A podcast about discographies. A different artist every season. Currently in Season 6! Join Adam, Steve, and Lucas, as they go album by album, track by track, to find out if context can change your experience of music, how people become obsessed with artists, and to ultimately answer the question 'what is music?' Expect in-depth analysis, tedious tangents, controversial music opinions, and an exhaustive attitude to context. Also expect to find out more about the artists (and the hosts) than ...
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The Big Mates provide breezy and subcutaneous audio commentary for Road Movie by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live concert film that documented the band's final shows of their 1995 world tour. They also dive into the tumultuous circumstances of the tour, the difficulties they faced, and how it affected the band. Dig out those DVDs to w…
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The Big Mates discuss Little Britain, Kurt Cobain, You, and Monster by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing and concluding their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, …
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The Big Mates discuss fame, identity, balloons, and Monster by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, op…
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R.E.M. Live at the 40 Watt Club 1992 Commentary
1:23:03
1:23:03
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The Big Mates provide truthful and geographical audio commentary for R.E.M.'s performance at the 40 Watt Club in 1992. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as released on the band's official YouTube page. Watch along on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/52sMbXI22gg?si=ZH2nuLiRDH9kXjpJ Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our…
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The Big Mates discuss death, memory, Emmerdale, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and o…
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The Big Mates discuss record collecting, Andy Kaufman, the Monty Hall Problem, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the conte…
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The Big Mates discuss straws, Uncle Tupelo, Frasier, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, an…
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The Big Mates provide gentle and celebratory audio commentary for R.E.M.'s performance on MTV Unplugged in1991. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as originally broadcast on MTV. Dig out those official DVDs to watch along... Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday July 8th and will begin our deep-…
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The Big Mates discuss greetings, The Bear, spoken word, and Out of Time by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by wrapping up their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offe…
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The Big Mates discuss illicit apples, ribs, Pearl Jam, and Out of Time by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up…
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The Big Mates discuss violins, harpsichords, flugelhorns, and Out of Time by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer…
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Writing About R.E.M. with John Hunter
1:38:14
1:38:14
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Adam sits down with author John Hunter to discuss his book, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M.. Adam and John chat about all things R.E.M., and explore why he wrote the book, what the book encompasses, and the challenges in tackling such a wide-reaching story. They also touch on the differences in fandom today, online music discourse, and John’s…
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The Big Mates provide incendiary and probably life-changing audio commentary for Tourfilm, the first live video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the film as originally presented on VHS/Laserdisc compilation and also dig into how it was made, how R.E.M. have progressed as a live band, and explore the whole 1989 Green World Tour. Dig …
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BONUS: Lifeblood 20 (with Greg Haver)
1:00:56
1:00:56
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Adam and Steve discuss the recent reissue of Lifeblood by Manic Street Preachers, a comprehensive set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album. They are joined by music producer Greg Haver, who produced the original album and here looks back at the last 20 years of Lifeblood, how people's reaction to it has changed, and how he viewed that ini…
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The Big Mates discuss bass strings, 8 Mile, Amanda Lynne, and Green by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up an…
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BREAKING NEWS: Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
43:23
43:23
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BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com G…
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The Big Mates discuss naughty fishermen, floppy top half, Requiem for a Tuesday, and Green by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the s…
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The Big Mates discuss olive oil, Christmas, strings, and two side projects from members of Radiohead. Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their fourth season in order to catch up the extra-curricular activities of members of Radiohead. First up is the string-laden and atmospheric third album from Philip Selway, Strange Dance. Then they …
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The Big Mates slow it down and take a break to discuss ratings, rankings, creasy head holes, and the career of R.E.M. from 1980 - 1987. Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having covered the five records that encompass "the I.R.S. years." They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they re…
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The Big Mates provide mesmerising and entirely necessary audio commentary for Succumbs, the first video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the VHS/Laserdisc compilation featuring music videos and films from 1983 through to 1986. Head to YouTube to watch along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzWrTWsV5vI&t Or don't - the episode works …
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The Big Mates discuss Christmas tree etiquette, goose related nightmares, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Document by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by finishing up their track-by-track analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and…
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The Big Mates discuss file naming conventions, Role Models, trickle-down economics, and Document by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding…
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The Big Mates discuss running, arranging the arrangements of a meeting, paste, and go to see The Smile live at the Brighton Centre. Adam, Steve, and Lucas converge in Brighton in order to experience a live show by Radiohead sidproject, The Smile. They discuss their expectations, live business, and both their initial and considered reactions to the …
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The Big Mates discuss liner notes, The Velvet Underground, being nice, and Dead Letter Office by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by exploring the collection of b-sides they released in 1987. They talk about where each track came from, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up an…
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R.E.M. Clip-a-palooza 82-86 Commentary
1:20:30
1:20:30
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The Big Mates provide exciting and tangential audio commentary for a selection of R.E.M. clips ranging from 1982 to 1986. Confronted with very little good footage of the Pageantry tour, Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss a range of clips, from news reports, live performances, interviews, and promos from across the band's career so far! There's also som…
