Please No Moss

Shakira’s Dónde Están los Ladrones? captures a young artist on the edge of global stardom, grappling with identity, love, and corruption. But at #496, it finds itself just barely holding on to it's spot on Rolling Stone 's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time. Does it deserve to be higher or should this album on the bubble have its bubble burst? Album Recommendations: Re - Café Tacuba Logos...

Hall and Oates’ “She’s Gone” is a soulful breakup anthem packed with raw emotion, smooth harmonies, and one of the all-time great vocal performances. The song captures the bitter ache of lost love with lyrics that are both heart-wrenching and oddly catchy. It’s a masterclass in blue-eyed soul and a standout track from their early catalog. Should it have a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest songs...

Hüsker Dü’s New Day Rising is a blistering, emotional ride through melodic punk that helped define the sound of underground rock in the '80s. With raw energy and surprising hooks, the band pushes past hardcore into something more personal and sonically adventurous. It's loud, fast, and messy—in the best possible way. But should it be on Rolling Stone 's 500 Greatest Albums list? Album...

Tears for Fears' song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is a catchy ‘80s anthem that taps into themes of power, control, and the state of the world. With its dreamy synths and surprisingly deep lyrics, it’s a song that’s stuck with listeners for decades. But does it really deserve a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time? In this episode, we break down what makes...

Released in 1998, Neutral Milk Hotel’s album  In the Aeroplane Over the Sea  has become a cult classic in the indie rock genre, known for its raw emotion and distinctive lo-fi sound. The album, led by frontman Jeff Mangum, weaves surreal lyrics with themes of love, loss, and historical tragedy, particularly drawing inspiration from Anne Frank’s life. Over the years, its enigmatic storytelling and...

In this episode, we turn up the temperature as we explore the history of Martha and the Vandellas’ 1963 hit “Heat Wave.” Pat and Derek discuss how this song launched a new era of dance music and helped define the legacy of the legendary songwriting team Holland–Dozier–Holland. Follow us on Instagram! Cover Art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

Pat and Derek discuss Clipse and the Neptunes' 2002 hit song "Grindin'," the evolution of Pharrell Williams as a producer, and NBA player salaries. Follow us on Instagram Cover Art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

Following the death of Joy Division's lead singer, the remaining musicians formed a new group: New Order. It took them a little bit to find their footing, but once they did, they released two of the biggest hits of 1980s electronic dance music: "Blue Monday" and "Bizarre Love Triangle." "Blue Monday" will be the topic of a future episode of Un Poquito Moss, but to...

D'Angelo waited fourteen years after his landmark album Voodoo to release his next album, Black Messiah. Pat and Derek discuss whether this album was worth the wait or if Black Messiah is a false prophet. Album Recomendations The Reality of My Surroundings - Fishbone An Evening with Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic Follow us on Instagram! Leave a comment and rate us five stars on Spotify or Apple Podca...

In 2002, Missy Elliott put her thing down, flipped it, and reversed it. Pat and Derek talk about the kind of beat that go ra-ta-ta ra-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta. This song's so good, we say blah-blah-blah. Cover Art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

After a meteoric rise with The Fame and The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga became known for her over-the-top persona, clothing, and performances. Her second (third?) album, Born This Way , would be no exception. In addition to experimenting with a wider variety of genres and instrumentation, the album's title track became an instant anthem for the LGBTQ community. Album Recommendations: British Steel...

In 1972, a troubled folk singer from Texas released a ballad about two bandits south of the border. It didn't receive much recognition when it was first released, but would go on to be covered numerous times, including a version that would become a #1 country hit over decade later. But is the original version one of the 500 greatest songs of all time? Cover Art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tag...

Many artists have drawn ties between jazz and hip hop, but on their sophomore album A Tribe Called Quest became the first group to fully blend the two genres together, complete with an guest appearance from legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter. Andy Pierce joins Pat and Derek to discuss the partnership of The Abstract Poet and the Five-Foot Assassin. Album Recommendations: Reachin' (A New Refutation...

Steven Tyler was just 18 years old when he penned the lyrics "Every time I look in the mirror, all these lines on my face getting clearer." Still, the song's message has inspired listeners to dream until their dreams come true for over fifty years. This week, Pat and Derek discuss Aerosmith's first-ever single. Cover Art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

In 1971, the Rolling Stones found themselves at a crossroads. Guitarist Brian Jones had recently passed away and was replaced by Mick Taylor, the band was reeling from the infamous incident at Altamont, they were launching their own music label, and they were tight on cash. The band needed a hit album to re-establish themselves as the world's greatest rock band. This week, Pat and Derek unpack...

In this episode of Un Poquito Moss, Pat and Derek journey to the dark continent and attempt to unravel the meaning behind Toto's "Africa." Is about a long-distance relationship, one man's love of a continent, or werewolves? Either way, it turns out you don't need to have visited Africa to write a #1 hit song about it. Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong&q...

In 1965, Brian Wilson listened to the Beatles' Rubber Soul , and set out to make something even better. Pet Sounds would be the Beach Boys' masterpiece, revolutionizing pop music forever and influencing countless artists to this day. Pet Sounds didn't just move the needle, it launched the needle out of a cannon and musicians have been trying to catch it ever since. But since Rolling St...

On our first episode of our series about Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time, we dive into the Marvin Gaye classic, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

Pat and Derek re-rank the 25 albums covered in season one and then decide which of those albums should be removed from the list and which albums should be added in their place. Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

After the failure of his debut album, Bob Dylan got to work writing another album that would come to define the 1960s, establishing him as the voice of his generation. Now, over 60 years later, Timothee Chalamet is set to portray Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown, detailing Dylan's rise from obscure folk musician to America's greatest songwriter. In honor of the new film, Pat and Derek discus...

Everybody knows "Bohemian Rhapsody," but what about the other songs on Queen's landmark fourth album? Are they enough for the album to merit inclusion on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, or are they just riding the coattails of Freddie Mercury's masterpiece? Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

In 1996, plunderphonics pioneer DJ Shadow set out to make the first-ever full-length album composed entirely of samples. Not only did he achieve his goal (or did he?), Endtroducing..... would become one of the most quietly influential albums of the decade. But is sampling art or theft, and does it deserve a spot on among the 500 greatest albums of all time? Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme Music...

In honor of the upcoming release of her 50th studio album, join Pat and Derek as they wander back through the years, back to the seasons of Dolly Parton's youth to discuss her 8th album, Coat of Many Colors.

On a special Halloween episode of Please No Moss, Pat and Derek talk about vampires and Ezra Koenig's thoughts on religion. Cover art by Katherine Evans Theme Music: "Tagalong" by Blaise Gratton

Pat and Derek dive into Jason Isbell's breakthrough album, Southeastern and discuss everything from the country star's sobriety to the 30-50 feral hogs in your yard.