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Human Music

Human Music

By Carlos Brandon

Two lifelong friends with varied tastes in music introduce each other to a new album each episode and breakdown their thoughts and analysis.
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Episode 12: The Essential Paul Simon (with guest Luke Brawner)

Human MusicAug 06, 2020

00:00
01:10:22
Episode 49:Pearl Jam, Ten (Death of Hair Metal Part IV)

Episode 49:Pearl Jam, Ten (Death of Hair Metal Part IV)

We're Back and it's time for The Death of Hair Metal Part 4. For the fourth installment of the the series the discussion shifts to Pearl Jam's 1991 debut album Ten. This landmark grunge album was key in getting the "Seattle Sound" to sweep the nation's air waves and put the final nail in the coffin of the LA glam metal scene, the guys get into one of the biggest questions ever asked on the show, what is grunge music? 

Sep 07, 202101:05:50
Episode 0 - Human Music Introduction

Episode 0 - Human Music Introduction

In this intro episode, Harry and Carlos introduce Human Music, the podcast. This biweekly, sometimes weekly show features two lifelong friends introducing each other to new music and diving deep into the songwriting, history, and influences behind their favorite albums.

Aug 31, 202105:31
Episode 48: J. Cole, Born Sinner

Episode 48: J. Cole, Born Sinner

This week the guys discuss another one of Carlos’s 1.0 albums. J. Cole's second studio album from 2013 Born Sinner. Listen the guys geek out over a shared love of one the best rappers in the game today.

Jul 17, 202101:25:01
Episode 47: Guns N' Roses, Appetite for Destruction (Death of Hair Metal Part III)

Episode 47: Guns N' Roses, Appetite for Destruction (Death of Hair Metal Part III)

Time for The Death of Hair Metal Part 3. For the third installment of the the series the discussion shifts to Guns N' Roses' 1988 debut album Appetite for Destruction. This was the beginning of the end for the LA Glam metal scene as this band born out of that scene would bring a edginess that had been missing from mainstream hard rock for years. Check out what the guys think about the so called most dangerous band in the world.
Jun 28, 202101:02:51
Episode 46: Lupe Fiasco DROGAS WAVE

Episode 46: Lupe Fiasco DROGAS WAVE

This week the guys discuss another one of Carlos’s 1.0 albums that also happens to be the album that was the genesis for the whole podcast. Lupe Fiasco’s 2018 concept album Drogas Wave
Jun 07, 202101:49:23
Episode 45: Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet (Death of Hair Metal Part II)

Episode 45: Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet (Death of Hair Metal Part II)

Time for The Death of Hair Metal Part 2. For the second installment of the the series the guys discuss Bon Jovi's 1986 album Slippery When Wet. See what the guys have to say about one of the best selling Glam Metal albums of all time.

May 14, 202101:02:33
Episode 44: Joey Bada$$, 1999

Episode 44: Joey Bada$$, 1999

On the off-weeks of Harry's ongoing "Death of Hair Metal" series, we'll be exploring Carlos' 1.0 albums. These are the albums Harry and Carlos reviewed for the original, never published version of Human Music. The first of these 1.0 albums is Joey Bada$$'s 2012 debut mixtape, 1999. The Brooklyn native shook up the rap world with this absolute classic at only 17-years-old. Here what Harry thinks of one of Carlos' favorite albums of all time.

May 06, 202101:14:05
Episode 43: Def Leppard, Pyromania

Episode 43: Def Leppard, Pyromania

We begin what Harry is calling the "Death of Hair Metal" series with a look at the album that arguably birthed the genre. Hear what Carlos thinks about his first deep dive into pop metal with this week's episode on Pyromania.

Apr 19, 202101:13:04
Episode 42: Drake, Nothing Was The Same

Episode 42: Drake, Nothing Was The Same

This week, the guys discuss Carlos' favorite Drake album, Nothing Was The Same. Hear about Harry's transition from Drake hater to fan, and why this album is so important both to Drake's legacy as well as the transformation of hip hop in general.

