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. 5d ago

    Mini-Sode: If I Can Dream (Elvis Presley)

    While he may have left the building, Elvis remains the King. The soulful "If I Can Dream" musters all of Elvis' raw power and focuses it on hope for a better tomorrow. This song remains moving decades on, and reminds us of the promise beyond the horizon, if only we could walk hand in hand to find it. For now these Mini-Sodes are free, but eventually they'll only be available for our Patreon subscribers at www.patreon.com/nostalgium, where you can join our Discord and get bonus episodes of this show, the Still Muppeting podcast, and Cartoon Therapy. 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 If I Can Dream written by Walter Earl Brown and performed by Elvis Presley

    Mini-Sode: If I Can Dream (Elvis Presley)

  2. Sep 22

    Yourself Or Someone Like You (Matchbox Twenty)

    Powered by radio-friendly megahits like 3 AM and Push, Matchbox Twenty's debut album demolished charts and set the stage for a career that would continue to generate megahits one after the other. This first album remains one of their strongest, and one we had an easy time revisiting. Listen along with us for next time. Your homework for next time is "Appetite For Destruction" by Guns N' Roses. Be sure to also check out our weekly pop culture podcast, "Nostalgium Arcanum" (https://nostalgiumarcanum.fireside.fm/). Support us over at www.patreon.com/Nostalgium to join the discussion at our Discord server, and get access to all our bonus material including our Jim Henson show, "Still Muppeting," our improv/impression show Cartoon Therapy, and more! 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 "Yourself or Someone Like You" by Matchbox Twenty. Tom Fool - Van Phillips The Rain In Spain - Lerner & Loewe Push - Ryan Gosling

    Yourself Or Someone Like You (Matchbox Twenty)

  3. Sep 15

    Mini-Sode: My Generation (The Who)

    On this mini-episode we're t-t-talking about My Generation. A clarion call not just for the 60s but for all time, My Generation showcases all the raw power and youthful rebellion The Who could muster. From Roger Daltrey's screaming vocals, Pete Townshend's feedback-laden guitar, John Entwhistle's driving base, and Keith Moon's unbridled and unmatched drumming, no one can try to put this down. For now these Mini-Sodes are free, but eventually they'll only be available for our Patreon subscribers at www.patreon.com/nostalgium, where you can join our Discord and get bonus episodes of this show, the Still Muppeting podcast, and Cartoon Therapy. 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 My Generation by The Who

    Mini-Sode: My Generation (The Who)

  4. Sep 8

    My Aim Is True (Elvis Costello)

    Elvis Costello's debut album "My Aim Is True" is aptly titled. Full of short, laser focused tunes, played by Costello with the raw energy of youth and pure rock and roll dreams, the album is melodic, cheeky, and a fantastic example of artist pouring out their true vision with no supervision. Listen along with us for next time. Your homework for next time is "Yourself or Someone Like You" by Matchbox Twenty. Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus podcasts at www.patreon.com/nostalgium including bonus episodes of this show, the Still Muppeting podcast, and Cartoon Therapy. 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 "My Aim Is True" by Elvis Costello.

    My Aim Is True (Elvis Costello)

  5. Sep 1

    Mini-Sode: 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton)

    To help you along with your working week, we're going to start releasing mini-episodes on individual songs, and this time, we're celebrating the late and unimaginably great Dolly Parton by analyzing one of her most famous tracks, 9 to 5. For now these Mini-Sodes are free, but eventually they'll only be available for our Patreon subscribers at www.patreon.com/nostalgium, where you can join our Discord and get bonus episodes of this show, the Still Muppeting podcast, and Cartoon Therapy. 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 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

    Mini-Sode: 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton)

  6. Aug 25

    Boston

    One of the greatest classic rock records of all time, Boston's self-titled debut exploded with ambitious prog rock, reliable blues, and some of the most soaring vocals of the 1970s from lead singer Brad Delp. With over 20,000,000 copies sold worldwide, anyone with more than a feeling about this smoking album's place in history can have some peace of mind about this rock and roll band. Hitch a ride with us. Your homework for next time is "My Aim Is True" by Elvis Costello. 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 "Boston" by Boston.

    Boston

  7. 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)

  8. 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)
See All (32)

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
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playing By Ear
  • Show Website
    Playing By Ear