Mick and the PhatMan Talking Music

Mick and the Phatman
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Join Mick and Jeff as they talk about artists, albums and music genres with passion that comes from personal connection.  They’ve seen artists in concert at venues that don’t even exist today, bought albums when they were released on vinyl and, in some cases, met the artists.   Sometimes they love the artist or music they're talking about. Sometimes they don’t. But, without fail, you'll always hear something you didn’t know. 

  1. 4 APR

    A Galaxy of Great Guest Appearances

    This episode, we look at guest appearances.  From Duane Allman playing the famous lead on “Layla”, to Bob Seger doing backing vocals on The Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight”. It’s all here, from a moment in the studio to creation of an inspirational piece of music  It’s a chock-a-block episode. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” looks at Neil Sedaka, Charles Negron II of Three Dog Night, William "Billy Bass" Nelson Jr, of Parliament-Funkadelic, and rappers Lil Poppa 25 and Luci4 22, who were, surprisingly, shot to death. “Rock News” considers nominees for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we introduce our latest “Rod Stewart Moment”.  If that’s not enough, “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die”, looks at Eno’s 1978 album “Ambient 1: Music for Airports” and how it fits with his early body of work.   So much to take in!  Enjoy!    References:  Guesting, Collaboration, Session, Eddie Van Halen, “Beat It”, “Eat It”, “Sentimental Hygiene”, Donald Trump - “Home Alone 2”, Voice roles on “The Simpsons”, Crowded House, Sydney Opera House forecourt, Tim Finn, Split Enz, “I See Red”, Lou Reed, Antony Hegarty (Antony and The Johnstons), “Berlin”, Cyndi Lauper, Cher, “Girls just want to have fun”, David Bowie, Hammersmith Odeon, Ziggy Stardust, Jeff Beck, “Jean Genie”, “His Master’s Voice”, “Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture”, Bono, George Michael – Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy – Clapton & Phil Collins, Muddy Waters - Mick, Keith & Ronnie, Billy Bragg – Peter Buck & Michael Stipe, Glastonbury, Paul McCartney - Dave Grohl & Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Sebel Town House, Warren Zevon, Dylan, Don Henley, “Wish You Were Here”, Roy Harper - “Have A Cigar”, The Beatles - Duane Allman/Billy Preston/Eric Clapton, John Lennon - “Whatever gets you through the night”/Elton John, Lennon backing vocals on Bowie’s “Fame”, Thin Lizzy, “Live & Dangerous” - Huey Lewis harmonica, Peter Gabriel - “Games Without Frontiers”/“Don’t Give Up” - Kate Bush, Neil Young - “Heart of Gold”/“Old Man” - James Taylor & Linda Ronstadt, REM, “Shiny Happy People” - Kate Pierson, “Nightswimming” - John Paul Jones arranged, Rolling Stones, “We Love You” - Lennon & McCartney backing vocals, “All You Need is Love - Jagger and Richards backing vocals, Carly Simon, “You’re so Vain” - Jagger backing vocals, Phil Collins, “Another Day in Paradise” - David Crosby backing vocal, “The Great Gig in the Sky” – Pink Floyd/Dark Side of the Moon - Clare Torry, “Let's Dance” – Stevie Ray Vaughan, “While my Guitar Gently Weeps” – Clapton, Sting - “Money for Nothing”, I want my MTV, Dire Straits    Playlist    Robert Fripp & Toyah Wilcox - "Heroes" Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 5min

