At First Listen

Ween 'The Mollusk' (1997) with Kelly Branco

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Our guest Kelly Branco introduces us to Ween via the band's 1997 album 'The Mollusk.'

We discuss the alternative music landscape in the '90s that enabled a strange band like Ween to find its audience, as well as how Ween's unsinkable irreverence influenced beloved millennial TV shows like 'South Park' and 'SpongeBob Squarepants.'

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(Episode 49)

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Thrown "Split" Is What a Moshpit Injury Sounds Like

Thu, 21 May 2026 21:21:46 +0000

We tackle some fresh hardcore from Thrown with the newly-released single, “Split.”

Thrown’s groovy brand of slam metal feels especially livid in a genre where the primary goal is to put anger on tape. The Swedes are one of Andrew’s favorite up-and-coming heavy bands.

On this bonus episode, Andrew and Dominique discuss what makes “Split” hit different.

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Get Lost in LEXXE & VÉRITÉ's "Labyrinth"

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:14:58 +0000

In this bonus episode, we check out a dreamy new collaboration between VÉRITÉ and LEXXE, “Labyrinth.”

The lush, witchy single seems like a longtime coming between a pair of artists with a lot of mutual respect.

Naturally, Andrew and Dominique veer of course to argue about the credits.

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'Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition' Is A Metal Doc That Will Resonate With Everyone

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:03 +0000

Andrew got an exclusive look at the brand new documentary film, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition, which tracks one of heavy metal's greatest bands from its humble East London roots to the world's stage.

Burning Ambition is exclusively in theaters May 7. Go to IronMaidenFilm.com for tickets and more information.

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Lady Gaga, Doechii Join Forces on "Runway" (2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:03 +0000

Lady Gaga and Doechii dropped a fresh collaboration, "Runway," ahead of the highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, coming in a few weeks.

We talk about what we like about the Gaga/Doechii partnership. Then Dominique harangues Andrew for saying the original Devil Wears Prada film has uninspiring characters and a flimsy plot.

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Angine de Poitrine Is the Artsy Microtonal French-Canadian Math Rock of Fever Dreams

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:02 +0000

We finally dive into the French-Canadian instrumental rock band that has taken over the Internet for millions of people.

In an age of pastiche and plagiarism, Angine de Poitrine looks and sounds like nothing you've heard before.

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Raye's 'This Music May Contain Hope' (2026) Is Too Big for Earbuds

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

British singer-songwriter and producer Raye just released a behemoth of a new album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.

Andrew and Dominique grapple with the grand scope of the album, which is packed with jazz, musical theatre and classical influences.

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(Episode 48.)

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Examining the Most Surprising 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:02 +0000

We take a closer look at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, since quite a few of them surprised us.

We discuss who among the nominees is a lock to make the Hall, and who we would vote for this year.

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(Episode 47.)

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Jon von Boehm Talks 'Reflections,' George Benson's 'Give Me the Night' (1980)

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:21:41 +0000

We get to know Nashville fusion bassist Jon von Boehm over his love of George Benson's "Give Me the Night," and his own new solo album, 'Reflections.'

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(Episode 46.)

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Sombr 'I Barely Know Her' (2025) and the Bright Future of Pop Music

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:18:48 +0000

With his latest album, I Barely Know Her, Sombr has solidified his place as one of the most promising young singer-songwriters today.

Andrew and Dominique break down the high points of the Grammy-nominated album, as well as what sets Sombr's production style apart from his peers.

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(Episode 45.)

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Don't Forget to 'Come Original' on 311 Day!

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:05 +0000

The podcast is back to celebrate 311 Day, the high holy day of ‘90s white boy culture.

The Nebraska-bred rap-rock-reggae band has seemingly always met (valid) criticism of its music with positivity, persevering for over 30 years to cultivate one of the most loyal followings in rock.

Andrew introduces Dominique to 311 via their 1999 favorite "Come Original," and we get to hear her immediate reaction.

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Exploring the Music of Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Kuti

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000

Our guest, comedian Larry Dorsey, Jr., introduces us to Afrobeat innovator Fela Kuti.

We discuss how Kuti exported Pan-Africanism to the world through his music. We talk about his musical roots, his political activism and his *check notes* ... 27 wives???

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(Episode 44.)

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WRAP IT UP: What Did We Like In 2025?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000

Andrew and Dominique look back at their first year cohosting the At First Listen podcast.

We did 43 episodes this year. It was a lot of music to listen to and far too much to remember! So we have to ask: What did we love? What did we forget about? What do we wish we could forget?

Dominique admits that she still listens to Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet weekly. Andrew comes clean about his renewed enjoyment of brutal death metal and deathcore, and he shouts out some of the bands that have come into his orbit this year.

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Fatmowf "copycat" - Chillwave Hip-hop Zoomer ... Blues?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:44:37 +0000

Dominique brings in a new song by rapper Fatmowf called 'Copycat," as an epilogue to last week's B.B. King episode, where we asked questions about the legacy of the blues in modern music.

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'B.B. King Blues Summit 100' - A Tribute to the King

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000

Why don’t people care about the blues anymore?

We applaud guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s heroic tribute B.B. King Blues Summit 100, celebrating what would be the King of the Blues’ 100th birthday, but have to ask, ‘Why?’

We parse through our conflicted feeling about the state of the blues; is the blues a dead genre and did white people kill it?

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Ando San "Thick Neck" - Rap Metal or Metal With Rapping?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:10 +0000

We check out a new song called "Thick Neck" by rapper/guitarist Ando San.

We're intrigued by Ando San's whole vibe, his metal vocalist-turned-rapper transition and whether or now he's a cat guy.

