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PODCAST

EarWax

The EarWax Crew

EarWax is a deep-dive music podcast hosted by two longtime record store clerks, Hilary and Cody, who are steeped in music history.Each week, we unpack the story of a single album - how it was made, where it fits in the cultural moment that shaped it, and why it still matters. From iconic classics to cult gems, we explore the music that moves us and the stories that stick.You’ll also hear about the latest releases and what’s buzzing in our world of vinyl bins and liner notes. Think of it like your

music music history

All Episodes

62:02

Ep. 74: Boyz II Men - II

EarWax ·

2024/12/26

Now that you're properly stuffed on holiday goodies, let's keep the vibes chill, smooth, and immaculate.Cody and Hilary cruise through Boyz II Men's "II". An album of two halves, separated by a truly thoughtful, heartbreaking interlude, "II" gives all of the dance floor energy before hitting you with the epic feels.The group was soaring after their first record, and this follow-up put them firmly at the head of their class. With legendary producers galore, "II" is the perfect album to throw o...

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73:26

Ep. 73: A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector

EarWax ·

2024/12/19

We are holly, jolly, and bright after covering the amazing artists and songs on this classic Christmas album - "A Christmas Gift for You..."This album features some of the premiere vocal groups (The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, etc.), as well as LA's legendary Wrecking Crew.Reimagined classics, an original that became a classic, and a whole host of talent is what makes this album feel so warm. Also maybe because it was recorded in August..."A Christmas Gift for You" captures the esse...

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63:17

Ep. 72: Björk - Homogenic

EarWax ·

2024/12/12

The EarWax crew takes on one of the most brilliantly enigmatic artists out there this week as we cover Björk's "Homogenic."Made during a time of personal strife, this record is an homage to her home in Iceland, a place where she needed to leave for a time. Homogenic mixes traditional influences with sounds far ahead of its time. It feels fresh, sounds fresh, and is fresh today. Björk is a true innovator and artist, and this record is one of the best examples of what she has to offer.&nbs...

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75:34

Ep. 71: Kraftwerk - Computer World

EarWax ·

2024/12/05

No B.S., let's get to business. Kraftwerk. EarWax. Computer World.Hilary and Cody discuss the group, the music, the theory and ideas around one of Germany's finest exports - Kraftwerk. Computer World is relevant today because it touches on so much of the conversation that has risen to dominate our culture.Data. Computers. Numbers. Travel. People. Money. This is the record that addresses how these all interact, and what we are to make of them.Kraftwerk saw the future in the present, and this r...

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77:27

Ep. 70: Motörhead - Ace of Spades

EarWax ·

2024/11/28

Make the necessary preparations, we're talking Motörhead this week...Hilary and Cody try and hang on as they talk about the pure fuel that is Ace of Spades. Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Phil were three dudes who knew exactly what they were after, and they pursued those things with great fervor. Ace of Spades is undiluted rock and roll made by a band who were unrepentantly themselves. Motörhead was a freight train, and you either hopped on board, got out of their way, or got run over.&n...

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66:08

Ep. 69: Sade - Diamond Life

EarWax ·

2024/11/21

The eighties were a time of maximalism, so of course one of the biggest records was...a smooth jazzy pop affair? Sade's "Diamond Life" right in your earballs this week on EarWax.Sade is NOT a brand, but we are comfortable saying they are a whole mood. And it starts front and center. Elegant vocals that seem effortless, basslines that add more than a dash of funk, and a songwriting chemistry that brought us a record that stands out in its simplicity."Diamond Life" is the launching point of a c...

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84:22

Ep. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again

EarWax ·

2024/11/14

Make way for the Princess of Pop. Genuflect at the throne of 2000s bubblegum. Bow to Britney Spears.Oops!...I Did It Again cemented Britney as an icon. Her story is complicated, public, and influential. The tracks on this album show us the vision of Britney Spears perhaps at its most effective. A conquering hero who just so happened to make another #1 record. As if she fell backwards into superstardom.No, this album and its success were hard-won, the cost of which would come due further ...

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71:49

Ep. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food?

EarWax ·

2024/11/07

Masks, mystery, and Mm...Food? EarWax dives into your favorite rapper's favorite rapper MF DOOM!!The story of DOOM is partially rooted in the story of Doom (the comic, not the video game). Reborn from a former group, MF DOOM established himself as one of the most iconic underground emcees.MF DOOM built an entire universe in which he could play, and this record is arguably at the zenith of his most prolific period. Mm..Food? is crafty in its wordplay, generous with its samples, and tasty with ...

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70:48

Ep. 66(6): The Cramps - Songs the Lord Taught Us

EarWax ·

2024/10/31

Shine up your pompadours and put on your best spooky mask, this is a Halloween episode!The Cramps are the perfect band for the season, and Songs the Lord Taught Us has scares aplenty. Whether talking about the perils of braces on fangs, a zombie dance, or how cool sunglasses in the dark are, The Cramps effortlessly show us their influences while putting their unique spin on them.Songs the Lord Taught Us is a great gateway to rockabilly, psychobilly, early rock and roll, and trash culture. The...

