Episodes

  • Drive (Bic Runga)

    Drive (Bic Runga)
    Jan 20 2026
    Bic Runga's debut album features beautiful, haunting vocals and equal parts soft singer/songwriter, and late 90s female-powered grunge. Does "Drive" drive, or does it just drive us crazy? We delve into this layered and complex work to peel back what makes it worth paying attention to. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Flesh & Blood" by Poison. Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by Bic Runga
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Bad (Michael Jackson)

    Bad (Michael Jackson)
    Jan 6 2026
    By the time of 1987's "Bad" Michael Jackson was an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, perhaps the most singularly famous person in the entire world, and all off of the strength of its predecessor, "Thriller" which remains the best-selling album of all time. Could the King of Pop continue his reign, or would this album live up to its title? Nearly 40 years on, "Bad" remains an incredible collection of infectious grooves that cements the Gloved One's place in music history. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Drive" by Bic Runga. Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by The Beatles
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Revolver (The Beatles)

    Revolver (The Beatles)
    Dec 23 2025
    This is the end of the beginning... How do you break down one of the best albums by one of the best (if not perhaps THE best) band of all time? Kyle presents The Beatles' masterpiece, "Revolver", to Ami, Doug, and returning guest musician Sophie Gonzalez (www.themoonunits.com) for a music review that's here, there, and everywhere. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Bad" by Michael Jackson. Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw For more of Sophie's music, check out www.themoonunits.com and Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by The Beatles
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    2 hrs and 35 mins
  • An American Egypt (Mike Viola)

    An American Egypt (Mike Viola)
    Dec 9 2025
    Wistul, emotional, cheeky, and melodic, Mike Viola's "An American Egypt" uses inventive stream-of-consciousness lyrics to paint a dreamy picture of life as a middle-aged parent in Los Angeles. Sometimes silly, sometimes sad, and often both, Doug, Ami, and Kyle had a blast unpacking this album along with guest musician Sophie Gonzalez (www.themoonunits.com) to discuss an album she loves so much she wants to be buried with it lik a true American Egyptian. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Revolver" by The Beatles. Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw For more of Sophie's music, check out www.themoonunits.com and Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by Mike Viola
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    2 hrs and 35 mins
  • Songs For You, Truths For Me (James Morrison)

    Songs For You, Truths For Me (James Morrison)
    Nov 25 2025
    Soulful, heartfelt, and powered by James Morrison's unique raspy vocals, "Songs For You, Truths For Me" strings together one spectacular song after another, but is it too much of a good thing? Ami, Kyle, and Doug talk about which songs light our fire and break on through, and which ones feel like they could be the end. Be sure to check out out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. Also, check out Doug as the co-host of the new limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "The American Egypt" by Mike Viola. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by James Morrison
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • IV (Led Zeppelin)

    IV (Led Zeppelin)
    Nov 11 2025
    It's been a long time since we rocked and rolled. Epic, thundering, mythic, Led Zeppelin's fourth untitled album achieved legendary status, buying the band a stairway to metal heaven. Between the crushing guitar licks, Tolkein references, and delicate mandolin, IV remains an influential classic that has not dulled since it first conquered the airwaves in 1971. This podcast is part of "Frodovember" so be sure to check out out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for episodes this month on the animated version of The Hobbit, and all three films in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Additionally, starting on November 14, 2025, for a few bucks you can hear Doug as the co-host of the new Jim Henson podcast, "Still Muppeting" over at patron.com/stillloadingpod. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Songs For You, Truths For Me" by James Morrison. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All Songs from IV by Led Zeppelin
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Nine Lives (Aerosmith)

    Nine Lives (Aerosmith)
    Oct 23 2025
    After 13 albums and a massive hit with "Get A Grip" venerable rockers Aerosmith released their follow-up "Nine Lives". Though not as successful as its predecessor, 9 Lives still stands on the solid foundation of Steven Tyler's inimitable vocals and Joe Perry's face-melting guitaring. If this one passed you by in the 1990s, now's as good a time as any to check it out. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "IV" by Led Zeppelin. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Please be sure to check out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All Songs from Sha Sha by Ben Kweller
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Sha Sha (Ben Kweller)

    Sha Sha (Ben Kweller)
    Sep 23 2025
    This episode we're revisiting Ben Kweller's freshman album, Sha Sha, as he brings his Weezer-esque sincere and heartfelt music straight from his soul to your ears. In the early 2000s indie artists were trying to break through the pop music brick wall built by NSYNC, Brittney Spears, and others. Although this particular album did not break through, its thoughtful approach and lack of polished prouction makes it worth replaying as part of that indie scene. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "9 Lives" by Aerosmith. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Please be sure to check out our other podcast, Nostalgium Arcanum (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All Songs from Sha Sha by Ben Kweller Happy-Go-Lively - Lauie Johnson Crepe Suzette - Cyril Waters
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    1 hr and 54 mins