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What Ever Happened to Young Cardamom?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000

We break down a pair of tracks from a relatively unknown but charismatic Queens, New York-based rapped called Young Cardamom.

This Indian-American emcee dropped a flurry of songs with great-looking visuals about a decade ago. Two, in particular, “#1 Spice” and “Nani,” caught our attention this week.

But it’s been years since Young Cardamom released any new music. What happened to him?

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D'Angelo: 'Brown Sugar' & Beyond with Helen Little

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000

Andrew and Dominique know almost nothing about D’Angelo, so if they didn’t do a D’Angelo episode now, they might never learn.

We enlist LiteFM midday host and National Black Radio Hall of Famer Helen Little to help fill in the gaps in our knowledge.

Helen has worked at heritage R&B radio stations in both New York and Philadelphia since the '90s. She was in on the proverbial ground floor of D'Angelo's pop career, met him numerous times and has a strong connection to his first two studio albums.

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(Episode 42.)

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The Music of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000

We discuss the anomaly that is the 1993 stop-motion animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas — a gothic Halloween musical comedy for children that hinges of themes of death, depression, belonging and the Christmas spirit.

Extraordinarily offbeat and original, Nightmare has inspired generations of people with its music, aesthetic and lesson of embracing what makes each of us unique.

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Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's "Monster Mash" (1962) - The Only Halloween Song?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:00:59 +0000

This bonus episode is a loving tribute to the greatest and one true Halloween song.

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(NOTE: Andrew is of course referring to “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder when he says “Supernatural.” He is humiliated.)

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John Lennon & Yoko Ono "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (1972)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:31:46 +0000

We dive into John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s powerful 1972 statement on political violence, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which has just been re-released in a gigantic (potentially evil capitalist) box set.

Dominique rants about commercial art versus performance art, and we discuss Yoko Ono’s immense impact on the latter.

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Dinosaur Pile-Up "Bout to Lose It" Back on the Edge

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:34:30 +0000

U.K.-based rockers Dinosaur Pile-Up returned this year after a lengthy absence to remind us that contemporary rock music can deal with serious topics and be fun at the same time.

DPU singer-guitarist Matt Bigland re-evaluated much of his life and his choices during a hospital stay in 2021. Once healthy again, Matt recommitted himself to his music and his band. This past August, Dinosaur Pile-Up returned with its first new album in six years, I've Felt Better.

On this episode, we dive into the album's first single and lead track, "'Bout to Lose It."

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April Kae and Cardi B's 'AM I THE DRAMA'

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000

April Kae returns to the show to join the conversation around Cardi B's AM I THE DRAMA? album.

We discuss the high and low points of Cardi's highly-anticipated, 24-track (!) divorce album, her unending charm and how she constantly finds ways to push boundaries of pop music.

April explains the debt she owes to Cardi B's "Up," as well as the challenges she’s faced while developing her own music and how a breakup clarified her vision for her music career. She also makes an "official" announcement about what's next for her solo music.

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(Episode 41.)

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Holywatr "Hiding in Plain Sight" - Is This Nü Screamo?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000

We check out the recent single "Hiding in Plain Sight" by the L.A.-based metalcore band Holywatr.

Andrew has highly conflicting feelings about the band, but it's right up Dominique's alley.

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Hayley Williams' 'Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party' - The South Will Not Rise Again

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000

We add some context to Hayley Williams' landmark third solo album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, discuss why it's a step into uncharted territory for her and what it means for the future of Paramore.

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(Episode 40.)

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Blood Orange "Somewhere In Between" - Taking It Solo

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000

We're talking about a single from Blood Orange's new album, Essex Honey.

We marvel at the mulit-instrumental talent of songwriter/producer Dev Hynes and we discuss the pitfalls and freedoms that comes with being a true solo artist.

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Deftones 'milk of the madonna' - Is This Brat?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:21:13 +0000

On the eve of the release of the new Deftones album, private music, we’re breaking down the band's “milk of the madonna" single.

Andrew and Dominique ask where the line is when it comes to an artist rehashing their ‘classic’ sound, and how private music is bound to be the quintessential Deftones album for the new generation of fans who just recently discovered the band and elevated the Deftones to arena-level.

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Kallias' "The Final Cleansing" - Rinse and Repeat

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:09 +0000

We highlight progressive metal band Kallias' latest single, "The Final Cleansing," the day their new album, Digital Plague, arrives on all streaming platforms.

Andrew and Dominique dive into the many layers of "The Final Cleansing," how the song ebbs between cinematic intricacy and straightforward slam.

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A Look at Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy With Black Sabbath and Beyond

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:54:57 +0000

We honor the work of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away this week at age 76.

Andrew and Dominique give Ozzy his flowers for being a much greater singer, performer and ambassador for rock and heavy metal music than people realize.

We talk about the grim circumstances that led to Ozzy co-founding Black Sabbath with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, and we consider how Satanic panic unwittingly fueled the band’s rise in the ‘70s.

We stop down on some highlights from Ozzy’s incredible solo career and consider how music history would have been different had his widow and longtime manager Sharon Osbourne not entered the picture.

Also, we consider how perfectly Ozzy exited, from his revelatory final performance in Birmingham, raising $200 million for charity, and seeing all of his friends one last time.

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(Episode 38.)

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The Beach Boys 'Pet Sounds' (1966) - Appreciating Brian Wilson

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:21:46 +0000

We surf with The Beach Boys in memory of the band’s late mastermind Brian Wilson, who passed away in June at age 82.

