LYRICS FOR LUNCH

[That's] Hot off the press: Hilton's memoir drops today, but we've already got the scoop on the making of the American heiress and the survivor beneath the facade. Join us for a very special re-release of the Paris Hilton story. 

This week, we bring you the story of how one of the most promising rock bands of the nineties fell from grace — and who was behind the crash. Watch us on YouTube on Podcasts on VEVO.

It has been said that “Fat Cats, Bigga Fish” by the band The Coup “is to hip hop what Alan Ginsberg’s Howl is to poetry, Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” is to Jazz, or Marx’s Das Kapital is to socialist theory.” This week, Lindsay and Aviv take a deep dive into a hip hop record and a lyricist, Boots Riley, who has always weirdly been able to predict the future, maybe even 9/11. Let's just hope he's wrong about the horses...

Cyndi Lauper: Feminist icon, fierce ally, fashion legend, and WWE Hall-of-Famer … need we say more? This week, we take you behind the scenes on the making of the feisty equality anthem that almost never was.

TikTok sensation Jax’s breakout hit “Victoria’s Secret” shines a light on the retail giant that cashed in on selling brightly colored body issues to generations of women and girls. Upon closer look, the story behind Victoria’s Secret is even darker and dirtier than ever imagined. Watch us on Podcasts on VEVO.

One song, two tin can tragedies. This week, we pay tribute to human bravery ... and hubris — to the resounding sounds of the lost STS-107 Columbia Space Shuttle mission and some  very misguided tweets. Find us on PodcastsonVEVO.

On March 10, 2003, just days before the American invasion of Iraq, anti-war protests were growing in the streets of London. It was the start of the Dixie Chicks Top of the World Tour, and between songs at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Chicks lead singer, Natalie Maines, told the audience she was against war and violence, too. The resulting backlash went waaaay down in history as the premier example of modern-day cancellation. This is the story of what happens when “free speech” gets tested by those touting god, guns, and country.

In late 2004, an anonymous 18-year old uploaded a webcam video to the internet with the sole intention of making his friends smile. Little did he know he was about to define what it means to go viral. The boy? Gary Brolsma. The song? Dragostea Din Tei — an absolute banger that would turn Gary into an international superstar. Or was it the other way around? Did the song make Gary a sensation or did Gary make the song? Find out this week as we take a look at the Numa Numa song and the legend of Gary Brolsma. Check us out on YouTube at PodcastsOnVEVO. 

In 2002, Jennifer Lopez humble-bragged her humble beginnings by name dropping the Bronx 28 times in one song. The accompanying jet-setting video, featuring her freshly tanned boy-toy Ben Affleck, left the world shaking their heads. The Bronx was pissed! Kids were screaming in the streets. But 21 years later, Bennifer is back — and JLo’s got a new “Dear Ben” on the way to celebrate. This week, we take you on a journey from the Block to Bennifer and back again. And yes, there’s plenty of ass-kissing, this week on Lyrics for Lunch.

By now the world is pretty convinced it knows who Carly Simon annihilated in 1971 when she penned her epic breakup anthem “You’re So Vain.” But like most songs on this show, the truth lies somewhere far more obscure. Join us this week as Aviv reveals the song’s true inspiration, and it isn’t Matthew McConaughey.

Lindsay is in the driver's seat this week as we cruise down the dark desert highway. Is The Eagles' Hotel California a backmasked, Satan-worshiping pop odyssey? A cannibalistic reggae riff? A thinly veiled metaphor for a trip the the mental institution, hidden to protect copyright? Or something far more sinister, a commentary on the music industry itself? All that and more, this week...

How did a sexed-up blues ditty become a non-sensical ode to ... Italian ice cream? We've got the scoop, this week, as we we take a look at the life and times of one Richard Wayne Penniman.

There's been 10 mass shootings in the US since we recorded this episode less than 6 days ago. This week, we set out to tell the story of a misunderstood "hangover" anthem — an epic tune for every case of the Mondays with a dark origin and an unlikely killer. But as we move into this holiday weekend, we find ourselves at a loss for words. All we can say is hold your loved ones close, and your government accountable. 

Since its release in 1997, "Barbie Girl" has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. But not everyone was too pleased with its success. This week, we've got the dream house worthy details about the dance-pop song that spurred a four-year lawsuit and Rolling Stone deemed the worst song of the '90s.

