Nevermind the Music

If I would, could you? This week, our hosts do another over-the-top deep dive to close Season 2, this time focusing on the dreary 1992 grunge epic “Would?” by Alice in Chains. Nichole takes us through the stages of the transtheoretical model of change, looking through the lens of recovery from addiction (sadly relevant to both the song’s namesake Andrew Wood and Alice in Chains lead vocalist Layne Staley). Mark offers another tongue-in-cheek term paper, this time deconstructing this song’s odd chord progression with the tools of so-called Neo-Riemannian music theory.

A (maybe) helpful tonnetz...

Who doesn’t love a sick distorted bass line? Maybe Nichole… This week we get all worked up with Muse’s 2001 hard rock classic “Hysteria.” Nichole takes us through whether hysteria is a real thing or just some made up science of the patriarchy, then introduces some real modern disorders that relate to it. Mark emotes about a cool trick used by this song’s melody (or should we say melodies). Listeners, write in: should Nichole listen to the song before we record the episode?

Other music heard in this episode: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “A...

106 - Sidetrack - Season 2 Mailbag 4

Are Alanis Morissette and Lauryn Hill two sides of the same coin? This week, we have one more chance to open the mailbag for Season 2! This batch of inquires hits on such controversial topics as Nichole’s accent, whether we should talk about musicals, mono-cultural tragedies, the new record by The Strokes, and whether the Beatles stole from Batman. We’re always sticking to the hard-hitting journalism here at NTM…

Music heard in this episode: Jeremy Jordan - “She Used to be Mine”, Sara Bareilles - “Goodbye Yellow Brick...

Were you one of those people who loved group projects back in school? If so, you must be the social loafer! This week we synergize with The Eagles’ 1976 country-rock gem “New Kid in Town.” Nichole talks about creative collaboration in a conversation that ranges widely, from interpersonal conflict to podcast co-host dynamics and classroom assignments. Mark homes in on the brilliant pattern of key changes in this song that shows this band was more than just fist fights and back-stabbing.

For visual learners, the key scheme to this song goes like this (the capital letter...

Wait, does it need to be either rock or opera to be a rock opera? As Season 2’s final guest, we welcome podcast luminary John Lorehound for a fun conversation about concept albums. Mark’s ready to go with a custom categorization scheme, Nichole comes armed with the required Hozier and Taylor Swift mentions, and John’s ultimately just here to give an angry rant about one of his favorite albums. Tune in for a conversation that gets to some surprisingly deep places.

Music heard in this episode: Ian Gillan and Murray Head - “The Last...

Is it true that what is meant to be will be? This week, the hosts nod their heads to Lauryn Hill’s 1998 anthem of empowerment “Everything is Everything.” Nichole explains how this song is a great representation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’s Hexaflex model and… that’s a lot of fancy words, you’ll just need to listen! Mark shows how this song’s catchy chorus keeps changing, never quite settling on its own identity. After winter must come spring… but it’s August now, so slow your roll.

Other music heard in this episode: Lauryn...

What better way to travel cheaply than listen to a great song? This week our hosts build one more list for Season 2, this time about their favorite songs about places. Nichole’s list is a little longer than Mark’s this time, but does quantity mean quality? Listen to be transported and find out!

Music heard in this episode: Jesse L. Martin - “Santa Fe” from Rent, Jeremy Jordan - “Santa Fe” from Newsies, Journey - “Lights”, Addison Groove Project - “Love and Happiness”, Dropkick Murphys - “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”, Suzanne Vega - “Tom’s Diner (DNA R...

What would it take for you to join a cult? What if the leader looked like Lenny Kravitz? This week, we break down the 1993 retro rocker, “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz. Nichole takes the messiah-energy of the song’s lyrics and describes the methods cults use to control their followers. Mark focuses on the more technical side of the song, observing the cool way the song’s bluesy riffs and melodies shift around by key. Listen if you got to, GOT TO KNOW!

Other music heard in this episode: Live - “Light...

