Back Beats and Breakdowns: Recent Episodes
Justin Richall & Stephen Hodgman
Back beats and Breakdowns is made up of two guys who know a thing or two about music...literally one or two things. Nothing is off the table when it comes to the beats that shape our culture and us as individuals. It's possible we will have some breakdowns, mostly mental. Life is too short and music is everywhere...Let's have some fun.
Sup nerds? We're talking Star Wars, John Williams, the Teflon Don, and a few dead peeps for good measure. Stephen had to do the family duty, so Justin is joined by Triple B Veteran Dan and newcomer to the cast Quentin. 3 middle-aged men talking about Star Wars on a podcast? What a fresh and new idea! Happy Star Wars day!
This is our first episode of our new series where Stephen and Justin review music type stuff. Stephen was all up in a FRENZY with this one as he shares his thoughts on Five Iron Frenzy's Our Newest Album Ever! Justin shares why he chose this album, and what it means to him.
Bring out ya dead! It's time to talk about albums that came out after the artists went under. There's a couple of cool facts to discuss, a new series announcement, a bunch of talk of dead folks and the music they made, and so much more!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day Week!! Back from an exhausting trip to Phoenix, Stephen & Justin recount their travel woes before getting into their conversation about Danger Mouse's Grey Album...like waaaayy before. Justin performs a few Irish numbers as we move towards St Patrick's Day and some controversy on Stephen's birthday, back in 2004. We hope you enjoy this week's conversation, it is good to be back!
In this episode, Justin and Stephen talk about a handful of random "today in music history" facts, then transition into a loose topic, accompanied by anecdotes and other whimsical stories. So, it's like every other episode. But in this one they talk about music and its relationship with motion pictures! It's a good time to be a podcast listener!
In retrospect, the recording of this episode was not timed right...so next year we'll get it right, and not talk about the Grammy's at all. BUT for this year, join Justin and Stephen as they talk about the Gramophone and those who are lucky enough to receive it (or is it rigged?). This episode is brought to you by Dr. Pepper Green, unofficially of course, and features some impressions so good that you might think Adele and Mike Tyson joined the fellas for this one. So if you like the Grammy's as much as we do...cough cough...join us.
WARNING - the following podcast starts with a conversation about yucky and stupid spiders...and Justin brings up not one, but TWO different bathroom stories. In this episode the Back Beat Boys get into novelty songs, talk about Chuck Berry's ding-a-ling some more, and crack the case on geo-political issues and their impacts on the human psyche over the decades...probably. Enjoy!
Join Stephen & Justin as they discuss the magic of the one hit wonder. Did you know the #1 rated one hit wonder is the Macarana? Well don't get your hopes up because they don't discuss that at all, but it is a fun dance...The guys discuss controversy over Bittersweet Symphony (where Stephen gets most everything wrong for a change), Stephen stumps Justin with a song from his middle school dance days, and Justin just can't stop talking about the Snow...
This is a rollercoaster of a podcast, so buckle in! Stephen and Justin talk through everything from how much of an influence music actually has on our actions, to American Idol, to the latest social media crazes, and remember the time Pat Boone sold his soul for earthly fame. You don't want to miss this!
In this episode, Stephen and Justin sit down with friend of the podcast Dan to discuss synthesizers. Learn all about their humble beginnings, up through their dominance in the production of modern music. Join us as we discuss the continuing saga surrounding the YMCA, how Justin might have broken up a marriage in Syracuse, NY, and hear about how Jimmy Buffet might be the most rock-n-roll person ever. Be sure to check out Dan's work at https://soundcloud.com/dannotronic
Watch out 2023, because the Triple B Crew is coming in hot with another fresh cast! Stephen and Justin talk music history, what makes a good road trip song, live performances that overshadow their studio counterparts, and all sorts of great topics in this episode! So just YMCA over to your car radio and tune in...unless you live in Norway.
In this episode, Justin & Stephen make a loyal fan's dream come true when they talk about collaborations. We dont know if this is exactly what he had in mind but hey, you get what you get. Elton John & Alice In Chains, Beyonce & Lady Gaga, Buster Rhymes & Justin Bieber, Lincoln Park & Jay-Z and so much more. Stephen didn't realize he is working with a Grand Rapids MI legend - Justin was voted 2008 Graphic Artist of the Year at Grand Rapids Hip Hop Awards. Oh, and an original Back Beats & Breakdowns collaboration puts a bow on our tenth episode.
Ho ho ho! Merry Podcast! The Elves are back at it this week the a podcast so hot, Frosty's getting nervous! Speaking of...Stephen was nervous that Justin was going to bring a bunch of morbid "fun" facts again, but wouldn't you know it he did alright! For a while at least... In this episode the fellas give you more loosely-Christmas-music based information than you can shake a stocking at. And heck, they threw in a bunch of Hanukkah goodies as well! Enjoy.
In this episode, Justin peels back the onion that is Stephen. While he may not add flavor to your soup, he'll make you cry. Tune in as Stephen talks about his inspiration behind music, some embarrassing tunes on his playlist and the first record he ever bought.
Get to know Justin in our newest podcast ever...until the next one! He's the Rolex wearing, diamond ring wearing, kiss stealing WOO wheeling dealing, limousine riding, jet flying, son of a gun! WOOOO!
Tag Team, back again! In this near-perfect episode, the fellas talk turkey traditions and Thanksgiving music, give a quick Movember update, discuss a few notable events in music history this week, and converse over cover songs. You might be surprised that some of your favorite songs were actually covers! Spend time with Stephen and Justin this Thanksgiving, and don't forget to butter your bird!
Cousin Vinny is back as Justin and Stephen work their way from #5 to #1. The second half of the list may surprise you just as much as the first half. The top half of the list contains an elf, one of the world's sexiest men and much more!
Bruce Springsteen learns a dark family secret, Eminem and Prince are better than Michael Jackson, and in their first top ten list, Stephen and Justin talk about celebrities that didn't necessarily make it big in music...but they sure did try! Part I covers numbers 10-6, and some of them may surprise you!
Whew, a lot to unpack here. The fellows discuss everything from Movember, to the greatest facial hair in music history, to athletes turned music superstars and a whole lot in-between.
Justin was wrong about a lot of things in the first episode, and Stephen lets him know all about it.
The fellas discuss the greatest holiday song of all time, and it might surprise you to find out which song they're talking about.
Working retail, the Christmas creep, severe hand injuries, and each state's favorite candies...all this and more!
Stephen and Justin talk about the Beatles, a couple Petes, big sunglasses, and drumming with a bat...also, Sirhan Sirhan didn't shoot John Lennon, that was some other guy.