Andrew discusses his longstanding curiosity about The Beach Boys, while Dominique explains how one of the squarest bands of the ‘60s was an element of her teenage rebellion in the ‘00s.

We discuss why coolness has always eluded the Beach Boys and where the band's legacy stands today.

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(Episode 37.)

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Karnivool's "Drone" Is Anything But One-Note

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000

A band Andrew has traveled across the world to see just released its first new song in years.

From Perth, Australia, Karnivool is probably the greatest rock band in the world that nobody knows about! We discuss the new single, "Drone," the merits of having a tight catalog and why Karnivool is such a well-kept secret.

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Foo Fighters' "Today's Song," Inspecting Dave Grohl's Whole Vibe

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:14:47 +0000

Foo Fighters released their first new original song since 2023 this week with "Today's Song."

We give our thoughts on the track, the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl's famous fall from grace last year and how he got away with having such an annoying personality for so long without anyone saying anything.

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Lola Young's "Not Like That Anymore" Could Be a Changing of the Guard in Indie Music

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000

We talk about Lola Young’s embrace of 2010s indie music in her unique brand of soul-pop, and how it confirms a change in alt music, who alt music reaches and who can credibly create it.

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Banks' 'Goddess' (2014) with HOLDN - Discussion Is For the Pigs

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000

Gina Petro a.k.a. singer-songwriter HOLDN takes the wheel and assigns us Banks' Goddess debut album, one of the most impactful records for Gina's own musical endeavors.

Gina recalls how she backed into being a "singer" in the first place and how she bonded with Banks' music in the back of a van while on tour with her old alternative band.

We discuss the merits of seeing concerts alone, where big pop music productions fall short and why all LGBTQ+ kids need a good English lit teacher.

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(Episode 36.)

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Is Kesha's "Boy Crazy" the Most Unhateable Bad Song of the Year?

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000

Kesha's new single "BOY CRAZY." is an early contender for song of the summer.

We ask ourselves, is Kesha's return a harbinger of an oncoming Boy Summer ... or just a recession indicator.

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Charli xcx's "party 4 u" Is an Old Song but a New Hit

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000

On this episode, we ask why a five-year-old song by Charli xcx is suddenly a hit, and whether the indie sleaze vibe of the official music video for “party 4 u” is a recession indicator.

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Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan's "Young & Dumb" Is Begging You To Remember

Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000

Avril Lavigne released her first new song in a couple of years, and it features her old skate park pals Simple Plan.

Like a siren calling out to millennials, "Young and Dumb" might be enough to get the attention of aging emos, but does it have anything more to offer than nostalgia? And is Avril too young to be making these types of songs?

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Sly and the Family Stone 'Fresh' (1973) - Sly Lives!

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:00:09 +0000

Our longest running challenge was to watch the Hulu documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) and listen to Sly & the Family Stone's Fresh album, and after several months, we finally completed it!

We discuss what struck us about QuestLove's documentary, the highs of the Fresh album and our respective experiences with Sly and the Family Stone's music in our lives.

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(Episode 35.)

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Mom's Music: A Mothers Day Episode for Renée and Yvonne

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000

We let our moms choose the music for today's episode!

We parse through hits from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Carole King, as well as jazz standards, while contemplating how our mothers shaped our musical experiences.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Call your mom. And connect with us via Instagram @AtFirstListenPodcast!

(Episode 34.)

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Is It Time to Rage Against the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000

We react to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 class of inductees with Q104.3 New York and iHeartRadio Classic Rock brand boss Eric Wellman.

We wrestle with the controversies, compromises and inherent frustrations of the Rock Hall. Eric dives into the Rock Hall’s history and relevance to the radio and music business. Andrew and Dominique weigh the relevance of this year’s nominees and what direction the Rock Hall should take in the future.

And, of course, we debate the snubs!

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(Episode 33.)

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Talkin' Tok: The Frank Ocean "Solo (Reprise)" Social Trend

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:12:56 +0000

Users on social media platforms have been acting Frank Ocean's "Solo" from his 2016 studio album, Blonde.

Dominique and Andrew discuss what might have sparked this trend, why Frank Ocean is such a pivotal artist for LGBTQ+-identifying people and André 3000's contribution to the accompanying "Solo (Reprise)" track from the album.

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The Smiths 'The Queen Is Dead' (1986) with Shem Pennant - Weighing the Morrissey Problem

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:09 +0000

It turns out that Americans have been pretty well misinterpreting Smiths songs for quite a long time now. On this episode our guest, comedian and South London native Shem Pennant, leads a seminar on The Smiths and their iconic 1986 album, The Queen Is Dead.

Shem offers much needed context to the album, explains why the Smiths’ phenomenon was so uniquely British, and why he doesn’t let Morrissey’s post-Smiths political statements detract from his enjoyment of the band's music.

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(Episode 32.)

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Talkin' Tok: Why No One Is Angry About Rob Apollo's "SHE / THEY"

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:59:45 +0000

We have a very serious conversation about gender conformance, surrounding a very unserious song by Detroit-based rapper Rob Apollo.

Apollo's song "SHE / THEY" has been circulating on TikTok lately, mainly due to a racy lyric in the chorus that you'd think self-righteous Zoomers would hate.

Dominique and Andrew discuss what teens, tweens and queer people find so fun about the song, and why no one is actually as mad about pronouns as you think they are.

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Sabrina Carpenter 'Short n' Sweet' (2024) with Diamond

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000

Diamond returns to At First Listen to dig into her favorite album of 2024, Sabrina Carpenter's mega-breakthrough Short n' Sweet.

With hits like "Espresso," "Please, Please, Please," "Taste" and "Bed Chem," Short n' Sweet is brimming with personality.

