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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Join film fans Adam and Tom as they embark upon another cinematic adventure, this time watching, analysing, and critiquing the entire filmography of legendary director Steven Spielberg! Each episode will focus on a single film, with Adam and Tom going in chronological order from Amblin' all the way to The Fabelmans. Along the way they will explore the production, release, and context of each film and keep up with Spielberg's career as he develops from tenacious young filmmaker to one of the ...
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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 Tommy Awards - Spielberg in the 1980s
1:08:02
1:08:02
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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they look back on Spielberg's work in the 1980s, pull together what they've learned, and dish out some exciting awards! The next episode is out next week and will see us explore and review Hook! Come and …
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's 1989 film, Always. The next episode is out next Wednesday and will see us reflect on Spielberg in the 1980s! Come and chat to us... Instagram: https://www.ins…
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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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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) with Laura Kelly
1:56:32
1:56:32
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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they are joined by Laura Kelly to explore, discuss, and review the final part of the iconic Indiana Jones trilogy. They talk about how the film was developed, the production process, and how the film bala…
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's second attempt a more serious film, outside of the scope of his usual summer blockbuster - Empire of the Sun. The next episode is out next Wednesday and will …
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review the television series produced by Spielberg, Amazing Stories. They do this by watching the two episodes directed by Spielberg himself, Ghost Train and The Mission. The ne…
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's bid for a more serious film, outside of the scope of his usual summer blockbuster - The Color Purple. The next episode is out next Wednesday and will see us e…
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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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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
1:17:40
1:17:40
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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's second entry into one of the most legendary film trilogies of all time, centered around one of the most iconic characters in cinema, Indiana Jones and the Tem…
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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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Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) with Alice Taylor-Matthews
59:16
59:16
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59:16
Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they are joined by Alice Taylor-Matthews to explore, discuss, and review the anothology film Twilight Zone: The Movie. They talk about how the film was developed, how successfully it captures the tone of …
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review one of Spielberg's most beloved films, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The next episode is out next Wednesday and will see us explore Twillight Zone: The Movie! Come and chat…
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Poltergeist, a film not necessarily directed by Steven Spielberg! The next episode is out next Wednesday and will see us explore E.T. the Extra Terrestrial! Come and chat…
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's first entry into one of the most legendary film trilogies of all time, centered around one of the most iconic characters in cinema, Raiders of the Lost Ark. T…
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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 Tommy Awards - Spielberg in the 1970s
1:01:52
1:01:52
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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they look back on Spielberg's work in the 1970s, pull together what they've learned, and dish out some exciting awards! The next episode is out January 17th and will see us explore and review Raiders of t…
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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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Film fan friends Tom and Adam embark upon another cinematic adventure as they explore the entire filmography of Steven Spielberg. In this episode they explore, discuss, and review Spielberg's oft-maligned World War 2 comedy, 1941. The next episode is out next Wednesday and will see us wrap up Spielberg's 70s with a glitzy awards ceremony! Come and …
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