Why Is This So Hard For You?

Episode 145 starts polished, sophisticated, and very musical—then the category round takes a turn that gets considerably more disturbing.

Curtis opens with Leonid & Friends teaming up with Gino Vannelli, bringing big arrangements, immaculate playing, and the kind of studio-musician precision that lives right in the show’s wheelhouse. Jonathan follows with Deacon Blue, adding literate pop-rock, blue-eyed soul, and an overlooked late-’80s cut with plenty of character beneath the polish.

For the category songs, Curtis introduces Tastes Like Chicken, and the less said beforehand, the better. Let’s just say The Buoys managed to turn one...

Episode 144 starts with another trip to the movies, moves into some serious instrumental muscle, and eventually reaches a recording that forces Curtis to reopen the Sonic Holocaust file.

Jonathan continues his soundtrack streak with Billy Joel, digging up a movie song that sounds unmistakably like him while living a little outside the part of his catalog most people know. Curtis follows with Snarky Puppy, where the grooves get heavier, the musicianship gets ridiculous, and keeping track of exactly what everyone is doing becomes part of the fun.

Then the categories take over. Jonathan introduces Needed...

Episode 143 gets smooth, cinematic, and increasingly questionable as Curtis brings some late-night jazz-pop atmosphere, Jonathan continues digging through movie soundtracks, and the category round moves from grown-up soul to an aging crooner reaching for arena-rock relevance.

Curtis opens with Michael Franks, bringing his trademark blend of jazz, soft rock, understated grooves, and impossibly laid-back vocals. It’s sophisticated, nocturnal music that sounds like it should come with dim lighting and a drink menu. Jonathan keeps his movie-song streak going with Tom Johnston, finding another overlooked soundtrack cut that brings some unmistakable Doobie Brothers-adjacent muscle to the big sc...

Episode 142 keeps Jonathan’s movie-song streak rolling, then jumps headfirst into Van Halen before the category round brings weed smoke, unlikely collaborations, and one massive power ballad that somehow never reached No. 1.

Jonathan starts with Stephen Bishop and another trip into the world of movie soundtracks, this time pulling a smooth, overlooked performance from Tootsie. It’s polished early-’80s soft rock with cinematic sheen, sophisticated songwriting, and Bishop’s unmistakably warm vocal style—the kind of soundtrack cut that deserves a life outside the movie. Curtis follows with Van Halen, digging into the darker, tougher side of the ban...

Episode 141 starts in classic-rock territory, takes a cinematic singer-songwriter turn, and then heads directly into two category songs that may test everyone’s patience in very different ways.

Curtis opens with Styx and a key moment in the band’s evolution—the first album to feature Tommy Shaw. The track begins almost like a straight singer-songwriter piece, restrained and melodic, before gradually opening up into the harmonies, guitars, theatricality, and full-scale Styx energy that would become such a big part of the band’s sound.

Jonathan follows with James Taylor and a soundtrack song that proves e...

Episode 140 gets smooth, sophisticated, and then deeply questionable as Curtis and Jonathan move from polished West Coast AOR into expansive jazz atmosphere before the category songs start raising eyebrows.

Curtis opens with Bill Champlin, bringing soulful vocals, studio-musician polish, and that sweet spot where soft rock, yacht rock, and blue-eyed soul all start sharing the same expensive microphone. Jonathan follows with Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, adding lyrical jazz fusion, spacious textures, and the kind of instrumental beauty that makes you stare thoughtfully out a window even if you are just sitting in traffic.

For...

Episode 139 moves from Southern rock atmosphere into silky adult-contemporary sophistication before the category songs take a hard turn into overplayed-radio exhaustion and late-’80s redemption.

Jonathan opens with Atlanta Rhythm Section, bringing melodic classic rock, polished Southern groove, and the kind of overlooked album-cut energy that fits perfectly in the deep cuts lane. Curtis follows with Al Jarreau, adding warm vocals, smooth jazz-pop elegance, and enough musical sophistication to remind everyone that “easy listening” does not mean “easy to sing.”

For the category songs, Jonathan brings Burnt To A Crisp with The Righteous Brothers, revisiting a legendar...

Episode 138 brings the horns, the grooves, and one deeply questionable duet decision as Jonathan and Curtis move from jazz-funk fireworks into smooth studio-player territory before the category songs start causing emotional damage.

Jonathan opens with a live Brecker Brothers performance, bringing precision horn lines, funk muscle, and the kind of jazz fusion intensity that makes everyone in the room feel slightly underqualified. Curtis follows with Tom Scott, adding polished saxophone-led cool, West Coast session-player energy, and that sweet spot where jazz, funk, and AOR start sharing custody.

For the category songs, Jonathan returns with Collab...

Episode 137 settles into prime late-’70s studio-player territory, with Curtis bringing Steely Dan and Jonathan following with the Doobie Brothers for a double shot of slick production, soft rock polish, and yacht rock-adjacent groove.