Lindsay is back! This week with the unlikely story of two Germans whose quirky coping mechanisms evolved to transform the fabric of Las Vegas as we know it. That’s right, it’s Siegfried & Roy! From their humble beginnings to their real-life Jurassic Park spectacular’s 13-year run and run-ins with the law (oh, and did we mention a theme song from Michael Jackson?), we’ve got all there is to know about the rise and fall of the OG Tiger Kings.

With Lindsay down and out after a botched wisdom tooth extraction, we sadly had to take a week off from the show. But in honor of her troubles, we're calling on our friend Matt from Pick A Disc podcast, where Aviv guest hosted last year to talk about one of his favorite albums "You're My Lover Now" by The Teeth (get it?). We wish Lindsay a speedy recovery and we'll be back next week with a regularly scheduled episode of Lyrics for Lunch. For now, enjoy Pick A Disc!

David Bowie is beloved for good reason: His iconic music catalogue is an international treasure. His uncanny ability for reinvention and self-expression redefined sexuality and helped so many people embrace their own. He's the irrefutable King of Glam Rock. He has a remarkable, whimsical ability to convey the bizarreness of existence in his lyrics like no one else. But when he died in 2016, a debate sparked online about his sexual past. Was he a genius or a monster? A rock god or a rapist? Faced with the Moonage Daydream Bowie documentary that dropped last month, we ask ourselves: What are we do to when our heroes fall from grace? Should we even have heroes at all? 

This week, special guest TikTok's Patrick Hicks regales us with the tale of Mariah Carey's rise to stardom (hint: it all started at a Holiday party), her lasting influence in pop and hip-hop, and her secret Grunge project that's blowing the internet's mind. That's one talented CHICK.  

In summer 2004, a hot new group of 20-something anglophiles dropped an album that became an instant classic. That band was the Killers, and the album, Hot Fuss. What inspired its opening track? What did it have to do with the 1986 Central Park "Preppy" murder? Who is the real Jenny? And how many songs were written about her? We've got the deets, this week as we revisit one of the best breakout albums we care to remember. 

Our long awaited ABBA episode (says Aviv): The Winner Takes it All. What do you get when you take four Swedish superstars, a victim of a Nazi eugenics program, a Eurovision won, 9/11, and two doomed marriages? The greatest pop band of all time (says Aviv).

In 1987, R.E.M. released an album that would catapult the band from Slightly Obscure to Mainstream Rock Heroes — inspiring Rolling Stone to declare the Georgian quartet: "America's Best Rock & Roll Band"! And on that Little Album That Could was a 4-minute ode to the End of Days, a word salad delivered with such erratic fury that more than 20 years later, it still compels listeners in their darkest hours to fire it up and attempt to sing along. But what do the words really mean? And what does it have to do with Lester Bangs and Leonard Bernstein? Take a ride with us as we take a closer look at The End of The World As We Know It. It's fine. Everything's fine.

Think "Teenage Dirtbag" is merely an angsty ode to outsiderdom? Maybe you could have sworn it was a Weezer song. Or a new TikTok trend. Here's the thing: it is some of these things — and so much more. This week, we take a closer look at some bizarre events that inspired a banger of a cult hit that has kept its creator, Wheatus, just barely culturally relevant for more than two decades. With guest appearances by Tipper Gore, Dashboard Confessional, Harry Styles, and yes, Weezer, it's everything our inner teenagers could ever want and more. 

The Cure is perhaps as influential as 80s bands get. The post-punk groups’s emotive love songs famously evolve from despair to euphoria and back again with a casual elegance achieved by very few. So who - or what? - inspired enraptured heart-wrenchers like “Just Like Heaven” and “Pictures of You”? We’ll give you one guess :) This week when we deep dive into the band that seamlessly bridged pop, new wave, punk, goth, grunge, and dirgey rock and left a mark on the hearts of so many. 

You know the overzealous gun-nut of cock rock, but do you know the poop-crusted, draft-dodger, Motor City Madman who relentlessly bragged about his "jail bait" problem? This week we're at it again, exposing blatant sex crimes of the music industry that rather than going punished, are instead lauded with accolades — yep, its worst offenders (read: Ted Nugent) are handed platforms and privileges like eponymous television shows, sold-out stadiums, and invitations to State of the Unions. If you thought Ted Nugent was just a loud-mouthed asshole who took his machine gun to a herd of 455 innocent pigs and threatened democratic leaders to suck on the barrel of said rifle, you only know a fraction of the story. We've got the whole thing this week on the deluge of the Nuge.