Apr 05, 202101:27:60
Episode 41: Billy Joel, Innocent Man

Episode 41: Billy Joel, Innocent Man

This week, the guys discuss one of Harrison's favorite Billy Joel albums, 1983's Innocent Man. Hear what Carlos thinks of 80s doo-wop Billy Joel and how this album taps into both hosts childhood nostalgia.

Mar 29, 202101:19:10
Episode 40: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN

Episode 40: Kendrick Lamar, DAMN

This week, we conclude our ongoing series on the albums of Kendrick Lamar with a long discussion on his latest studio album DAMN. Hear the guys' thoughts on the Pulitzer winning album and see what Harry thinks of Kendrick's discography as we look back on all four albums.

Mar 18, 202101:34:32
Episode 39: Big Star, #1 Record (with Timothy Malcolm)

Episode 39: Big Star, #1 Record (with Timothy Malcolm)

This week, the guys welcome published author and Food and Beverage Editor of Houstonia Magazine, Timothy Malcolm, to the show to discuss one of his favorites. Big Star's highly influential, yet largely unknown 1972 debut album, #1 Record.
Mar 04, 202101:17:26
Episode 38: Ghost, Meliora

Episode 38: Ghost, Meliora

Coming out of a two week hiatus, the guys return to discuss another album from Harrison's favorite band, the mysterious Swedish metal group Ghost. Meliora is the third Satanic concept album by this Grammy-winning yet polarizing band with a cult following. Hear what Carlos thought of the album and how it stacks up against Ghost's fourth album, Prequelle, which we discuss in episode 23.

Feb 26, 202101:00:56
Episode 37: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly Pt2

Episode 37: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly Pt2

Part 2 of our discussion on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 masterpiece, To Pimp A Butterfly.

Feb 12, 202101:01:34
Episode 36: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly Pt 1

Episode 36: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly Pt 1

This week, the guys begin the third album in their Kendrick Lamar series. Lamar's 2015 To Pimp A Butterfly was an internet shattering masterpiece which garners consideration as the best hip hop album of all time. In this first of two parts, Harry discusses his initial thoughts, Carlos gives his own history with the album, and we dive into the first 5 tracks. Tune in next week for part 2.

Feb 04, 202156:36
Episode 35: The Rocket Summer, Zoetic

Episode 35: The Rocket Summer, Zoetic

This week, the guys welcome special guest Abby Burell onto the show to discuss her favorite artist, multi-instrumentalist and one-man-band Bryce Avary, aka The Rocket Summer. More specifically, his 2016 LP Zoetic.

Jan 28, 202155:06
Episode 34: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City - Part 2

Episode 34: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City - Part 2

In this episode, we continue our discussion on Kendrick Lamar's sophomore studio album, Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City. If you haven't heard part 1 of GKMC, we recommend you go back and listen to episode 33 before listening to this episode.

Jan 21, 202101:07:29
Episode 33: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid M.a.aD. City - Part 1

Episode 33: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid M.a.aD. City - Part 1

This week, we continue our series on the albums of Kendrick Lamar with the first of a two-part discussion on Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City. In this episode, Carlos introduces the album and its significance in Kendrick's catalog, and both Harry and Carlos discuss their overall thoughts before getting into the album's first two tracks and it's overall narrative concept. Listen to the following episode for the rest of the track rundown and our closing thoughts. 

Jan 21, 202143:15
Episode 32: Tool, Ænima

Episode 32: Tool, Ænima

This week, the guys revisit the first album Harrison ever chose to introduce on Human Music during the 1.0 version of this show. Tool's 1996 sophomore LP, Ænima. This begins our bi-weekly revisiting of albums chosen during our unreleased first batch of episodes. The 1.0 albums will intersperse the Kendrick Lamar series on a biweekly basis.

