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Step into a time machine with Mike and Tom as they transport you back to 1974 – that fascinating transitional year when music was caught between the fading echoes of counterculture and the emerging sounds that would define the late 70s.

What exactly is a "post-hippie hangover"? It's the perfect description for 1974's musical landscape, where rock was splintering into countless subgenres while soul evolved and disco's first sparkles appeared on the horizon. The guys expertly navigate through the year's defining sounds – from Led Zeppelin's peak touring years to Queen's breakthrough with "Killer Queen," from David Bowie's dystopian glam rock to Stevie Wonder's soul masterpieces.

But what makes this episode truly special is the deep dive into one-hit wonders that dominated 1974 before vanishing into obscurity. Remember "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks? That melodramatic yet somehow cheerful song about death that had everyone either sobbing or rolling their eyes? Or "Rock the Boat" by the Hughes Corporation – arguably the first disco hit to top the charts before the genre fully exploded?

The conversation takes a hilariously chaotic turn when Pip and Squeak burst into the studio, determined to defend "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" and Jim Stafford's "Wildwood Weed" as underappreciated classics. Their passionate (if somewhat unhinged) musical commentary provides the perfect counterpoint to Mike and Tom's more structured exploration of the era.

Don't miss the "What Were They Thinking?" segment highlighting the strangest hits of 1974, including Ray Stevens' inexplicable chart-topper "The Streak" and Paul Anka's cringe-worthy "Having My Baby" (which critics have called one of the worst #1 songs of all time). Between technological shifts like the rise of FM radio and cassettes replacing 8-tracks, 1974 emerges as the weird, wonderful middle child of the decade – not as revolutionary as 1967 or as flashy as 1977, but laying essential groundwork for everything from punk to arena rock.

Ready to continue this musical journey through time? Subscribe now and join us next week for our deep dive into 1975!

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Step into the musical time machine as Mike and Tom explore the soundtrack of 1973 – a year when rock anthems, soul classics, and unforgettable ballads dominated the airwaves. What began as casual workplace conversations about beloved songs has transformed into a passionate deep dive through the year's defining hits.

From Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" to Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia," the hosts offer fascinating insights and personal memories triggered by these timeless classics. The episode reveals surprising discoveries about familiar tunes – songs they've loved for years but never knew the titles of, or beloved melodies whose artists remained mysteries until now. These revelations highlight how deeply music embeds itself in our memories, often detached from the details of who created it.

The hosts' enthusiasm reaches its peak when discussing personal favorites that didn't make the Billboard Top 40 – including Aerosmith's "Dream On," Deep Purple's iconic "Smoke on the Water," and Golden Earring's driving anthem "Radar Love." Their stories capture why these songs continue to resonate decades later, becoming soundtracks to pivotal moments in listeners' lives. Between reminiscences of backyard bonfires and high school jukeboxes, Mike and Tom demonstrate how 1973's diverse musical landscape – spanning rock, soul, country, and pop – created cultural touchstones that transcend generations.

Whether you lived through 1973 or are discovering these classics for the first time, this episode offers both nostalgia and fresh perspective on a year where musical boundaries dissolved and unforgettable hits emerged. Subscribe now and join us next week as we continue our journey through the decades with the greatest hits of 1974!

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Ready for a podcast that bounces between courtroom scandals and Chuck Berry's only number one hit without missing a beat? We've got you covered.

The gavel comes down hard in this episode as we tackle the bizarre case of two Democratic judges arrested for harboring illegal immigrants. One judge allegedly helped an undocumented defendant escape ICE agents through a courthouse back door, while another kept a suspected Venezuelan gang member as a "handyman" in their guest house. As we unpack the legal and ethical implications, we can't help but wonder what motivates supposedly impartial judges to risk their careers and freedom for such actions.

But this isn't just a current events show. We take a delightful detour into the musical treasure trove of 1972, sharing personal stories about iconic tracks that defined an era. From Don McLean's "American Pie" (no, it wasn't about Lynyrd Skynyrd) to Badfinger's Beatles-esque "No Matter What," these songs carry powerful memories. Mike recalls making out to The Raspberries' "Go All the Way," while Tom shares how Dr. Hook's "Sylvia's Mother" became the soundtrack to lonely summer days on his sister's farm, played endlessly on an 8-track player.

Of course, our resident troublemakers Pip and Squeak crash the party with their own questionable 1972 selections. Chuck Berry's innuendo-laden "My Ding-a-Ling" makes an appearance, as does something about a dead skunk in the middle of the road. The segment culminates in our discovery of perhaps the strangest song of 1972 – a track called "Jungle Fever" that leaves us genuinely wondering if we're hearing torture, kidnapping, or something else entirely.

Whether you're a music enthusiast, a news junkie, or just someone who appreciates unfiltered conversation, this episode delivers on all fronts. Subscribe now and join us next week as we explore the musical landscape of 1973!