Music Is The Glue Podcast

• From KISS to Kind of Blue: A Journey Through Loss, Vinyl, and Jazz Mastery

  Loss has a soundtrack. We open with love for our dogs—Betty and Miles—and how music kept us steady when birthdays slipped by and life pressed hard. From there, we head into the crate for our A-to-Z “K” picks: Tony’s first forbidden rock crush (hidden sleeves, face paint, the shock of loud guitars) and Smitty’s act that was his dance-floor permission slip that pulled a shy church kid into the light. Then we pour all that energy into a deep celebration of Miles Davis. We trace real entry routes into jazz—Ken Burns, radio, and the feel of vinyl—and lay out a friendly roadmap: Kind of Blue for modal clarity, Porgy and Bess for melody, Round About Midnight for mood, Birth of the Cool for architecture, then the voltage jump to Miles in the Sky, On the Corner, and Bitches Brew. We talk about the First and Second Great Quintets, how Miles curated chemistry like an instrument, and why his constant reinvention—cool, hard bop, modal minimalism, electric fusion—still powers hip-hop, rock, and R&B today. We also get into the collector side: six-eye Columbias, original covers (that early Miles Ahead art), and the warmth that makes jazz feel alive on wax. To close, we trade five “never-skip” songs—the tracks that stop a day in its tracks. From Marvin Gaye to Oingo Boingo, plus a shameless Young MC confession, it’s a mixtape of memory; proof that music is the glue—holding us when life is heavy and lifting us when we need light. If this resonated, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a good record tonight, and drop your never-skip tracks in the comments. Your picks might make the next show.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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• Don't Stop Believin' in 80s Music and TV

  Step back into the neon-soaked world of the 1980s as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Miami Vice, the revolutionary TV show that forever changed how music and visuals work together in storytelling. From its $2 million per episode budget to its strict "no earth tones" color palette, this cultural phenomenon didn't just entertain – it transformed fashion, music integration, and television production in ways we still see today. The heart of our conversation explores how Miami Vice pioneered the use of popular music in television, creating what were essentially music videos within episodes. That iconic scene with Crockett and Tubbs driving at night to Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" wasn't just cool – it represented a fundamental shift in how TV could evoke emotion. We unpack behind-the-scenes stories, including Michael Mann's exacting vision and the parade of music legends who both contributed songs and made guest appearances. Our 80s theme continues with deep dives into two iconic albums of the era in our A To Z segment. Journey's "Escape" marks the pivotal moment when Jonathan Cain joined the band, bringing "Don't Stop Believin'" with him and helping create what would become their biggest-selling studio album. Janet Jackson's "Control" represents her declaration of independence and her partnership with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that would help pioneer New Jack Swing. We wrap with a Re-Review of Huey Lewis and the News' "Sports" album, examining whether its five massive hit singles still hold up today (spoiler: they absolutely do). From industry intrigue like the "Ghostbusters" lawsuit to production techniques that still sound fresh decades later, we celebrate the musical craftsmanship that defined the era. Join us for this nostalgic yet fresh look at 80s music and television. How has your perspective on these classics changed over time? What 80s influences do you still see in today's entertainment landscape?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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• Between the Sheets and Behind the Beats: Music Is The Glue, Episode 10

  Tony and Smitty return from their extended summer break with refreshed energy and a treasure trove of musical revelations that span decades and genres. The episode opens with a heartfelt dedication to Smitty's beloved dog, Miles Davis Smith, before diving into their signature "A to Z" segment featuring the letter "I." Smitty showcases the Isley Brothers' landmark 1975 album "The Heat Is On" – surprisingly their only Billboard 200 #1 despite their legendary status. The Ohio natives' masterful blend of funk anthems and sensual ballads continues influencing artists today through extensive sampling. Meanwhile, Tony reveals his lifelong connection to Iron Maiden, explaining how the British heavy metal pioneers elevated the genre through intellectually rich lyrics based on literature, history, and mythology – a depth many casual listeners might overlook. The episode's centerpiece explores Tina Turner's extraordinary comeback story. After escaping her abusive marriage to Ike with just 36 cents to her name, Turner found herself considered "washed up" and performing in far-flung locations like Yugoslavia and Bahrain. Her transformation from struggling artist to global superstar hinged on a song she initially despised – "What's Love Got to Do With It" – which became her first and only Billboard Hot 100 #1 at age 44. The hosts trace how this single triumph snowballed into Grammy wins, blockbuster films, and stadium tours, cementing her iconic status. Perhaps most relatable is Tony's confession about discovering the Isley Brothers' "Between the Sheets" only after hearing it sampled in numerous hip-hop tracks. This honest moment highlights how sampling creates musical bridges across generations, keeping classic compositions alive while introducing them to new audiences. Whether you're a devoted metalhead, R&B aficionado, or simply appreciate stories of artistic resilience, this episode reminds us why music truly is the glue that binds our experiences together. Subscribe now and join us next time for an all-80s episode featuring a revolutionary television show that changed how music and visual media intersect!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 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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