How are we still doing this thing? To celebrate our 100th(ish) episode, we’ve brought in a heavy hitter: returning guest David from the Lorehounds. David picks our brains about our first two seasons, talking topics like our friendship, what we’ve learned from podcasting, conversations with our listeners, and why musicians always pretend to know albums they’ve never heard. Here’s looking forward to 200!

Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.com

Nevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord...

What did Uncle Joey do to make someone this mad? This week, our hosts tackle Alanis Morissette’s 1995 breakup anthem “You Oughta Know.” Mark tries to draw a straight line between the intensity of Alanis’s emotions and how unhinged the song’s rhythms are… before taking an opportunity to majorly over-share on mic. Nichole takes us through the four levels of anger…. the higher the better?

Other music heard in this episode: The Clash - “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, Juice WRLD - “Used To”, Fran Jeffries - “It Had Better Be Tonight”, Bruno Mars...

No Stairway? Denied! In this week’s episode, Mark and Nichole share some artists they really love… by sharing some songs they really don’t love by those artists! Please let us know what we got wrong in the Discord or at nevermusicpod@gmail.com.

Music heard in this episode: The Beach Boys - “Please Let Me Wonder”, The Beach Boys - “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)”, Stockard Channing - “There are Worse Things I Could Do”, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John - “You’re the One That I Want”, Michael Jackson - “Will You Be T...

Another Questlove doc? That means another bonus episode! Lorehounds contributor Jean joins Mark to talk about the new documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World). They talk about the many sides - good and regrettable - of the band’s mastermind, Maurice White, and all the things that went into making this band one of the best to ever do it. We talk funk, disco, hip-hop, and the 70’s like only this band could tie together. Back on schedule next week!

Music heard in this episode: Earth...

Does that love song really remind them of you, or is it actually their previous partner? In this week’s episode, we revel in Toto’s 1982 masterpiece “Africa.” Nichole talks about how our memories play tricks on us, and how different people react to ambiguity. Meanwhile, Mark takes us on another investigation, this time trying to uncover how this song’s iconic riff fits in with the various keys of the song. We dare you to sing along (well) with this chorus!

Other music heard in this episode: Green Day - “Whatsername”, The Beach Boys - “In My...

Have you ever hated a song or an artist only to change your mind later? This week, we are thrilled to welcome rock critic and host of the 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s podcast, Rob Harvilla. We reveal those embarrassing times we were dead wrong about an iconic artist… and one of us may have put some of those earlier thoughts in print! This fun conversation touches on the performative aspects of hate, evolving musical taste, and even some legendary artists with some rough live shows.

Music heard in this episode: Mike Watt - “Agains...

Have you ever had that friend who seemed to change their whole personality each time they had a new relationship? No? Then you’re probably that friend! This week, we vibe with No Doubt’s 1995 radio smash “Don’t Speak.” Nichole argues that No Doubt vocalist Gwen Stefani’s changing styles is a great example of the so-called chameleon effect, while Mark thinks this song has a great example of a cool type of key change. It’s not petty if you use a big word to describe it!

Other music heard in this episode: No Do...

Why do violinists hate violists? Is Flipper actually evil? We comb through the listeners’ increasingly deranged questions with another Mailbag episode! Hear listeners test Nichole’s rhythm and shill their music in another fun check-in with our audience. 

Music heard in this episode: Eight Foot Manchild - “Circle of Salt”, Vultures of Culture - “Catch and Release”, Nice & Smooth - “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow”, Dashboard Confessional - “Me and Mine”, Stereolab - “Diagonals”

Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.com

Nevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds...

Are things getting a bit companionate or maybe just fatuous? In this episode, we swoon to Kendrick Lamar and Sza’s 2024 slow jam “Luther.” Mark goes gaga over the surprising long-term trajectory of this song’s melody. Since we know our listeners always fall for a good classification system, this week Nichole brings us a good one: the triangular theory of love! The music and psychology pieces are certainly locking lips in this episode. 