Jan 14, 202101:19:25
Kendrick Lamar Pt 1: Section.80

Kendrick Lamar Pt 1: Section.80

This week, we begin our 4-part mini-series on the episodes of Kendrick Lamar. Given the magnitude of K-Dot's contributions to music, Carlos decided that Harrison should experience all four studio concept albums in chronological order. Our Kendrick series, which begins this week with Section.80, will be interspersed with Harry's album selections. Tune in every two weeks for a Kendrick album and every other week for a standard Human Music episode from now until February 18.

Jan 07, 202102:01:18
Episode 30: 2020 Year in Review

Episode 30: 2020 Year in Review

We did it, folks. 2020 is over and what a ride. Say what you will about the year from hell, but you can't deny it gave us some incredible music. Harry and Carlos look back on one of the most unexpectedly amazing years in music as they reminisce on the best quarantine albums, the best new artist finds, the best viral singles and the most 2020 moments of 2020. Tune in until the end to hear what we have in store for 2021 and thank you so much for listening this year! 

Dec 31, 202001:56:06
Episode 29: Christmas Music Special

Episode 29: Christmas Music Special

Merry Christmas, folks. Join us for a Human Music special episode as Harry and Carlos welcome their lady friends onto the show to discuss the best and worst Christmas songs of all time.

Dec 24, 202001:06:13
Episode 28: Radiohead, In Rainbows

Episode 28: Radiohead, In Rainbows

This week, the guys welcome guest Jesus Acevedo Jr onto the podcast to talk about one of the coolest bands of all time. Jesus picked Radiohead's 2007 release In Rainbows for discussion on his guest appearance, and Carlos and Harry had a hell of a week listening to and digesting this absolute masterpiece. Hear our analysis of it's 10-tracks and Jesus' reasons for choosing it, as well as what the album means to him.

Dec 17, 202001:10:18
Episode 27: Action Bronson, Mr. Wonderful

Episode 27: Action Bronson, Mr. Wonderful

This week, the guys discuss rapper Action Bronson's 2015 major label debut, Mr. Wonderful. The multi-talented Bronson is perhaps better known as the charismatic host of shows like "F**k That's Delicious" and "Ancient Aliens with Action Bronson", but the chef turned rapper turned TV host broke into the public eye as a rapper back in 2011 and remains one of the industry's most consistent and prolific talents. Hear what Harry thought after his first true listening experience of Action's music.

Dec 09, 202001:08:40
Episode 26: Beach Bunny, Honeymoon

Episode 26: Beach Bunny, Honeymoon

This week, the guys discuss the 2020 debut album, Honeymoon, by Chicago-based indie-pop band Beach Bunny. Hear what Carlos thought of Harry's unorthodox choice and why tragic songs are universally more relatable than love songs.

Dec 03, 202001:07:38
Episode 25: A$AP Rocky, LONG.LIVE.A$AP

Episode 25: A$AP Rocky, LONG.LIVE.A$AP

This week, the guys discuss A$AP Rocky's 2013 debut album, LONG.LIVE.A$AP. Carlos chose this for Harry because of its importance in his own development as a fan of hip hop and a milestone in his life. Hear what Harry thought of this southern-inspired debut by multi-talented Harlem-native A$AP Rocky. 

Nov 13, 202001:19:41
Episode 24: Prince, Sign O' The Times (with Fat Tony)

Episode 24: Prince, Sign O' The Times (with Fat Tony)

This week, the guys welcome special guest, Houston's own Fat Tony, onto the podcast to discuss one of Tony's favorite artists and albums of all time, Prince's 1987 double LP "Sign O' The Times". Hear what Carlos and Harry thought of this multi-genre masterpiece, including their thoughts on the 2020 9-disk Super Deluxe version.

