Is it candy or a swing revival band? Is it music or a speech? Is it crazy that both William Shatner and Telly Savalas had songs on the Billboard charts and all they do is talk? Answer key – Both, Squirrel Nut Zippers is a candy and a band; Both, spoken word encompasses release that are just speech, speech over music, and speech intertwined with music; No, it’s not crazy, and when you hear their chart landing hits you’ll likely agree. In Season 2, Episode 3, we explore the Spoken Word genre, give some due to Squirrel Nut Zippers, and line-up three new tunes to challenge your brains.

We start season two with a blockbuster episode that spans over 4,000 years, 6,816 miles, and half the world’s population. It’s International Women's Day and Month and we’ll be recognizing the many awesome women drummers in popular music, be listening to Hang On the Box, an all-girl punk band from Beijing, and be sampling songs from the three all-girl bands in my collection, The Roches, Ars Nova, and Northern State. We'll play a group of new challenge songs for episode 2 and start the new season on a strong note. (Get it.... "note" like both a musical note and a metaphorical noun indicating a positive beginning point?) Yea, I'm groaning too.

While TTC is getting ready for Season 2, here are some of the season 1 Spotlight segments.

While TTC is in between seasons, I will be reissuing the Spotlight segments from Season 1.

This episode of Triple Tune Challenge is chock full of songs, any of which you likely heard the first time while wearing pajamas, I know I did. If there is a common theme throughout the show it’s TV and Movies, and to be exact, television cartoons from the recent past and superhero movies from anytime. I don’t want to give away too much, otherwise you’d just read the eloquent summaries and not have to listen, and according to the TTC Bylaws, that’s not allowed. Why don’t you fetch a pencil and paper, get ready to raise your hand, stick your gum under the desk for safe-keeping, and pay attention as it’s time for a pop quiz.

My fascination with One-Hit Wonders runs deep. There’s something noble about achieving the pinnacle of success only to tumble, or sometimes plummet, to obscurity. OHW’s are not a new phenomenon, nor are they limited to music. Artists of all types, athletes, CEOs, and just about anyone can experience the feeling. That’s why we can all relate. Carl Douglas’ success with Kung-Fu Fighting is no different than my neighbor’s high school football heroics, well except Carl Douglas rakes in hundreds of thousands annually from royalties while Bert, my neighbor only got an MVP trophy.

From there we’ll hear from tUB rING and their song Killers in Love. tUB rING, while one of my faves, is best known for their tourmates over the years, including Sleeptytime Gorilla Museum, Grayceon, Dog Fashion Disco, Clutch, Estradasphere and more. So, release the emergency parachute, deploy your safety goggles, protect your mid-section and enjoy the view as it’s time for episode 15 of Triple Tune Challenge!

Who knew Britany Spears got her start by appearing on Star Search when she was 10 years old? I did, that’s who, but only after researching the challenge answer for this episode. And how are The Beatles, The Tremeloes, Shawn Mendes, Lizzo, Paul Anka, One Direction and Justin Bieber connected? If you answered as examples on Triple Tune Challenge, then you are correct. Right after learning those artists and bands got their start, we’ll take a moderate to shallow dive into Bruford’s One of A Kind release from 1979. So don’t touch that dial, because Triple Tune Challenge is the only podcast where you can hear Funk, Soul, Pop, Jazz Fusion, Progressive Rock, and even some awesome classical piano.

Where else can you hear music from the 1600’s to the early 21st century, from Mozart to Genesis, with stops in Germany, Austria, Sweden, France, the U.K., and the U.S? Nowhere except Episode 13 of Triple Tune Challenge. Doctor Demento helps answer the Episode 12 challenge with some zany novelty songs, then it’s off to the land of the Prog epic for the spotlight of the week, and on the way out you’ll hear the songs for this week’s challenge. So, pull down the shoulder bar, check your lap belt, prepare to be amazed and let your hands and feet do whatever they want because Episode 13 is going to be a wild ride!

S1E13 Show Notes