Riffs on Riffs

Evergreen Podcasts
  • 5.0 (60)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Riffs on Riffs is about the thrill of musical discovery — that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We'll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs. But here's where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those "shower thoughts" sparked by a killer chorus – think of it as the ultimate deep dive followed by a freewheeling jam session inspired by the hits. Dust off your headphones and get ready to rediscover those songs you thought you knew.

  1. 6D AGO

    Daniel Caesar "Call On Me"

    When Daniel Caesar quietly dropped his album "Son of Spergy", most of the world didn’t see it coming. In this episode Joe and Toby dive deep into Caesar’s lead single “Call On Me,” uncovering the soulful layers, hidden nuance, and emotional depth that make his music feel both intimate and transcendent. Per usual, the conversation starts with a laugh — Shakespeare references, hats, and Toby’s ongoing book of analogies — but soon spirals into an exploration of what harmony really means in music and in life. Joe breaks out the guitar to dissect Caesar’s deceptively simple two-chord vamp, revealing how small changes in tonality and phrasing can create something entirely fresh in pop music. Toby draws parallels between gospel, jazz, and the improvisational genius that defines Caesar’s sound — a sound that lives in tension between structure and soul. Together, they explore: The gospel and jazz DNA behind Caesar’s harmonies How musical “vocabularies” shape every artist — and why Caesar’s is joyfully odd The spiritual throughline in his songwriting and his relationship with his father What it means to reconcile faith, creativity, and identity through art Why harmony, not balance, is the truer metaphor for living a whole life As the conversation unfolds, “Call On Me” becomes a mirror for something universal — how we all try to live as complex, imperfect humans in search of connection and clarity. Joe and Toby riff on everything from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to side quests in Zelda, from father-son relationships to finding the melody that ties our stories together. By the end, what starts as a discussion about one artist’s song becomes a meditation on purpose, reconciliation, and the beauty of learning to live in harmony — musically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

  2. OCT 31

    Tame Impala "Dracula"

    Sink your teeth into Tame Impala’s “Dracula” as Joe and Toby riff on the glittering, slightly dystopian pull of Kevin Parker’s synth-pop era. Is “Dracula” a shimmering cousin to “The Less I Know the Better”? Where do The Weeknd vibes and MJ/“Thriller” nods fit in? The duo debates lone-wolf studio genius vs. the power of collaboration, decode the video’s cult-ish unease, geek out on sounds (hello, Rhodes), and swap notes on why nighttime unlocks different creative choices. They close with a heartfelt nod to D’Angelo’s enduring influence. In this episode: Why “Dracula” and “The Less I Know the Better” feel like siblings The charm of “danceable but unsettling” pop Timbaland breadcrumbs vs. Rick Rubin chameleon-mode: producer fingerprints Studio polish vs. live translation—how Tame makes it work Instruments we love (and lovingly roast): Rhodes, sax, clarinet/oboe Night-mode creativity—why some songs only reveal themselves after dark A tribute to D’Angelo’s legacy Follow Riffs on Riffs everywhere you listen, and say hi on Instagram @riffsonriffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min

  3. OCT 9

    Oliva Dean "Man I Need"

    Slide into cozy Sunday-morning vibes with Joe and Toby as they dive into Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” from her new album The Art of Loving. They unpack why this track is exploding right now, trace the album’s inspirations (bell hooks’ All About Love and a Mickalene Thomas installation), and explore the record’s intentional warmth — “fearless joy” delivered with classic, less-is-more production and a spotlight on Dean’s voice. In this episode: Why “Man I Need” became the pick—and what makes the whole album vinyl-worthy. The art-as-antidote conversation: simplicity, authenticity, and choosing collaborators with purpose. Lineage and influences: Whitney to Sade to Amy/Alicia echoes—without sounding retro-stuck. Crafting in a “house of love”: eight weeks, a favorite piano, and a feel of warmth. Healing and creative practice: nature, community, volunteering, and the “ten-things” reset list. Tell us your top four tracks from The Art of Loving. Drop a comment and keep the conversation going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  4. SEP 23

    Remi Wolf "Soup"

    Joe and Toby ladle up a hearty conversation about Remi Wolf’s track “Soup” from her 2024 release Big Ideas. From funky basslines to chaotic brilliance, they break down how Remi’s stream-of-consciousness writing and fearless authenticity create songs that are equal parts journal entry and anthem. Along the way, Joe and Toby reflect on what it means to show up as your whole self—in music, in work, and in life. Expect tangents on chili’s questionable soup status, Spotify relapses, lobster bisque loyalty, and spirit animals. Can you guess who might be a koala? Whether you’re a longtime Remi Wolf fan or just discovering her sound, this episode blends music analysis, personal stories, and plenty of laughs into one big, tasty bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  5. SEP 9

