web01.fireside.fm Mon, 18 May 2026 02:01:18 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Playing By Ear - Episodes Tagged with “Pop” https://playingbyear.fireside.fm/tags/pop Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Every episode of this podcast Doug, Ami, and Kyle break an album down, track by track, to cover why it's not only worth playing, but replaying. en-us episodic Every episode of this podcast breaks an album down, track by track, to cover why it's not only worth playing, but replaying. Doug Lief Every episode of this podcast Doug, Ami, and Kyle break an album down, track by track, to cover why it's not only worth playing, but replaying. no music, music theory, songwriting, rock, pop, metal, alternative, r&b, rock and roll, rock & roll Doug Lief djlief@gmail.com Great Divide (Semisonic) https://playingbyear.fireside.fm/19 d0ac756e-a887-4c88-b10d-f3772951768c Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief Dan Wilson is one of the most prolific and accomplished songwriters of the last thirty years. Before hitting it big with "Closing Time", his band Semisonic released its first album, "Great Divide" which showcases exactly why Wilson was destined for success. Full of lush, memorable melodies, this record is a perfect calling card of Wilson's legendary skill. Comedian Rich Baker joins us for a look back at this fantastic album. 1:52:03 yes <p>Dan Wilson is one of the most prolific and accomplished songwriters of the last thirty years. Before hitting it big with "Closing Time", his band Semisonic released its first album, "Great Divide" which showcases exactly why Wilson was destined for success. Full of lush, memorable melodies, this record is a perfect calling card of Wilson's legendary skill. Comedian Rich Baker joins us for a look back at this fantastic album.</p> <p>Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "All the Pain Money Can Buy" by Fastball.</p> <p>If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to <a href="http://www.daretofailimprov.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.daretofailimprov.com</a> (first class is free!).</p> <p>Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (<a href="https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/</a>) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.</p> <p>Find us on the socials here:</p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/</a></p> <p>Ami's handmade earrings can be found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo</a></p> <p>Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw</a></p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman<br> All music by Semisonic </p> pop, rock, music, songwriting, closing time, dan wilson, songwriter, 1990s, 90s, alternative Dan Wilson is one of the most prolific and accomplished songwriters of the last thirty years. Before hitting it big with "Closing Time", his band Semisonic released its first album, "Great Divide" which showcases exactly why Wilson was destined for success. Full of lush, memorable melodies, this record is a perfect calling card of Wilson's legendary skill. Comedian Rich Baker joins us for a look back at this fantastic album.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "All the Pain Money Can Buy" by Fastball.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by Semisonic

]]> Dan Wilson is one of the most prolific and accomplished songwriters of the last thirty years. Before hitting it big with "Closing Time", his band Semisonic released its first album, "Great Divide" which showcases exactly why Wilson was destined for success. Full of lush, memorable melodies, this record is a perfect calling card of Wilson's legendary skill. Comedian Rich Baker joins us for a look back at this fantastic album.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "All the Pain Money Can Buy" by Fastball.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by Semisonic

]]> The Innocents (Erasure) https://playingbyear.fireside.fm/16 32ade628-9401-4384-9e6c-9077351d9b22 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:15:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief We give a little respect to Erasure's "The Innocents". The album features classic 80s new wave synth sounds that perfectly suit Vince Clarke's smooth voice. Vivacious, danceable, and sometimes moving, "The Innocents" perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Erasure what it is, a pop confection with more depth than you might expect at first glance. 1:39:04 yes <p>We give a little respect to Erasure's "The Innocents". The album features classic 80s new wave synth sounds that perfectly suit Vince Clarke's smooth voice. Vivacious, danceable, and sometimes moving, "The Innocents" perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Erasure what it is, a pop confection with more depth than you might expect at first glance.</p> <p>Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Parallel Lines" by Blondie.</p> <p>Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (<a href="https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/</a>) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.</p> <p>Find us on the socials here:</p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/</a></p> <p>Ami's handmade earrings can be found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo</a></p> <p>Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw</a></p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman<br> All music by Erasure </p> synth, 1980s, 80s, new wave, vince clark, pop, pop music, music, songwriting, songwriters, erasure We give a little respect to Erasure's "The Innocents". The album features classic 80s new wave synth sounds that perfectly suit Vince Clarke's smooth voice. Vivacious, danceable, and sometimes moving, "The Innocents" perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Erasure what it is, a pop confection with more depth than you might expect at first glance.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Parallel Lines" by Blondie.

