EarWax

EarWax Team

EarWax is a deep-dive music podcast hosted by two longtime record store clerks, Hilary and Cody, who are steeped in music history.

Each week, we unpack the story of a single album - how it was made, where it fits in the cultural moment that shaped it, and why it still matters. From iconic classics to cult gems, we explore the music that moves us and the stories that stick.

You’ll also hear about the latest releases and what’s buzzing in our world of vinyl bins and liner notes. Think of it like your favorite record store hang, just in podcast form.

EarWax is for anyone who loves music with context, history, and heart.

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126 episodes
Updated June 26
Explicit

Episodes126

Newest first

Mar 27, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 86: Garbage - Garbage
We're only happy when...we're covering a kick ass band and record like Garbage's self-titled! Hilary and Cody discuss the fascinating chemistry that was initially pitched (derisively) as "three producers and a girl." Hey, maybe that is true, but man does that combo rock. Granted, it helps when that girl is Shirley f'n Manson. Garbage crafted, or uncrafted, pop music. Deconstructed hooks pieced together to create a brilliant noise. Oh, and their first live show has a connection to Gwar... Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Mar 20, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 85: Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi
Bow at the feet of the Queen of the Divas - Mariah Carey! Cody and Hilary discuss "The Emancipation of Mimi," an album that was made after Mariah had taken a few personal and professional body blows. Being the champ she is, she took it all in, and spat it back in her critics' faces with a record that is equal parts vocal gymnastics lesson and absolute party. "The Emancipation of Mimi" is Mariah Carey shrugging off all the baggage, and deciding it's time to have fun while letting the haters know that she isn't going anywhere. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Mar 13, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 84: BLACKPINK - The Album
Look at you, now look at us. How you like that? EarWax is going K-pop this week, and I don't know if we'll ever go back. Hilary and Cody cover BLACKPINK's appropriately-named "The Album." The system that has produced some of the biggest music in the world - the South Korean idol system - is a fascinating study in manufacturing celebrity. At its apex sit four women who have conquered the world, and this record was their international announcement that the top of the pops runs through South Korea. Twenty-four lean minutes of non-stop bangers, "The Album" is a party record released at a time when everything else looked awfully bleak. BLACKPINK made sure that we had something to dance to, and we have not stopped since. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Mar 6, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 83: Blondie - Parallel Lines
"Blondie is a Group" was a pin campaign put together by Blondie's manager as a way to cover his own screwup by picking the iconic photo for this week's album - "Parallel Lines." (PS: It didn't work and he was fired shortly after. Oops.) We all know Blondie is a group, and we also know the core of Chris Stein and Debbie Harry have given us some absolute bangers. After two records, the label wondered how they could put this group of meddling kids (loosely defined) on the top of the charts. Their solution was producer Mike Chapman. Does he come across as a bit of a jerk? Yes, resoundingly. Did the band turn in their most critically and commercially successful album to date under his production? Also, yes, resoundingly. With classics such as "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass," it would be hard for the label to go wrong picking a single...Find out how they did just that, and a ton more about "Parallel Lines," on this week's episode of EarWax! Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Feb 27, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 82: Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman
The greats seize the moment, and Tracy Chapman did exactly that right after the release of her self-titled album, and the subject of this week's episode! Cody and Hilary discuss Tracy Chapman's journey to reluctant stardom. Never seeking anything more than to have her songs heard, this debut reflects the quiet confidence that draws so many to her work. "Fast Car" is legendary, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" was a theme song for a literal revolution, and "Behind the Wall" is a devastating, gorgeous piece. When Wembley Stadium called, Tracy Chapman was ready for the moment. No frills, just music, and a message. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Feb 20, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 81: William Onyeabor - Who Is William Onyeabor?
Mysteries abound this week on EarWax! Never has "the man, the myth, the legend" rang truer than when we dive into "Who Is William Onyeabor?" A bizarre mix of funk, soul, and porto-techno, this record is a collection of songs pulled from Onyeabor's brief but prolific discography. His life and career remain largely enigmatic, due in no small part to his own efforts. We ask "why" and "how," because we want so badly to understand the context for which such forward-thinking music sprang. Ultimately, "Who Is William Onyeabor?" provides very little answers to those questions, but it serves a greater purpose - it grooves. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Feb 13, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 80: Digital Underground - Sex Packets