    Glass Animals "Heat Waves"

    “Sometimes all I think about is you…” In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby revisit Glass Animals’ breakout hit “Heat Waves” — the indie-pop anthem that simmered for more than a year before reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. They explore how a song written in an hour became a global phenomenon, fueled by TikTok trends, a FIFA soundtrack placement, and a slow-burn resonance during the isolation of the pandemic. The hosts unpack the track’s hypnotic melodies, hip-hop-inspired production, and Dave Bayley’s vulnerable lyrics about loss and memory. They also dive into the band’s evolution, from earlier experimental sounds to the more personal storytelling on Dreamland and beyond, reflecting on how near-tragedy and resilience shaped their music. Along the way, Joe and Toby bring their signature mix of humor and insight — from stories about pickleball shorts and Johnny Depp’s unexpected cameo as the song’s first listener, to bigger conversations about why authenticity in music matters, the role of community, and how the best songs manage to capture both personal grief and universal connection. If you’ve ever had “Heat Waves” stuck in your head (and who hasn’t?), this episode takes you deeper into why the song lingers — not just as an earworm, but as a reminder of the bonds that carry us through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  6. AUG 25

    Sleep Token "Aqua Regia"

    In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive deep into the mysterious world of Sleep Token and their hauntingly beautiful track “Aqua Regia.” From masked identities and cult-like lore to genre-bending fusion of jazz chords, hip hop grooves, and metal intensity, the hosts unravel what makes this band so captivating. Joe introduces the track as a “gateway drug” into Sleep Token’s catalog, while Toby breaks down Vessel’s vocal range, harmonies, and the unexpected piano voicings that give the song its unique edge. Along the way, they explore themes of love, dissolution, and emotional alchemy hidden in the lyrics—and even imagine wild collaborations with Taylor Swift or Kendrick Lamar. As always, the conversation riffs beyond the music itself: into the power of mystery in art, how younger generations engage with music, and the surprising connections between listening habits, technology, and culture. Whether you’re already a devoted “worshipper” of Sleep Token or just curious about the buzz, this episode promises fresh insight, thoughtful laughs, and a few classic Toby rants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m

  7. AUG 7

    Clipse "The Birds Don't Sing"

    Toby and Joe explore one of the most powerful tracks in recent hip hop memory: “The Birds Don’t Sing” by Clipse. This chronicle of lived experience is a song that delivers raw vulnerability, poetic lyricism, and emotional depth. They unpack the sibling synergy of Pusha T and Malice, reflect on how the song’s lyrics about loss, grief, and family resonate universally, and celebrate the grown-man energy that defines this track and the album as a whole. From production quirks and Pharrell’s bold choices to lyrical callbacks and real-life pain, Joe and Toby give this track the kind of careful, heartfelt analysis it deserves. They also explore the broader cultural implications of the album—from moving beyond coke rap to challenging stereotypes about Black fatherhood. The human experience is universal. Songs like these remind us why music matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. JUL 23

    Jamiroquai "Virtual Insanity"

    Joe and Toby step into the funky vortex of the 90s to revisit Jamiroquai’s iconic hit "Virtual Insanity." From sliding sofas and wild hats to acid jazz breakdowns and ballet-inspired footwork, the duo dives deep into what made this track and its legendary video so unforgettable. Along the way, they unpack the legacy of acid jazz as the spiritual ancestor of lo-fi, the entertaining genius of Jay Kay, and the unsung heroics of bassist Stuart Zender. Plus: the not so well known interpolation of Jocelyn Brown, the influence of Stevie Wonder, a heartfelt ode to underrated basslines, and why OK Go treadmills may be the spiritual cousins of floating couches. And for those wondering what kind of check it would take to ditch the day job for an 8-album record deal, don’t worry, that math gets worked out too. Whether you're here for the history, the grooves, or the glorious weirdness of moving furniture, this episode’s got something for every music nerd. Disco ain't dead, and neither is acid jazz. Crazy times indeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Riffs on Riffs is about the thrill of musical discovery — that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We'll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs. But here's where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those "shower thoughts" sparked by a killer chorus – think of it as the ultimate deep dive followed by a freewheeling jam session inspired by the hits. Dust off your headphones and get ready to rediscover those songs you thought you knew.

Information

  • Channel
    Evergreen Podcasts
  • Creator
    Evergreen Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved 2025
  • Show Website
    Riffs on Riffs

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