Curtis opens with a Steely Dan cut built for radio mythology, full of jazz-pop sophistication, dry wit, and that unmistakable Becker/Fagen perfectionism. Jonathan keeps the smoothness going with the Doobie Brothers, bringing Michael McDonald-era soul, harmony, and AOR warmth into the mix.

For the category songs, Curtis returns to Sonic Holocaust with Rodney Dangerfield, proving once again that novelty rap an...

Episode 136 jumps from pop-rock deep cuts to full-on prog-rock chaos, then winds its way through original-version history and a song that got absolutely cooked by overexposure.

Jonathan opens with Rick Springfield he really doesn't like, bringing a polished early-career cut with plenty of melodic pop craftsmanship. Curtis follows with King Crimson, heading straight into one of prog rock’s defining statements—jagged, intense, ambitious, and still capable of making normal classic rock sound like it forgot to do its homework.

For the category songs, Jonathan brings an Original Version with George Benson, spotlighting the earlier soul...

Episode 135 gets strange in all the right ways, moving from literary singer-songwriter atmosphere to heavy, harmony-rich rock before crashing directly into one of the most baffling novelty records ever allowed near a microphone.

Curtis opens with Rickie Lee Jones, bringing smoky art-pop storytelling, jazz-shaded songwriting, and the kind of album-cut depth that rewards a closer listen. Jonathan follows with King’s X, adding muscular riffs, big vocal textures, and a deep cut that shows why the band has always lived somewhere between hard rock, prog, soul, and “why weren’t they bigger?”

For the category songs, C...

Episode 134 brings together modern yacht rock polish, classic singer-songwriter comfort, original-version history, and one of the most joyful records ever to miss the top spot.

Curtis opens with Monkey House, bringing sleek AOR production, studio-musician detail, and that throwback West Coast sound that feels custom-built for deep cut obsessives. Jonathan follows with James Taylor, adding warm soft rock, gentle craftsmanship, and the kind of understated songwriting that sneaks up on you.

For the category songs, Jonathan brings Original Version with The La’s, digging into a jangly pop classic before it became part of the la...

Episode 133 slides into that sweet spot where modern yacht rock polish, jazz fusion chops, and forgotten pop history all somehow belong in the same conversation.

Curtis opens with State Cows, bringing smooth AOR textures, West Coast studio-musician energy, and the kind of throwback songwriting that feels built for this music podcast. Jonathan follows with Jeff Lorber Fusion, adding electric keys, instrumental groove, and a little jazz-fusion wizardry to the episode’s deep cut mix.

For the category songs, Curtis brings an Original Version with Racey, digging into the strange and fascinating world of songs that ha...

Storm warnings, cinematic storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and one of pop music’s most famously misunderstood jokes.

Jonathan opens with a Billy Joel deep cut before Curtis turns to Bruce Hornsby and the Range for a beautifully arranged song that feels like the closing scene of a movie nobody remembers seeing.

For the category selections, Jonathan brings Covers with Jon Lampley, Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, and Sammy Rae joining forces for a stacked vocal performance. Curtis closes with Frequently Misunderstood, examining the Randy Newman satire that caused outrage among people who apparently stopped listening after the ti...

Episode 131 gets wonderfully musician-brained as Derek Hale brings Allan Holdsworth into the room, which means jazz fusion, impossible guitar lines, and the general feeling that everyone else may need to practice more.

Curtis continues his run through favorite debut albums with Donald Fagen, adding sleek studio polish, sophisticated songwriting, and that perfectly engineered jazz-pop/AOR atmosphere. Jonathan follows with Sting, bringing a thoughtful, literary deep cut that leans into the moodier side of 1980s singer-songwriter pop.

Then Curtis takes the category chair for Stick To Acting, featuring David Soul and a reminder that sometimes the...

Episode 130 keeps Derek Hale in the room for another round of deep cuts, debut-album discoveries, jazz fusion precision, and one very important reminder that some guys used to sing like their lives depended on it.

Curtis continues his run through favorite debut albums with Kenny Loggins, bringing warm singer-songwriter craft, soft rock polish, and the kind of 1970s studio-musician atmosphere that sits right in the show’s sweet spot. Derek follows with Steve Smith and Vital Information, adding a sharp turn into jazz fusion, rhythmic muscle, and drummer-led instrumental firepower.

Jonathan brings in an overlooked Al...

Derek is still hanging around for Episode 129, which means the episode has room for smooth late-night atmosphere, ambitious debut-album energy, and a few jazz turns along the way.

Jonathan opens with a moody collaboration from Chris Botti and The Blue Nile, bringing atmospheric trumpet, polished production, and cinematic melancholy. Curtis then continues his run through standout debut-album cuts with an early Chicago Transit Authority track, full of bold horn arrangements, shifting sections, and the ambitious energy that made that first record such a statement.

Derek follows with a groove-heavy selection from John Scofield, adding guitar-driven...

Episode 128 brings Derek back to the show, and this one comes with an unusually personal theme. Curtis talks about recently going through a stress test and echocardiogram after having some strange heart sensations, so naturally the only reasonable response was to build an entire episode around heart-related songs.