Peace, and humptiness forever! A mantra we should all do well to abide by. How about a little lumpy oatmeal and sort-of concept album this week? Digital Underground is just one of those groups that are okay being a little weird, a lot goofy, and very (oh so very) phonky. Shock G and dudes like Schmoovy Schmoov, Chopmaster J, and Money B all brought Parliament into hip-hop. Sex Packets is hyper horny, major vibes, and only kind of actually about sex packets, which may or may not be real. Ask NASA, but maybe NASA lies?! Check out the episode to hear Cody and Hilary break down this classic! Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Feb 6, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 79: Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin
We all stand on the shoulders of giants, the ghosts of those that came before. But some shoulders carry more weight than others. Billie Holiday is a foundation upon which decades and generations of music has been built. Hilary and Cody discuss Lady Day's penultimate album "Lady in Satin." In many ways, it feels like this record is a metaphorical retelling of her own life. Struggle, hardship, perseverance, and victory, all blended up and poured out through that voice. She sounds different than we're used to, but unmistakably Billie Holiday. On "Lady in Satin," you can feel Lady Day rise to the occasion once more to give us this testament to determination and sheer talent. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Jan 30, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 78: Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
It's quite simple, really. Challenge authority, refuse to back down, and never be complacent. Dead Kennedys brings all of that to this week's episode of EarWax! Cody and Hilary discuss San Francisco's charged political history, and how folks who don't like power structures and institutions there are more than willing to turn out and turn up. In the middle of all the turbulence is the punk scene, and Dead Kennedys are the standard-bearers. Brash, uncompromising, and sharp as tacks, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a force of nature. It will blow the doors off your apartment, and put you out on the streets marching in protest, right where we all belong. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Jan 23, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Ep. 77: Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash - the Man in Black - was almost more myth than man. But what it is undeniably true is the power of this week's record: At Folsom Prison. With his career hanging in the balance, Cash delivered a performance that deftly walked the line (pun fully intended) of addressing the harsh realities of his audience with moments of levity. Cash and the Tennessee Three are on fire, and the set lists contained timeless classics from his catalog to that point. And yet, the most storied track may be one that isn't his, but from an inmate at Folsom... Check out the episode, and like, subscribe, and share the show with folks who should know the story behind this iconic album! Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Jan 16, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep. 76: Parliament - Mothership Connection
Well alright, welcome to Groove U. This week's lesson is brought to you by the EarWax crew! Parliament's "Mothership Connection" is far out, in your face, uncut, from outer space, in the groove, and it'll make you move. With a cast of characters and lore galore, this record has cool to spare. George Clinton and Bootsy Collins are the most well-known of the P-Funk collective, and while their hands are absolutely all over this record, it is quite obviously a group effort. So let the funk wash over you, and climb aboard the Mothership! Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Jan 2, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep. 75: T. Rex - Electric Warrior
Glitter, vibes, and jams. EarWax grooves and bops into the new year with one of the pioneers of glam rock - T. Rex's "Electric Warrior". Cody and Hilary go back and forth over exactly how great Marc Bolan is as a vocalist (spoilers, he's AMAZING), and weave through the wandering story that brought us this album. At a time when people were looking around for what would come after the 60s, Marc Bolan stepped up, shook the lethargy out of the rock scene, and reminded folks just how fun and easy rock and roll could be. "Electric Warrior" ain't nothin' but pure sexy. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Dec 26, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 74: Boyz II Men - II
Now that you're properly stuffed on holiday goodies, let's keep the vibes chill, smooth, and immaculate. Cody and Hilary cruise through Boyz II Men's "II". An album of two halves, separated by a truly thoughtful, heartbreaking interlude, "II" gives all of the dance floor energy before hitting you with the epic feels. The group was soaring after their first record, and this follow-up put them firmly at the head of their class. With legendary producers galore, "II" is the perfect album to throw on when you need something that is as cool as the other side of the pillow. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Dec 19, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 73: A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector
We are holly, jolly, and bright after covering the amazing artists and songs on this classic Christmas album - "A Christmas Gift for You..." This album features some of the premiere vocal groups (The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, etc.), as well as LA's legendary Wrecking Crew. Reimagined classics, an original that became a classic, and a whole host of talent is what makes this album feel so warm. Also maybe because it was recorded in August... "A Christmas Gift for You" captures the essence of the holiday season, and we should celebrate the talent that it showcases. (And remember, Phil Spector was a loser!) Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Dec 12, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep. 72: Björk - Homogenic