  2. 21 MAR

    One Album Wonders

    Sometimes, bands release only one album – no follow-up, no nothing! Some are great.  Some, not so much. This episode, we look at a bunch of what we’re calling “One-Album-Wonders".  In 1975, Aerosmith released their breakthrough album, “Toys in the Attic”.  Did we like it then? Do we like it now? In “Albums You Must Hear Before You Die”, we examine these and other mysteries.   All this and the usual mix of stuff.  We know you’ll love it.  References:  Mark Kennedy, Fred Smith, Television, Rod Stewart, Donald Trump, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, Robert Dimery, drug use, The Toxic Twins, No more No more, Walk this Way, Run-DMC, REM, Sweet Emotion, Mother Love Bone, Apple, Seattle, Grunge, Andy Wood, Eric Clapton, Blind Faith, Derek And the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, Jeff Buckley, Grace, Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah, The La’s, Lee Mavers, Sex Pistols, Never Mind the Bollocks, GTOs, Permanent Damage, Cynthia Plaster Caster, Pamela Des Barres, Coverdale Page, David Coverdale, Jimmy Page, The Modern Lovers, Jonathan Richman, John Cale, Mainstream, Quiet Sun, Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music, Diamond Head, 801 Live, Them Crooked Vultures    Playlist  Rock Star sandwiches  Molly Meldrum news  Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 10min

  3. 7 MAR

    Linda Ronstadt - A 70s' Rock Goddess

    Linda Ronstadt has been described as the most successful and certainly the most durable and most gifted woman rock singer of her era. We look at her impact on music (and us!).  Our "Album You Must Listen to Before You Die" is 10cc’s “Sheet Music”, their 2nd album which announced to the world that they were a force to be reckoned with.  Did we like the album?  You bet!  Plus, more on Jeff’s current fixation with Bad Bunny’s impact on America today.  Lots of fun.  You’re going to love it!    PS. We said we’d give you a link to Annie Liebovitz, but there’s so much on-line that you can easily find stuff yourself.  Do it, You’ll be pleased you did.    References: Lola, Fleetwood Mac, “Rumours”, Super Bowl #60, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die, Robert Dimery, Sheet Music, Hipgnosis, Strawberry Studios, Lol Creme, Kevin Godley, Graeme Gouldman, Eric Stewart, The Gizmotron, Wall Street Shuffle, Mike McGear, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, The Stone Poneys, Different Drum, Mike Nesmith, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Waddy Wachtel, Warren Zevon, Neil Young, Judy Henske, “Heart Like a Wheel”, Anna McGarrigle, When Will I Be Loved, Dr Hook & The Medicine Show, Hasten Down the Wind, “Simple Dreams”, Blue Bayou, It’s so Easy, Poor Poor Pitiful Me, Carmelita, Pirates of Penzance, la Boheme, The Great American Songbook, Nelson Riddle, Canciones de mi Padre, James Ingram, Somewhere out There, An American Tail, Bette Midler, All I Need to Know    Playlist  Charlie Puth National Anthem  Bad Bunny half time show  Super Bowl food     Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 4min

  4. 21 FEB

    The Changing Role of Soundtracks

    When we watch movies & shows at the movies or, increasingly, on TV, the soundtrack is ever-present to set the mood and enhance the story. But we never stop to consider its’ role, how it’s changed over the years, and how it interacts with other elements, such as the title sequence. This episode we look at how the use of soundtracks has changed over the last 30 or more years and consider some very creative soundtracks!  In Rock News, we look at The Hollywood Vampires, Cyndi Lauper, Deep Purple, David Lee Roth and Devo, who are all heading out on the road, while the latest fad out of the US is Lollipop Star, a sweet that plays a tune as you suck it!  Our Album You Must Hear before You Die is “The Lexicon of Love” by ABC.  Smooth!  We know you’ll enjoy this one!    References:  The Hollywood Vampires, Cyndi Lauper, Deep Purple, David Lee Roth, Devo, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die, Robert Dimery, ABC, The Lexicon of Love, Martin Fry, Poison Arrow, early 80s British pop, Star Wars, Sound of Music, I Dream of Jeannie, Mr Ed, The Exorcist, Mike Oldfield, Tubular Bells, Shrek, I’m a Believer, Hallelujah, Led Zeppelin, Immigrant Song, Charmed, How Soon is Now, The Smiths, Morrissey & Marr, Game of Thrones, The Americans, The Old Man, Bad Sisters, Leonard Cohen, Who by Fire, PJ Harvey, The Pogues, Dirty Old Town, Rogue Heroes, Amelia Hartley, “prestige TV”, Down Cemetery Road, John Cale, You know more than I know, Fear, Fallout, scenes of extreme gore, Some Enchanted Evening, The Castells, It Ain't the Meat (It's the Motion), The Swallows, Slow Horses, Mick Jagger, Mick Herron, Queen, Brighton Rock, Bowie, Heroes, Stranger Things, Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill, IF, Ryan Reynolds, Ooh La La, The Faces, Connie Francis, Pretty Little Baby, TikTok    Playlist  Lollipop Star – The sucker that sings to you  A list of bands touring through 2026 (It’s read-only.  Sorry!) 60s TV Shows  Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 14min

