Tongue twisters that mock techno-optimism and cite critical theory don’t usually make for catchy song lyrics. But indie rocker Rosie Tucker’s Utopia Now! finds beauty in the dross of late capitalism. Over 13 songs backed by distorted guitars and blazing drum fills, Tucker’s searing vocals bemoan the inherent dislocation of our modern world while searching fo ... Show More
Today
The classical rebel who infiltrated pop music
You've heard those shimmering disco strings in Miley Cyrus's "Flowers," the cinematic arrangements on Phoebe Bridgers' Punisher, and the orchestral flourishes across Taylor Swift's catalog, but you probably didn't know they're all the work of one person: Rob Moose. The violinist ... Show More
51m 35s
Aug 19
All roads lead to Pharrell: Tyler, Clipse, and Cardi
The conversation around the new music this summer has been a dour one. Some of the biggest songs in the country right now are downtempo stomp-clap anthems and wistful Cranberries pastiche. Even on this very show, Nate and Charlie have asked: where's the fun? As it turns out, the ... Show More
52m 36s
Aug 12
A brief history of terrible lyrics (with Sam Sanders)
Why do bad lyrics happen to good people? From "suckin' on a chili dog" to "making love to his tonic and gin," even the biggest hits from our favorite artists can feature lyrical turns that make us feel quizzical, offended, or even downright nauseated. With the help of Sam Sanders ... Show More
43m 5s
Oct 2020
Turn Around, Bright Eyes, Part 2
Hit Parade is back for non-Slate Plus listeners! Upcoming episodes will be split into two parts, released two weeks apart. For the full episode right now, sign up for Slate Plus and you'll also get The Bridge, our Trivia show and bonus deep dive into our subjects. slate.com/hitpa ... Show More
57m 7s
May 2024
'The Tortured Poets Department' Wrap-Up, and the Power of 'Espresso' | Every Single Album: Taylor Swift
Nora and Nathan give a few final thoughts about 'The Tortured Poets Department,' including what the charts can tell us about how people are listening to this album (1:00), and whether Taylor Swift albums can be properly reviewed anymore (34:25). Then, they talk about Sabrina Carp ... Show More
1h 4m
Oct 2020
Uncle Kracker Talks Rap, Candy Bars, Whiskey, Falls in Love With Resilient Bourbon
On this week's episode of The Fred Minnick Show, Matthew Shafer - better known as Uncle Kracker - chimes in to chat with Fred over a whiskey flight. As Uncle Kracker, Shafer was rocker/rapper Kid Rock's turntablist as part of the backing band Twisted Brown Trucker. Uncle Kracker ... Show More
1h 19m
Dec 2023
Now That We Don't Talk (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)
This is the shortest song in Taylor Swift's entire discography but like she says, it sure does pack a punch!Taylor sings about a charasmatic person that charmed her, even though she had to tolerate them a bit, but now all of that's changed now!What references in this song make a ... Show More
39m 23s
Mar 2024
Episode 708 | "Your Feet is Tea"
The JBP starts this episode with a weekend full of new music including ‘Enough’ from Cardi B (21:41), songs from Sexyy Redd and PARTYNEXTDOOR (36:12), plus music from Gunna, Don Tolliver, and Flo Milli (46:08). Karrueche is selling feet pics on OnlyFans (58:20), Kanye West has fi ... Show More
3h 23m