In 1995, Alanis Morisette changed the rules of rock and roll forever — paving the way for female voices overdue for a mainstream platform. So then how is it that her most vulnerable confessions were turned a blind eye? This week, we look at the complexities of teenage stardom and the price that comes with shattering glass ceilings. 

This week we take a look at the song that immortalized being 23 and stupid. But what is it about Blink 182's ode to never growing up that somehow actually made them immortal? Did it have anything to do with extra terrestrials or the nine lives of its band members? And what role did the band's childish misogyny play in shaping the hearts and minds of the impressionable young people who loved it? Do aliens really exist? What does Green Day have to do with any of it? All this and more, this week when we take you back to the days of infamous White House scandal and Y2K hysteria. Hold on to your undies. 

By listener request, this supersized episode covers the history of the Sex Pistols from the perspective of their two "visionaries": Malcolm MacLaren and John Lydon (Johnny Rotten). Who was actually in creative control of the band? And more importantly, who was more full of shit? The history of the seminal punk band has a lot more twists and turns that you might think — with detours to Buster Poindexter, Judge Judy, Lizzo, and more. 

In our first episode of season 2, we look at the life that shaped the Joni Mitchell legacy—and how her real and raw ballad "Both Sides Now" has become a media darling and cult classic in its own right. It wasn't always Moons and Junes and Fairytales for Mitchell, who first performed "Both Sides Now" at the age of 23. But she sure made magic out of misery. This week, we honor the grace and glory of one of the great poets and musical masterminds of this generation. It sure is good to be back. **A few weeks after this episode was recorded, Joni Mitchell recaptured the hearts of music lovers everywhere with her surprise set alongside Brandi Carlile at Newport Folk Festival that included a heartfelt rendition of “Both Sides Now.” We highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching it.

Matthew Ducey joins us once again for the thrilling conclusion to the Lou Pearlman story. In addition to fleecing two of the biggest singing groups of all time, Lou is also responsible for one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in American history. The commission of which takes us on an international manhunt. All this and more, this week on Lyrics for Lunch.

This week, for our extra spectacular 50th episode, we are joined by Matthew Ducey, producer of The Boyband Con: The Lou Pearlman Story. In this long awaited episode, we discuss the rise of Lou Pearlman, creator (and sixth member) of the Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, LFO, O-Town, and many more bands. We explore Pearlman's humble beginnings from bling crashing and insurance fraud to becoming one of the biggest record producers of all time. And it's all thanks to a chance encounter with New Kids on the Block. Now that's what we call, the Right Stuff. 

What does a 1991 chart-topper from a bunch of British skater bois with a real Jordan Catalano vibe have to do with Romania's Christmas revolution? Thank you for asking, we will tell you -- this week, when we go deep into the inspiration behind Jesus Jones' revolutionary hit, "Right Here, Right Now." 

How did The Band go from an anonymous backing group to international stardom -- attracting enough attention in a few short years to inspire an iconic Rolling Stone Cover and culminating with a critically acclaimed Martin Scorsese documentary still revered as one of the most beloved concert films of all time? Where do we draw the line between American idealism and complete poserdom ... and should we? All this and more, this week, as we dive into the meaning behind the Band's most epochal tune. 

Was Roger Waters a tributarian to one of his best comrades and band mates? Or simply a greedy opportunist looking to make a buck off of someone else’s back? This week we uncover the many phases of the (Pink Floyd) moon (aviv will hate this copy) with special (spiritual) appearances from both of our fathers. Shine on!

What do you get when you combine an Australian DJ trio, Dua Lipa, Elton John, Elton John, Elton John and Elton John? A 28 week chart-topper. This week Aviv and Lindsay examine the strange alchemy that became Cold Heart. How is Toni Collette involved? Who exactly is a discount Sam Elliott? All this and more, this week. 

Are you a bitch? a mother? a goddess under cover? Do you know where there this earworm of empowerment even came from? Did you think it was Alanis Morissette? This week, we welcome guest host Amory Sivertson of the Endless Thread podcast to enlighten us about the origins of Meredith Brooks’ angsty ode to feminine multiplicity. We know you wouldn't want it any other way.

