UMM: The Unifying Medium of Music

Steve Lively
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We begin each episode talking about a random song on the 2021 Rolling Stone Best 500 Songs of All Time list and then just wing it afterwards. We demonstrate flashes of intelligence and a severe amount of forgetfulness/ignorance. Good times.

  1. FEB 16

    Episode 55 - Song #108: "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure

    We here at UMM are, more or less, caretakers at heart. We want to help you navigate through this cold and flu season. Thus, at a safe distance, we offer you...The Cure. We have a long trivia question, an enormous amount of cover information, and we gush about the genius of Robert Smith and chip away (unsuccessfully) at the narrative of the song that summarizes the early days of Smith and his spouse's relationship.

    1h 30m

  2. FEB 2

    Episode 54 - Song #142: "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones

    Wow! You clicked the FULL description? Nice! I need to make this one count! So, this week, we have George Jones, and for obvious reasons, we cover the 1980 cult classic POPEYE, starring Robin Williams, before eventually role-playing: one of us as the titular character from that film, and the other, his nemesis, Olive Oil. JK. It's "Bluto." Anyway, in short, we bring the HEAT and really immerse ourselves in the controversial lyrics of this quote-sad-unquote song. NOTE: No spinach was consumed during this, or any, episode.

    1h 17m

  3. JAN 19

    Episode 53 - Song #262: "American Tune" by Paul Simon

    In this second, and admittedly sloppier, episode with Rob in studio, we again demonstrate our rudimentary understanding of American politics in the 1960s and 70s, and we very clumsily attempt to articulate the subsequent impact of that era in today's culture. And we fixate on the song's opening word and suggest that the use of another word in the song is not used in any other songs on the Rolling Stone list or the entirety of whatever music platform you have on this lovely phone/tablet/laptop of yours.

    57 min

  4. JAN 12

    Episode 52 - Song #106: "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones

    We recorded this during a holiday visit. While the sound quality is markedly better, we still have no idea what we're talking about. But, we think we're amusing, so...yeah. Enjoy! Time Stamps! 01:49 - Song clip 02:17 - Jerk Reaction 04:13 - Deets 17:19 - Roman Numerals 23:47 - Sandwich 30:58 - Rob Talks Covers 39:09 - Lyric Analysis

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 5

    Episode 51 - Song #178: "bad guy" by Billie Eilish

    It's 2026, which means...well, probably lots of stuff. But most importantly, of course, we're back with SEASON 3!! This week's episode includes a guest host AND an average amount of under-developed thoughts and perspectives. Sadly, just as we were digging into the lyrics toward the end, the recording abruptly stopped. We've salvaged what we could because, c'mon...we're not going to, like, do it all over again. That's crazytalk. In short, a Millennial, a Gen-Xer/Millennial, and a Boomer attempt to make sense of the worldwide appeal of the incredible Billie Eilish. We're sorry.

    1h 14m

  6. 11/17/2025

    Episode 50 - Song #174: "Radio Free Europe" by R.E.M.

    We conclude Season 2 this week with the debut single from one of the most iconic and influential artists of the last 50 years: The B-52s! That'll make sense when you listen. Anyway, we hope you enjoy, like, love, adore, share, blah, blah, blah this with anyone within a 50 mile radius. We will be back in 2026 with a whole new season!!

    1h 35m

  7. 11/10/2025

    Episode 49 - Song #176: "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

    Strap in/on for a doozie, fam! We're comin' at ya with a killer sandwich, covers galore, and WAY more personal information and perspective than any episode--or entire podcast--should. That's just how we do...

    1h 30m

  8. 11/03/2025

    Episode 48 - Song #167: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem

    Eminem, perhaps better known as Marshall Mathers, is notorious for spitting both rhymes and truth. During this episode--our 48th shot--we bring in a Midwest fan club's president to assist us with understanding the nuances of Em's artistic style and ankle-breaking lyricism. Go 'head and grab some spaghetti and listen to us drop bombs on the internet wavelengths....or something...

    1h 10m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We begin each episode talking about a random song on the 2021 Rolling Stone Best 500 Songs of All Time list and then just wing it afterwards. We demonstrate flashes of intelligence and a severe amount of forgetfulness/ignorance. Good times.

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