  5. 8 FEB

    Great double albums of the 80’s

    In Season 5 (2025), we talked about how double albums came about, and talked about some of the best double albums of the 70’s.  This episode, we look at some of the best double albums of the 80’s.   Our Album You Must Listen to Before You Die is “Out of the Blue”, by ELO. It WAS a huge hit in the 80’s. But was it any good? Hmmm.   In “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, we pay tribute to Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil), Ted Egan (a legend of the Northern Territory), and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead) among others.   A big episode!  References: Ultimate Classic Rock, Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil, Ghostwriters, Ted Egan, Drinkers of the Northern Territory, Bob Taylor, Dragon, Chris Rea, Bob Weir, Zen Arcade, Husker Du, Layla, Derek & The Dominos, Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street, Pink Floyd, The Wall, Prince, 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious, Sign "O" the Times, U2, Rattle and Hum, The Joshua Tree, Bono’s “Messiah” complex, Husker Du, Zen Arcade, Talking Heads, The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads, The Cure, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,   Just Like Heaven, Why Can’t I be You, Iron Maiden, Live After Death, Eddie, Bruce Springsteen, The River, Cadillac Ranch, Hungry Heart, The River, English Settlement, XTC, No Thugs in our House, Senses Working Overtime  Playlist Music Lollypop Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    56 min
  6. Supergroups - who and what they are

    25 JAN

    Supergroups - who and what they are

    We’re back again for another year and kicking off by looking at supergroups – that “elite” class of rock bands made up of members of other top bands! What they are, how they form, and shining examples!   Our “Album You Must Hear Before You Die” is Cream’s 1967 album, “Disraeli Gears”, a stunning work from a trio featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker. With tracks like “Sunshine of your Love”, this album set the benchmark for rock albums for the next 50 years (or more)!   We know you’ll enjoy this one.    References: Eric Clapton, Cream, Disraeli Gears, Rolling Stone, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, The Four Seasons, Blind Faith, The Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers, Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group, Stevie Winwood, Bob Seidemann, Mariora Goschen, Derek And the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, Duane Allman, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Led Zeppelin, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Bad Company, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Highwaymen, Traveling Wilburys, Honeydrippers, The Firm, Power Station, Them Crooked Vultures, Electronic, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, “Nothing Compares to you”  Playlist – Supergroups  Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 5min

  7. 23/12/2025

    Oh No! Not Christmas music again!!

    A quick final episode to see out the year!    Christmas is many things to many people.  To us, it’s a chance to talk about themed music, or, in this case, movies that fit the theme.    We talk about Phil Spector’s “A Christmas gift for You”, which is nowhere near as bad as it could be with that title.  Elsewhere in Rolling Stone’s 25 Greatest Xmas Albums, (which lives up to the terrible standard set by all their other “Greatest”), Elvis ranks below Phil Spector, The Carpenters wish us Season’s Greetings and Weezer’s “A Weezer Christmas” ranks below 2012’s “Christmas Joy in Latvia – Latvian Christmas Cantatas”.      If you’ve never heard of Red Peter, you're probably lucky, as the song titles on his, “It’s a Red Peter’s Xmas” contain gems like, “It’s Christmas & you’re Sucking My Balls!”  So tasteful!    As Kiss' Ace Frehley is now “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”, we look at a few of the many times those happy Kiss guys had disagreements.      For a change, we look at IMDB’s list of the Top 10 Christmas movies.  No real surprises, but it’ll bring joy to your heart & a tear to your eye.     See you on the last Sunday in January for our first episode of 2026.  Enjoy the playlist.  Xmas Playlist!  References:  Red Peter, Red Peter’s Naughty Christmas, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, Robert Dimery, A Christmas Gift for You, Phil Spector, The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love. Wall of Sound, Jack Nitzsche, Rolling Stone, Top 25 Christmas albums of all time, Top 10 Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Die Hard  Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    38 min