Curtis opens with a moody, atmospheric selection from Porcupine Tree, setting a darker and more reflective tone than usual. Derek follows with a fusion-heavy piece from the Chick Corea Elektric Band, bringing precision, movement, and serious musicianship into the heart-themed mix. Jonathan then shifts gears with a powerhouse rock...

Episode 127 moves from tight British jazz-funk into smoky modern songwriting before taking a sharp turn into kid-sized smoothness and soundtrack-country glory.

Curtis opens with a groove-heavy selection from Level 42, bringing slap-bass energy, sharp musicianship, and that unmistakable blend of funk, pop, and precision. Jonathan follows with a beautifully restrained track from Norah Jones, leaning into mood, melody, and the kind of understated cool that rewards close listening.

In the category songs, Curtis introduces Sippy Cup Yacht Rock, featuring a smooth, soft-rock-adjacent selection from Stephen Spencer that proves even the smallest sailors deserve polished production. Jonathan...

This episode moves from ’80s prog-pop precision into songwriter sophistication before landing in show-tune energy and one very David Foster-shaped category pick.

Jonathan opens with a bright, punchy selection from Yes, leaning into the band’s more streamlined era where big musicianship meets accessible hooks. Curtis follows with a laid-back, character-rich track from Rickie Lee Jones, bringing that unmistakable blend of jazz, pop, storytelling, and offbeat cool.

In the category songs, Jonathan brings Show Tunes into the mix with a theatrical selection from Brassroots District, giving the episode a little stage-ready flair. Curtis closes things out...

Episode 125 turns into a full Van Halen moment as both Jonathan and Curtis arrive with tracks from different corners of the band’s catalog. Jonathan kicks things off with a high-energy, late-era cut that brings big hooks, big guitars, and full arena confidence, while Curtis follows with an early classic that captures the attitude, swing, and personality that helped make the band impossible to ignore.

In the category songs, Jonathan introduces Worms In My Ears—a home for songs that are undeniably catchy, but maybe in the most irritating way possible. His pick from ABC opens the floo...

Episode 124 keeps Curtis’ debut-album deep cut streak alive with a sharp, high-energy selection from Toto, packed with studio precision, rock muscle, and the kind of musicianship that made their first record so loaded. Jonathan follows with a polished track from Glad, bringing tight vocals, earnest songwriting, and a different kind of ’80s/’90s craft.

In the category songs, Curtis brings another Original Version, this time from i-Ten, revisiting a song that later became far more famous in another form. Jonathan closes with Soundtrack Singles, pulling a smooth country-pop entry from Kenny Rogers tied to the film Six Pack.<...

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 that made his early work so enduring.

In the category songs, Jonathan brings a Cruisin’ Song from Whitesnake, delivering full nighttime-highway energy, dramatic vocals, and maximum la...

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 category songs, Jonathan instigates a full-blown New England Deck Fight by raising the eternal question: does Styx qualify as yacht rock...

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, Curtis unveils a new category: Mullet Manifesto. Naturally, it arrives courtesy of Blackfoot, delivering full-throttle southern rock energy, highway imagery, and enough hair to...

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 another Original Version, this time from Lou Johnson, revisiting a song that would go on to have a much bigger life through later interpretations. Jonathan then ta...

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 from W. G. Snuffy Walden, a track that feels equally at home in television scoring and standalone listening.

In the category songs, Jonathan...

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 live performance from David Gilmour and Romany Gilmour, where mood, texture, and restraint take center stage.

In the category songs, D...

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 point.

Jonathan brings things firmly back on track with a soulful, rhythm-driven cut from Lee Fields & The Expressions, delivering vintage feel with modern energy and convic...

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, genre-blending piece from Mannheim Steamroller, merging classical influence with synth-driven arrangement in a way only they can.

In the category songs, things take a turn. What is labeled as...

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 Hearts selection from Lionel Richie, a song defined by warmth, sincerity, and timeless melody. Curtis closes with a Covers pick from Jaye P. Morgan—an un...

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 from Jamiroquai, a track packed with groove, social commentary, and musicianship that somehow still found its way onto mainstream...

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, Curtis brings a #1 In Our Hearts moment from James Taylor, pulling from a live performance that ca...

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 category songs, Curtis brings an At the Bowling Alley pick from Elton John and Kiki Dee—a track forever tied to childhood nostal...

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 return to The Deep Cut State, asking entirely reasonable questions about recurring studio aesthetics, suspicious stylistic resurgences, and whether smoo...

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 Collaboration/Duet from Herbie Hancock’s Possibilities project—an era where jazz pedigree meets contemporary production and unexpected pairings. Jonathan then closes things o...

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 begin connecting dots, noticing patterns, and asking questions we probably shouldn’t—purely for research purposes, of course.

Th...

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 song that later found massive success in other hands but hits differently in its earliest form. Curtis closes things out with a Deck Sh...

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 patterns, and the possibility that the music world is far more coordinated than anyone wants to a...

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 songwriting chops. Curtis closes things out with a smooth, unmistakably ’80s-flavored duet featuring Luther Vandross and Gregory Hine...