Music Is The Glue Podcast

• The Resurrectionist: How One Man's Mission Is Giving Lost Music New Life. Music Is The Glue, Episode 9

  After Tony & Smitty's regular feature, A To Z, where one host picks a CLASSIC Greatest Hits collection, and the other reveals a recent (for him) discovery of a more modern group, the hosts welcome 2 great guests (their first) to talk about an artist you probably haven't heard of, but will be a fan of by the time its done. Graham Wallace had a vision when founding Continued Sound Records - to rescue incredible music from obscurity. Ben Takis had a mission - to preserve his stepfather's musical legacy. When these two forces combined, magic happened. Listening to Kip Carmen & The New Frontier's "That's Enough For Me" feels like discovering a lost treasure. The song exudes the warmth, soul, and authentic vibe of 1970s Memphis, where Carmen found his greatest success. What makes this story extraordinary isn't just the music (though it stands impressively on its own), but the journey behind it. As Kip's stepson, Ben provides intimate insights into the Native American artist's career - from selling out Memphis venues to recording at Al Green's legendary High Records. We learn about Kip's unwavering artistic integrity, turning down exploitative record deals even when they might have catapulted him to greater recognition. The hosts aptly note that Kip feels "born in the wrong decade" - his entrepreneurial spirit and independent approach would thrive in today's music landscape. The conversation delves into the painstaking process of music preservation - hunting down original recordings, navigating complex rights issues, and employing sophisticated remastering techniques. Graham explains how ultrasonic cleaning and expert mastering preserve the warmth of vintage recordings while giving them new sonic life. For both men, this project transcends mere reissuing; it's about honoring artistic legacy and sharing overlooked brilliance with a new generation. The passion these guests bring to their work is infectious. Their dedication to honoring overlooked artists reminds us that for every household name in music, countless others with equal talent remain in relative obscurity. Through careful restoration and thoughtful contextualization, they're ensuring Kip's music continues to resonate fifty years after its creation. Discover this musical gem and support the preservation of overlooked masterpieces by visiting Continued Sound's website (continuedsound.com) or Kip's Bandcamp page (https://kipcarmen.bandcamp.com/merch) Your ears - and soul - will thank you.Check us out to us on social media! Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcast Twitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttps TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcast Reach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected] Remember: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.

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• From Rejection to Soundtrack Gold: The Hit That Almost Wasn't. Music Is The Glue, Episode 8

  When a Scottish band declared they "couldn't give a toss about teenage American school kids," they nearly missed recording what would become their defining anthem. The story behind the band's reluctant path to recording the song forms the captivating centerpiece of this episode, revealing how a wife's crucial advice transformed music history.Tony and Smitty start by exploring a letter "G" in their record collections, unearthing fascinating tales along the way. Tony introduces an artist whose 1967 hit broke Beatles' records before she mysteriously vanished from public life for over 40 years. Meanwhile, Smitty connects his G pick to Black Wall Street, explaining how the band's name honors streets from one of America's most significant yet often overlooked historical sites.The conversation takes a thoughtful turn when they discuss representation in 80s coming-of-age films, comparing the cultural touchstones that shaped different experiences. From John Hughes' suburban landscapes to the vibrant worlds of "The Last Dragon" and "Krush Groove," they explore how cinema reflects and sometimes fails to reflect diverse teenage experiences.The hosts wrap up with their ultimate "baby-making music" recommendations, spanning sultry 90s R&B classics to instrumental jazz fusion that sets the perfect mood. Their contrasting musical backgrounds create a rich tapestry of selections that will have you reaching for your handy-dandy notebook (as Smitty calls it) to jot down these essential additions to your romantic playlist.Whether you're a film buff, music history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the stories behind the songs that define generations, this episode delivers with humor, heart, and the genuine passion that makes Music is the Glue your essential companion for musical discovery.Check us out to us on social media! Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcast Twitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttps TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcast Reach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected] Remember: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.