Diamond says there are multiple hits on the album that she's yet to tire of, and she doesn't meet much resistance from Andrew and Dominique.

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(Episode 31.)

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Reacting to Chappell Roan's "The Giver": Why is this OK?

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000

In this mini episode we're focusing on "The Giver," Chappell Roan's attempt at a lesbian country song that's making waves in the pop music world.

Is "The Giver" a legitimate country song or is it a mere novelty — or is it branding? Is any country music legitimate? We also discuss why Chappell Roan is allowed to “go country,” but it was controversial when Beyoncé or Lil Nas X did it.

We talk about Chappell's recent SNL performance, and how "The Giver" is makng Dominique more of a fan but Andrew possibly less of a fan?

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Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' (2025) with Hot 99.5's Nick Gomez

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:07:50 +0000

We're sorting through Lady Gaga's seventh studio pop album Mayhem with Gaga superfan and iHeartRadio personality Nick Gomez.

Nick is an almost lifelong Little Monster, who credits Gaga with inspiring the love of pop music that steered him towards a career in radio, where he can be heard at night on Hot 99.5FM, Washington D.C.'s #1 Hit Music Station, and in the afternoon on Pride Radio.

Andrew and Dominique prod Nick about Mayhem's place in Gaga's catalog and he provides all the answers!

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(Episode 30.)

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Lupe Fiasco's 'Food & Liquor' (2006) With Comedian Justin Catchens

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000

UCBLK's Justin Catchens joins us to celebrate one of his favorite albums of the '00s, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, the debut album by the Chicago-based rapper-turned-MIT-and-Johns Hopkins University professor!

Food & Liquor is as dense with prose as a classic work of literature, and we do our best to wrap our heads around the storytelling and social/political messages in Lupe's lyrics. We also discuss Lupe's connection to the 'conscious rap' genre, why this album was his commercial peak and how hip hop never fully embraced him.

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(Episode 29.)

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Deftones 'Diamond Eyes' (2010) - To the edge, till we all get off

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000

In the second episode our new cohosts recorded together, Andrew gauges Dominique's taste for the hard stuff with one of his favorite metal albums from last decade, Deftones' 2010 mid-career masterpiece Diamond Eyes — by far the most extreme-sounding record we've discussed on the show.

We explore why this album was a turning point for the Deftones, why it was the record that converted Andrew to a fan, its place in the "metal" genre and how excited we are to see Deftones on their first arena headlining tour this spring!

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(Episode 28.)

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Doja Cat's 'Amala' (2019) with Mizzie from the X, Dishonest Escape

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 07:07:54 +0000

New York metal singer and rapper Mizzie from the X introduces us to Doja Cat's debut album, Amala.

We explore Doja's complicated persona and reckless online presence. Mizzie explains how Doja's freewheeling art continually inspires her in hip hop, heavy metal and beyond.

Mizzie has released two albums with her metal band Dishonest Escape and last year she launched her rap career with the debut single, "Ivy."

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(Episode 27.)

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Talkin' Tok: Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Lockjaw" Gets a Second Chance

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000

Talkin’ ‘Tok - For the second in our bonus series about viral songs on social media, we get into the newfound popularity of “Lockjaw,” an album cut from Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 Mack Daddy album.

The song has become a favorite in social media’s ‘makeover’/‘glowup’ genre of videos, so naturally, the conversation turns to mewing, mogging, maxing out, and other Internet sad boy terms that Andrew has never heard.

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Bill Withers 'Still Bill' (1972) - Who Is He (And What Is He To You)?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000

We're taking a special look at one of the greatest singer-songwriters America ever produced: Bill Withers.

With ubiquitous hits like "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," "Just the Two of Us" and "Lovely Day," so many of Bill's songs are taken for granted because of how ingrained they are in American culture. We take a special look at Bill's second studio album, Still Bill, explore his late start in music and his early retirement from it.

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(Episode 26.)

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Talkin' 'Tok: Ceechynaa's Explicit Viral Hit "Peggy" + the Revolution of Short Form Content

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:00:08 +0000

Talkin’ ‘Tok - Introducing our new series looking a social media’s latest viral songs.

In this first edition, we discuss the power of short form user-created social media content and then take a look at the song “Peggy” by viral lesbian financial dominatrix Ceechynaa.

Dominique interprets some of the most perplexing British slang in Ceechynaa's lyrics and explains how users are appropriating "Peggy" in their own content, and why they might be relating to the song. Andrew thinks of something nice to say before politely considering Ceechynaa's economic stances: is "Peggy" a metaphor for socialism?

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Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show + How Wrong We Were About the GRAMMYs

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000

From how he swept through the GRAMMYs to his historic performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, everything is coming up Kendrick Lamar.

We dig into our favorite moments of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show and review how wrong we were about the GRAMMYs!

We also answer important questions like, did the Super Bowl have to be so black? And, is Beyoncé ranked higher in the Illuminati than Sabrina Carpenter?

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(Episode 25.)

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Charli xcx 'BRAT' (2024) - Girl, so compelling

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000

Charli xcx's carefree 2024 breakthrough album, BRAT, was one of the defining cultural moments of last year and likely changed Charli's career forever.

But was BRAT's GRAMMY-winning success ironic or the result of a genious marketing masterplan?

Dominique embraced BRAT over the summer, while Andrew only heard it for the first time in preparation of this episode. We discuss the beginning and end of Brat Summer, how the gay community elevated Charli to bonafide popstar status and attempt to nail down what makes this album so compelling.