What do time travel, tinfoil hats, Russian TV, Dan Rather, and the plot of Twelve Monkeys all have in common? This episode, of course. Listen this week as we uncover the many mysteries surrounding one of R.E.M.'s most popular jams. 

Even though the gods are crazy, even though the stars are blind, the real story of Paris Hilton and this fantastical summer bop is gonna blow... your... mind. 

Think 1973's "Dancing in the Moonlight" is a carefree ode to body moving? Think again. Its origins are much more sinister than "feeling warm and feeling bright." Consider yourselves warned. 

Why did Nirvana hate their biggest song? Well, you know.  Or do you.

In the 90s, Britpop was ruled by what was unironically called the Big Four: Blur, Suede, Pulp ... and Oasis. The latter, led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, might have gone nearly a bazillion times platinum, but they're perhaps a little lesser known for their seemingly never-ending very belligerent, very aggressive, very public feuding — mostly with each other; but you wouldn't say they ever pulled a punch at ...  anyone who ever came into their bleary-eyed view. But who was the Manic Pixie Wonderwall? And how caddy did the fighting get and why? What happened when they messed with Jay-Z? Should the brothers formerly known as Oasis have their own Bravo TV show? All this — plus, why Liam Gallagher might be our new favorite Twitter troll, as 90s January continues this week on Lyrics for Lunch. 

In 1992, Sir Mix-A-Lot's ode to big butts seemed catchy, lighthearted, silly, and fun. But if you ask the Sir himself, he'll tell you we got it all (mostly) wrong. Thirty years later, we reflect on what the song did for body image despite the track's overtly misogynistic messaging  — and how Mr. Mix gave name to an entire generation of Beckys who eventually grew up to become Karen. 

This is the story of 8 anarchist punks squatting in an empty house in Leeds, playing in a band and picked up by a major record label. Listen to find out what happens when people stop being polite, and start Tubthumping. 

In the wake of 2022, we look back at an epic song that transcends generations. What is it about Elton John's 1971 sleeper hit "Tiny Dancer" that has stuck with us all these years? On this eve of a new one, we give thanks to Cameron Crowe's film Almost Famous for putting Tiny Dancer on the map, helping it finally earn its rightful place in history. But what does all this have to do with New Years Eve? And who is the OG Tiny Dancer? We've got the story behind the storied song. We hope you've all enjoyed yourselves. And we'll see you all again, in ... 2022.  And for all you superfans, here's the video for Hitchcock Blonde: https://vimeo.com/159226004 HAPPY NEW YEAR. 

This week, Aviv gives Lindsay the best gift of all: the knowledge that this song exists, Accidental Racist by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J. How could this have happened? Is it possible that a song *on its face* allegedly meant to promote racial understanding does way more harm than good? Spoilers: YES. And what does all this have to do with Cracker Barrel? We have the unfortunate details. 

In 1985, more than 45 of pop music's biggest stars got together for one wild night that would churn out a recording that would ultimately raise more than $60 million to fight hunger in Africa. Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles  — it was a who's who of Billboard's top performers. This massive collaboration represented the best that music had to offer and the best America had to offer .... which was a muddled message, a pantheon of big egos, and uncertainty as to whether they'd helped anyone at all. This week, we welcome comedian and podcast host Kyndra Crump to share the devilish details — right down to Michael Jackson's socks.

This week we're discussing the song that Diffuser once said "almost led to the downfall of society" — Prince's "Darling Nikki." How could a little song about female empowerment and public masturbation cause so much uproar? If you don't know, then you clearly haven't been paying attention. As the supreme court prepares to dismantle Roe V. Wade, we bring you different kinds of oppression: censorship and sexual repression. With appearances from Tipper Gore, Dave Grohl, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, and John Denver, this episode runs the musical gamut to tell you the story of how we got those pesky parental advisory labels and how we can all blame capitalism, the patriarchy, and white supremacy in the end.  

This week, Aviv ruins another childhood favorite of Lindsay's: Ace of Base. How much of their sound do they owe to the reggae band that practiced next door to them? What made their lead singer want to give up touring? And just how many of them were white nationalists? We’ve got the upsetting details.