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81:13

Ep. 65: B.B. King - Live in Cook County Jail

EarWax ·

2024/10/24

The King of the Blues (or one of them, anyways) is the focus of this week's episode of EarWax!Hilary and Cody discuss the circumstances that led to B.B. King performing at Cook County Jail in 1971. Along the way, they touch on B.B.'s journey to that point, the infamous reputation that Cook County Jail had (and still has), and what it means to use your voice to shed light on legitimate grievances.A sharp, slow-rolling affair, Live in Cook County Jail shows B.B. King at arguably his most bluesy...

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81:04

Ep. 64: Dolly Parton - Jolene

EarWax ·

2024/10/16

We're covering a legend among legends this week. You're in rarified air when you are known by one name. It's Dolly!Cody and Hilary marvel at the story of Dolly Parton, who consistently defied the odds and the wishes of those who sought to keep her playing second fiddle.But Dolly wasn't having any of that, and wrote a smash hit to let her professional partner know it was over. Years later, that track became a smash hit for another legend in a totally different context. And that isn't even "Jol...

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77:24

Ep. 63: Cheap Trick - In Color

EarWax ·

2024/10/10

New friends and old are featured on this week's dive into Cheap Trick's "In Color."Cheap Trick are the fellas from your hometown that just so happened to become one of the biggest rock bands of all time. "In Color" was their second swing (and mostly miss) in the US, but boy did it lead to bigger things. Cheap Trickmania took off in Japan, leading to their breakthrough live record that cemented their legacy.Years later, the group's take on the album was such that they decided to give it anothe...

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84:03

Ep. 62: Nick Drake - Pink Moon

EarWax ·

2024/10/03

Here come all the feels, this week we're covering Nick Drake's "Pink Moon."Cody and Hilary discuss the life, enigma, and myth of Nick Drake. Sifting through the legend to grab hold of the person is a difficult task, and one that nobody seemed to really be able to do even during his life.Nick Drake's career was tragically short, but "Pink Moon's" legacy is indisputable. The story of how this record - and this artist - finally found the spotlight is truly fascinating."Pink Moon" is the perfect ...

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79:09

Ep. 61: Neil Diamond - Hot August Night

EarWax ·

2024/09/26

A legend among legends, a performer among performers, or you might just know him as...His Neilness!Hilary and Cody travel the Neilverse, going through the concert and album that made him the pop god that he is known as. "Hot August Night" was recorded at the amazing Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and everything you want from Neil Diamond is on display. A brilliant songwriter with a grounded sense of self-awareness, Neil Diamond's biggest charm is his willingness to go for it - vocals, spe...

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73:47

Ep. 60: X - Los Angeles

EarWax ·

2024/09/19

Punk royalty is the topic of conversation this week on EarWax!X were (and are) punk legends, but their album "Los Angeles" is so much more than just punk. With rockabilly guitar and some psych harmonies, this record flip-turned the rules every which way.Produced by the always-been-cool Ray Manzarek of the Doors, "Los Angeles" recalibrated the city's music scene, putting punk and X squarely at the forefront.Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instag...

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84:26

Ep. 59: J Dilla - Donuts ft. Christian Dueñas

EarWax ·

2024/09/12

Put the headphones on and plan to keep your head nodding for the whole time, this week we have J Dilla's "Donuts!"Christian Dueñas - host of the podcast Primer - drops by to chop it up about a record whose full story took a long time to be told. "Donuts" was made as Dilla was in between and during hospital stays. While the popular account is the stuff of legend, there is another, more grounded story that is as beautiful in its humanity.It's impossible to see "Donuts" outside the context of J ...

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65:42

Ep. 58: Toots and the Maytals - Funky Kingston

EarWax ·

2024/09/05

What's reggae without a little (a lot) of soul? We wouldn't know, because this week's episode has soul to spare!Toots and the Maytals were the people's champs of Jamaica; a sound whose roots represent the common man. Toots won a national song contest three separate times!Funky Kingston is a strange mish-mash of two previous albums, with a single thrown in for good measure. It's got a tried and true rock cover, some Americana adapted for Jamaica, and plenty of fantastic vibes.This record is a ...

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72:30

Ep. 57: Massive Attack - Mezzanine

EarWax ·

2024/08/29

Pressure can make diamonds, but too much pressure and you get an explosion. And this week, we have both!Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" is a standard-setter in electronic music. While the band was consistently at odds during its making, the resulting record crackles with energy.Cody and Hilary talk about near death, a major embarrassment involving a pop icon, and how the band worked through (or around) the tumult to create a brilliant album."Mezzanine" is dark, tense, and cool. The story behind ...

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71:44

Ep. 56: Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters

EarWax ·

2024/08/22

Make sure you do your neck stretches, because you will be nodding along with us this week.The EarWax squad took a trip to the Hollywood Bowl to see this week's episode performed live by the OGs who played on it.By 1973, Herbie Hancock had hits, chops, and a resume that elevated him into rarified air. Searching for that next thing, he took inspiration from James Brown, Sly Stone, and of course Miles Davis.The result: "Head Hunters," a disgustingly groove-laced record whose track list may be sh...

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76:37

Ep. 55: Charli XCX - Charli

EarWax ·

2024/08/15

As we cruise through the tail end of #bratsummer, EarWax takes a look at one of the records that helped Charli XCX dominate the conversation this year."Charli" comes on the heels of her rise to fame, at a time when she was about to break even bigger than she already was. Dealing with pop stardom, ravenous fans, and a devastating hack that leaked her work had all taken their toll."Charli" is the response to all that, defiant in its glitch and trap influence while still maintaining more than en...

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95 results

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