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Strong Songs: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kirk Hamilton
Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.
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- 2 weeks ago1h 0m
"Peg" by Steely Dan
Strong Songs has covered Steely Dan songs from 1976’s The Royal Scam, 1980’s Gaucho, and even 2000’s Two Against Nature, but somehow 1977’s Aja has remained unaddressed… until now. On this episode, Kirk takes a look under the hood of “Peg,” one of the most loved songs on The Dan’s most celebrated album, with all the double-stop bends, lyricon solos, and multi-tracked Michael McDonalds that entails. Written by: Donald Fagen and Walter BeckerProduced by: Gary KatzAlbum: Aja, 1977Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:Strong Songs episodes on: "Babylon Sisters" (Full song) "Janie Runaway" (Chris Potter's solo) "Kid Charlemagne" (Larry Carlton's solo)"Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980"Kid Charlemagne" by Steely Dan from The Royal Scam, 1976"Janie Runaway" by Steely Dan from Two Against Nature, 2000"Deacon Blues" from Aja, 1977Classic Albums: Steely Dan: Aja, 2000 Documentary"Peg" live from Steely Dan, Two Against Nature tour DVD, 2000"Midnight at the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur w/ Amos Garrett from Maria Muldaur, 1974Tom Scott playing lyricon on "Say You Love Me," 1987"What a Fool Believes" by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, recorded by The Doobie Brothers, 1978Steve Kahn's blog post recalling the "Peg" recording session2020 Wall Street Journal interview with Fagen on the meaning of "Peg"'s lyricsRick Beato interviews with Jay Graydon and Michael McDonaldDonald Fagan's "Peg" piano lessonPlayLikeTheGreats.com - a fantastic transcription resource--------------------SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Erica Smolinski - Brute Farce - John PultzSEPTEMBER 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONSColin Hodo - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Jake Roberts - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Michael Livingstone - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - J
- Sep 18, 202658 min
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
It's time to return to Talking Heads, and their inimitable 1980 song "Once In A Lifetime." The subject of this episode was selected by the annual Strong Songs Patreon bracket vote. Thanks to everyone who voted!Written by: Talking Heads and Brian EnoProduced by: Brian EnoAlbum: Remain In Light, 1980Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Life During Wartime” and “I Zimbra” by Talking Heads from Fear of Music, 1979Stop Making Sense dir. Jonathan Demme, 1984The 2021 Strong Songs episode about Stop Making Sense“Take Me To The River” by Al Green and Mabon Hodges recorded by Talking Heads on More Songs about Buildings and Food, 1978“The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980“Jeun Ko Ku” by Fela Kuti from Afrodisiac, 1973“Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1977“Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer from Riptide, 1985“Kids” and “Time to Pretend” by MGMT from Oracular Spectacular, 2007Jad Abumrad's exceptional podcast series Fela Kuti: Fear No ManKirk's 2025 interview with Jad about the Fela series Rick Karr's 2000 NPR feature on the song as part of the "NPR 100" retrospective series--------------------SEPTEMBER 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONSDave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Pablo Castro - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Erica Smolinski - Brute FarceSEPTEMBER 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONSColin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Jake Roberts - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Michael Livingstone - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Dick Morgan - David Boston - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Mitch Vega - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip K
- Aug 21, 202659 min
"Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age
Kirk returns to the Mojave, and to QOTSA's groundbreaking 2002 album Songs For The Deaf. Written by: Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan Produced by: Josh Homme and Eric Valentine Album: Songs For The Deaf, 2002 Listen/Buy via Album.Link Episode photo by Kirk Hamilton @ Joshua Tree, 2026 ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971 “Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004 “Micro Cuts” by Muse from Origin of Symmetry, 2001 “Barracuda” by Heart from Little Queen, 1977 “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead from OK Computer, 1997 “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth from Rust in Peace, 1990 "... Millionaire," "No One Knows," "God Is In The Radio," "First It Giveth," by QOTSA from Songs For The Deaf “Thumb” by Kyuss from Blues for the Red Sun, 1992 “Ride” by T-Ride from T-Ride, 1992 “Destination” by Nickel