheeks
Nervous Excited Delighted (Dangerous) - Half Human
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Y Is For _yi.

3/25/2020

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*Originally released September 8th 2017*

Steve and Doug return to chat about plunderphonic artist _yi. What is the place of plunderphonics in the music world? What sort of distinctions exist between those kinds of artists? Steve also chats about some of the musical connections he made while in Spain. **Please note, since this episode's release, the artist has since rebranded themselves as Waiai**

Music featured this week:
​​hello - OTNJ_B
sayonara - irasshaimase x sayonara [EP]
towers - NULUV
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W Is For White Town

3/22/2020

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*Originally released July 14th 2017*

Steve and Doug's examination into 90's One Hit Wonders continues as they investigate the fascinating and stylized career of Jyoti Mishra, also known as White Town. The guys also chat about student-filmed music videos, fluid sexuality, and Steve's plan b birthday present.

Music featured this week:
​Your Woman - Women In Technology
Make The World Go Away - Don't Mention The War
You Fill Me Up - Monopole
​Oh, David - Deemab
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Q Is For Queen

3/5/2020

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*Originally released March 29th 2017*

Back from the depths of 15 studio albums, Steve and Doug emerge from hiding to reveal their thoughts on the discography of Queen. They also chat about Highlander, the six degrees from King Crimson, and that awkward state when you realize you're in the 80's.

Six Degrees From King Crimson:
​Queen -> Steve Howe -> Yes -> Bill Bruford -> King Crimson
Queen -> Steve Howe -> Yes -> Jon Anderson -> King Crimson
Queen -> Mike Stone (producer) -> Asia -> John Wetton -> King Crimson
Queen -> Mike Stone (producer) -> Asia -> Greg Lake -> King Crimson
Queen -> Mike Stone (producer) -> Frank Zappa -> Adrian Belew -> King Crimson
Queen -> David Bowie -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Queen -> David Bowie -> Adrian Belew -> King Crimson
Queen -> David Bowie -> Tony Levin -> King Crimson
Queen -> John Anthony -> Roxy Music -> Brian Eno -> Robert Fripp -> King Crimson
Queen -> John Anthony -> Genesis -> Peter Gabriel -> Tony Levin -> King Crimson

Music featured this week:
Princes Of The Universe - A Kind Of Magic
Killer Queen - Sheer Heart Attack
Bohemian Rhapsody - A Night At The Opera
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O Is For OMC

3/1/2020

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*Originally released February 11th 2017*

For this episode, Steve and Doug tackle New Zealand alternative project OMC, the Ōtara Millionaires Club, best remembered for their huge international hit "How Bizarre."  The duo also ponder the pop hits of the 90's, the age of downloads, and Steve busts out his hip hop skills.

Music featured this week:
How Bizarre - How Bizarre
Land Of Plenty - How Bizarre
We R The OMC - Proud: An Urban-Pacific Streetsoul Compilation
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N Is For No Doubt

2/29/2020

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*Originally released February 5th 2017*

This week on the show, Steve and Doug tackle the pop / rock juggernaut No Doubt, discussing the various ups and downs of their career, as well as pop radio sacrifices and dated Reggae guest vocalists.

Music featured this week:
​Hella Good - Rock Steady
Simple Kind Of Life - Return Of Saturn
Just A Girl - Tragic Kingdom
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M Is For Moby

2/24/2020

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*Originally released January 31st 2017*

This week, Steve and Doug tackle the varied and long-lasting career of Moby, from heady techno to punk to sampling a capella gospel to ambient insomnia cures. The guys also chat about break up songs, sexy songs, abstract songs, and Top of the Pops.

Music featured this week:
Disco Lies - Last Night
Feeling So Real - Everything Is Wrong
Natural Blues - Play
Lucy Vida - Last Night
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    Welcome To The Show!

    Join Steve and Doug Ferguson as they trip through the alphabet, covering bands and artists with facts, album reviews, and track recommendations for first time listeners! 

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