Any Man With A Microphone

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!

We've got your Ticket to Ride as we rank all the Beatles albums.  Join us as we discuss and celebrate the greatest albums from the Fab Four.  Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting started, we'll take a Magical Mystery Tour from Revolver to Let It Be , Abbey Road to Help! , Rubber Soul to Please Please Me , and many more.  

In this episode, we dive into the enigmatic world of Jack White's latest release, No Name . From his signature guitar riffs to his mystifying lyrics, we explore how this album marks a return to form, reminiscent of his bluesy-charged anthems from his time in the White Stripes. Tune in as we dissect the tracks, uncover hidden layers, and discuss what makes this album a standout in his discogra...

Join us as we discuss five brand new albums.  From rock legends Pearl Jam and The Black Crowes to modern rocker St. Vincent ... American rock duo The Black Keys ... to arguably the most popular musician on the planet, Taylor Swift and her much talked about album, The Tortured Poets Department .  See which albums surprised us and what album ranked the highest.  

David Bowie was among the most influential and prolific songwriters and performers in the modern age.  This "Rebel Rebel," who put "the art" into rock music, not only changed his unique signature looks but also his musical styles throughout his long, successful career.  Join us as we discuss one of our rock "Heroes," diving into his work and vibrant rock and roll pers...

Most consider Jimi Hendrix the greatest and most influential guitarist in the history of rock and roll.  His influence on modern music and almost anything that came after him is immeasurable.   Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar.  His innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion created a new musical future for everyone.  Our hosts look...

We discuss guitarists who move us from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mike McCready, Trey Anastasio, Lindsey Buckingham, and Alex Lifeson to Jack White, Kurt Cobain, John Frusciante, Tom Morello, Steve Cropper, and more.  Who is the best guitarist in the Beatles?  Who is Sister Rosetta Tharpe?  And who would be on our Mount Rushmore of top guitarists?

Our hosts discuss an unlikely topic: the Netflix documentary, "The Greatest Night in Pop," which highlights the 1985 recording of "We Are the World."  The documentary goes behind the scenes of the recording process, as dozens of the era's hottest musicians and legends gathered in L.A. (for one night only) to record the single for African famine relief.  We discuss the ups...

The 2024 Grammy Awards highlighted music's biggest stars and featured inspiring performances that spanned generations.  With songs performed by Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell, U2, Billy Joel, and, of course, Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs, the night was filled with nods to the past while honoring today's top songs.  We discuss the winners and losers, focusing on two artists/ban...

The 2010s saw a musical landscape that shifted from garage rock revival to the new decade's dance-worthy pop and boundary-pushing pop hybrids.   Featuring tracks from Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Coldplay, George Ezra, Lewis Capaldi, Larkin Poe, Twenty One Pilots, and many more, the two lists are our most eclectic to date.  Two Justins make an appearance, as does One Direction!  And, o...