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.
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Read Emily VanDerWerff's article: “The Jock Jam” megamix inadvertentl ... Show More
Mar 3
Can Bruno Mars counterprogram his way to another hit album?
Bruno Mars is back with a new album called The Romantic, his first solo release since 2016’s 24k Magic. At first listen, the lead single, “I Just Might,” sounds like an outtake from 2021’s collaborative album with Anderson Paak, the Philly soul-inspired An Evening with Silk Sonic ... Show More
44m 52s
Feb 24
Charli XCX’s "Wuthering Heights" fever dream
Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1847 gothic romance "Wuthering Heights" is the most talked-about film of the year. But for pop lovers, the soundtrack is the real event: Charli xcx, asked to write one song, ended up recording an entire album for the movie while ... Show More
48m 13s
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