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PODCAST

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures

There’s no shame in the music you love. Join us as we celebrate the open-hearted songs of the past 50 years (with a focus on the songs that shaped us from the 70s, 80s, and 90s).

music music commentary

All Episodes

66:26

Lionel Richie: "Hello" (He starts with "I Love You")

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/04/12

Only Lionel could lead with "I love you" when finding the girl of his dreams. We discuss why he can pull this off and why "Hello" is so amazing. We also do so much more! Get ready for an emotional ride. Links: The Number Ones by Tom Briehan The Epic Music Video Singing with Jimmy Fallon Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review on the podcast provider of your choice, and

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55:58

Calloway: "I Wanna Be Rich" (and have just a little...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/04/05

It's refreshing to hear the bold honesty of Calloway. What do they want? They want to be rich! (And also for/full of love, peace, and happiness.) For this episode, we discuss money, lots and lots of money, we explore some incredible categories (the Hallmark movie is back!), and we also dive into the history of Calloway. From what we've learned, they got their wish in the end.Links: Official Video In Living Color Version New Version Flute Edit Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram,

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60:48

David Foster: "Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire" (from...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/03/29

We’ve never tried this before, but we’re going for it: today’s song is an instrumental. We kept a slight safety net, since a version with lyrics does exist, but the 'Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire' is best known for the way its keys, synths, and sax evoke their own kind of poetry. Join us for a journey involving dewy meadows, aggressive unicorns, and ski movie villains. Buckle up, friends.Link: Promotional Video Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an

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70:58

Joe Jackson: "Steppin' Out" (with Dave Kitchen)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/03/22

Dave Kitchen brings us what he feels to be a "quintessential guilt-free pleasure." Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out" is undeniably of its time, but what a glorious time that was. We discuss the backstory of the song as well give a close reading of its lyrics. We also discuss the New York City of 1982, which is nearly a world away from the NYC of today. Be prepared to be transported back to another time as we step out into the night!Links: Music Video Live version with original drum machine Thank you for

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55:02

Lou Bega: "Mambo No. 5" (Hi Monica!)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/03/15

This is a big moment for Frank - he's been wanting to do Lou Bega's giant signature tune for a long time. Bill isn't nearly as enthused, but this is not Hate Month, and so it's time to let a little bit of Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica into our lives. Ladies and gentleman: here is our episode on "Mambo No. 5!"Link: Official Video Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com! We’d

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90:18

Thompson Twins: "Hold Me Now" (Adventures in...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/03/08

We're very excited to have The Julies back as guests! "Hold Me Now" suits both the aesthetic of our show as well as the taste of our friends. Beyond exploring the musical layers of the Thompson Twins' biggest hit, we unpack the memories tied to the track: namely, Frank's childhood longing for his babysitter. The Julies have a great new album out. You can find and buy Cherisher here and stream it on whatever service you use. Follow the Julies on Instagram or Facebook! More helpful links: Hold Me Now

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67:12

Was (Not Was): Walk the Dinosaur (Boom Boom Acka...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/03/01

While often remembered as a catchy novelty track, Was (Not Was)’s “Walk the Dinosaur” is actually about our own imminent extinction through nuclear annihilation. Who knew the song would continue to be relevant almost forty years after its release? We trace the band’s humble beginnings in Michigan to their surprising success throughout the 80s, with guest vocalists that included Leonard Cohen, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Kim Basinger (!). For us, and maybe to the chagrin of the Was

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63:35

Simply Red: Holding Back the Years (Holding ONNNNN)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/02/22

Mick Hucknall may be a polarising figure in the British media (well, I guess it mostly is only the "hate" pole), but how can anyone deny the power of "Holding Back the Years"? It's a song birthed in a stream of consciousness writing exercise but steeped in a history of childhood sadness. We discuss our own sadness, give a deep analysis of the song and video, and we also discuss why we refuse to pair a wine with this Simply Red.Links: Official Video Frantic Elevators version Simply Red Live from

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68:45

Dan Hill: "Sometimes When We Touch" (Hold the last...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/02/15

Today, we dive into Dan Hill’s 1977 mega-ballad, "Sometimes When We Touch." Often labeled the ultimate "weeper," this track explores themes of masculine fragility and raw vulnerability. These concepts commonplace today but groundbreaking for the late 1970s. We discuss how a 19-year-old Hill penned these intense lyrics to compete for the affection of a polyamorous woman who was simultaneously dating a professional football player and a photographer. We also examine the song's unlikely collaboration

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57:49

Mr. Mister: "Broken Wings" (You got to release the...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/02/08

We go deep in this week’s episodes by delving into the complexities of relationship-mending. For example, the only way to keep someone is to let them go. It’s the paradox of Broken Wings, and we are here to learn to fly again. Despite a bad coffee order to start things, we get right on track and discuss the enduring influence of Khalil Gibran on music - or at least on a few Beatles songs and this Mr. Mister tune. We discuss redemption, healing, and dangerous blackbirds. Frank also brings a Hallmark

