What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About Music

The Big Mates discuss bank holiday weekends, live albums, Danny Boyle, and New Adventures in Hi-Fi  by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing their analysis of the band's tenth studio album, released in 1996. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opin...

The Big Mates discuss rodents, ticket prices, religious imagery, and New Adventures in Hi-Fi  by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's tenth studio album, released in 1996. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, an...

The Big Mates provide breezy and subcutaneous audio commentary for Road Movie by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the live concert film that documented the band's final shows of their 1995 world tour. They also dive into the tumultuous circumstances of the tour, the difficulties they faced, and how it affected the band. Dig out those DVDs to watch along! Or don't - the episode works...

The Big Mates discuss Little Britain, Kurt Cobain, You, and Monster by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing and concluding their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thought...

The Big Mates discuss fame, identity, balloons, and Monster  by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's ninth studio album, released in 1994. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing p...

The Big Mates provide truthful and geographical audio commentary for R.E.M. 's performance at the 40 Watt Club in 1992. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as released on the band's official YouTube page. Watch along on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/52sMbXI22gg?si=ZH2nuLiRDH9kXjpJ Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday Aug...

The Big Mates discuss death, memory, Emmerdale, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts fro...

The Big Mates discuss record collecting, Andy Kaufman, the Monty Hall Problem, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analy...

The Big Mates discuss straws, Uncle Tupelo, Frasier, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts...

The Big Mates provide gentle and celebratory audio commentary for R.E.M. 's performance on MTV Unplugged in1991. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as originally broadcast on MTV. Dig out those official DVDs to watch along... Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday July 8th and will begin our deep-dive into Automatic for the People! Joi...

The Big Mates discuss greetings, The Bear, spoken word, and Out of Time by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by wrapping up their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from t...

The Big Mates discuss illicit apples, ribs, Pearl Jam, and Out of Time by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three...

The Big Mates discuss violins, harpsichords, flugelhorns, and Out of Time by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from th...

Adam sits down with author John Hunter to discuss his book, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M. . Adam and John chat about all things R.E.M., and explore why he wrote the book, what the book encompasses, and the challenges in tackling such a wide-reaching story. They also touch on the differences in fandom today, online music discourse, and John’s Top 10 R.E.M. songs! Our next episode is out on...

The Big Mates provide incendiary and probably life-changing audio commentary for Tourfilm , the first live video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the film as originally presented on VHS/Laserdisc compilation and also dig into how it was made, how R.E.M. have progressed as a live band, and explore the whole 1989 Green World Tour . Dig out those official DVDs to watch along... Or don...

Adam and Steve discuss the recent reissue of Lifeblood by Manic Street Preachers , a comprehensive set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album. They are joined by music producer Greg Haver , who produced the original album and here looks back at the last 20 years of Lifeblood, how people's reaction to it has changed, and how he viewed that initial reaction to the record. He also discus...

The Big Mates discuss bass strings, 8 Mile, Amanda Lynne, and Green by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three di...

BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates  discuss the newly released album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish . They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content...

The Big Mates discuss naughty fishermen, floppy top half, Requiem for a Tuesday, and Green by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and t...

The Big Mates discuss olive oil, Christmas, strings, and two side projects from members of Radiohead . Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their fourth season in order to catch up the extra-curricular activities of members of Radiohead . First up is the string-laden and atmospheric third album from Philip Selway , Strange Dance . Then they explore Jarak Qaribak , the collaboration betw...

The Big Mates slow it down and take a break to discuss ratings, rankings, creasy head holes, and the career of R.E.M. from 1980 - 1987 . Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having covered the five records that encompass "the I.R.S. years." They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they return to each album with more experience...

The Big Mates provide mesmerising and entirely necessary audio commentary for Succumbs , the first video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the VHS/Laserdisc compilation featuring music videos and films from 1983 through to 1986. Head to YouTube to watch along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzWrTWsV5vI&t Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes...

The Big Mates discuss Christmas tree etiquette, goose related nightmares, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Document  by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by finishing up their track-by-track analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding...

The Big Mates discuss file naming conventions, Role Models, trickle-down economics, and Document by R.E.M . Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's fifth studio album, released in 1987. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions,...

The Big Mates discuss running, arranging the arrangements of a meeting, paste, and go to see The Smile live at the Brighton Centre. Adam, Steve, and Lucas converge in Brighton in order to experience a live show by Radiohead sidproject, The Smile . They discuss their expectations, live business, and both their initial and considered reactions to the performance. What do they play? What are the vibe...