Nov 05, 202001:37:43
Episode 23: Ghost, Prequelle (Halloween Special)

Episode 23: Ghost, Prequelle (Halloween Special)

This week, the guys dive into Harry's SPOOKIEST choice for the week of Halloween -- 2018's "Prequelle", the fourth studio album by Swedish metal band, Ghost. This is one of the most celebrated metal releases of the last decade, by one of the music industry's most controversial acts. Hear what Carlos thought about the album and learn about its deep Medieval references and themes. 


Warning: this episode features extensive references to Satanic lyrics and imagery.

Oct 29, 202001:17:23
Saturday Night Special #4: Double Feature

Saturday Night Special #4: Double Feature

This week's Saturday Night Special bonus episode is a special double feature. First up, the guys review listener suggested "Purgatory", the 2017 debut album by country and bluegrass singer-songwriter Tyler Childers. Later, they review the newly released studio album "Exotica" by Houston rapper Fat Tony ahead of Tony's guest appearance on upcoming episode 24. Enjoy, and stay tuned for that special guest spot dropping on November 5.

Oct 24, 202045:00
Episode 22: MF DOOM, "MM...FOOD"

Episode 22: MF DOOM, "MM...FOOD"

This week on the Human Music Podcast, the guys discuss a classic in the world of underground hip hop. 2004's "MM...FOOD" is the second solo album by mysterious and obscure New York rapper, MF DOOM, known for never revealing his face and rapping under a variety of stage names and fictional personas. Here what Harry thinks about this strange and fascinating work of art that helped catalyze a creative evolution within the rap genre.

Oct 22, 202001:23:54
Episode 21: Leon Bridges, Good Thing

Episode 21: Leon Bridges, Good Thing

This week we invite return guest Moe Lerma back on the show to discuss one of his favorite albums, Leon Bridges' 2018 sophomore album, Good Thing. Bridges is a Fort Worth-based soul singer whose debut album caught the attention of the music world for its old school, southern gentleman swagger and for Bridges' one of a kind voice. His follow up record brings a much more modern, funky, jazzy, even poppy sound. Hear what the guys thought of Moe's second album choice on this episode of the Human Music Show.

Oct 15, 202001:19:10
Episode 20: Iron Maiden, Number of the Beast

Episode 20: Iron Maiden, Number of the Beast

This week, it's part 2 of our two-part Iron Maiden crash course. Harry introduces Carlos to the thirst studio album by British metal gods, Iron Maiden, the first album with legendary vocalist Bruce Dickinson. Hear what Carlos thought about this iconic, genre-altering album.

Oct 08, 202001:24:47
Saturday Night Special #3: Brett Eldredge, Sunday Drive

Saturday Night Special #3: Brett Eldredge, Sunday Drive

On this bonus episode, the guys review another listener suggested album -- Brett Eldredge's 2020 studio album, "Sunday Drive". Hear what Harry and Carlos thought about this autobiographical and deeply personal album, despite their own personal bias against contemporary country. To see the video version of this bonus ep, check out our YouTube channel or Instagram!

Oct 06, 202019:25
Episode 19: Lupe Fiasco, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool

Episode 19: Lupe Fiasco, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool

In this special double-length episode, Carlos chooses one of his favorite albums of all time, only to learn that Harrison is intimately familiar with it. Hear both of their thoughts on Lupe Fiasco's 2007 sophomore album, "Lupe Fiasco's The Cool".

Oct 01, 202002:04:11
Episode 18: Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden

Episode 18: Iron Maiden, Iron Maiden

This week, the guys discuss one of the most iconic heavy metal albums of all time. Iron Maiden's 1980 self-titled debut album. This watershed moment in UK rock history would go on to influence a generation of metal and hard rock bands all over the world and kick off the new wave of British heavy metal in the 1980s. Hear what Carlos thinks of one of Harry's favorite albums. This week is part 1 of a two-part Iron Maiden block which will be interjected by Carlos's next album choice in one week.

