The Setlisters

The Setlisters

Join William Gallagher and the cast of revolving co-hosts as they discuss their favorite songs and why they love them. Each episode features a song, what works in it and what doesn't, discussion of the music industry, the artist, music as a whole, and what makes our musical selves tick. www.thesetlisters.com Spotify Playlist iHeartRadio Playlist (incomplete) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

October 1, 2025 • 61 mins

Mike brings us the brief but incredible track, 'Story 2' by rap group CLIPPING. The song gives the listener a view of the life of a former arsonist and the rapid unraveling of his life in an instant. The hosts discuss the world-building qualities of the lyrics and the in-depth storytelling rapper and actor, Daveed Diggs is able to achieve in such a short song. The success of his storytelling is achieved partly by the fact that he t...

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Whether it's meticulous recording techniques, stage-presence or using sports broadcasting equipment to shoot a music video, Queen does it all for what is arguably their most popular song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. William and Laura gush over the incredible work that was put into the making of the operatic rock ballad.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG16sdjLtc0


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ


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Billy and Derek are back with Green Day's 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' which has become somewhat of an internet meme. The two discuss the music video and how it diverges from the actual meaning of the song as well as other topics including art vs. commercialism.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGhwBFYtn1s


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU9JoFKlaZ0


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With their reunion tour in full swing, the co-hosts talk Oasis. Matt has brought his favorite song by the group, 'Little by Little'. They touch on the infighting of the band, including a lawsuit and the extremely 1990's feel of the music video.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZThbfRjhEV4

Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM1RS_5IAiE


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

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Matt joins Billy as he indulges in one of the bands from his childhood. Dutch rap/rock band, Urban Dance Squad helped to solidify Billy as a true 90's kid. The two hosts talk about artistry vs. commercialization and how life experience can influence a musician's style.


'Good Grief': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAgQtt4sGJ8


UDS Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFV58AGgiqU


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Billy tries to understand Derek's aversion to prog-rock as the two talk about DarWin's single, 'Man vs. Machine'. The song ponders our relationship with technology and AI, weighing the pros and cons. The hosts talk recording techniques and highlight drummer/producer Simon Phillips' old-school approach in a new age of recording.


'Man vs. Machine': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86LlGvMG6YY


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Billy throws Laura for a loop with this humorous blues number featuring an angry couple who might still have a spark of love smoldering beneath the flying insults. 'I Hate You' is a straightforward blues tune but takes it to another level when singers Thelma Houston and Masta Edwards begin trading vile comments, even the background vocalists join in.


'I Hate You': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q5CKcbfsQA


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Talk of band member disagreements and behavioral analysis crawl from the bottom of a dark lake in this episode. Mike and Billy dissect 'Synchronicity II' by The Police and explore the perfectly written lyrics that nod to the works of Carl Jung.


Synchronicity II video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FPPoLqkCk


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Matt shares yet another one of his favorite musical genres, British pop! He brings 'Love it When You Call' by The Feeling. The hosts explore how popular music penetrates regionally and globally and how depending on where you live, how different your musical journey can be.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXNZNX5m2Ns


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMMO4Nwidq0


Hos...

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Lead singer for 7 Deadlies joins the pod and brings 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter. Laura and Billy discuss the song's 80's sound with 50's visuals. In a gutsy move, Laura-in her debut episode-is willing to dive into a conversation Billy wanted to have about the sexualization of music made by and for women.


'Espresso' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51zjlMhdSTE


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVli-tstM5E

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Is there such a thing as too many band members? Is it possible to sing that high? These are the questions on Billy & Matt's mind as they discuss the addictive grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire. The hosts talk about their history with the band and the complexity hidden beneath what appears on the surface as a simple song.


'In The Stone' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYZ89oPk6is


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Derek and Billy discuss the sultry tones of Fiona Apple in her gritty song, 'Criminal'. They talk about the production and feel of the steamy music video as well as how the style of the leading ladies in the industry have shifted since the 90's.


'Criminal': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZsfcleS7zc


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI


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Billy and Mike explore the creativity and execution of Polish band, Disperse in their fusion-drenched song, 'Message From Atlantis'. Mike dives into his history with the band as well as the intricacies found within the song. Billy opens up about the visuals and emotions the song brings out of him.


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RagW200RFYA


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geK89t6wnsU


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Matt shares a gem from one of his favorite groups, Cheap Trick. Tip of the hat to Matt for carrying the episode as Billy had pulled three late-nighters recording with the other co-hosts. The two explore the pros and cons of intrusive record labels and producers.


'Heaven's Falling' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0loGhxoLUBw


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Derek and Billy head back to 1988 with Canadian rock group, Killer Dwarfs' upbeat, blues-rock tune, 'I'm Alive'! Billy explains what he wants out of a motivational song and how the lyrics depart from traditional "turn my life around" songs.


'I'm Alive' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmEFzPwtsk


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'O.I.L.' by the late great Jeff Beck is a sexually charged commentary on greed with Rosie Bones of BONES UK on vocals. Mike surprises Billy in this episode with his take on the song.


'O.I.L.' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6JMgT6QeF8


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Derek Evry introduces Billy to Jacques Lu Cont's remix of one of The Killers' most popular songs, 'Mr. Brightside'. The hosts explore the idea of how drug use can effect how music is received and whether or not it is required for full enjoyment.


'Mr. Brightside' JLC REMIX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6DyPsCXxIk


'Mr. Brightside' The Killers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGdGFtwCNBE


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Billy gives Matt another treat by introducing him to Aretha Franklin's cover of 'It's Your Thing' by the Isley Brothers, featuring the legend himself, Marcus Miller. Billy breaks down what he loves about the song while Matt tells the tale of meeting one of his heroes.


'It's Your Thing' by Aretha Franklin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeNumGy0w-E


'It's Your Thing' by The Isley Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vajsX...

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It's time to talk about Living Colour and their hit song, 'Cult of Personality'. Not only did Mike choose this tune for today's episode in light of recent events but he also provides insight on his personal experience working within the Washington D.C. machine. The song explores the dangers of following a cult of personality whether the figurehead is good or bad.


'Cult of Personality' music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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January 22, 2025 • 56 mins

Billy and Derek reminisce about their childhood and introduction to Rage Against The Machine. Billy wishes RATM was making their debut within the last decade while Derek explores whether or not 'Wake Up' needs trumpets. The hosts also discuss the importance of bands like RATM to what the US has been going through the last thirty years.


'Wake Up' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaTCl0fqIX0


Drummer Jess Bowen Hears RATM f...

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