Other music heard in this episode: Dionne Warwick - “I Say a Little Prayer”, Taylor Swift - “End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran)”, R...

What’s the perfect playlist to bring you from rage to bliss? This week, we welcome writer and Tedx speaker Sadie Higgins. Sadie talks to us about how we can use music in our everyday lives to regulate our emotions and find a sense of community. Will Nichole actually sing on-mic? Join us for a fun conversation that proves that [spoiler] music is… good!

Music heard in this episode: Harry Styles - “Grapejuice”, Harry Styles - “Fine Line”, Next - “Too Close”, 3 Doors Down - “Kryponite”, Buffalo Springfield - “For What It’s Worth”, Beyoncé - “Crazy in Love...

Is this the most “L.A.” band of the 2000s? This week, somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep is System of a Down’s 2001 rock hit “Toxicity.” Nichole talks us through the idea of cognitive dissonance, and ends up aiming her sights in the general direction of this band, while Mark takes us through the cool tempo changes of this song that would make the math nerds proud. The rare NTM debate can be found in the middle of this episode!

Other music heard in this episode: Aerosmith - “Dream On”, Letters to Cleo - “Here a...

What motivates an artist to go beyond performative tweets and truly advocate for a cause they care about? This week, we are joined by Jessica Ilyse Kurn and Michael Stewart Foley, co-hosts of Against the Grain: The Farm Aid Podcast. For over forty years, the Farm Aid music festival has brought legendary artists together to support small family farmers. We talk about what brings them to that stage, what these farmers are up against, and how we’re all united by the same need… to EAT! 

Listen to Against the Grain: The Farm Aid Podca...

Is 47.5 times through a guitar riff enough? This week, we grab a ticket to anywhere with Tracy Chapman’s thoughtful 1988 ballad “Fast Car.” Nichole relates this song to people’s sense of whether they are in control of their lives, and, Here in episode #89, Mark finally starts listening to lyrics, and elaborates on how the song’s repetitiveness is actually the key to its moving storytelling. Just maybe this week it will be Nichole’s turn to secrete salty fluid from her optical sensors!

Other music heard in this episode: Tracy Chapman - “Give Me One Reason”...

Is that episode title just a joke? Mark definitely wishes it was. In this week’s Sidetrack, our hosts give their lists of songs that get the waterworks flowing. Join us for some really awesome music and some major over-sharing! See you next week for a regular, sob-free episode!

Music heard in this episode: Bonnie Raitt - “I Can’t Make You Love”, Earth, Wind & Fire - “September”, Sarah Bareilles - “She Used to Be Mine”, The King’s Singers - “And So It Goes”, Billie Eilish - “The Thirtieth”, Northside Special - “A Place to Call Home”, Taylor...

When is the right note actually a wrong note? This week, we’re burning down the highway skyline to The Killers’ 2006 anthem “When You Were Young.” Mark shares how this is one of those songs where are the melody seems to almost ignore the chord progression. Nichole connects those broken expectations to the narratives of uniqueness we build in our adolescent minds, and how those might change over time. Join us and dip your feet (every once in a little while).

Other music heard in this episode: Pixies - “Here Comes Your Man”, Aaron Neville - “T...

Who better to judge Boomer music than a member of Generation Alpha? In this Sidetrack, Mark’s son makes a surprising and controversial proclamation about the production of the universally-acclaimed 1977 Fleetwood Mac opus, Rumours. Mark takes us through the innovations of multi-track recording that led to the immaculate-sounding albums of the 1970s, and Nichole is left to judge - is the kid right? Check us out next week for another regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Les Paul and Mary Ford - “How High is the Moon”, Stevie Wonder - “I Call It Pretty M...

What’s a good way to get through a breakup? Record a hit single! In this episode, we are entranced by Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 masterpiece “Dreams.” Nichole talks through the grief that accompanies the end of a relationship, which somehow with this band led to some terrific songs. Mark then dreams about the structure of the melody, and how it is built in a way that adds to the song’s quiet tension. 

