Stevie Wonder may be our modern day Mozart. A child prodigy, he joined Motown as a preadolescent where he was marketed as “Little” Stevie Wonder. He wowed audiences with his virtuosic command of the piano, harmonica, drums and of course, vocals. At just 13, he had his first number one hit “Fingertips Part II.” It was an unusual chart topper, featuring a live ... Show More
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
May 23
This Moment in Music History for 05-23-2025
On May 23, 1969, The Who released their groundbreaking rock opera album, "Tommy." This concept album tells the story of a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy named Tommy Walker, who experiences various trials and tribulations before ultimately finding enlightenment and becoming a messian ... Show More
1m 55s
Oct 2024
Neil Finn's songs of ascension
Neil Finn is one of our greatest living songwriters. In Split Enz and Crowded House, solo and in his collaborations, his tunes have become the soundtrack to our lives. I’ve been chasing Neil to Take 5 for the TV series since the beginning, and finally he said yes. Even better, he ... Show More
1h 1m
May 18
This Moment in Music History for 05-18-2025
On May 18, 1980, Ian Curtis, the lead singer and lyricist of the influential post-punk band Joy Division, tragically took his own life at the age of 23. His untimely death came just on the eve of the band's first North American tour and two months prior to the release of their se ... Show More
2m 12s
May 16
This Moment in Music History for 05-16-2025
On May 16, 1966, one of the most influential albums in rock history was released: "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys. Produced and arranged by Brian Wilson, this groundbreaking album pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the recording studio and set a new standard for pop mus ... Show More
2m 2s
Oct 2024
This Moment in Music History for 10-18-2024
On October 18, 1957, Paul McCartney made his debut performance with John Lennon's band, The Quarrymen, at a social club in Liverpool, England. This event marked the beginning of a legendary musical partnership that would change the course of music history.
McCartney, then just 15 ... Show More
1m 52s