Sep 24, 202001:14:14
Episode 17: Boyz II Men, II (with guest Nick Scurfield)

Episode 17: Boyz II Men, II (with guest Nick Scurfield)

This week, the guys welcome guest Nick Scurfield onto the show to discuss one of his personal favorite albums and an iconic nineties R&B record, Boyz II Men's 1994 studio album, II. Hear Harry and Carlos' thoughts on this Motown classic that dominated the charts throughout the mid-nineties and remains one of the greatest R&B projects ever recorded.

Sep 17, 202001:09:35
Saturday Night Special: Khalid American Teen

Saturday Night Special: Khalid American Teen

This week we're reviewing debut studio album by Khalid, American Teen. It was released on March 3, 2017 by that October it was certified platinum. And launched Khalid into being one of the premier R&B artists performing today.   

To hear us review your favorite albums, live performances, singles or EPs in future Saturday Night Specials, go to anchor.fm/humanmusic and leave us a voice message. Or send us a DM on twitter or Instagram.


Sep 10, 202034:48
Episode 16: Amy Winehouse, Back to Black

Episode 16: Amy Winehouse, Back to Black

This week on Human Music, the guys explore one of Carlos' favorite sad ablums of all time, Amy Winehouse's 2006 sophomore album, Back to Black. This neo-soul/R&B chart-topper is considered the great masterpiece of an artist who left us too soon. Hear what Harrison thought after sitting with the album for a week, and tune in to the end to hear what our next Saturday Night Special will be.
Sep 03, 202001:22:36
Episode 15: Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures (with guest Tim Brick)

Episode 15: Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures (with guest Tim Brick)

This week, the guys welcome their old friend and former Pilots Podcast co-host, Tim Brick, onto the show to discuss an album that Tim has a lot of appreciation for. Unknown Pleasures, the 1979 debut by short-lived British post-punk outfit, Joy Division, is considered one of the most influential albums of all time. Perhaps the first new wave record, Unknown Pleasures is a gut-wrenching exploration of lead vocalist Ian Curtis' depression and apathy towards life stemming from his struggles with epilepsy. This record is notoriously morose and ominous with a cavernous sound that both entrances and disarms. Hear what the guys thought of this bleak masterpiece on this week's Human Music.
Aug 27, 202001:13:01
Saturday Night Special: Harry Styles, Fine Line

Saturday Night Special: Harry Styles, Fine Line

We're kicking off a new mini series called Saturday Night Specials. These short 20-30 minute episodes will post on Saturday nights whenever we get listener suggestions. For our first one, we're reviewing the sophomore solo album of former One Directioner Harry Styles. Fine Line was released in 2019 and features a variety of musical influences from 70s folk rock to contemporary pop.

To hear us review your favorite albums, live performances, singles or EPs in future Saturday Night Specials, go to anchor.fm/humanmusic and leave us a voice message.

Aug 22, 202027:43
Episode 14: Rick James, Street Songs

Episode 14: Rick James, Street Songs

This week on the show, the guys discuss a classic funk album from one of the most controversial figures in music history. Rick James entertained and inspired fans and artists for over 30 years and continues to do so long after his death. Unfortunately, as Harrison and Carlos find out during the researching and recording of this episode, his horrific crimes are impossible to separate from his artistic impact, and appreciating this masterpiece of funk and soul comes with a price. Join us as we discuss Rick James' fifth studio album, Street Songs.

Aug 20, 202001:23:52
Episode 13: Frank Ocean, Blonde

Episode 13: Frank Ocean, Blonde

We hope you'll make it to the end of this week's special extra long episode. This week, the guys discuss Frank Ocean's 2016 sophomore album, Blonde (Blond). One of Carlos's favorite albums of all time, Harrison weighs in on what he did and didn't like about it, while Carlos calls Frank this generation's David Bowie. Get ready to cry over your ex as you listen along to this dreamy R&B masterpiece.
Aug 13, 202001:52:03
Episode 12: The Essential Paul Simon (with guest Luke Brawner)

Episode 12: The Essential Paul Simon (with guest Luke Brawner)

This week, Harry and Carlos welcome Luke Brawner of Milieu Media Group to Human Music to discuss one of Luke’s favorite artists and albums of all time, The Essential Paul Simon.

