The Age Old Question: A Podcast for Music Fans

This week, Rich and Clint look back at the first 40 episodes and share some of their highlights of the first 18 months of the show. Highlights include "Can You Write A Masterpiece After The Age of 40?", "What Makes The Beatles The Best Band of All-Time?", "Is D Minor The Saddest of All Keys?", "What Happened To The Sax Solo?" and many more. #TheBeatles #VanMorrison #PhilCollins #saxophonesolos The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rich and Clint ask the age old question — would you be Elton John (the star in the spotlight) or Bernie Taupin (the artist behind the scenes)? Lots of laughs, lots of incredible music and enlightening discussion about an odd and incredible collaboration that has produced some of the greatest songs in music history. Rich and Clint also discuss a similar songwriting partnership, Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. This week’s guests Brian Chartrand and Greg Naughton (The Sweet Remains) and star of “America Song Contest” Josh Panda. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rich and Clint make the case that "Free As A Bird," which the Beatles released in 1995, is, in fact, the band's most impressive hit. After years of acrimony and discord, after the tragic murder of John Lennon, the Fab Four were able to work together again on a "new" song. And who made it possible to bring the band back together? Yoko. Here's the story of how the song emerged and why it should be considered a gem in the Beatles' remarkable catalog. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the greatest (and most hilarious) misheard lyrics of all-time. From Hendrix's "excuse me while I kiss this guy" to Bon Jovi singing "it doesn't make a difference if we're naked or not," this episode is for anyone who has ever thought "ohhh, that's what the lyric is?!" With guest appearances from Tony-winner Kelli O'Hara, Rich's bandmates in The Sweet Remains Greg Naughton and Brian Chartrand, singer/songwriters Stephen Kellogg, Josh Panda and Will Evans and frequent contributor to TAOQ Emily Voorhees. Try not to laugh! The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: What is the greatest year in music history? 1967? 1973? 1985? Some argue that not only is 1991 the best year, but that Sept 24th, 1991 is the single most epic day in music history. The guys discuss why, as they explore which year gave us the most greatness. Special guest Jeff Symonds weighs in on the debate. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Artists discussed in this episode include Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, U2, Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Huey Lewis & The News, The Who, The Grateful Dead, Naughty By Nature, A Tribe Called Quest, Guns & Roses, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint join forces with the "50 Years Of Music With 50 Year Old White Guys" podcast (Jeff, Ben and Tim) for a crossover episode about creating the ultimate mixtape for a crush — it's a draft format...five picks, five chances to create the best mixtape but with a very specific framework — it is January, 1990. Artists discussed include Bob Dylan, REO Speedwagon, Dire Straits, Phil Collins, Bon Jovi, Guns & Roses and more. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. The podcast is also available on "50 Years of Music With 50 Year Old White Guys." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore whether lyrics really matter after all. Some massive hits in popular music have some of the most insanely stupid lyrics, which reveals that lyrics might not be a critical component of a great song. Artists and bands discussed include John Cougar Mellancamp, Beyonce and Jay Z, The Black Eyed Peas, John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Beck, Pink Floyd and more. Special guest this week is Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the phenomenon of "classic rock radio" in the US. Every city in America has a classic rock station, and they all have their "countdown to the greatest songs" playlist. Even though the songs to choose from haven't changed in decades, these top 10 lists change from year to year and differ significantly by region. Why is that? Why do the top classic rock songs of all-time keep changing? Lots of fun and laughter this week as Rich and Clint answer this age old question. Joined this week by AOQ regular Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the mystery, magic and alchemy of songwriting. Where does a song come from? Drawing inspiration from the amazing Peter Jackson documentary on the Beatles, "Get Back" as well as Malcolm Gladwell's new audiobook about Paul Simon's creative process, Rich and Clint explore where songwriters go to pull songs into existence. Happy New Year from The Age Old Question. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the greatest Christmas songs and who does them best and why most of the songs we sing this time of year come from the "golden era" of Christmas songwriting. With special guests Emily Voorhees, Brian Chartrand, Stephen Kellogg, Kelli O'Hara and Jeff Symonds. Happy Holidays from The Age Old Question. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the greatest drum fills of all-time. There are some you know and some you might not know you know — the great ones becomes you sing or play on the steering wheel in your car. Beginning with Phil Collins and "In The Air Tonight," Rich and Clint examine the definitive drum fills that are portals to another dimension. With special guests Jeff Symonds and the legendary drummer Gary Mallaber, who played with Steve Miller, John Lennon, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt and countless others. This is a fun one! The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint debate one of the epic "age old questions" — is it better to burn out than fade away? In 1979, Neil Young famously sang those words, and Kurt Cobain quoted them in his suicide note. Was Neil right? And what did he really mean? With special guest Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore the magic of music made between siblings. Whether it's the precision of "blood harmony" or the innate chemistry, sibling bands can often discover musical bonds other bands can't find. But they also can flame out in spectacular fashion. What is the greatest sibling band of all-time? Rich and Clint discuss siblings like the Allmans, the Robinsons, the Everlys, the Gallaghers, the Jacksons, along with bands you may not know were siblings. With special guest Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Charlie Watts, the late great drummer of the Rolling Stones, this week's episode is about the role of the drummer in making a really good band...great! The episode asks: Why is the drummer the backbone of every great band? Rich and Clint explore the drummer as the secret weapon for the great bands — drummers like John Bonham, Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland and more. With special guests Jeff Symonds and Steve Hadeka. Part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All things being equal, the thing that can make or break an evening of music...is the set list. This week, Rich and Clint explore the art and science of making a set list and how bands come at it in different ways. With special guests Brian Chartrand and Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint answer another one for the ages — what's the greatest one hit wonder? Through the decades, there have been bands and artists that have exploded into cultural awareness and then never came close again. Which did it once the best? Special guest director Eric Heimbold, who was the creative force behind the legendary music video of "Who Let The Dogs Out," a candidate for "Greatest One Hit Wonder." Part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a short summer hiatus, Rich and Clint are back to explore another "age old question." This week's question: which decade was the greatest in popular music history? With the help of special guests Emily Voorhees, Josh Panda, Will Evans, Brian Chartrand, Todd Chuba, Jeff Kerestes, Jack Gauthier and Stephen Kellogg, the guys answer: what is the greatest decade for music. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore the greatest collaborations in music history — the short-lived but transcendent partnerships that produced magic. From Queen and Bowie to Run DMC and Aerosmith, with some unexpected nominees. As Louisa May Alcott said: it takes two flints to make a fire. This episode celebrates the great collaborations when sparks really flew. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore the fine line between inspiration and theft. In music, there's a long tradition of borrowing from past masters. While some spin inspiration into totally original artistic expressions...others are just imitating. The guys discuss Chuck Berry and the Beach Boys, Radiohead and The Beatles, The Clash and John Cougar Mellencamp, Sam Smith and Tom Petty, Marvin Gaye and Robin Thicke and more. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore the greatest of the "Greatest Hits." Some artists produced exceptional albums - works of art that stand alone as complete creative expressions. Some artists created greatness that spread across their career. And for many of us, the "greatest hits" became the sampler platter that invited us to take a closer look at a band or artist, the way in to the original albums. With special guest and "Age Old Question" favorite Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One episode to settle on the greatest singer of all-time was crazy. But two...that sounds about right. In part 2, Rich and Clint jump back into this debate, and the discussion includes Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Steve Perry, Joni Mitchell, Sting and many more. The guys talk to Dave Lory, manager of the late great Jeff Buckley and who also worked with legends like Gregg Allman and Robert Plant. Also joining as special guest, Rich's sister Elizabeth, dropping knowledge about how people in the Arab world might answer this question. And making a return to the show, Tony-winner Kelli O'Hara and Rich's bandmate in The Sweet Remains, Greg Naughton. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A great vocal can shake you to the core - through its sheer power, expressivity, nuance, soul, pure and unique character. But who has the best? Another impossible question, but this week, Rich and Clint explore the great ones and who should be considered the greatest. This is part one of that exploration, featuring special guest Jeff Symonds on why Bob Dylan should be in the conversation. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of Rich and Clint's deep dive into the songs that are now inextricably linked to the movies in which they were used. In this episode, Rich and Clint get help from the show's go-to guest, Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Music is often an essential element in movie storytelling, and a song can become inextricably linked to a particular movie and a specific moment in a character's journey (think Tiny Dancer in Almost Famous, Bohemian Rhapsody in Wayne's World...). In this episode, Rich and Clint explore the songs that were used to greatest effect in films and will forever and always be linked to those cinematic moments. With special guests filmmaker Dave Eberts and film critic and writer Sara Voorhees. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some, the Grateful Dead is transcendent. For others, the devotion and subculture that sprung up around the band is baffling. What's the deal with the Grateful Dead? This week, Rich and Clint explore the reasons the Dead should be considered one of the greats of all-time. In this epic episode, special guests include award-winning author and renowned Deadhead Steve Silberman, Grahame Lesh (member of Midnight North - and son of Phil Lesh), Mihali Savoulidis (of Twiddle), Zach Nugent (of JGB and Dead Set) and Eric Graham. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss the greatest protest songs of all-time. Which song best captured the rage and defiance of its time? Joining the guys on this episode is singer/songwriter Will Evans (www.willevansmusic.com). The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint discuss songs that were once hits but are now relics of their time - songs that just wouldn't be written in 2021. Frequent guest and contributor to The Age Old Question, Jeff Symonds, joins to nominate two songs (and explain why Rich's pick from Episode 12 was so wrong). The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint explore the ingredients of a "hit song." Is there a formula, some secret sauce that connects hits across decades? Is there a method to the madness of hit making that we can uncover? Special guest this week is Jenna Andrews, successful songwriter/producer/record exec, discussing her own experience in making hits, as well as her new podcast, Green Room Talks. The Age Old Question is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint debate the artist that left a successful band to go solo, only to find more success and leave an even greater legacy. Joining as a guest is Pete Francis, founding member of the iconic indie band Dispatch, in a candid conversation about why keeping a band together is so hard and how going solo can unlock new artistic freedoms. Warning: you may strongly disagree with the lads' final pick this week. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Episode available here and on our friends' show 50 Years Of Music With 50 Year Old White Guys. Part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint join forces with one of their favorite podcasts ("50 Years of Music with 50 Year Old White Guys") and Jeff Symonds, Ben Barton and Tim Plaehn. This episode asks, if you could draft any musician (living or not)...who's your starting 5? The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Episode available here and on our friends' show 50 Years Of Music With 50 Year Old White Guys. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: what happened to the sax solo? There was a time — mostly the 1980s — when a hit song HAD to have a sax solo. Where did it go and why? In this episode, the guys discuss some examples of iconic sax solos and explore why it's disappeared from pop music relevance. Special guests Jeff Symonds and Emily Voorhees. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: what is the best cover version of a song? It happens in music that sometimes a song's true genius isn't fully realized by the artist/band that first records it. In this episode, the guys discuss the greatest examples of when a cover version becomes the definitive version of a song. With special guest singer/songwriter and filmmaker Greg Naughton (of The Sweet Remains). The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: what song has the best opening lines in music history? A novel or a movie gets hundreds of pages or hours to grab your heart, tell a great story or make you feel something. Songs only have minutes. Which songs do it best? From Bob Dylan to Taylor Goldsmith (of Dawes) and dozens in between, Rich and Clint debate the greatest opening lines. With special guests Jeff Symonds and Lauren Bierman. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: do you have to suffer for your art? It's an old archetype - the suffering artist - but is there anything to do it? Do great works of art emerge from the light as much as from the dark? With special guests Kelli O'Hara (Tony-winning Broadway star) and Stephen Kellogg (singer/songwriter and author). The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rich and Clint ask: what is the best SECOND album of all-time? If a band is lucky enough to find success on its first album, the pressure is on to deliver a sophomore record that can turn you from flash in the pan to legends. Which bands or artists did it best? The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: why do people hate the Eagles? They are both one of the most successful bands of all-time and one of rock's most hated. Why? With special guests Brian Chartrand (of The Sweet Remains) and Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: it's been said (thanks Nigel) that D Minor is the saddest of all keys. Is that right? Is there a key that is particularly evocative? What makes a song sad? And who's done it best? What genre does it best? With special guest Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: part 2 of Rich and Clint's dive into what makes the Beatles the greatest band of all-time? George, Ringo and other ingredients of the band's magic. With special guest Russ Lawton (drummer in Trey Anastasio Band and Soule Monde). The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Age Old Question is a podcast for music fans. Rich Price and Clint Bierman dive into another long-simmering debate. This week: what makes the Beatles the greatest band of all-time? This episode is part 1, where Rich and Clint begin to explore the ingredients in the Beatles' "secret sauce" (e.g. John's cynicism vs Paul's optimism, background vocals, unusual chord changes, recording innovation and more). Featuring guest Peter Day. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: can you write a masterpiece after the age of 40? Why is it so rare for the greats in popular music to produce transcendent music late in their careers? Rich and Clint are joined by guest Jeff Symonds. The Age Old Question is a podcast all about music, but it's also all about history, friendship, perspective, philosophy, humor, and so much more. Support this podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices