In 1995, ESPN launched Jock Jams Volume 1, a compilation record that would define the sound of sports for the next quarter century. We listen to the album's biggest songs to define what makes a "Jock Jam," and tell the story of how this record came to define the sound of the stadium.
MORE
Read Emily VanDerWerff's article: “The Jock Jam” megamix inadvertentl ... 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
Feb 2022
'The Gambler' by Kenny Rogers
Evan and Andrew delve into the deep philosophical meanings & mysteries of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler," a song in which technically more dying than gambling transpires. Meanwhile, while staring out the window of their podcast, they stumble upon a shocking secret that will turn the ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2021
Greatest Stadium Songs with Joe Kwaczala
On this episode of The Greatest, listen as Megan, C.J. and guest, Joe Kwaczala (Who Cares About the Rock Hall? podcast) fondly recall a time when throngs of fans would move as one to the irresistible sound of a stadium anthem. Perhaps those times will be back again soon, but unti ... Show More
51m 41s
Dec 2022
Y.M.C.A. by Village People
Y.M.C.A....an absolutely loony song. Yet also a generational anthem. And also, a red herring, because this episode is not actually about Y.M.C.A. This episode is actually about a shocking reveal that will change the future of this podcast and possibly the world. Goodbye, for now. ... Show More
1h 25m
Jun 2022
'I'm Not Okay' by My Chemical Romance (w/ Gianmarco Soresi)
ARE YOU OKAY? Gianmarco Soresi stops by the podcast to discuss goths, outsized teenage emotions, music made in response to 9/11, debate the attractiveness of a sulky man, and much more. Read the bad, bad book that is this episode because unlike your jock boyfriend, this podcast j ... Show More
1h 20m