Other music heard in this episode: Fleetwood Mac - “Rhiannon”, Fleetwood Mac - “Landslide”, Fleetwood Mac - “You Make Loving Fun”, Prince - “When Doves Cr...

Would you rather make music with your grandma or your ex? In this week’s Sidetrack, Mark and Nichole create a family tree of iconic family bands and artists. From twins to parents and uncles, we talk through the superpowers these groups get through their family connections. Check out a full episode next week!

Music heard in this episode: Hanson - “MMMBop”, Bee Gees - “More Than a Woman”, Fleetwood Mac - “Go Your Own Way”, The White Stripes - “Blue Orchid”, Tegan and Sara - “Closer”, The Breeders - “Cannonball”, Jackson 5 - “I Want You Back”, The Judds...

What happens when you have to replace an iconic voice? This week we rock out to Linkin Park’s 2003 hit “Numb.” Mark compares live performances of the band’s big hits across two very different lead vocalists and what changes the band had to make to keep their sound. Meanwhile, Nichole wonders whether these changes parallel identity development as a person goes from an adolescent to an adult. Join us for a packed episode!

Other music heard in this episode: Dead Sara - “Weatherman”, Soundgarden - “The Day I Tried to Live”, Big Brother and The Holding...

Is this an international podcast now? This week, we dig back into the e-mail inbox for more listener feedback! From the iconic radio stations of our youths, to whether headphones make us antisocial and plastic trumpets, we chime in on the burning questions of our audience. 

Music heard in this episode: Bryant Oden - “The Duck Song”, Mike Battaglia - “Sweet Lorraine”

Send us your thoughts at NeverMusicPod@gmail.com

Nevermind the Music is part of The Lorehounds Network. Join the Nevermind the Music Discord c...

Who ordered all the man candy? In this episode, we dress up for Shania Twain’s 1997 country-rock smash “Man! I feel like a Woman!” After our hosts consider this song and its video’s relation to third-wave feminism in the 1990s, Mark leads us on a journey through the centuries following one type of chord move that gives this song both its bluesy edge and its poppy sheen. Let’s go girls!

Other music heard in this episode: ZZ Top - “La Grange”, Linda Ronstadt - “When Will I Be Loved”, Robert Palmer - “Addicted to Love”, S...

Is it possible for a robot to sell out? This week, we welcome author and communication professor Michael Serazio to talk about authenticity in pop music, especially with the arrival of A.I.-created music. Can a machine be a tortured artist… or at least fake it better than a human? Is this the end of “real music” or is A.I. just the latest tool that makes all us old folks scared? We promise no answers but lots of human musings!

Michael’s book, “The Authenticity Industries: Keeping it Real in Media, Culture and Politi...

When should a song be not too hard, and not too soft? This week, Mark and Nichole enjoy all the Philly steaks they can eat with Boyz II Men’s iconic 1991 jam “Motownphilly.” After looking at Motown’s role in pop culture of the 1990s, the hosts do a deep dive on a classic example of the verse-chorus form… maybe. Also, tune in for some top tier Stephanie Tanner-related content!

Other music heard in this episode: Josef Haydn - String Quartet in Eb Major, op. 33, No. 2, Hob. III:38, IV, “The Joke” (Doric String Quartet), Boyz II Men...

Which songs just make you cringe? In this Sidetrack, the hosts share their top three songs with main characters that you really wouldn’t want to hang out with, whether they’re just awkward, or full-on evil. The most important rule, though: the songs have to be good! Check us out next week for a full episode!

Music heard in this episode: Oingo Boingo - “Little Girls”, Toadies - “Possum Kingdom”, The Police - “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”, The Postal Service - “Nothing Better”, Ariana Grande - “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”...

Are you ever glad you *didn’t* go to a show? This week, we don’t regret listening to the 2013 jam “If I Could Change Your Mind” by the sisters of HAIM. Nichole gets into the reasons our mind feels major fear of missing out, while Mark gets into how this song’s melody and harmony interact to create some expert pacing.

