Playing By Ear

Doug Lief
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Biweekly

Every episode of this podcast Doug, Ami, and Kyle break an album down, track by track, to cover why it's not only worth playing, but replaying.

  1. Aug 11

    Big Red Letter Day (Buffalo Tom)

    Buffalo Tom's "Big Red Letter Day" may not have commercially been the big red letter day the band was looking for, but it exemplifies the feelings and soundscapes of grunge-era college rock. We're joined by musician and comedian Dylan Ris (www.lostmoonradio.com and www.themoonunits.com) to throw on some flannel and think about our so-called lives in the early 90s. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is Boston's self-titled album. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium! Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All songs from "Big Red Letter Day" by Buffalo Tom

    Big Red Letter Day (Buffalo Tom)

  2. Jul 28

    Sounds Like This (Eric Hutchinson)

    Heartfelt and full of swinging, bright melodies "Sounds Like This" sounds like Eric Hutchinson finding his musical footing. The album exhibits a confidence of an artist taking command of his style and audience, as darker subjects are slipped into catchy upbeat melodies. If Eric Hutchinson wants to rock, he rocks, and if he wants to roll, he rolls. We're right there rolling along with him. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Big Red Letter Day" by Buffalo Tom. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium! Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All songs from Sounds Like This by Eric Hutchinson

    Sounds Like This (Eric Hutchinson)

  3. Jul 14

    Automatic For The People (R.E.M.)

    R.E.M.'s eighth album lived up to the band's name, as it featured a far more dream-like sound than what they had done before. With deeper lyrical subjects about death, aging, and legacy, R.E.M. challenged themselves, their audience, and created an album that received critical and audience acclaim, often appearing on the lists of greatest albums ever made. The jangly pop guitar sound the band was known for gave way to strings (with an assist from Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones), dulcimers, bozoukis, and piano for a softer contemplative album that stands among R.E.M.'s best work. Featuring huge hits "Everybody Hurts" and "Man on the Moon", Automatic For The People firmly cemented the band as, perhaps, the greatest alternative act of all time, marrying indie depth and mainstream appeal. This album deserves a quiet night. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Sounds Like This" by Eric Hutchinson. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium! Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All songs from Automatic For The People by R.E.M.

    Automatic For The People (R.E.M.)

  4. Jun 30

    Pinkerton (Weezer)

    Weezer's second album looked nothing like Buddy Holly. While Rivers Cuomo and company returned with their signature memorable melodies, their sound was significantly harsher, full of screams and squeals. As a result, the album was less radio friendly, and even the band itself had a complex relationship with the material. But that material is very strong, and many cite Pinkerton as Weezer's best album. How cool is that? Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Automatic For The People" by R.E.M. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium! Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All songs from Pinkerton by Weezer

    Pinkerton (Weezer)

  5. Jun 16

    Wide Open Spaces (The Chicks)

    Easy on the ears, The Chicks' fourth album "Wide Open Spaces" broke wide open and made the band, then known as The Dixie Chicks, a household name. Nearly thirty years on, this album still holds up beautifully, as the trio's impeccable harmonies and their collaborators' exceptional melodies results in an album that will take care of you. Searingly sincere and clear vocals from the band's then new singer Natalie Maines cemented The Chicks as a County force to be reckoned with, and this first album with her plants a big old boot proving why. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Pinkerton" by Weezer. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All songs from Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks

    Wide Open Spaces (The Chicks)

  6. Jun 2

    Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

    To honor Pride Month we start by tearing down walls revisiting the glam rock soundtrack of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". It's the 25th anniversary of John Cameron Mitchell's landmark adaptation of the stage production about a fictional icon whose gender and sexuality are simultaneously right in the middle, babe, and nothing at all. Stephen Trask's songs continue to shine like the brightest star, a transmission on the midnight radio. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "Wide Open Spaces" by The Chicks. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music from Hedwig and the Angry Inch by Stephen Trask

    Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

  7. May 19

    All The Pain Money Can Buy (Fastball)

    Fastball's winning album "All The Pain Money Can Buy" was best known for its huge hits, "The Way" and "Out Of My Head" but if you only stopped at those two, then you missed out on an album full of endearing and heartfelt songs. On this episode we confirm that Fastball hit this one out of the park. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is the soundrack to the film "Hedwig & The Angry Inch". Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by Fastball

    All The Pain Money Can Buy (Fastball)

  8. May 5

    Great Divide (Semisonic)

    Dan Wilson is one of the most prolific and accomplished songwriters of the last thirty years. Before hitting it big with "Closing Time", his band Semisonic released its first album, "Great Divide" which showcases exactly why Wilson was destined for success. Full of lush, memorable melodies, this record is a perfect calling card of Wilson's legendary skill. Comedian Rich Baker joins us for a look back at this fantastic album. Please listen along with us. Your homework for next time is "All the Pain Money Can Buy" by Fastball. If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!). Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium Be sure to check out out our other podcasts. There is "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/) for more pop culture from the past. There is also our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting", which is available at www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod. Find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4009185735998587/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playingbyearpod/ Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw Or, you can find the podcast on YouTube if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMQMvkgVN7njP4fQo7JWH90pwIqb6WCw Musical Credits: Playing By Ear Theme - Kyle Lieberman All music by Semisonic

    Great Divide (Semisonic)
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Every episode of this podcast Doug, Ami, and Kyle break an album down, track by track, to cover why it's not only worth playing, but replaying.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Lief
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playing By Ear
  • Show Website
    Playing By Ear