You'd be hard pressed to ignore that something is going on with Taylor Swift this week. The release of her re-recorded 2012 album Red (Taylor's Version) last Friday — complete with 14 never released tracks and a 10-minute version of fan-favorite heartbreak anthem "All Too Well" — sent Swiftie's on a tizzy of epic proportion. And in classic Swift "Style," Queen Tay did not disappoint: surprise dropping a short film, a new music video directed by Blake Lively, and in the time between recording this episode and uploading it, a #sadgirlautumn version of "All Too Well" featuring The National's Aaron Dessner. But why is Taylor re-recording her first 6 albums in the first place? And why is everyone so worried about the mental health of notorious scarf thief Jake Gyllenhaal? We've got the whole scoop — plus the inside story from our special guest, musician Elayna Harrison, one of the lucky few Swiftie's invited to the secret All Too Well film premier. I think it’s safe to say we Need to Calm Down.

In 1999, alongside Y2K hysteria, an unlikely chart-topper was also sweeping the globe: a five-minute-long spoken-word pop hymn that earnestly dispensed life advice of the "Live, Laugh, Love" ilk. Something about the song's message -- guised as a commencement address delivered by what could have been your crazy, old uncle -- resonated with humanity in a way that no one could have predicted. "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen" charted alongside songs like LEN's "Steal My Sunshine," Backstreet Boys' "I Want it That Way," Vengaboys' "We Like to Party," and Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca." But who wrote it? Was it Baz Luhrmann, who the song is credited to? Or was it based off a commencement address given in 1997 by Slaugherhouse-Five author Kurt Vonnegut as the freshly oiled Internet machine would suggest? This week, we've got the full story, as we take an honest look at an unlikely earworm still echoing through the hearts and minds of those who came of age in the new millennium. 

With Lindsay on vacation in Mexico, this week Aviv is joined by very special guest Alex Ronallo (@alroxro on Twitter) as he dives into Hall and Oates' 1976 #1 single, "Rich Girl." Did Darryl Hall make a deal with the devil for a number one? Why is there a box of Ritz Crackers on the cover of the record? Should the song be called Ritz Girl? And what does all this have to do with a Chicagoland pancake house, famous kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, and notorious serial killer David Berkowitz? Find out this week on a Lindsay-less Lyrics for Lunch.

In 2013, Robin Thicke catapulted to stardom with an R&B single that spent 16 weeks at number 1 — becoming the biggest hit of the entire year. Mired in controversy from the get-go, the song (and its x-rated video) was quickly recognized for its creepy, coercive sexual messaging and banned by everyone from student unions to YouTube. Eight years later, after a nearly decade-long copyright battle with the Marvin Gaye estate, the song is in the news once again thanks to a leaked excerpt from a forthcoming collection of essays from "Blurred Lines" supermodel Emily Ratajkowski revealing that Thicke not only wrote a song promoting sexual assault (...or did he?), he also committed it on the "Blurred Lines" video set. Did all these "blurred lines" spawn a feminist movement? We think not, but the UK's Telegraph isn't so sure. Plus! Aviv gets his mind blown by the second-biggest single of 2013 — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's "Thrift Shop" (smells like R. Kelly's sheets!). YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT!

Thanks to listener Jenna for writing in with this week's song suggestion! In this episode, Aviv and Lindsay discuss one of the most recognizable songs of all time, "You Are My Sunshine." Despite its familiarity, the song has 5 verses that are much harder to recall. The authorship of the yodely lullaby is most often credited to two-time Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis, but the song's true origin is a bit more of a mystery. We're here to take you on the long journey of the song's history and the psychological reasons we sing sad songs like this to our kids!   

In 1998, Ben Affleck brandished brand-new pearly whites in an end-of-the-world asteroid movie so nice they made it twice (well, kind of). Despite having more plot holes than questionable one-liners, the apocalyptic blockbuster earned over $553 million globally. The movie's theme song, surprisingly inspired by a certain gay icon's heterosexual romance, spent 77 weeks on the charts. This week, we've got the scoop on how arena rock band Aerosmith finally made its way to number 1 after decades of not-quite-number-1 hits -- and all it took was Steven Tyler sweetly serenading his daughter while she made love to a cookie. 

