Any Man With A Microphone

This time on Any Man with a Microphone , we’re talking about “Our 9 Albums!” Inspired by the trend from the website My 9 Albums , where music fans choose the nine albums that formed them, we reveal the records that shaped our musical tastes and still influence what we listen to today. Beatles, White Stripes, and Pearl Jam feature, along with some Cheap Trick, Heart, Nirvana, and The Cars thrown in...

Buckle up! We're taking another ride with one of the most iconic bands of the late ’70s and ’80s—The Cars! From the infectious hooks of “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl” to the unforgettable sounds of “Drive,” “Let's Go,” and “You Might Think,” The Cars created a musical style all their own, blending rock, new wave, and synthesizer-driven pop into hit after hit. In this ep...

Join us as we dig up some of our favorite Halloween traditions, revisit the spooky movies and television specials we love (and a few we’d rather leave buried), and share our ultimate Halloween playlist, with plenty of tricks and treats along the way.  From Rob Zombie to Alice Cooper, from the Stranger Things theme song to the surprising Ghostbusters II connection with the Ramones, we’re conjuring...

This episode of Any Man with a Microphone heads back to the 1990s, when alternative rock exploded into the mainstream—and Lollapalooza became one of the defining music festivals of the decade. We revisit the festival’s beginnings, the early years at the forefront of the alternative-rock revolution, and how Lollapalooza evolved as the decade rolled on. Along the way, we talk grunge, punk, metal, th...

This week on Any Man with a Microphone, we’re talking about the Oasis movie Don’t Look Back in Anger. We went in expecting a movie about Oasis and their reunion tour.  What surprised us was that underneath all the songs, swagger, and fighting, it’s really a story about two brothers getting older and deciding that family and forgiveness matter more than staying angry.

What bands are overrated?  Everybody seems to love them, their albums are considered classics, their T-shirts are everywhere…and you just don’t get it.  And then there are the bands on the other end of the spectrum. The ones you can’t believe more people aren’t talking about. The bands that deserve more respect, more listeners—and maybe a few more T-shirts on teenagers who actually know who they a...

In this episode, we look back at Phish’s recent run at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, GA and talk about everything that made the experience so memorable. We break down the music, the jams, the song choices—and yes, the lengths of some of those songs—along with the moments that stood out most.  But we also go beyond the setlist to talk about the crowd, the atmosphere, and the unmistakably positive ene...

We turn our attention to movies and the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day—and use it as an excuse to talk about all things Spider-Man, Peter Parker, and Marvel. What makes Spider-Man so unique—and perhaps the most relatable superhero of them all?  We dig into the character of Peter Parker, the ordinary guy behind the mask, and why his struggles with family, responsibility, relationships, failure, and...

On this episode of AnyMan with a Microphone , we dive into Jack White’s new album, Frozen Charlotte , and the controversy surrounding his decision to invite Twin Temple to open for him after country singer Charley Crockett dropped the self-described “satanic doo-wop” duo from his tour. We look at the music, the feud, and the larger questions it raises about faith, art, and humanity—all from a Cath...

Some bands chase trends.  Others chase hits.  They Might Be Giants chase after being themselves and let the music happen. For more than four decades, John Linnell and John Flansburgh have been building a strange musical universe where songs can be about night lights, dead presidents, particle physics, palindromes, or the quiet existential panic of everyday life—and somehow still get stuck in your...

On this episode, we dig into The Crux by Djo—and how Joe Keery uses modern rock and synth-pop to process nostalgia, identity, and a shifting moment in rock culture. We explore how the album channels its influences without imitation, landing in a sound that feels both deeply personal and perfectly timed. We also dive into Stranger Things, and how its music functions not just as a soundtrack, but as...

Our Annual Christmas / New Year’s Rock n’ Roll Extravaganza is back! We count down our Top 10 Bands of All Time and dig up some new and lost Christmas tunes that  haven’t been played into the ground.  Friendly debates, surprise picks, and holiday riffs you didn’t know you needed.  Turn it up and end the year with a bang!

