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

Aug 24, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 6: George Michael - Faith
"It's almost required with major artists that there's some duality. And I've got duality everywhere." - George Michael Some folks have an otherworldly ability to craft pop music, and George Michael undoubtedly has a seat at that table. In this episode, Cody and Hilary explore the record that served as his most complete artistic statement. Meticulously crafted, the making of Faith is George Michael elbowing his way into the pop auteur conversation alongside the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. It is rife with controversy, vulnerability, and sex. George Michael relaunched his image, wielded absolute authority during its making, and produced a pop monster. Its critical and commercial success are forever cemented, but the cost at which they came is also undeniable. 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
Aug 17, 2023 · 55 min
Ep. 5: Deafheaven - Sunbather
What makes a genre...a genre? When does an album move from one genre to another? Or, more importantly, does any of that really matter? Cody and Hilary delve into Deafheaven's "Sunbather" in our fifth episode. An album exploding with self-reflection, frustration, and power, it catapulted Deafheaven into the spotlight. Ten years after its release, its blast beats and washing guitars continue to spark conversations about classification, "tradition" within genre, and fandom in general. 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
Aug 10, 2023 · 56 min
Ep. 4: Missy Elliott - Supa Dupa Fly
"Beep beep, who got the keys to the jeep?...Vrooom!" Our first venture into hip-hop covers a true titan of the genre. With her debut solo record "Supa Dupa Fly," Missy Elliott's confidence and willingness to bet on herself paid off many times over. Hilary and Cody discuss Missy Elliott's partnership with Timbaland, the groundbreaking music videos, and how they forged their own lane in a time when hip-hop was coming off its most polarized era. Missy Elliott is an innovator and originator. "Supa Dupa Fly" put the world on notice, and we are stoked to tell a bit of this album's story! 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
Aug 3, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 3: John Prine - John Prine
"I don't know where he comes from, but I've got a good idea where he's going." - Kris Kristofferson about John Prine Let us fill in those blanks on our third episode! Hilary and Cody dive into John Prine's debut, self-titled record. From losing a staring contest to oatmeal to an unflinching look at the reality for many soldiers returning from combat, Prine tapped into an unassuming gentleness and empathy far beyond his years. Come listen to what we have to say about a true Amoeba darling, the Singing Mailman John Prine! 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
Jul 27, 2023 · 57 min
Ep. 1: Donna Summer - Bad Girls
"Take me on a journey..." Oh, we're about to do just that! On the inaugural episode of EarWax, hosts Hilary and Cody give the rundown on who we are, the framework for the show, and what we hope to accomplish with Amoeba Music's very first podcast. For our first Album of the Week, we're looking at Donna Summer's "Bad Girls." Full of bangers and ballads, this record is a window into a turning point in both musical history, and our culture at large. 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
Jul 27, 2023 · 49 min
Ep. 2: DEVO - Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!
We're back for round two! Cody and Hilary examine the beginnings of DEVO and their inimitable first album - "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!" (Cody fumbles the title in the intro. Don't worry, we're pointing and laughing too!) DEVO's debut put the world on notice of something uncompromisingly different. From a wild Stones cover to crashing a Sun Ra show, DEVO has always - unapologetically - been themselves. We'll peek a bit behind the curtain to see how this record was rooted in a pivotal event in U.S. history. 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. 6: George Michael - Faith

Ep. 5: Deafheaven - Sunbather

Ep. 4: Missy Elliott - Supa Dupa Fly

Ep. 3: John Prine - John Prine

Ep. 1: Donna Summer - Bad Girls

Ep. 2: DEVO - Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!