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• The Kent State Tragedy and Its Musical Aftermath. Music Is The Glue, Episode 7

  Have you ever wondered how tragedy can inspire art that transcends decades? In this episode, we journey through one of America's darkest chapters that unexpectedly sparked musical innovation, transforming grief into creative genius. We kick things off with our A to Z segment, letter F, where Smitty introduces The Foreign Exchange, revealing how their groundbreaking debut album "Connected" was created entirely through transatlantic digital exchanges between North Carolina and the Netherlands—one of music's first truly remote collaborations. Tony counters with another North Carolina band, exploring how their unconventional approach stood apart from guitar-heavy contemporaries of the 90s. Along the way, we share hilarious vinyl collecting mishaps, including Smitty's unfortunate experience receiving a burned CD with Chinese writing after ordering what was supposed to be a rare vinyl record. Our deep dive takes us to Kent State University, May 4th, 1970—a day that would change American history and music forever. We trace how escalating Vietnam War protests culminated in National Guard troops firing into a crowd of unarmed students, killing four and wounding nine. What makes this tragic event particularly significant to music history? The witnesses who survived went on to form some of new wave's most influential bands. Meanwhile, Neil Young's powerful protest anthem "Ohio" captured the nation's outrage within days. We wrap with our new "Babysitter or Bust" segment, humorously debating whether a legendary artist would make a trustworthy childcare provider. The verdict might surprise you! Would you trust your favorite music legend with your kids? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on social media. Next episode, we'll explore an iconic 80s song approaching a special anniversary—one that Generation X listeners won't want to miss!Check us out to us on social media! Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcast Twitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttps TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcast Reach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected] Remember: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.

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• Footloose: The Soundtrack that Defined the 80s. Music Is The Glue, Episode 6

  Ever wonder how a broken rib led to one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s? The story behind that song is just one of the fascinating revelations in this episode as we dive deep into the soundtrack that dominated the charts for an incredible 10-week run. Beyond just being a collection of songs for a movie about rebellious dancing teens, this soundtrack produced six Top 40 hits and launched careers—all inspired by a real Oklahoma town that had banned dancing since 1898!We pull back the curtain on the casting process that almost saw Tom Cruise or Rob Lowe in Kevin Bacon's star-making role, and how difficult production decisions shaped what would become cultural touchstones. The soundtrack's journey to success mirrors many of our discussions about how music creates lasting connections across generations, despite the movie itself being... well, less than Oscar-worthy.Our A to Z segment takes us to the letter E, where Tony shares his unexpected appreciation for a rapper, introduced to him by his wife who knew the rapper during his early days hustling tapes in Vallejo. Meanwhile, Smitty celebrates Earth, Wind & Fire's "Gratitude" album, highlighting their electrifying live performances that dominated the 70s music scene. These personal connections to music remind us why we started this podcast—because these songs become intertwined with our life stories.Perhaps most mind-blowing is our exploration of legendary songs that never reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. From "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" to Bruce Springsteen's entire catalog—these cultural monuments somehow missed the top spot despite their enduring legacy. We peek behind the curtain at how radio promotion and chart mechanics actually work, showing that even the biggest songs sometimes don't get the chart recognition they deserve.Subscribe, share with friends, and join the conversation! What "E" artist would be in your collection? Which non-#1 hit shocked you the most? Remember, no matter the genre or decade, music is the glue that keeps us connected.Check us out to us on social media! Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcast Twitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttps TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcast Reach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected] Remember: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.

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• From Jazz Samples to Hip-Hop History: The Story Behind A Tribe Called Quest's Debut. Music Is The Glue, Episode 5

  The greatest hip-hop group of all time? That's a bold claim worth exploring. In this episode, Tony and Smitty dive deep into A Tribe Called Quest's groundbreaking 1990 debut album "People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm," examining how it revolutionized hip-hop with its jazz-infused production and laid-back approach.When Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White burst onto the scene from Queens, New York, the hip-hop landscape was dominated by aggressive sounds from artists like Public Enemy and Ice Cube. What made Tribe different was their willingness to venture into uncharted territory, creating a sound unlike anything else at the time. As Smitty explains, "They absolutely changed the way I listen to rap music."The conversation explores how Q-Tip's innovative production techniques—digging through crates of jazz, funk, and soul records instead of relying on heavy drum machines—created a template that would influence generations of artists to follow. From the sample clearance issues of "Can I Kick It?" to their connection with the Native Tongues collective alongside De La Soul and the Jungle Brothers, we unpack what made their debut so revolutionary, even if it wasn't an immediate commercial success.The episode also features our recurring A-to-Z segment where both hosts share albums from their collection starting with the letter D, plus a surprisingly candid discussion of guilty pleasure artists ranging from Barry Manilow to the Backstreet Boys. It's a reminder that great music transcends boundaries and sometimes the songs we love most are the ones we least expect.Whether you're a long-time Tribe fan or discovering their music for the first time, this episode celebrates how "music is the glue" that brings us together. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the artists and albums that bridge cultural divides and shape our musical landscapes.Check us out to us on social media! Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcast Twitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttps TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcast Reach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected] Remember: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.

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