What do you get when you cross a pair of middle-aged former bullfighters, a Venezuelan flamenco dancer, the casual racism of corporate radio, and  choreography that "even a child with no sense of rhythm" could perform? Only one of the biggest singles of all time! This week on Lyrics for Lunch, we dive into the strange, twisty, contradictory history of "The Macarena." More than 25 years later, who is responsible for the song's popularity? And why is it definitely Al Gore? We've got answers. 

What's cooler than being cool? How about an infectious dance track that took a double-album triple platinum in a month flat, simultaneously becoming the first song to ever reach a million downloads on iTunes? This week, we break this thing down for just a few seconds: How OutKast's "Hey Ya" inspired a generation to shake it like a Polaroid picture, blissfully ignoring a not-so-hidden message about the bleak state of modern love. Guest appearances by Rosario Dawson, the Beatles, Woody Allen (regrettably), Ryan Phillippe, and of course, all Beyoncés and Lucy Lius .... you know what do. 

Grime (not to be confused with Canadian music sensation Grimes) is the edgy electronic style of rap music that emerged in London in the early 2000s as an evolution of the city's garage music scene of the 1990s. But lately, the genre has seen a bit of a resurgence across the pond in the Great White North — thanks to known Anglophile and pride of Toronto, Drake. For this week's episode we invited very special guest Sonja Cori Missio (writer, music academic, and fellow Torontonian) to school us about the underground scene and the energetic sound that boasts 140 beats per minute. And we always mind our Ps and Qs.

The tumultuous story of Eric and Pattie reaches its gut-wrenching conclusion with Clapton's miserable "love" song, "Wonderful Tonight." It won't be the last song Eric writes about Pattie, but it will be the worst. This week, we find out how Eric managed to survive the 70s and 80s and only impregnate two women who weren't his wife. Then, after Eric and Pattie finally split (good riddance), we discover Eric Clapton's true love—racism. Buckle up, babes. 

Murder! Manipulation! Beatle affairs! Golden brown! The horror continues this week as we look, maybe a little too close, at how Eric Clapton's adulterous anthem became all he ever dreamed of and more. 

In January 1966, model/photographer Pattie Boyd married George Harrison at the height of the Beatles' popularity. They moved into a dope house, went to India to meditate, and did other fun Beatley things. So then how did a heroin-addicted philanderer (spoilers, it's Eric Clapton) convince Boyd into leaving her marriage? We've got this story and more this week as we embark on the unsettling tale of how Eric Clapton's best-known song came to be. 

This week, Aviv takes us through the tale of 2006's "Hey There Delilah" (soon to have its own TV show adaptation). In 2002, only three years after a near-fatal car crash, Plain White T's singer Tom Higgenson met Delilah DiCrescenzo through a mutual friend. Tom was interested, Delilah wasn't, but as their relationship transitioned to AOL Instant Messenger, Tom promised to write Delilah a song that would get them both invited to the Grammys. Little did either of them know that Tom's prediction would come true. "Hey There Delilah" became a number one hit in the summer of 2007, and with it Delilah kissed her anonymity goodbye. Depending on who you ask, and when, this was either a dream come true or a nightmare. And what would Delilah's longtime boyfriend Will have to say (and do we even care)? Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win the vinyl record of your choice from @newtownbookandrecordx at @lyricsforlunch on Instagram!

The conclusion of our Titanic double header! In 1996, an Australian newspaper printed a letter claiming that the Titanic never sank at all -- that it was her nearly identical sister ship, the Olympic, which was purposefully derailed as part of an insurance scam. Twenty-five years later, the rumor still runs rampant on TikTok, reddit, and all the places conspiracy theories lurk. But could it be true? We've got all the details and the answer to one burning question: Which ship sank? The Titanic or the Olympic?

In the late 90s, Titanic broke the bank (and our hearts and brains) before becoming the highest grossing film of its time. But Jack and Rose’s epic love story was never supposed to end with a sappy pop song. Or was it? This week: Studio feuds, the tyranny of James Cameron, the rise of Celine Dion, and the real centenarian who inspired the multi-platinum single that helped carry Cameron’s blockbuster to box office billions.