  8. 13/12/2025

    We made it to 100 Episodes!!

    Well, we made it! 100 episodes & still going strong!  (Except for a bit of a medical interlude for both of us.) Who’d have thought the views of a pair of opinionated Aussie music fans could have entertained so many for so long?     In this episode, we celebrate the artists, music & events we’ve covered over the last five years, along with some special highlights - Mick’s habit of tapping the table when he gets excited; Jeff’s potty-mouth; the origin of the Globite School Bag as a staple of the program.      We look at where our listeners live – and how on Earth they find out about us!    Revisiting some of your favourite episodes shows how time has proven us right on some of our more strident opinions, such as “Roxy Music peaked in 1973”, and “Warren Zevon is one of the greatest songwriters ever”!    To top it all off, the soundtrack for five years of “Mick & The Phatman Talking Music” is awesome.  You’re going to love it!!    See you next year.     Playlist:  100 Episodes References: Globite Bags, music expertise, facts and experiences, “Baby, you can drive my car”, f-word, Roy & H.G., “This Sporting Life”, “Bludging on the Blind Side”, strong music opinions, accessible music, “Revolver”, Kurt Cobain’s suicide, Nirvana, Far Out Magazine, 17 years old, Frankfurt, “How Good is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, Spandau Ballet, Elton John, Fairport Convention, Richard & Linda Thompson, Sandy Denny, Fotheringay, Robert Plant, "The Battle of Evermore", Led Zeppelin, “Bring it back!  Bring it back!”, Tommy, London Symphony Orchestra, "It's a Boy", Nick Lowe, “What’s so funny about peace, love & understanding?”, "Cruel to Be Kind", "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass",  "I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock 'n' Roll)", Rockpile, Dave Edmunds, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, The Pretenders, Jarrah McCleary, Panama, Gordon Ramsay, “Supergroups”, Billy Idol. Shane McGowan’s teeth, “Nick Cave - his early days”,Colin Greenwood, Rolling Stone Top 500 Songs of All Time, "Rust Never Sleeps", Neil Young, “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)", "Powderfinger"."Stranded", Roxy Music, “Futurist”, “For Your Pleasure”, The Angels, "Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again", "Take a Long Line", ” No Way!  Get F****d!  Fuck Off!”, Nico, Leonard Cohen, John Cale, Sex Pistols, Siouxsie Sioux, Television, Warren Zevon, The Beatles, Coldplay, Weird Al Yankovic, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, Peter Gabriel, “Melt”, Rob Younger, Ozzy, Billy Idol, Artificial intelligence, Mick & the Phatman podcast art, 1001 Albums You Must Hear before You Die, Robert Dimery, “Machine Gun Etiquette”, The Damned  Send us a message, so we know what you're thinking!

    1hr 23min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Join Mick and Jeff as they talk about artists, albums and music genres with passion that comes from personal connection.  They’ve seen artists in concert at venues that don’t even exist today, bought albums when they were released on vinyl and, in some cases, met the artists.   Sometimes they love the artist or music they're talking about. Sometimes they don’t. But, without fail, you'll always hear something you didn’t know. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mick and the Phatman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mick and the PhatMan Talking Music
  • Show Website
    Mick and the PhatMan Talking Music

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