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(Episode 24)

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The GRAMMYs 'Record of the Year' Award: What Is It? Who's Nominated? And Who Will Win?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:09 +0000

Each year the GRAMMYs sparks a wave of bewilderment when nominees are announced for the 'Album of the Year,' 'Song of the Year' and 'Record of the Year' categories.

While the former two categories are self-explanatory, what does the Recording Academy mean by record and who gets that award anyway?!

On this episode, Andrew and Dominique explore all eight nominees for 'Record of the Year,' predict who will win and argue about who should win the award.

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(Episode 23.)

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Our 2025 Plans + Diamond Has an Announcement

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:00:08 +0000

The At First Listen podcast returns in 2025 with a big announcement from Diamond, as she hands her cohost reigns over to Dominique Kaplowitz.

We'll be putting out weekly episodes this year, launching a YouTube channel and covering tons of music, including new and classic albums, viral artists and pop culture events.

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RECAP SHOW: Our 2024 'Best-In-Show' Show!

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000

Andrew and Diamond look back at the 10 most recent episodes of the At First Listen podcast and choose their favorite music, moments and guests.

After discussing the recent history of the show, we widen the scope and debate which episode was the best.

At First Listen will be back in 2025!

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(Episode 22.)

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Mariah Carey 'Merry Christmas' (1994) - Is There More to the Most Notorious Christmas Album Ever?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000

We listened to Mariah Carey's classic but infamous 1994 Merry Christmas album, so you don't have to!

Long before she assumed the Queen of Christmas Mantle, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" became nearly inescapable around the holidays. But does the album's titanic hit single overshadow an otherwise decent Gospel record?

On this episode, Andrew and Diamond explore the endurance of Merry Christmas and highlight some of the its less-heralded hits. Plus, in the final segment, they share their favorite contemporary Christmas songs for your holiday playlisting pleasure.

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(Episode 21.)

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Rihanna 'Good Girl Gone Bad' (2007) - We Didn't Stop the Music

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:31:46 +0000

Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad is one of the seminal albums of the mid-2000s, spawning several gigantic hits, but more importantly, this record helped entertain Diamond while she got her wisdom teeth extracted.

On this episode, Andrew and Diamond look back on the album that made Rihanna a bonafide pop superstar with hits like "Umbrella," "Shut Up and Drive," "Don't Stop the Music," "Hate That I Love You" and "Rehab." We explore what made Rihanna so intriguing at the time and how she's maintained such a high approval rating for so long.

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(Episode 20.)

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Pearl Jam 'Vs.' (1993) with Brooklyn Nets Radio Announcer Chris Carrino

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000

Longtime radio voice of the Brooklyn Nets Chris Carrino joins the show to reveal the depths of his obsession with Pearl Jam!

Chris was fascinated by Pearl Jam's debut album, Ten, in 1991, but points to the band's second album, Vs. (1993), as what cemented his lifelong fandom.

We discuss how on Vs. Pearl Jam tried to distance itself from the riotous success of the debut album, how the band has always put its fans first and Chris points out Pearl Jam's serendipitous connection to the New Jersey Nets.

For the last segment, we talk basketball! Chris explains his beef with Carmelo Anthony and his expectations for the 2024-25 Brooklyn Nets i.e. how he will keep his spirits up through what could be one of the worst seasons in Nets franchise history.

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(Episode 19.)

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Inside The Beatles 'Abbey Road' (1969) PART 2

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000

In Part 2 of our At First Listen / Ken Dashow’s Beatles Revolution crossover episodes, we dig into The Beatles Abbey Road track-by-track! We discuss how the Beatles challenged fans' expectations over the years, the band members' struggles with fame and what ultimately ended the band.

Please subscribe to At First Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get podcasts, so you don't miss an episode!

(Episode 18)

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Inside The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' (1969) With Ken Dashow's Beatles Revolution

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000

In Part 1 of our At First Listen / Ken Dashow’s Beatles Revolution crossover episode, our cohost Diamond meets the Beatles!

We explore the complicated history of the Beatles' final two albums – Abbey Road and Let It Be — the fraught relationships within the Beatles by the late-‘60s, the extraordinary cultural impact of the band and how Abbey Road comes across in 2024 to a fan of contemporary pop music, like Diamond.

We also spend A LOT of time on the background of the Beatles and the drama behind the scenes, so look out for the rest of this episode in Part 2!

Please subscribe to At First Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get podcasts, so you don't miss an episode!

(Episode 17.)

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ESPN Radio's Maria Marino and The Black Keys' 'Brothers' (2010)

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000

Play-by-play announcer and Action Network host Maria Marino joins the show to share one of her favorite albums by The Black Keys — the band's 2010 breakthrough Brothers.

The Black Keys' rootsy, blues-influenced Americana sound made the band an indie darling in the mid-'00s, but it was 2010's Grammy-nominated Brothers album, with hits like "Howlin' for You" and "Tighten Up," that drastically changed the band's fortunes and rocketed The Black Keys to mainstream "alternative" success.

Brothers found Maria during a formative period in college, and The Black Keys have been with her ever since. But will hearing the album for the first time inspire the same loyalty in Andrew and Diamond? Will Diamond forgive Maria for rooting for the wrong New York baseball team? Listen to find out!

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(Episode 16.)

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B.B. King 'Live at the Regal' (1964) - How Blue Can We Get?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:01:22 +0000

Andrew and Diamond agree that it's time to explore the blues, so they go straight to the King of the Blues himself, B.B. King, for some education with B.B.'s classic 1964 live album, Live at the Regal.