Aug 06, 202001:10:22
Episode 11: Megadeath, Rust in Peace

Episode 11: Megadeath, Rust in Peace

This week on the pod, things get metal as the guys discuss Megadeath's 1990 thrash masterpiece, Rust in Peace. One of Harrison's favorite albums of all time, Carlos is introduced to his first cover to cover experience with Megadeath and heavy metal in general. This episode was a blast to research and record.

Jul 30, 202001:00:20
Episode 10: Run the Jewels 2

Episode 10: Run the Jewels 2

This week on Human Music, Harry and Carlos discuss Run the Jewels' second self-titled album from 2014, Run the Jewels 2. This master-class in bravado, lyricism, and in-your-face political dissidence has played a role in radicalizing, or at least influencing, a generation of young alternative hip hop fans. The guys explore their own opinions on both the music and messages of Killer Mike and El-P's underground classic.
Jul 23, 202001:32:41
Episode 09: Fireworks, Gospel (with guest Moe Lerma)

Episode 09: Fireworks, Gospel (with guest Moe Lerma)

This week on Human Music, Harrison and Carlos welcome their second guest, multi-instrument artist, singer-songwriter and content creator for the Houston Dynamo, Moe Lerma. Moe introduces the guys to one of his favorite albums, 2011's Gospel by Detroit-based punk-pop outfit, Fireworks. This was a great conversation about an excellent album. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Jul 16, 202001:26:35
Episode 08: Dead Kennedys, Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death

Episode 08: Dead Kennedys, Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death

Welcome back to another episode of Human Music. This week, Harry and Carlos discuss Bay Area punk icons Dead Kennedy's and their genre-defining brand of hardcore punk off their career-encompassing compilation alum, Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death. This combination of biting political satire, nihilist counter-culture rebellion and general debauchery is exactly what the doctor ordered during these uncertain and surreal times we find ourselves in. So strap in and enjoy the ride.

Jul 09, 202001:07:42
Episode 07: T-Rextasy, Jurassic Punk

Episode 07: T-Rextasy, Jurassic Punk

Join the guys this week for an in-depth discussion on one of Carlos's favorite bands of recent years. We are reviewing Jurrasic Punk, the debut album by up-and-coming, DIY, all-female punk band T-Rextasy, as well as their live Audiotree record session. We had a blast listening to this one and discussing.

Jul 03, 202001:01:11
Episode 6: Tupac, All Eyez on Me (with guest Kate McLean)

Episode 6: Tupac, All Eyez on Me (with guest Kate McLean)

This week the guys welcome their first guest to the show. Chef, writer and podcaster Kate McLean joins Harry and Carlos to discuss an album of her choice -- 2Pac's All Eyez on Me from 1996. The legendary rapper's final release before his tragic passing that same year, All Eyez on Me is Tupac's longest, most well-received, and most beloved work of art. A bona-fide magnum opus of Cali thug life gangsta rap, AEOM changed the rap industry forever and cemented Tupac Shakur's legacy within it.

Jun 25, 202001:03:37
Episode 5: Townes Van Zandt, Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas

Episode 5: Townes Van Zandt, Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas

On this episode of Human Music, Harrison introduces Carlos to one of the greatest albums in Texas music history by arguably the most influential singer songwriter to ever leave the Lone Star State. Recorded in 1973 at the Old Quarter in downtown Houston, Live at the Old Quarter is one of the most significant pieces of musical history associated with the Bayou City. Hear the guys discuss their thoughts and analysis on this seminal work of art.

Jun 19, 202001:02:48