Music Hell

I listen to 15-20 hours of podcasts a week and this has been, by far, my favorite piece of the rotation. I believe I have truly and genuinely laughed out loud during every episode. Mack and August cover the the pathetic cruft of the music industry with such breadth. They investigate some of the worst (and most hilarious) music I’ve ever heard. I think similar podcasts often fall into the trap of eventually regurgitating the same critiques over and over again, but I’m always astonished by Mack and August’s ability to decipher the distinct details that make each track so painful. The chemistry is wonderful. I always feel like I’m sitting in the living room with them riffing on these awful tunes — a great balance of casual intimacy and meaningful critique. It’s just so funny, people. So funny.

This podcast has become the highlight of my week. And listen buddy you don’t know me but I’ve got good taste. In a world that celebrates the feeling of cringing, this podcast is a perfect fit. Before Music Hell, I knew that music could be bad but I didn’t know that I could feel it in my bones and teeth. Thank you August and Mack for putting in the extensive research time and for suffering in hell. Though they are ruthless in their critiques, Music Hell never crosses the line into cruelty towards the artists, illustrating the guys’ genius at podcasting. In the same way that those who enjoy Mystery Science Theater 3000 love movies, if you like music you’ll love Music Hell. And who doesn’t like music? Or laughter? Dorks? Are you a big dork? No? Well listen to Music Hell please - you’ll like it.

If I have to spend time in hell, there’s no one I would rather spend it with than Mack and August, the creators of this hilarious and insightful podcast. Mack and August find some of the best worst songs and somehow talk about them in an interesting, hilarious, and informative way, without any of the pretension or mean spiritedness that typically comes with people talking about bad music. As Rodney Atkins famously sang “if you’re going through Hell keep on going, don’t slow down, if you’re scared don’t show it, you might get out before the devil even knows you’re there (but if you happen to run in to Mack and August, stop a while and take a listen).”