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PODCAST

Why Is This So Hard For You?

Life is too short to curate anemic musical tastes. Classic rock and pop radio plays the same batch of focus-tested songs ad nauseam. Even stations that claim to "play everything" (stations that begin with male personal pronouns) offer only slightly larger playlists. We wondered, "Why is it so hard for people to find new songs by their favorite artists? Or better yet, find a new genre of music altogether to explore." Hence, the Why Is This So Hard For You podcast was born.

music music commentary

All Episodes

00:28:55

🎧Episode 123: Jazz-Funk Precision, Debut Album Magic...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/05/18

Episode 123 moves from smooth jazz-funk into classic songwriter territory before ending with two songs built for completely different kinds of emotional driving.Jonathan opens with a groove-heavy selection from George Benson, blending fluid guitar work, rhythmic sophistication, and the effortless cool that defined his crossover era. Curtis continues his ongoing exploration of standout debut albums with a warm, melodic deep cut from Stephen Bishop, highlighting the understated songwriting brilliance

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00:29:15

🎧Episode 122: Debut Album Glory, Yacht Rock Arguments...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/05/11

Episode 122 leans into songwriter storytelling, all-time debut album magic, and two category songs that could easily start arguments in the parking lot after the show.Jonathan opens with a reflective, late-night selection from Marc Cohn, bringing warmth, lyrical detail, and that unmistakable road-worn vocal style. Curtis continues his ongoing appreciation for legendary debut albums with a soaring deep cut from Boston, reminding everyone just how absurdly loaded that first record really was.In the

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00:32:31

🎧 Episode 121: New Wave Cool, Modern Fusion & The...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/05/04

Episode 121 swings from razor-sharp new wave to modern fusion before diving headfirst into southern rock excess and wrestling-world oddities.Curtis opens with a punchy, late-’70s selection from The Cars, blending sleek hooks, cool detachment, and just enough nervous energy to make everything sound effortlessly stylish. Jonathan follows with a rhythmically rich modern track from Oli Howe, showcasing fusion chops, tight grooves, and contemporary musicianship with serious feel.In the category songs,

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00:29:45

🎧 Episode 120: Soft Rock Glow, Studio Craft &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/04/27

Episode 120 is back to just Curtis and Jonathan, this episode leans into smooth songwriting, studio precision, and a category segment that spirals into layered cover-song madness.Curtis opens with a warm, late-era selection from Christopher Cross, delivering that unmistakable soft rock glow and effortless melodic touch. Jonathan follows with a polished, musician’s-musician track from Tom Hemby, highlighting tasteful arrangement and session-level craftsmanship.In the category songs, Curtis brings

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00:37:44

🎧Episode 119: Modern Jazz Nuance, Songwriter Warmth &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/04/20

Derek joins for one more episode as we move through intricate jazz, classic songwriting, and a quietly brilliant collaboration to close things out.Jonathan opens with a nimble, harmonically rich performance from Gwilym Simcock, blending modern jazz language with lyrical phrasing and subtle complexity. Curtis follows with a reflective, beautifully crafted selection from Dan Fogelberg, leaning into timeless melody and introspective songwriting.Derek then brings a cinematic, emotionally resonant piece

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00:33:53

🎧 Episode 118: Modern Jazz Authority, Bass-Driven...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/04/13

Derek is back once again for Episode 118, guiding this one through jazz precision, modern groove, and a perfectly placed nostalgic turn.Derek opens with a sophisticated, melodic performance from the Branford Marsalis Quartet, setting the tone with interplay, tone, and top-tier musicianship. Jonathan follows with a rhythm-forward, bass-driven track from Vincen García, bringing modern fusion energy and tight pocket playing into the mix. Curtis then shifts things into a more atmospheric space with a

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00:25:50

🎧Episode 117: Modern Jazz Soul, Accidental Shopping...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/04/06

Derek sticks around for another round, and Episode 117 delivers one of the more unpredictable mixes yet—equal parts smooth sophistication, unintentional comedy, and deep-cut soul.Curtis opens with a sleek, groove-forward selection from Torsten Goods, blending modern jazz phrasing with pop sensibility and polished production. Derek follows with a curveball from Peter Howard Morris—a track that lands somewhere between earnest and unmistakably “shopping music,” and yes, that’s entirely the

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00:29:22

🎧 Episode 116: Guest Return, Vulf Grooves, Modern...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/03/30

Episode 116 welcomes back original contributor Derek Hale for a three-way dive into groove, vocal precision, and symphonic reinterpretation.Jonathan kicks things off with a tight, rhythm-driven selection from Vulfpeck, where stripped-down funk and precision playing create something deceptively simple and endlessly replayable. Curtis follows with a polished, soulful track from Claudia Campagnol, showcasing modern pop-soul with pristine production and vocal control. Derek then brings a bold,

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00:37:19

🎧Episode 115: Fusion Groove, Earth Wind & Fire Energy...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/03/23

Episode 115 leans into groove-driven musicianship, classic R&B energy, and songs that hit deeper than their chart positions might suggest.Jonathan opens with a sleek, rhythm-forward selection from George Duke, blending jazz-fusion chops with undeniable funk sensibility. Curtis follows with a vibrant, horn-driven track from Earth, Wind & Fire, delivering signature energy, tight arrangements, and that unmistakable blend of soul and precision.In the category songs, Jonathan brings a #1 In Our

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00:31:06

🎧Episode 114: Jazz Sermons, Pop Surprises & Smart...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/03/16

Episode 114 moves from jazz-stage intensity to modern pop polish before landing in two very different corners of musical memory.Curtis opens with a fiery performance from the Wynton Marsalis Septet, where improvisation, groove, and spiritual energy collide in a piece that feels part concert, part sermon. Jonathan follows with a polished selection from Keith Urban, blending country songwriting with pop accessibility and studio sheen.In the category songs, Curtis brings a Too Smart for Top 40 pick