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The Big Mates discuss Godzilla, a car crash, The Lion King, and Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by finishing up their track-by-track analysis of the band's fourth studio album, released in 1986. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surro…
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The Big Mates discuss bedtime routines, contact lenses, gravity, and Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis of the band's fourth studio album, released in 1986. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surr…
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The Big Mates discuss BIG NEWS, Band of Brothers, animals, and Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fourth studio album, released in 1986. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, an…
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R.E.M. Live on Rockpalast 1985 Commentary
1:47:31
1:47:31
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The Big Mates provide lively and intellectual audio commentary for R.E.M. Live on Rockpalast in 1985. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live performance (and a whole host of other, completely unrelated things) as broadcast on German TV. They also dig into their thoughts surrounding R.E.M. this far into the season. A must! Head to YouTube to watch …
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Fables of the Reconstruction (Pt. 2)
1:30:32
1:30:32
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The Big Mates discuss the U.S. civil war, Foo Fighters, aliens, and Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's third studio album, released in 1985. They talk about the writing and recording process, the cont…
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Fables of the Reconstruction (Pt. 1)
1:59:43
1:59:43
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The Big Mates discuss Blink-182, Nick Drake, One Direction, and Fables of the Reconstruction by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's third studio album, released in 1985. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context …
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Adam sits down with music producer, songwriter, and artist Don Dixon to discuss his work as part of the producing team for Murmur and Reckoning by R.E.M.. They talk about how Don became a music producer, how he met Mitch Easter, and how he started working with R.E.M.. They look at the differences between the two albums, as well as the challenges th…
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BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album Wall of Eyes by Radiohead spin-off band, The Smile. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpo…
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R.E.M. Live at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ, June 1984 Commentary
1:17:45
1:17:45
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The Big Mates provide insightful and inspiring audio commentary for R.E.M. Live at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ, in June 1984. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live performance (and a whole host of other, completely unrelated things) as broadcast on MTV. It was filmed as part of a series on rock influences - this one focusing on folk rock. It fea…
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The Big Mates discuss time travel, big diving, line dancing, and Reckoning by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing and concluding their track-by-track analysis on the band's second album, released in 1984. They talk about R.E.M. going "full country," recording songs as in-jok…
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The Big Mates discuss foot injuries, binaural recording, the joy of knowing Jesus, and Reckoning by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's second album, released in 1984. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context su…
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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 h…
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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 …
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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 …
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The Big Mates discuss small waveforms, portmanteaus, Muse, and Murmur by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their track-by-track analysis on the band's debut album, released in 1983. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and off…
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R.E.M. Live at the Raleigh Underground 1982 Commentary
1:03:50
1:03:50
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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 da…
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The Big Mates discuss the history of rock music, torn posters, pressing mistakes, and the early days of R.E.M.. Adam, Steve, and Lucas start at the beginning, talking about the individual members of R.E.M., how they grew up, and then follow them through the early days of music making in Athens, Georgie. They touch on the musical landscape of the ti…
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Season 6 Introduction: R.(w)E.M.joying This?
1:33:49
1:33:49
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The Big Mates introduce Season 6 of the What Is Music? podcast. It's called "R.(w)E.M.joying This?: A Critical Analysis of the History, Cultural Impact, and Music of R.E.M." Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their deep-dive exploration of R.E.M. by talking about their experiences with the band's music, and how much they already know. They then tackle so…
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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 f…
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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 Luc…
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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, an…
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The Big Mates offer incredibly relevant, illuminating, and trascendantly necessary audio commentary for a selection of music videos from across the career of Lauryn Hill. You can watch along with us here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhXxCEX31R9gHE7gDkQzZdmmEFotUx5qC&si=mc-w7_AzqBwk8rUI Our next episode is out on Monday October 16th and will …
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The Ultimate Playlist: Sports (Pt. 2)
1:31:10
1:31:10
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The Big Mates present one of their Patreon shows, on the main feed for the first time... The Ultimate Playlist. Join us as we explore a broader range of music from many genres and numerous artists, with each month focusing on 8 songs centred around a different theme. Each host picks 2 songs, and 2 songs come from our subscribers! The theme is picke…
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The Big Mates discuss cardboard Bruce Springsteen, Benidorm, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, and MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 by Lauryn Hill. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of Lauryn Hill by concluding their track-by-track exploration of her performance on MTV Unplugged. The Big Mates talk about the…
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The Ultimate Playlist: Sports (Pt. 1)
1:36:46
1:36:46
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The Big Mates present one of their Patreon shows, on the main feed for the first time... The Ultimate Playlist. Join us as we explore a broader range of music from many genres and numerous artists, with each month focusing on 8 songs centred around a different theme. Each host picks 2 songs, and 2 songs come from our subscribers! The theme is picke…
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continue reading