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by Erasure

]]> We give a little respect to Erasure's "The Innocents". The album features classic 80s new wave synth sounds that perfectly suit Vince Clarke's smooth voice. Vivacious, danceable, and sometimes moving, "The Innocents" perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Erasure what it is, a pop confection with more depth than you might expect at first glance.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Parallel Lines" by Blondie.

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by Erasure

]]> Bad (Michael Jackson) https://playingbyear.fireside.fm/10 5d4185ba-54d1-4d07-87ea-f1186dfa1356 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:15:00 -0800 Doug Lief full Doug Lief By the time of 1987's "Bad" Michael Jackson was an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, perhaps the most singularly famous person in the entire world, and all off of the strength of its predecessor, "Thriller" which remains the best-selling album of all time. Could the King of Pop continue his reign, or would this album live up to its title? Nearly 40 years on, "Bad" remains an incredible collection of infectious grooves that cements the Gloved One's place in music history. 1:42:53 yes <p>By the time of 1987's "Bad" Michael Jackson was an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, perhaps the most singularly famous person in the entire world, and all off of the strength of its predecessor, "Thriller" which remains the best-selling album of all time. Could the King of Pop continue his reign, or would this album live up to its title? Nearly 40 years on, "Bad" remains an incredible collection of infectious grooves that cements the Gloved One's place in music history. </p> <p>Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Drive" by Bic Runga.</p> <p>Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (<a href="https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/</a>) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.</p> <p>Find us on the socials here:</p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/</a></p> <p>Ami's handmade earrings can be found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo</a></p> <p>Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw</a></p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman<br> All music by The Beatles </p> music, pop, pop music, r&b, r and b, 1980s, 80s, michael jackson, songwriting, mtv By the time of 1987's "Bad" Michael Jackson was an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, perhaps the most singularly famous person in the entire world, and all off of the strength of its predecessor, "Thriller" which remains the best-selling album of all time. Could the King of Pop continue his reign, or would this album live up to its title? Nearly 40 years on, "Bad" remains an incredible collection of infectious grooves that cements the Gloved One's place in music history.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Drive" by Bic Runga.

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by The Beatles

]]> By the time of 1987's "Bad" Michael Jackson was an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, perhaps the most singularly famous person in the entire world, and all off of the strength of its predecessor, "Thriller" which remains the best-selling album of all time. Could the King of Pop continue his reign, or would this album live up to its title? Nearly 40 years on, "Bad" remains an incredible collection of infectious grooves that cements the Gloved One's place in music history.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Drive" by Bic Runga.

Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All music by The Beatles

]]> Mr. A-Z (Jason Mraz) https://playingbyear.fireside.fm/1 30db33ea-6867-4c52-8e3a-dc2a1c057aa6 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:15:00 -0700 Doug Lief full Doug Lief On our premier episode Ami brings Mr. A-Z for consideration. Is Jason Mraz's sophomore album the remedy, or is it serious? We break it down track by track to see if Mr. A-Z really is all about the wordplay. 1:58:43 yes <p>On our premier episode Ami brings Mr. A-Z for consideration. Is Jason Mraz's sophomore album the remedy, or is it serious? We break it down track by track to see if Mr. A-Z really is all about the wordplay.</p> <p>Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" by The Kinks.</p> <p>Find us on the socials here:</p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/</a></p> <p>Please be sure to check out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (<a href="https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/</a>)</p> <p>Ami's handmade earrings can be found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo</a></p> <p>Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw</a></p> <p>Musical Credits:</p> <p>Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman<br> All Songs from Mr. A-Z by Jason Mraz </p> music, pop, rock, jason mraz, mraz, folk, music theory, songwriting, 2000s, 00s On our premier episode Ami brings Mr. A-Z for consideration. Is Jason Mraz's sophomore album the remedy, or is it serious? We break it down track by track to see if Mr. A-Z really is all about the wordplay.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" by The Kinks.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Please be sure to check out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/)

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All Songs from Mr. A-Z by Jason Mraz

]]> On our premier episode Ami brings Mr. A-Z for consideration. Is Jason Mraz's sophomore album the remedy, or is it serious? We break it down track by track to see if Mr. A-Z really is all about the wordplay.

Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society" by The Kinks.

Find us on the socials here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/

Please be sure to check out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/)

Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo

Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw

Musical Credits:

Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman
All Songs from Mr. A-Z by Jason Mraz

]]>