This week, the conclusion of the Phil Spector story. Murder! Wigs! Murder and wigs! We get into the life and crimes of Famous Monster Phil Spector including the abuse of his wife Veronica Bennett of the Ronnettes, and, of course, the 2003 murder of actor Lana Clarkson, of which Spector was found guilty of in 2009. But the fun doesn't stop there. We explore his musical evolution from one of his first singles: To Know Him Is To Love Him, to his masterpiece: River Deep, Mountain High, to his final production: his third wife Rachelle Spector's here in my heart, off of her 2010 album "Out of My Chelle." Sources: https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-righteous-brothers/youve-lost-that-lovin-feelin https://societyofrock.com/the-story-behind-youve-lost-that-lovin-feelin-by-the-righteous-brothers/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303343404577519042622092010 https://www.britannica.com/art/blue-eyed-soul https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/music-black-culture-appropriation.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=73F0357B264979EEE94F8CD7E0EAF8D7&gwt=pay&assetType=PAYWALL https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200811-why-be-my-baby-is-the-perfect-pop-song https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8993130 https://www.grunge.com/258491/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-ronnie-spector/ https://www.the-sun.com/news/2166243/phil-spector-ronnie-spector-assassinate-stage-gold-coffin/ https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/12/ronnie-spector-i-love-metoo-and-times-up-because-mens-time-is-up https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evil-deeds/201303/dangerous-genius-the-rise-and-fall-phil-spector https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/apr/14/phil-spector-lana-clarkson-murder https://www.biography.com/musician/phil-spector https://www.npr.org/2021/01/17/528954909/phil-spector-legendary-record-producer-and-convicted-murderer-has-died-at-81 https://www.npr.org/2021/01/17/528954909/phil-spector-legendary-record-producer-and-convicted-murderer-has-died-at-81 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/arts/music/phil-spector-dead.html

In the mid-1960s, the success of the Four Tops’ first Motown single “Baby I Need Your Loving” was the envy of an evil genius who responded by puppetmastering the Righteous Brothers' chart-topper "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling"—and just like that "Blue Eyed Soul" was born. This week in the continuation of our Famous Monsters series: The appropriation of soul music, Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, the McMartin preschool trial, and ... a Karen murder. Sources: https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-righteous-brothers/youve-lost-that-lovin-feelin https://societyofrock.com/the-story-behind-youve-lost-that-lovin-feelin-by-the-righteous-brothers/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303343404577519042622092010 https://www.britannica.com/art/blue-eyed-soul https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/music-black-culture-appropriation.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=73F0357B264979EEE94F8CD7E0EAF8D7&gwt=pay&assetType=PAYWALL https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200811-why-be-my-baby-is-the-perfect-pop-song https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8993130 https://www.grunge.com/258491/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-ronnie-spector/ https://www.the-sun.com/news/2166243/phil-spector-ronnie-spector-assassinate-stage-gold-coffin/ https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/12/ronnie-spector-i-love-metoo-and-times-up-because-mens-time-is-up https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evil-deeds/201303/dangerous-genius-the-rise-and-fall-phil-spector https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/apr/14/phil-spector-lana-clarkson-murder https://www.biography.com/musician/phil-spector https://www.npr.org/2021/01/17/528954909/phil-spector-legendary-record-producer-and-convicted-murderer-has-died-at-81 https://www.npr.org/2021/01/17/528954909/phil-spector-legendary-record-producer-and-convicted-murderer-has-died-at-81 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/arts/music/phil-spector-dead.html 

This week, we look at how Leonard Cohen's most-popular work was co-opted by pop-culture to become the poster song for Big Emotional Moments and Sad Montages everywhere. Plus!—An update on the long-lost versus (hint, there are more than 15!), Aviv's dad tells a Bible story, and why author Alan Light calls "Hallelujah" a musical Rorschach test. Some additional sources:  Michael Barthel Alan Light The Forward New York Times

How Leonard Cohen's initially rejected, melancholic tribute to love, sex, euphoria, and disappointment became the poster song for Big Emotional Moments everywhere. In part one of this two-part series, we look at the inception of Cohen's most-famous work, the meaning behind his iconic lyrics, how the many verses came to be, and how, over the span of four decades, the song has become one of the most performed standards of all time.