B.B. King is arguably the most famous blues musician of all-time. He began building his following in the early 1940s (!) and continued performing live for his fans for over 70 years (!!). A winner of 15 Grammy Awards (!!!), B.B. is one of the best-selling blues musicians ever and one of the most influential electric guitarists of all-time.

Andrew and Diamond discuss how B.B.'s personality shines on Live at the Regal and play two new guessing games — Is he 83? and How much was $10 worth in 1964? Subscribe so you never miss an episode of At First Listen.

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(Episode 15.)

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Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday' (2010) - She Did WHAT On'em?!?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000

Andrew has never heard a Nicki Minaj album, and Diamond is pretty sure he will hate it ... nonetheless, Nicki's debut album Pink Friday (2010) is the topic of today's podcast!

There was a time when Diamond considered herself a Barb (a Nicki Minaj fan), and while her support of Nicki has waned in recent years, she wonders if Pink Friday will hold up. We also learn that Diamond's longtime go-to karoke song is on this album.

Will Andrew find anything redeeming on Pink Friday? Could it backfire on Diamond and she kinda hates it too? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode of At First Listen.

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(Episode 14.)

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April Kae and M.I.A.'s 'Matangi' (2013)

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000

One of the faces of Fender's new Player II series, bassist April Kae (Fever 333), joins the podcast to share one of her biggest musical inspirations: British rapper, singer and producer M.I.A.

From her visual art to her social media creation to her music, April Kae strives to create intrigue with her own work, and she finds a wealth of inspiration from other powerful women who march to their own beat. April found the Matangi album through the hit single "Bad Girls" and was immediately struck by how untethered and unconventional it sounded as a complete work.

Diamond and Andrew were both surprised that April chose an album with no electric bass on it (!). But did they find the same empowering message on Matangi as April? Listen to find out!

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(Episode 13.)

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Metallica The Black Album (1991) - We're Off to Never-Never Land

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000

Although Diamond loves the song "Enter Sandman," she's always been too dubious of heavy metal to venture further into Metallica's catalog.

But we face our fears here on At First Listen, and challenge ourselves (we are so brave). So on this episode of the podcast, we're digging into Metallica's seminal 1991 self-titled album — affectionately referred to as the Black Album.

Does Diamond deem Metallica a one-hit-wonder or will she find some sleeper standouts on the Black Album? Will Andrew's masterplan of turning Diamond into a metalhead begin to take shape or will it blow up in his face? 😈

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(Episode 12.)

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RECAP SHOW: Highs and Lows from our First 10 Episodes!

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:19 +0000

After 10 episodes (and 11 albums), Andrew and Diamond take this week to recap some of their favorite music from their At First Listen podcast era.

If you're weighing what episodes to listen to or where to start with our show, this should put you on track with our highest recommendations (and hottest takes) so far.

Also, Andrew tried to get some real music on the show with a combination of an unplugged electric guitar and hours of frustrating production at home.

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Ms. Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' (1998) - Great But Not G.O.A.T.

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:01 +0000

AppleMusic recently named The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill the greatest album OF ALL TIME, and while we're dubious, Miseducation received glowing reviews from critics at the time of its release and it is still viewed as a touchstone recording in hip-hip and R&B.

Diamond grew up listening to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, while Andrew knows very little about Ms. Hill's work beyond the Fugees.

We're also joined by guitarist and educator Alex Goldenthal, who gave Ms. Hill private guitar lessons at her New Jersey home for over a year. Alex shares his insight into the kind of musician, student and peerless talent he saw in Ms. Hill during their work together.

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(Episode 10.)

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Lana Del Rey 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!' (2019) - More Like Yawna Del Rey?

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:05 +0000

Our guest Andrew Pugliese from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show brings in one of his favorite albums ever, Lana Del Rey's celebrated 2019 album Norman F---ing Rockwell!, to the show.

Despite impressive record sales, luminary status with critics and a ravenous fanbase, Lana's music has for most of her career remained on the fringes of mainstream culture.

NFR! is widely considered a turning point in Lana's career, but will our cohosts appreciate the record's supposedly refined lyrics and soft/psych balladry? Listen to find out!

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(Episode 9.)

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Stevie Wonder 'Songs in the Key of Life' (1976) - The album the world needs to revisit

Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:04 +0000

Andrew and Diamond finally get to an album they've been looking forward to since launching the podcast, Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life.

Everyone knows at least a few of the numerous hits from Songs in the Key of Life — "Isn't She Lovely," "I Wish," "Sir Duke," "As" — but as Andrew and Diamond learn, Stevie Wonder's 1976 opus is packed with funk, soul, jazz and salient social commentary from track 1 to track 21.

Just 26 years old at the time of its release, Songs was the 18th (!) studio album of Stevie's recording career, and he was as inspired as ever. Andrew and Diamond discuss why the album is so vital and how they each wish they found it sooner!

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CNN's Alisyn Camerota and the Ramones 'Rocket to Russia' (1977)

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:04 +0000

We have a wide-ranging conversation with CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota about the Ramones, her intimate history with punk rock, her career in news, Prince (!) and especially her must-read memoir, Combat Love.

The Ramones are undoubtedly one of the most important punk bands of all-time and their career remains a crucial chapter in the history of American music. The band's third studio album, 1977's Rocket to Russia, was not the Ramones' biggest commercial success, but it did include several iconic Ramones tracks like "Rockaway Beach," "Cretin Hop" and "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker." Moreover, it was a crucial album in the life of a young Alisyn Camerota!

After living with Rocket to Russia and Alisyn’s memoir, are Andrew and Diamond hoppin’ down to Rockaway Beach … or will they have to break news to their guest that they are still square as ever?