In this episode, we step into the eclectic world of Beck—genre-bending musician, Grammy winner, and one of the most inventive artists of the past three decades. We walk through his top tracks, celebrating the weird, brilliant, and endlessly creative phases of his career. Then we craft our totally definitive (and profoundly subjective) essential Beck playlist. Tune in for music nerdery, debate, and...

It’s our own (highly subjective!) list of the voices that mean the most to us—featuring legends like David Bowie, John Lennon, Liam Gallagher, Roger Daltrey, Zack de la Rocha, St. Vincent, Eddie Vedder, and many more.  Who will be in our top 3?  What would your list look like?  And stick around until the end for another fun round of “Name That Song in Two Seconds!”

Any Man with a Microphone is back for Season 4! We’re kicking things off with a look back at our summer music and concerts—from Phish jams to St. Vincent grooves, to a concert at Madison Square Garden. We dive into the biggest tour of the summer (Oasis!) and break down Taylor Swift’s recent album announcement. Stick around until the end for our lightning-fast game of Name That Tune—can you guess t...

In this episode, we delve into the quirky brilliance of Talking Heads—one of the most innovative bands of the late 20th century.  From art school roots to the genre-bending genius of Stop Making Sense, we explore the band’s legacy, live performances, and the joy they bring to fans. Join us as we unpack the rhythm, the weirdness, and the lasting magic of David Byrne and company.

In this episode, we take a fresh listen to the legendary and often polarizing band Radiohead .  Focusing on their three most iconic albums— The Bends , OK Computer , and Kid A —our hosts (longtime skeptics of the band) dive into the innovation and distinct sounds behind these critically acclaimed records.  Will this revisit change our minds?  Are we Radiohead converts?  And where do you, the liste...

On this episode of Any Man With a Microphone , we discuss the influential women of ‘90s music, celebrating the voices that shaped the decade.  From the raw power of L7 and Sleater-Kinney to the alt-rock brilliance of Garbage, Natalie Merchant, and Juliana Hatfield, we explore the impact these artists had on the era’s sound and culture. Join us as we reminisce about the trailblazers, the anthems, a...

In this episode of Anyman with a Microphone , we take a nostalgic dive into the early days of MTV and the golden age of music videos.  From groundbreaking visuals to unforgettable performances, we discuss how music videos shaped pop culture and revolutionized the industry.  Then, we each reveal our top ten favorite music videos of all time—will your favorites make the list?

In this episode, we discuss A Complete Unknown, the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. Join us as we review the film, the book it’s based on, and the revolutionary impact of Dylan’s first three major albums that forever changed music history.

Join us for our 2nd Annual Christmas Rock 'n' Roll Extravaganza , where we reveal our ultimate Christmas playlist—guaranteed to knock your stockings off! From timeless classics to rockin’ twists, we’ve got it all. Tune in as we chat about our top Christmas tracks, including The Waitresses’ sassy “Christmas Wrapping,” Los Straightjackets’ surf-infused “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Bob Dylan’s...

In this episode of Any Man With a Microphone , we dive into the whimsical world of Adam Young and Owl City, exploring how his faith shapes his signature sound and lyrics.  Plus, we reveal our top artists and albums of the year as ranked by our Apple Replay stats.  Tune in for music, meaning, and our end-of-year favorites!

In this episode, Memento Mori , we honor the rock and pop musicians who left an indelible mark on our hearts and the world of music.  As November invites Catholics to remember those who have passed, we take this time to reflect on the lives and legacies of iconic artists we hold dear.  Join us on a soulful journey through their music and stories, celebrating the voices that continue to resonate lo...

Explore the powerful connection between music and emotions. From upbeat tunes that boost our energy to calming melodies that soothe the soul, we dive into how different types of music influence our moods, mental health, and daily lives. We talk with Dr. Brian Wallace, M.D., PhD, with NeuralPositive HealthTunes and get his scientific perspective. Discover how your favorite songs might shape your th...

Against all odds, Noel and Liam Gallagher have announced a long-awaited Oasis reunion, kicking off a world tour in 2025. This surprise comes on the heels of anniversary reissues for their iconic albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? .  Join us as we dive into the buzz surrounding this epic comeback and share our top Oasis song picks!