In the second edition of our Famous Monsters series (with Lindsay's mic still haunted by the ghost of Charles Manson) we do a deep Devo dive into the art-rock band responsible for the 80s megahit "Whip It." Forged in the wake of the Kent State massacre, Devo weirded out audiences for years before their biggest success was inspired by Roy Orbison, Thomas Pynchon's novel Gravity's Rainbow, and the drummer for Captain Beefheart. For their next album, however, Devo would find their strangest collaborator yet—would-be Reagan assassin John Hinckley.  Additional sources: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/de-evolution_devo_talks_groupies_the_gop_and_the_future https://www.salon.com/2017/09/16/33-13-devo-excerpt/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/43p97n/devo-mark-mothersbaugh-gerald-casale-anniversary-interview-2018 https://www.spin.com/2010/07/secret-history-devo/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/devo-sixties-idealists-or-nazis-and-clowns-119053/

In 1968, a chance encounter set off a chain reaction that led to (arguably) the most famous murder in american history. This encounter also led to the 1968 Beach Boys track "Never Learn Not To Love," a song credited to Dennis Wilson, brother of Beach Boys wunderkind Brian Wilson. However, the truth behind the song is far more sinister--first written by Charles Manson. Today we discuss the tragedy of the Wilson Brothers and the bizarre truth of how they contributed to the Manson Family’s Helter Skelter--in the first episode of a mini-series we’re calling Famous Monsters

In the early '80s, yacht rock group Toto needed a hit or else risk being dropped by its record label. Keyboardist David Paich, allegedly inspired by his catholic upbringing and late-night Africa documentaries, penned much of what would become Toto's biggest hit in less than ten minutes. But is "Africa" a harmless monument to kitsch--or a prime example of poorly aged cultural appropriation and harmful stereotyping? This episode examines the lore behind the writing of perhaps the most memeified song of all time--and what it means today and yesterday. 

Well, how did we get here? This week we've got the story behind Talking Heads' sleeper hit "Once In A Lifetime," a 1980s preacher-inspired tune that permeates pop culture even today -- perhaps because it's so damn relatable to the masses. Special appearance by Kermit The Frog. You're welcome. 

Is "Who Let the Dogs Out" proof that time travel exists? Or that telepathy is real? Is it just an earworm infinitely floating through space and time? These questions and more as we uncover the origin of the Baha Men's biggest hit. 

On her Grammy-winning album Folklore, Taylor Swift regales listeners with a tale of the eccentric dance patron and philanthropist Rebekah Harkness — who once owned Swift's Watch Hill, Rhode Island mansion (aptly named "Holiday House"). But there are way too many peculiarities to Rebekah's story than could ever fit within 3 minutes and 50 seconds. That's where we come in. From fish tanks filled with Scotch to missing bodily remains — with appearances from Salvador Dali, LBJ, and B.K.S. Iyengar along the way — our detailed retelling of Rebekah's life and death has got a little something for everyone.

Last summer, 32 years after its release, streams of N.W.A's "Fuck Tha Police" surged nationwide in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. Here, Lindsay and Aviv recount the story behind the song as depicted in the 2015 movie Straight Outta Compton: Paintball wars, Arsenio Hall, the return of Lindsay Lohan Cool J, separating fact from movie fiction, FBI letters ... and  the making of the biggest protest anthem of our time -- and why it's as important as ever.

This week we've got it all: Beatlemania, musical hoaxes, untimely deaths, and plenty of copy cats. 

In 1989, Madonna flipped off industrial capitalism, institutionalized racism, and religious fanatics everywhere. Then she danced on the ashes. And it was glorious. 

Blues Traveler's sharp-tongued work of metafiction is the stuff karaoke dreams are made of. Plus! A Twitter-troll nightmare we wish we could forget.  sGjjX1hmpfmcynXGf6BW Hosted by Lindsay Tucker & Aviv Rubinstien. Intro compilation by Aviv Rubinstien. Outro music by Bella's Bartok.  http://bellasbartok.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3B6zmdjSaNEglCKouagGpo sGjjX1hmpfmcynXGf6BW

How Aretha Franklin turned an ode to patriarchal prejudice into an anthem of female empowerment for the ages. 

We've got the dirt behind Olivia Rodrigo's monster breakout hit "Drivers License" and its followup companion piece, "Déjà vu"—Plus all the teenage Disney drama and TikTok love-triangle theories our little hearts could handle.

How the tragic 1997 disappearance of Lela and Raymond Howard inspired a megahit that saved Disney's Hollywood Records.