Listen to find out! Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Get Combat Love wherever you get books!

Connect with At First Listen via Instagram at @AtFirstListenPodcast.

(Episode 7.)

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Q104.3's Maria Milito Leads Us Through 'Led Zeppelin II' (1969)

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:04 +0000

Q104.3 New York's Maria Milito joins the podcast to continue Diamond's introduction to rock 'n' roll with an exploration of one of the most influential rock records of all-time, Led Zeppelin II.

Led Zeppelin's early career was such a whirlwind that much of the band's second album was written during rehearsals and in-between roadtrips. The LP was recorded and mixed quickly at a number of different studios yet still holds up today as an iconic album that foreshadowed generations of hard rock virtuosity to come.

Even after her improbable enjoyment of the White Stripes Elephant, Diamond has no idea what to expect. Heavy metal horror or bluesy bliss?

Listen to find out! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

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(Episode 6.)

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The White Stripes 'Elephant' (2003) - Who's enlisting in a Seven Nation Army?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:03 +0000

For At First Listen's first true rock album, Andrew picked The White Stripes hit 2003 LP, Elephant.

The band's fourth album overall, Elephant contains the most iconic rock anthem of its generation in "Seven Nation Army" and earned the band a Grammy award for 'Best Alternative Music' album. But Elephant contains no other bonafide hits, and is on the whole kind of an odd record.

While Diamond was nervous about listening to an album with punk and blues roots, Andrew completely forgot just how quirky Elephant really is.

Listen to hear the conversation! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

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(Episode 5.)

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BONUS Beyoncé emergencé - Reacting to 'Cowboy Carter'

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:00:03 +0000

On March 29, 2024, Beyoncé released her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, to worldwide acclaim.

After taking a week to listen, Beyoncé superfan Diamond and Beyoncé ambivalent Andrew jumped into a studio to record a bonus episode on At First Listen and to find out whether or not they agreed on anything about the new album.

(Note: We curse many times on this episode.)

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Music Legend Nile Rodgers Revisits 'C'est Chic' (1978), Talks Hendrix, Prince & More!

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:00:02 +0000

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Songwriters Hall of Famer Nile Rodgers is our inaugural guest on the At First Listen podcast!

On this episode, Andrew and Diamond dive into Chic's 1978 sophomore album, C'est Chic, with Nile himself as their guide. Nile offers recollections from creating legendary hits like "Le Freak," "I Want Your Love," "Chic Cheer" and others, as well as memories of his close relationship with fellow Chic co-founder and producer late-bassist Bernard Edwards, as well as music icons Jimi Hendrix and Prince.

Nile is arguably the most successful record producer in music history, and his fingerprints are all over generations of music from the 1970s to present day. He's been so successful that his favorite white Fender Stratocaster earned the name Hitmaker, and he still uses the guitar to this day.

Chic is one of the best-selling musical acts of the '70s, with grooves and melodies that have taken on new life in hip-hop and R&B, and as a producer Nile has created countless hits, including records by Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran, Daft Punk, Daddy Yankee, LE SSERAFIM, Beyoncé and many others.

Listen and let us know who should be on the show next!

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(Episode 4.)

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Usher's 'Confessions' (2004) - Is Andrew Caught Up?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:01 +0000

Diamond invites Andrew to visit her childhood with Usher's most iconic studio album, Confessions.

One of the best-selling albums of the 2000s, Confessions contains a parade of classic Usher singles, including "Yeah!," "Burn," "Caught Up" and "My Boo." It's also one of the most gossiped about albums of all-time, as its revealing concept and scandalous lyrics had fans asking questions for years after it was released.

What will Andrew recognize from Confessions? Will Diamond love it just as much after all this time? Will Andrew say YEAH or (my) BOO to Diamond's first official album choice for the podcast?

Listen to find out!

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode of At First Listen with Andrew and Diamond

(Episode 3.)

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Elton John's 'Honky Chateau' (1972) - Does Diamond ride with the Rocketman?

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:00:02 +0000

Andrew introduces Diamond to Elton John with one of Elton's classic albums from the '70s, Honky Chateau.

While Elton and collaborator Bernie Taupin were widely regarded as hitmakers prior to 1972, Chateau marked a turning point in the duo's career, as the first of seven consecutive U.S. number one albums they co-authored from '72 - '75.

But more than 50 years after it hit number 1 on the pop charts, will Honky Chateau strike a chord with Diamond? Can Andrew pronounce Chateau without humiliating himself? Will "Rocketman" head back into orbit? Will we get a reasonable explanation for a song called "I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself"?

Listen to find out!

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(Episode 2.)

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Prince's 'Purple Rain' (1984) - When Doves Cry or when WE cry?

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 23:07:31 +0000

Dearly beloved, Andrew and Diamond thought they knew 'Purple Rain,' but did listening to the album in its entirety for the first time raise more questions than answers?

On the first episode of 'At First Listen,' our cohosts grapple with one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s, 40 years after it became a global phenomenon that made Prince legend. But does 'Purple Rain' hold up? Do Andrew and Diamond dare critique the Purple One? Is there a great song on 'Purple Rain' that people have forgotten about?

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode of 'At First Listen' with Andrew and Diamond!

(Episode 1.)