Creek from A Dotted Line, 2014 “Blue 7” by Sonny Rollins feat. Max Roach from Saxophone Colossus, 1957 “Slip It In” by Black Flag from Slip It In, 1984 “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” from Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967 “Fast as You Can” by Fiona Apple from When The Pawn… ,1999 “Epistrophy” by Thelonious Monk from Genius Of Modern Music, 1951 Goldeneye 007 pause music by Grant Kirkhope, 1997 “Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix from Are You Experienced?, 1967 “Hey Joe” as recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1966 MTV interview with Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, 1992 MusicRadar and Rick Beato interviews with Eric Valentine "Making Songs For The Deaf" mini-doc, archived on YouTube "Song For The Dead" live at Rock Werchter, 2002 AUGUST 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS AccessViolation - Andy - Ben Barron - Brute Farce - Butch Vig - Catherine Warner - Cerise Gay - Cesar - Christopher McConnell - Christopher Miller - Corpus Frisky - Damon White - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Dave Florey - David Mascetti - Erica Smolinski - Greer Bevel - Greg - Greg - Jamie White - Jay Swartz - Jenness Gardner - Jeremy Dawson - Joe Laska - Julie Rowe - Ken Hirsh - Lisa Crotty - Matt R - Melanie Andrich - Melissa Lucas - Nigel - Pablo Castro - Paul Delaney - Rich Fish - Robyn Metcalfe - Sami Samhuri - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Wendy Moore AUGUST 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Aaron CainAaron Wade - Aaron Wilson - Abbie Berg - Achint Srivastava - Adam Clark - Adam Stofsky - Adam W - Ailie Fraser - AJ Schuster - Alan Kress - Alan Maass - Alan Wills - AlanB - Alex - Alexander - Alexander Polson - Alexis - Alison Dugan - Amanda Furlotti - Andrew Baker - Andrew Fair - Andrew Hofer - Andrew Knutson - Angela Livingstone - AnnaSahlee - Anthony Mentz - Arjun Sharma - Aron - Aruni Jayatilleke - Ashley - Bea - Ben Stein - Bernard Khoo - Bill Thornton - Bonnie Prinsen - Brad Callahan - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Brian Rinckenberger - Brian John Peter - Bruno Gaeta - Cameron - Carlos Lerner - Caro Field - Catherine Clause - cbalmain - Charles McGee - Chris K - Chris Remo - Christian Hessmann - Clare H - Clint McElroy - Colin Hodo - Dallas Hockley - Dan Cutter - Daniel Kaberon - Daniel Markoff - Daniel Nervo - Dave Kolas - dave malloy - Dave Sharpe - David - David Boston - David Futter - David Joske - Deebs - Dent Earl - Dhu Wik - Diane Hughes - Diane Turner - Dick Morgan - Donald Mackie - Doreen Carlson - Doug - Doug Belew - Douglas H Frazer - Dr Arthur A Gray - E Margaret Warton - Edward Reisert - Emotional - A Basketball Podcast - Eoin de Burca - Eric Helm - Eric Prestemon - eric sp - Eric Stone - Erik - Ethan Bauman - Ethan Laser - Ferdinand von Seebach - frank - Freddy Freeman - Gabriel Hoffman - Gavin Doig - Geraldine Butler - Greg Henion - Heather J - Henry Mindlin - HiddenJester - Ian Pidd - Inmar Givoni - irritable - Jake Roberts - James - James - James Hicks - James Johnson - James McMurry - Jamie - Janice Berry - Jason Pratt - Jeff Stormer - Jeff Ulm - Jeffrey Bean - Jeffrey Olson - Jennifer Bush - Jim M - Jim Sellers - Joe Gallo - John Auer - john halpin - Jonathan Daniels - Jordan Gatenby - Josh Singer - Joshua Gailey - Joshua Hill - JRRJ - Julie Kellman - Justin McElroy - Karl Dube - Karma J
- Jul 17, 202659 min
"Little Bird" by Annie Lennox
Strong Songs returns to the mighty Annie Lennox, for a closer look at her initially patient, eventually soaring 1992 single "Little Bird." This song allllmost beat out "Walking On Broken Glass" to get an episode last time around, and it's easy to see why. Written by: Annie Lennox Produced by: Stephen Lipson Album: Diva, 1992 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: The 2020 Strong Songs episode about "Walking on Broken Glass" “Why,” “Walking On Broken Glass,” and “Cold,” from Diva, 1992 “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics from Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), 1983 Annie Lennox performing “Under Pressure” with Queen and David Bowie at Wembly, 1992 “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler from Faster Than The Speed of Night, 1983 --------------------JULY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R - Wendy Moore - Cerise Gay - Nigel JULY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - James - Andrew Knutson - Doug - Sam Grogan - MT - Linda Lange - James Hicks - Michael Adamski - Mark MacIntosh - Jeff Stormer - Michael Sumner - Edward Reisert - Klodrik - Aron - Kevin Davis - Matt - Louise Clarke - Richard Randall - AlanB - Will
- Jun 19, 202659 min
"Mamma Mia" by ABBA