The EarWax crew takes on one of the most brilliantly enigmatic artists out there this week as we cover Björk's "Homogenic." Made during a time of personal strife, this record is an homage to her home in Iceland, a place where she needed to leave for a time. Homogenic mixes traditional influences with sounds far ahead of its time. It feels fresh, sounds fresh, and is fresh today. Björk is a true innovator and artist, and this record is one of the best examples of what she has to offer. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Dec 5, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 71: Kraftwerk - Computer World
No B.S., let's get to business. Kraftwerk. EarWax. Computer World. Hilary and Cody discuss the group, the music, the theory and ideas around one of Germany's finest exports - Kraftwerk. Computer World is relevant today because it touches on so much of the conversation that has risen to dominate our culture. Data. Computers. Numbers. Travel. People. Money. This is the record that addresses how these all interact, and what we are to make of them. Kraftwerk saw the future in the present, and this record illustrates just how efficiently they can comment on it. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Nov 28, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 70: Motörhead - Ace of Spades
Make the necessary preparations, we're talking Motörhead this week... Hilary and Cody try and hang on as they talk about the pure fuel that is Ace of Spades. Lemmy, Fast Eddie, and Philthy Phil were three dudes who knew exactly what they were after, and they pursued those things with great fervor. Ace of Spades is undiluted rock and roll made by a band who were unrepentantly themselves. Motörhead was a freight train, and you either hopped on board, got out of their way, or got run over. Hell yeah. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Nov 21, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep. 69: Sade - Diamond Life
The eighties were a time of maximalism, so of course one of the biggest records was...a smooth jazzy pop affair? Sade's "Diamond Life" right in your earballs this week on EarWax. Sade is NOT a brand, but we are comfortable saying they are a whole mood. And it starts front and center. Elegant vocals that seem effortless, basslines that add more than a dash of funk, and a songwriting chemistry that brought us a record that stands out in its simplicity. "Diamond Life" is the launching point of a career brilliantly navigated by a group who are more than comfortable operating on their terms. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Nov 14, 2024 · 1 hr 24 min
Ep. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again
Make way for the Princess of Pop. Genuflect at the throne of 2000s bubblegum. Bow to Britney Spears. Oops!...I Did It Again cemented Britney as an icon. Her story is complicated, public, and influential. The tracks on this album show us the vision of Britney Spears perhaps at its most effective. A conquering hero who just so happened to make another #1 record. As if she fell backwards into superstardom. No, this album and its success were hard-won, the cost of which would come due further down the road. But that's what makes Britney Spears so compelling. We want to see how she defies the odds, the pressure, and the immense expectations put upon her. We want her to do it again, and on this record, she did! Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis
Nov 7, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food?
Masks, mystery, and Mm...Food? EarWax dives into your favorite rapper's favorite rapper MF DOOM!! The story of DOOM is partially rooted in the story of Doom (the comic, not the video game). Reborn from a former group, MF DOOM established himself as one of the most iconic underground emcees. MF DOOM built an entire universe in which he could play, and this record is arguably at the zenith of his most prolific period. Mm..Food? is crafty in its wordplay, generous with its samples, and tasty with its beats. Thanks for listening! Check out everything we have going on via the info below: Instagram: @earwaxpod TikTok: @earwaxpod Amoeba on Instagram: @amoebahollywood @amoebasf @amoebaberkeley Questions, Suggestions, Corrections (surely we're perfect): earwaxpodcast@amoeba-music.com Credits: Edited by Claudia Rivera-Tinsley All transition music written and performed by Spencer Belden "EarWax Main Theme" performed by Spencer Belden feat. David Otis

EarWax

Ep. 86: Garbage - Garbage

Ep. 85: Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi

Ep. 84: BLACKPINK - The Album

Ep. 83: Blondie - Parallel Lines

Ep. 82: Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman

Ep. 81: William Onyeabor - Who Is William Onyeabor?

Ep. 80: Digital Underground - Sex Packets

Ep. 79: Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin

Ep. 78: Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

Ep. 77: Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison

Ep. 76: Parliament - Mothership Connection

Ep. 75: T. Rex - Electric Warrior

Ep. 74: Boyz II Men - II

Ep. 73: A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector

Ep. 72: Björk - Homogenic

Ep. 71: Kraftwerk - Computer World

Ep. 70: Motörhead - Ace of Spades

Ep. 69: Sade - Diamond Life

Ep. 68: Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again

Ep. 67: MF DOOM - Mm...Food?