Other music heard in this episode: HAIM - “The Wire”, HAIM - “Now I’m In It”, Savage Garden - “I Want You”, HAIM - “Little of Your Love”, Fleetwood Mac - “Everywhere”, HAIM - “You Never...

Which songs will make the cut? This week we welcome Chris Fafalios from the band Punchline and the One Hit Thunder Podcast (among others!) to talk us through how a band chooses which of their songs to put on an album. Chris gets into the tough decisions and nuanced band dynamics that have been a part of Punchline’s ten-album run. How many songs is enough? When to rerecord an old favorite? Who gets to sing lead vocals? This and more in a fun conversation that would just barely fit on a CD. Check us out next week for mo...

When can a bit of nursery rhyme cost you six figures of royalties? In this episode, the hosts deep dive on Men at Work’s 1981 international hit “Down Under” and the crazy story of its authorship and accusations of plagiarism. Mark goes on walkabout through the basics of copyright law, and Nichole gets to feast on a few famous cases of plagiarism, spread on a vegemite sandwich! Tune in for an epic continent-spanning episode.

Other music heard in this episode: “Spicks and Specks Theme”, Bee Gees - “Spicks and Specks”, Men at Work - “Who Can It Be No...

Which critically-acclaimed albums this year do Mark and Nichole actually kind of hate? In this week’s Sidetrack, we come back once again to discuss the eight nominees for “Album of the Year” at the 2026 Grammys. Tune in to hear our hosts deep-dive on the high and low points of this year’s crop of nominees. As a bonus: our thoughts on the “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year” categories! Check us out next week for a normal episode!

Music heard in this episode: Tyler, The Creator - “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch...

If you get caught, what should you say? “It wasn’t me!” In this episode, we are lied to by the fun 2000 hit “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy and Rikrok. Nichole walks us through the ways people can use denial as a coping mechanism, while Mark paces through how rhythms can be used to help tell an engaging story…. butt naked.

Other music heard in this episode: Shaggy - “Boombastic”, Shaggy - “Angel”, Sting and Shaggy - “Shape of My Heart”, War - “Smile Happy”, Pras - “Ghetto Supastar (That is What You Are)”, Dolly Parton & Kenny Roge...

Who’s ready for a feeding frenzy? This week we are joined by podcast super-host Matt Kelly from the Geekscape network to talk about the mid-90s! For a wild few years, it seemed like the record labels were signing every quirky band they could to try to recreate the magic of Nirvana. We talk trend-chasing corporations, confusing genre labels, Mark’s deep regrets, and more in this wide-ranging conversation. Check us out next week for a regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Butthole Surfers - “Pepper”, Fastball - “The Way”, U2 - “Bullet the Blu...

Have you ever actually tried to sleep with one eye open? In this week’s episode, we rock out to Metallica’s 1991 metal powerhouse “Enter Sandman.” Mark shows us some key changes that he finds dreamy. Meanwhile, Nichole makes a dark song event darker, looking at its meaning through the lens of childhood trauma. Off to Never-Neverland, indeed.

Other Music heard in this episode: Boyz II Men - “Under Pressure”, Metallica - “Dirty Window”, Metallica - “Master of Puppets”, Metallica - “Nothing Else Matters”, Metallica - “One”, Excel - “Tapping Into the Emotional Void”, Whitney Houston - “I Will Always...

Is it flutist or flautist? Would you want to know the setlist before you see the concert? What’s going to be our hosts next side-hustle? It’s Season 2 and time for listener questions! See you next week for our next regular episode!

Music heard in this episode: Fiona Apple - “Paper Bag”, Less Than Jake - “Hows My Driving, Doug Hastings?”, Taylor Swift - “Wood”, Taylor Swift - “Wi$h Li$t”, Taylor Swift - “Fifteen”, Drive Shaft - “You All Everybody”, Bob Welch - “Ebony Eyes”, The Clash - “White Riot”, The Clash - “Train in Vain”, Seal - “Col...