It's time for a second helping of ABBA, and how could we resist "Mamma Mia"? Kirk peels back the layers of one of the band's most beloved songs, revealing a carefully crafted concoction of melodies, countermelodies, stealthy synthesizers, and marimbas. Written by: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson Album: ABBA, 1975 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: A Listener's Guide To Strong Songs Live “Mamma Mia” by ABBA from featuring Siobahn McCarthy from the Mammia Mia! original cast recording 1999, and featuring Meryl Streep from the film adaptation, 2008 The Real Story of ABBA: Bright Lights, Dark Shadows by Carl Magnus Palm, 2001 Abba’s winning performance of "Waterloo" at 1974 Eurovision at the Brighton Drome (they beat Olivia Newton John!) "Waterloo" by ABBA from Waterloo, 1974 "Dancing Queen" by ABBA from Arrival, 1976 “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens from Illinoise, 2005 “The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009 A clip from Muriel’s Wedding, 1994 --------------------JUNE 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R JUNE 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare H - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Dan Cutter - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen - Adam Clark - Freddy Freeman - Erik - Mathias Schmidt - Cheryl Wilke - Tucker Ped - Sarah Vetters - Aaron Cain - Daniel Markoff - Alexis - Alex - Eric Stone - Alan Kress - R J Helow - Max Barnes - Michael Martin - John Domina - James - Andrew Knuts
- Jun 15, 20264 min
The Best Way To Listen To Strong Songs (Spotify PSA)
Find the Strong Songs podcast feed here: https://feeds.strongsongspodcast.com/main Instructions for manually adding a feed to most major podcast apps HERE For more on Fair Use and other similar topics, check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation - they are the best. --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here (Livestream Tix Now Available!)----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
- May 15, 20261h 3m
Return to Kind of Blue
Kirk returns to Kind of Blue, taking a closer look at two more tunes off of the 1959 jazz classic. First, he digs into the modified 12-bar blues "Freddie Freeloader," with a focus on Wynton Kelly's much-emulated opening piano solo. He then compares and contrasts how John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley approached the closing track, "Flamenco Sketches" on tenor and alto sax, respectively. Music by: Miles Davis and Bill Evans The Musicians: Miles Davis, Trumpet Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Alto Sax John Coltrane, Tenor Sax Wynton Kelly & Bill Evans, Piano Paul Chambers, Bass Jimmy Cobb, Drums Produced by Irving Townsend; Engineered by Fred Plaud Album: Kind of Blue, 1959 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: The 2021 episode of Strong Songs about the album's opening track, "So What" Adam Maness and Peter Martin’s excellent music podcast “You’ll Hear It” Kirk’s 2025 “You’ll Hear It” guest appearance discussing Tower of Power’s 1973 self-titled album Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn, 2000 “Cold Sweat” by James Brown, 1967 “Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by Tears For Fears from Songs From The Big Chair, 1985 “Some Other Time” by Leonard Bernstein by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett from The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, 1975 “A Love Supreme, Pt. 2: Resolution” - by John Coltrane from A Love Supreme, 1965 --------------------MAY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R MAY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - H
- Apr 17, 202659 min
"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth
Kirk surfs an avalanche straight into Thrash Valley, where he delves into the depths of Megadeth's 1990 opus "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It's an unstoppable rockslide of layered riffs, tempo shifts, power chords, and... power thirds? Written by: Dave Mustaine Album: Rust in Peace, 1990 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: "Tornado of Souls" by Mustaine/Ellefson from Rust in Peace, 1990 “The Four Horsemen” by Metallica (Hetfield, Ulrich, and Mustaine) from Kill ‘Em All, 1983 “Peace Sells” by Megadeth from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, 1983 “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses from Appetite For Destruction, 1987 “Speed Metal Symphony” by Cacophony from Speed Metal Symphony, 1987 Mr. Tabs' "Holy Wars" transcription (YouTube) Megadeth Live in 1992 at Hammersmith Odeon “Channel 1 Suite” by The Buddy Rich Big Band feat. Don Menza, 1968 "What It Sounds Like" from KPop Demon Hunters, 2025 Angry Crowd Sound by Michael Ghelfi Studios Megadeth plays “Holy Wars” live on Sirius XM in 2022 --------------------APRIL 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan - Greg APRIL 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - John Berry - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - Betsy Barre - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Jez - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen
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About Strong Songs
Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.
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