Listenin‘ Too Closely

If I Ain’t Got You

As we try to adjust to life after 50, Listenin' Too Closely's 51st episode might just be the tonic! It's "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys! Deeply rooted in soul and gospel, this masterpiece was an absolute delight to analyse. Not that there aren't a few inevitable diversions along the way... Is Lady Gaga a lazy songwriter? Can Liam rhyme the word August with the word piano? What's the proper way to hold your mouth while blowing a horn? All of these questions may or may not be answered right here on Listenin' Too Closely!

Sir Duke

It's here! It's finally here! The 50th anniversary of Listenin' Too Closely! And what better way to celebrate 50 years of unwarranted music criticism than with a closer listen to Stevie Wonder's classic, Sir Duke. Isn't it lovely? Fletcher explains why he is re-watching the entire series of Friends for the third time, and Liam proves he's the Monica of the group by telling us what he didn't like about the US version of The Office. It's a jam-packed (pun intended) episode, so get listenin'!

HAVE YOU HEARD: Scapa Flow 1919

Is it a HAVE YOU HEARD episode, or are you back in your dreaded high school history class? Either way, it's all about Kris Drever's historically influenced folk song, 'Scapa Flow 1919'. It turns out that Fletcher knows absolutely nothing about how war works and is more fixated on where the people park their boats. If you listen really closely you can hear Liam's frustration simmering away. Before our hosts embark on this fascinating research project though, the first portion of the episode is dedicated to Liam eating sushi for the very first time. Does he like it? You'll have to get listenin' to find out...

When It Rains It Pours

It's finally time for a Luke Combs song on Listenin' Too Closely! After much deliberation about what song to choose, Fletcher and his mega fan brother chose Luke Combs' second number one country hit, 'When It Rains It Pours'. Liam starts off by saying "it's one of the most country songs that has ever country songed" so things can really only get better from that point on. You'll also hear all about the questionable Johnson Motors jingle, the perfect way to make a cup of tea, and how there's nothing Fletcher can't do in a pair of jeans. I bet you're all riled up, so get listenin'!

HOT 100: Heat Waves

Our hosts have rolled the dice again for the HOT 100 segment, this time catching the Glass Animals sleeper hit, "Heat Waves", just before it leaves the top ten. Despite some questionable lyrics (which Fletcher rewrites), this song spent an incredible 41 weeks in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart! Strange then that Liam and Fletcher spend more time talking about Mariah Carey's, "All I Want For Christmas Is You"; the Will Smith and Margot Robbie movie, Focus; and Robbie Williams' aged fan base. Excited? Well get listenin'!

SHAMELESS PLUG: You’ll Find Me Wherever I Am

Here it is, the most shameless of all shameless plugs! Liam has a new album out, so he's leaping at the opportunity to talk about himself for ages while Fletcher very patiently listens. The song is "You'll Find Me Wherever I Am" from Liam Hagan's new album, Zoonomy! Hear how a few very bizarre true stories inspired this Weavers-style folk epic. Can Liam get enough streams for a one-way ticket to South America before he's sued for plagiarism? Find out on this week's episode of Listenin' Too Closely!

Music For A Sushi Restaurant

Fletcher is back from tour and our Listenin' Too Closely hosts have been reunited once more. What better way to celebrate than with a groovy, pop-funk hit by Harry Styles, excellently named, 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant'. Speaking of Sushi, tune in to hear all about why Liam has never eaten Sushi in his entire life! What's more, you'll hear Fletcher rave about the McDonald's Chicken Big Mac, and have to sit through an in depth deliberation about the edibility of stars. Yes. Stars. In the sky. There's only one thing to do... get listenin'!

SPECIAL EPISODE: Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the War of the Worlds

Well, well, well, when the Fletcher's away, the Liam will play! That's right, folks, the taller one has gone on tour in a musical, so the other one has decided to have a bit of fun on his own, not just talking about a single song, but an entire ding-dang album!!! It's Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds, based on the classic science fiction novel by H.G. Wells! Join Liam as he marvels (i.e. prattles interminably) at the ground-breaking production and flawless composition of this iconic concept album. It's amazing what one can achieve with a saucepan and the inside of a toilet bowl. Intrigued? Well, get listenin'!

Paint It, Black

Join Fletcher and Liam again as they dive in for some more hot '60s Brit-pop action, this time with the Rolling Stones' depressing classic "Paint It, Black". Fun fact: the phrase "paint it black" never appears in the song; and listen as someone who actually knows what they're talking about explains the nuances of Carnatic music. It's a rich episode this week, so get listenin'!

Heaven On Their Minds

Fletcher and Liam turn to the good book this week, and explore the themes behind the song ‘Heaven On Their Minds’, from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s a veritable lyrical and musical feast, with flowery language and changing time signatures galore! Fletcher reads a fascinating article written by everyone’s favourite cartoon character Timmy Fisher. Liam tells us about the actor Barry Dennen, who may or may not have a speaking part in the film Titanic (he can’t remember). Most importantly, who sang the high falsetto note in Gethsemane the best? It’s all to play for, this week on Listenin’ Too Closely!