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00:34:25

🎧 Episode 113: West Coast Songcraft, AOR Romance &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/03/09

Episode 113 leans into masterful songwriting, smooth West Coast sensibilities, and a pair of songs that helped define their eras.Curtis opens with a heartfelt selection from Stephen Bishop, spotlighting the gentle melodic touch and reflective storytelling that made him a quiet architect of late-’70s soft rock. Jonathan follows with a polished AOR gem from Dane Donohue, delivering sleek arrangements and the kind of West Coast craftsmanship that feels right at home on this show.In the category songs,

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00:30:16

🎧 Episode 112: Live Jazz-Funk Fire, Modern Fusion &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/03/02

This episode stretches from high-energy live funk to sleek modern fusion before detouring into bowling-alley memories and late-’80s cruising culture.Curtis opens with a live performance from Level 42, captured at Reading Concert Hall in 2001—tight grooves, virtuosic bass work, and the kind of stage chemistry that only gets better with volume. Jonathan follows with a polished, harmonically rich selection from Simon Oslender, showcasing contemporary fusion chops with serious melodic instincts.In the

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00:35:51

🎧Episode 111: Production Yacht, Fusion Fire & A...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/02/23

This episode opens in surprisingly authentic waters. Jonathan kicks things off with a sleek, classic yacht rock–styled track from production house Bigger Story Music—a reminder that sometimes the most faithful recreations of West Coast polish are hiding in unexpected corners of the music world.Curtis then shifts gears into high-velocity jazz-fusion with a blistering performance from Hiromi and her band Sonicwonder, where technical brilliance somehow still leaves room for melody and hooks.We also

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00:26:00

🎧 Episode 110: Blue-Eyed Soul, West Coast Jazz & A...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/02/16

Episode 110 moves from smooth modern soul to cool-jazz precision before taking a sharp left into collaborative pop-funk and full-blown ’70s absurdity.Curtis opens with a rich, groove-driven track from Allen Stone’s APART era, leaning into heartfelt vocals and retro-leaning soul textures. Jonathan follows with a breezy yet intricate performance from alto legend Art Pepper, bringing West Coast jazz tone and melodic improvisation into the spotlight.In the category songs, Curtis highlights a

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00:34:12

🎧 Episode 109: Classic Chicago, Alt-Pop Quirk &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/02/09

This week Curtis and Jonathan bounce between polished classic rock, left-of-center pop, and a double dose of covers that each take very different approaches.Curtis opens with a smooth, late-era selection from Chicago, leaning into their more reflective, songwriter-driven side. Jonathan follows with a characteristically quirky pick from They Might Be Giants, bringing wit, odd angles, and unmistakable personality into the mix.Jonathan also takes the reins for The Deep Cut State, where we once again

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00:35:46

🎧Episode 108: Stringed Textures, Progressive...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/02/02

This week’s episode leans hard into musicianship, nuance, and the kind of songs that reward close listening. Jonathan opens with an elegant, textural piece from David Snell, spotlighting delicate arrangements and a quietly mesmerizing approach to melody. Curtis follows with a modern progressive selection from Steven Wilson, where atmosphere, dynamics, and meticulous production take center stage.The category songs dig even deeper. Jonathan brings an Original Version from P. P. Arnold, revisiting a

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00:37:58

🎧 Episode 107: Soundtrack Smoothness, Modern AOR &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/01/26

This week Curtis and Jonathan bring a mix of soundtrack gold, sleek modern vibes, and just enough chaos to keep the timeline unstable. Curtis leads off with a smooth Al Jarreau soundtrack selection—pure voice, pure feel, and peak “how is this guy that good?” energy. Jonathan follows with a track from Wilshire, keeping things melodic and polished while staying firmly in deep-cut territory.Then we return to The Deep Cut State, where we once again “just ask questions” about strange coincidences, hidden

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00:31:49

🎧 Episode 106 - Modern Funk, Classic Prog &...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/01/19

This week Jonathan kicks things off with a high-energy groove from Tom McGuire and the Brass Holes, bringing tight horns, infectious rhythm, and the kind of modern funk punch that instantly grabs you. Curtis follows with a sweeping, grand-scale track from Kansas, diving into classic progressive rock territory with big melodies and even bigger ambition.In the category songs, Jonathan’s Screen To Stage pick comes courtesy of Flight of the Conchords, delivering the perfect mix of comedy, sincerity, and

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00:40:52

🎧 Episode 105 – Yacht Rock Precision, Jazz Fusion...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/01/12

Episode 105 brings Curtis and Jonathan back into familiar territory—smooth, meticulous, and just a little unhinged. Jonathan opens with a polished slice of West Coast pop from Player, while Curtis counters with a sleek, cinematic fusion track from Yellowjackets, leaning fully into late-night musicianship and studio finesse.This week also marks the debut of a brand-new feature: The Deep Cut State. In this segment, we begin asking important questions—possibly too important—as we explore whether

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00:26:36

🎧 Classic Songcraft, Crossover Country & Originals...

Why Is This So Hard For You? ·

2026/01/05

Curtis and Jonathan dig into a mix of impeccable songwriting, genre-blending pop, and the eternal originals-versus-covers debate.Curtis opens the episode with a sharply written, emotionally grounded track from Randy Goodrum, highlighting the kind of behind-the-scenes songwriter brilliance that quietly shaped an era. Jonathan follows with a polished, crossover-era selection from Ronnie Milsap, where country storytelling meets pop craftsmanship at its peak.In the category songs, Curtis brings an

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146 results

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