What I\u2019m Listening To<\/p>\n
\u2018Strong Songs\u2019 by Kirk Hamilton<\/p>\n
I sadly don\u2019t listen to as much music as I should. I gravitate toward podcasts when I work or drive because I won\u2019t be tempted to accidentally type out lyrics to the beat and think conversation makes the trip go by faster.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, I have Kirk Hamilton\u2019s biweekly podcast \u201cStrong Songs\u201d to remind me how wonderful music can be. The former video game journalist returned to his sonic roots and when each episode drops I devote all energy to what he\u2019s saying. Like a small, friendly lecture that delves into theory, definitions, trivia and more, I always learn something new while rocking out to a classic tune.<\/p>\n
I recommend starting at the beginning, because there isn\u2019t much of a backlog and he frequently references topics discussed in earlier segments. Additionally, the first three episodes come out, well, strong. They break down Toto\u2019s \u201cAfrica,\u201d Paul Simon\u2019s \u201cYou Can Call Me Al,\u201d \u2014 which taught me about its Chevy Chase music video \u2014 and Beyonc\u00e9\u2019s \u201cSingle Ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n
But, my favorites are the mailbag episodes. Packed with information, Hamilton responds to listeners asking questions like \u201cWhat instrument is making that strange noise in this song?\u201d \u201cWhy are fugues fun to listen to?\u201d and \u201cDo you have stage fright advice?\u201d It\u2019s a great interactive aspect to the podcast and points out that engaging with music is like having a dialogue.<\/p>\n
And, though there is no relation, Hamilton dedicates an episode to \u201cSatisfied\u201d from \u201cHamilton: An American Musical.\u201d If you like his analysis of one of the best songs from one of the best musicals, I recommend checking out \u201cThe Room Where It\u2019s Happening\u201d podcast.<\/p>\n