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At First Listen

Ween 'The Mollusk' (1997) with Kelly Branco

Thrown "Split" Is What a Moshpit Injury Sounds Like

Get Lost in LEXXE & VÉRITÉ's "Labyrinth"

'Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition' Is A Metal Doc That Will Resonate With Everyone

Lady Gaga, Doechii Join Forces on "Runway" (2026)

Angine de Poitrine Is the Artsy Microtonal French-Canadian Math Rock of Fever Dreams

Raye's 'This Music May Contain Hope' (2026) Is Too Big for Earbuds

Examining the Most Surprising 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

Jon von Boehm Talks 'Reflections,' George Benson's 'Give Me the Night' (1980)

Sombr 'I Barely Know Her' (2025) and the Bright Future of Pop Music

Don't Forget to 'Come Original' on 311 Day!

Exploring the Music of Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Kuti

WRAP IT UP: What Did We Like In 2025?

Fatmowf "copycat" - Chillwave Hip-hop Zoomer ... Blues?

'B.B. King Blues Summit 100' - A Tribute to the King

Ando San "Thick Neck" - Rap Metal or Metal *With* Rapping?

What Ever Happened to Young Cardamom?

D'Angelo: 'Brown Sugar' & Beyond with Helen Little

The Music of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)

Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's "Monster Mash" (1962) - The Only Halloween Song?

John Lennon & Yoko Ono "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (1972)

Dinosaur Pile-Up "Bout to Lose It" Back on the Edge

April Kae and Cardi B's 'AM I THE DRAMA'

Holywatr "Hiding in Plain Sight" - Is This Nü Screamo?

Hayley Williams' 'Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party' - The South Will Not Rise Again

Blood Orange "Somewhere In Between" - Taking It Solo

Deftones 'milk of the madonna' - Is This Brat?

Kallias' "The Final Cleansing" - Rinse and Repeat

A Look at Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy With Black Sabbath and Beyond

The Beach Boys 'Pet Sounds' (1966) - Appreciating Brian Wilson

Karnivool's "Drone" Is Anything But One-Note

Foo Fighters' "Today's Song," Inspecting Dave Grohl's Whole Vibe

Lola Young's "Not Like That Anymore" Could Be a Changing of the Guard in Indie Music

Banks' 'Goddess' (2014) with HOLDN - Discussion Is For the Pigs

Is Kesha's "Boy Crazy" the Most Unhateable Bad Song of the Year?

Charli xcx's "party 4 u" Is an Old Song but a New Hit

Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan's "Young & Dumb" Is Begging You To Remember

Sly and the Family Stone 'Fresh' (1973) - Sly Lives!

Mom's Music: A Mothers Day Episode for Renée and Yvonne

Is It Time to Rage Against the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Talkin' Tok: The Frank Ocean "Solo (Reprise)" Social Trend

The Smiths 'The Queen Is Dead' (1986) with Shem Pennant - Weighing the Morrissey Problem

Talkin' Tok: Why No One Is Angry About Rob Apollo's "SHE / THEY"

Sabrina Carpenter 'Short n' Sweet' (2024) with Diamond

Reacting to Chappell Roan's "The Giver": Why is this OK?

Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' (2025) with Hot 99.5's Nick Gomez

Lupe Fiasco's 'Food & Liquor' (2006) With Comedian Justin Catchens

Deftones 'Diamond Eyes' (2010) - To the edge, till we all get off

Doja Cat's 'Amala' (2019) with Mizzie from the X, Dishonest Escape

Talkin' Tok: Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Lockjaw" Gets a Second Chance

Bill Withers 'Still Bill' (1972) - Who Is He (And What Is He To You)?

Talkin' 'Tok: Ceechynaa's Explicit Viral Hit "Peggy" + the Revolution of Short Form Content

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show + How Wrong We Were About the GRAMMYs

Charli xcx 'BRAT' (2024) - Girl, so compelling

The GRAMMYs 'Record of the Year' Award: What Is It? Who's Nominated? And Who Will Win?

Our 2025 Plans + Diamond Has an Announcement

RECAP SHOW: Our 2024 'Best-In-Show' Show!

Mariah Carey 'Merry Christmas' (1994) - Is There More to the Most Notorious Christmas Album Ever?

Rihanna 'Good Girl Gone Bad' (2007) - We Didn't Stop the Music

Pearl Jam 'Vs.' (1993) with Brooklyn Nets Radio Announcer Chris Carrino

Inside The Beatles 'Abbey Road' (1969) PART 2

Inside The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' (1969) With Ken Dashow's Beatles Revolution

ESPN Radio's Maria Marino and The Black Keys' 'Brothers' (2010)

B.B. King 'Live at the Regal' (1964) - How Blue Can We Get?

Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday' (2010) - She Did WHAT On'em?!?

April Kae and M.I.A.'s 'Matangi' (2013)

Metallica The Black Album (1991) - We're Off to Never-Never Land

RECAP SHOW: Highs and Lows from our First 10 Episodes!

Ms. Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' (1998) - Great But Not G.O.A.T.

Lana Del Rey 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!' (2019) - More Like Yawna Del Rey?

Stevie Wonder 'Songs in the Key of Life' (1976) - The album the world needs to revisit

CNN's Alisyn Camerota and the Ramones 'Rocket to Russia' (1977)

Q104.3's Maria Milito Leads Us Through 'Led Zeppelin II' (1969)

The White Stripes 'Elephant' (2003) - Who's enlisting in a Seven Nation Army?

BONUS Beyoncé emergencé - Reacting to 'Cowboy Carter'

Music Legend Nile Rodgers Revisits 'C'est Chic' (1978), Talks Hendrix, Prince & More!

Usher's 'Confessions' (2004) - Is Andrew Caught Up?

Elton John's 'Honky Chateau' (1972) - Does Diamond ride with the Rocketman?

Prince's 'Purple Rain' (1984) - When Doves Cry or when WE cry?

Ando San "Thick Neck" - Rap Metal or Metal With Rapping?