Did you know the melody to the Star Spangled Banner was once a British drinking song? In preparation for the Super Bowl, we uncover how the national anthem has been co-opted and reinterpreted by mega pop-stars. Our understanding of how this song sounds has been shaped by sporting events and the spin pop artists put on it has altered our conception of the nat ... 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
Nov 2020
Afrobeats’ Global Takeover
Over the last several years, American listeners have grown more and more attuned to the sounds of West African pop music—also known as Afrobeats–whether it’s the swaggering Nigerian Afro-fusion of Burna Boy, the playfully genre-bending anthems of Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae, ... Show More
51m 9s
Mar 2021
March 10th - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak's Silk Sonic Added to Grammy Line-Up, Beyoncé's Supportive Message to Meghan Markle & U.S. Congress' #FreeBritney Request
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak get their Grammy wish, the United States Congress attempts to intervene in the #FreeBritney movement and Beyoncé sends Meghan Markle a special message. This is Billboard News Now, rounding out the top music news for Wednesday, March 10th. Learn more ... Show More
3m 35s
May 2011
Country Music : World War II
Country Hits from the war years. Songs include: There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere, Roses in the Snow, Born to Lose, Banjo Pickin Girl and Night Train to Memphis. Performers include: Roy Acuff, Cindy Walker, Bill Monroe, Bob Wills, Cowboy Copas and the Coon Creek Gir ... Show More
42m 40s
Feb 2021
BIG ENCHILADA 152: Murder Hornet Melodies
It’s been almost a year since we were warned about the evil murder hornets about to invade, stinging us, murdering us and stealing our daughters. It never happened. … just as the evil hornet masters wanted. And now that nobody seems worried about the impending buzzing onslaught, ... Show More
1 h