In Episode 2 of Season 6 Mike welcomes his mate from Sheffield (England), Mark Charlton, for a scholarly discussion of the music of BritPop, redefining the genre in the process.
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Key moments from the pod:
0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E2 featuring Mark Charlton and a deep dive on all things BritPop
2:10: Mike updates the listeners on what’s been going on with him, including a trip to the Balkans (specifically Belgrade) for a mix of history, and going to see a phenomenal new film Sinners
12:20: Mike welcomes Mark Charlton to the podcast and he tells his life story having grown up in Sheffield, England and how it reminds him a bit of Detroit
16:00: The guys then trace the origins of their friendship via the Ann Arbor Mug Club including the last time they saw each other as well as a discussion of some amazing music artwork/infographics (wearedorothy.com) in Mark’s basement
20:40: Mike lays out the premise of the episode and discuss what BritPop means to them, including the music itself and the movement around it (and of course the rivalries!)
27:30: The guys discuss their 14 favorite BritPop songs of all time, starting with a song about a type of gold from one of Manchester's most decorated bands
40:30: A song for all people and one that involves a biting take down of class tourism that is also a propulsive jam
53:00: One of all time best Deborahs gets referenced in this romantic jam from one of Sheffield’s all time greatest bands
1:02:00: A song about going on holiday in Greece and letting you freak flag fly
1:12:00: A song from a massive BritPop band that’s both fun and a bit a surprising
1:21:20: A song about being alone on a motorcycle
1:30:30: An epic, atmospheric heightening song in every note
1:41:20: A B-side from a pioneer BritPop band about a glorious river
1:48:15: An amazing cover that completely reinvents the original song around a BritPop beat for the ages
1:57:25: An underrated song from band with instructions to sit (not stand)
2:05:40: A song from a UK band from the West Midlands who actually know a lot
2:13:00: A (largely) romantic upbeat song from the vision of one man
2:19:20: The swagger-inducing and enhancing song from a band with a flower in its name that’s also about love
2:28:15: The last song of the episode is a fitting end that focuses on looking forward (not backward)
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