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53:44

Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair: "Opposites Attract"...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/02/01

For a good few years, Paula Abdul was an unstoppable force in music. We discuss her beginnings and the creation of her bestselling debut album. It all culminates in this song - her 4th #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit featuring a rapping randy alley cat. It's a natural fact!Links: Official Video Video before rotoscoping Paula Abdul in 1978 - "The Party Song" Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com! We’d love your feedback—please

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77:24

Len: "Steal My Sunshine" (with Nathan Holmes)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/01/25

Nathan Holmes rejoins us for an episode that will bring you back those summertime vibes even if it is the coldest time of the year (as it is for us at this moment in Canada). Len's "Steal My Sunshine" holds a special place in our hearts as the three of us all feel personally connected to the song. Bring out your butter tarts and your eight-foot heap slurpees: let's have a million miles of fun as we dive deep into this late 90s gem! Links: Official video Video Shoot Day 5 Thank you for listening

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53:09

Seal: "Crazy" (The only way to survive)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/01/18

Although written about the world events that marked the end of the 1980s, Seal's "Crazy" can easily be about our own tumultuous times. Join us as we discuss the song's backstory and give our contemporary analysis of its lyrics. So fire up your speedboats and get ready for a montage sequence: it's time to get a little crazy. Links: Official Video Thank you for listening! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com! We’d love your feedback—please rate

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52:58

Mike + The Mechanics: "All I Need Is A Miracle"...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/01/11

Bill is very excited to bring this episode to you. Not only is it a song out of the Genesis Extended Universe (GEU), but it also features Paul Carrack (which means this is part of the Carrackverse). It is also a song about long shots, which means this resonates with Bill's love life - Miracles DO happen. Get off your phone, Frank!Links Original Version Video '96 Version Video Top of the Pops '86 Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an

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62:13

The Outfield: "Your Love" (Sung in Stingsetto)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2026/01/04

Where did Josie go after all? And can her friend be trusted? We certainly know that Josie's boyfriend isn't a man of honour, unless Frank's Hallmark movie is to be believed. Besides these questions, we cover the history of The Outfield, analyse "Your Love," and give a deep analysis of its music video. We're glad you joined us!Links: Official Video SNL Sketch Acoustic Version Katy Perry Version Bruno Mars Version Family Guy Version Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on

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76:02

The Pogues: "Fairytale Of New York" (with Dave Kitchen)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2025/12/20

"That’s the challenge of the song: he’s giving us these people at Christmas and forcing us, in the spirit of the season, to find grace for them. He’s channeling the fundamental nature of Christmas." - Dave KitchenIn honour of Bill's brother-in-law, Kurt, we are finally featuring the song that Nick Cave said spoke with "profound compassion to the marginalised and the dispossessed." It's a Christmas song unlike any other. Links: Official Video Live Version on Top of the Pops 1992 Demo Version #2 Jon

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84:27

The Cranberries: "Zombie" (with Dee and Jeff from "So...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2025/12/14

We are joined by our friends Dee and Jeff from the true crime review podcast So Much Crime, So Little Time to discuss a song based on a true crime. The Cranberries' "Zombie" is a song written in reaction to the 1993 Warrington bombings by the Provisional IRA that killed two children. We delve into the history of the band as well as the background behind the writing of the song. We also discuss Dee's lived Irish experience and how it measures up to Frank's independent study for his grade 12 history

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63:18

Elvis Presley: "Burning Love" (with a hunk of Hawaii...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2025/12/07

The King has come to Guilt-Free Pleasures! There are many great Elvis songs, but this one is our favourite. Get on your white superhero sequined jumpsuit and get your karate kicks kicking - it's time to revisit 1972 Elvis Presley!Live Elvis Version Bruno Mars and his nephews Thank you for being part of our journey! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, etc., or send us an email at BandFGuiltFree@gmail.com! We’d love your feedback—please rate and review, and don’t forget to share our podcast with

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53:32

Miley Cyrus: "The Climb" (Hope Month Ep 5)

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2025/11/30

When compared to the other songs featured in this podcast, this song is virtually brand new! We discuss Miley's early career and dive deep into the song that sent her career up to new heights. We also discuss the importance of enjoying the journey rather than the destination, but also acknowledge that is rarely said by those who tumble to their destruction while climbing the mountain.Links: The Climb Official Video The Climb in the Hannah Montana: The Movie Thank you for being part of our journey

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58:25

Aretha Franklin and George Michael: "I Knew You Were...

Bill and Frank’s Guilt-Free Pleasures ·

2025/11/23

Disclaimer: We were wrong! Aretha Franklin sang "America The Beautiful" at Wrestlemania 3, not Wrestlemania 1.Hope month goes into episode 4 with this number 1 hit by Aretha & George. Faith and Hope abide, as the apostle Paul says. But the greatest of these is love, and you can feel it throughout this entire song. We dive into the hilarious stories behind the recording of the song and give you a deep, deep analysis of the intricacies of "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)." Grab a rack of ribs

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