What if you could uncover the hidden threads connecting a musical legend and a rock masterpiece? In our latest episode, we honor the unparalleled Quincy Jones, whose recent passing at the age of 91 marks a profound loss in the music world. We share insights into his legendary career, from working with icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson to producing timeless projects such as "We Are the World." Reflecting on his humble beginnings as a jazz trumpeter, we acknowledge the artistic void his departure leaves behind while celebrating his indelible impact on the arts.

Switching tempo, we journey through the enigmatic world of Pink Floyd's "Animals," particularly the evocative tracks on Side B. Roger Waters' incisive lyrics dissect authority and corruption through Orwellian lenses, while the dynamic interplay between Waters and David Gilmour during this period is laid bare. We explore the rich textures and arrangements that define these pieces, drawing connections to the band's earlier work and highlighting the creative tensions that fueled their enduring soundscapes.

We wrap up by drawing fascinating parallels between Pink Floyd's sonic explorations and Stephen King's narrative genius. Their shared ability to channel creativity into groundbreaking art forms is a testament to their unique talents. With a nod to the audacity of releasing an album with only five extensive tracks, we celebrate Pink Floyd's bold artistic choices. As we transition to discussing horror films, we offer a recommendation for "The Void," a cosmic horror gem that promises to chill and thrill enthusiasts of the genre. Join us for an episode that honors musical legends and explores the rich tapestry of creativity in music and beyond.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful soundscapes of Shepherds Reign, a band blending Polynesian roots with heavy metal in a way that’s fierce, soulful, and utterly unique. We also tackle the growing trend of no-phone policies at concerts—are these policies helping us live in the moment, or are they just an unnecessary hassle?

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on Mandatory Music, Michael and Sebastian take a journey back to the 1970s as we delve into Side A of Pink Floyd's provocative album, Animals. Join us as we uncover the backstory behind tracks like “Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)” and the sprawling “Dogs,” exploring the biting social critiques, existential themes, and musical complexity that make this album unforgettable. Tune in for a deep dive into the iconic riffs, intricate lyrics, and powerful symbolism that define one of Pink Floyd's most ambitious works.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
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In this episode of Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the latest solo release from Jerry Cantrell, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of Alice in Chains. Join us as we explore the album's sonic landscapes, Cantrell's signature guitar work, and how it fits into his legendary career. From grunge roots to evolving solo sounds, we break down track highlights, lyrical themes, and the overall impact of this much-anticipated release. Tune in for our full review, personal takes, and metalhead musings!

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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This week on the podcast, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into the iconic Paranoid album by Black Sabbath. This legendary record holds a special place in our hearts, and we explore its lasting influence on us personally and on the heavy metal genre as a whole. From the rebellious energy of 'War Pigs' to the crushing riffs of 'Iron Man' and the anthemic title track 'Paranoid,' we break down why this album still stands as a cornerstone of metal. Join us as we revisit a true classic and celebrate its enduring legacy.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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In this episode of Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive deep into Hangman’s Chair’s hauntingly beautiful new single, "2 AM Thoughts." The duo explores the melancholic vibes and atmospheric sounds that make this song stand out, blending doom, post-metal, and introspective lyrics. They discuss their personal interpretations of the lyrics and reflect on how the track captures the raw emotion of those late-night moments of solitude. Tune in for an insightful conversation on one of the most evocative tracks of the year, with plenty of banter and personal stories from the hosts.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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In this episode, Mike and Seb dive into Coldplay's latest album, Moon Music. Mike, with his sharp ear for detail, breaks down the album’s dreamy soundscapes and explores how it pushes the band’s sonic boundaries. Meanwhile, Seb brings his unfiltered takes, questioning whether Coldplay's cosmic themes have gone too far. Expect a lively debate on standout tracks, Chris Martin’s vocals, and the album’s place in the band’s legacy—all delivered with the duo's signature humor and banter.

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

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Today is the greatest day, to review an album. Mike and Seb discuss the somewhat throw back album to what resonated sonically with fans in the mid 90’s, but with a slight modern tone. We talk about what works, what doesn’t and what the picture on the album cover is all about…

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Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Contact Mandatory Music:
email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com
find us on Facebook search mandatory music
Instagram: mandatory_music1
Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

Thanks for listening and keep on rocking