Best Niagara Moon and Thin Lear Podcasts (2025)

1
#135 - The harmonic brilliance of Radiohead and The Beatles, with Damon Smith 1:04:48

Play Pause

8d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Pianist/songwriter Damon Smith joins the show today! Thomas opens with an exhibit of the world's "bounciest" rock songs (in his mind). Damon then showcases some of the juiciest baroque chord progressions both Radiohead and The Beatles had to offer. https://www.damonisaacsmith.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.co…

1
#134 - The Ultimate 80's "One Hit Wonder", with Katy Pinke 1:02:11

22d ago1:02:11

1:02:11

NY art rock artist Katy Pinke joins today! Matt leads the first segment as he searches for classic rock "beef" songs for the next generation. Thomas then explores some glorious 80's radio hits, as the group imagines which one-hit-wonder they'd want to have as their legacy. https://www.katy-pinke.com LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.…

1
#133 - The underrated faves of Keith Zarriello 1:02:22

1M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

NYC rock legend Keith Zarriello (The Shivers) joins the show today! Thomas talks about notable "lullaby" pop/rock songs. Keith curates a wonderful collection of contemporary indie artists who deserve more love, including Rod Smoth, Chartreuse, Morgan Weidinger, and Tape Loop Orchestra. https://theshivers.bandcamp.com LMO Survey https://www.niagaram…

1
#132 - Joseph Shabason's sexiest sax solos 1:16:07

2M ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Canadian producer, composer - and yes, saxophonist - Joseph Shabason returns to the show! He and Thomas share a special segment exploring the "sexiest" saxophones solos throughout music history, including some unlikely choices... https://josephshabason.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok…

1
#131 - The strange delight of Roxy Music, with Chris Ingalls 1:08:58

2M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (PopMatters) joins once again! Thomas reflects on their recent tour with a presentation of "songs he Shazamed on the road". Chris does a retrospective on the bizarre yet chic UK band Roxy Music. LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok…

1
#130 - Learn all about Christian Ska, with David Wirsig 1:05:27

3M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

New Haven songwriter David Wirsig joins today! Thomas introduces the niche topic of music to play in the stadium once a soccer game is over. David educates the group on the wonderful world of late 90's non-secular ska bands. https://davidwirsig.bandcamp.com LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Bluesky IG Tiktok…

1
#129 - The best version of "Angel Of The Morning", with Heather Lynn 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

Portland, ME singer-songwriter Heather Lynn joins the show today - hosting the LMO crew while they're on tour! In this special IRL meetup, Thomas shares multiple different covers of the classic "Angel Of The Morning", as they determine which version is the definitive cut. https://www.instagram.com/hther.lynn/ Catch Thin Lear live at the New York Ci…

1
#128 - The Power of the Drone, with Julie Beth Napolin 1:03:18

4M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Songwriter, author & educator Julie Beth Napolin joins the show today! Thomas opens with another round of the beloved game Guilty or Not Guilty. Julie explores the work of some contemporary avant-garde artists that deserve your attention. Catch Julie performing along with the LMO boys at The Avalon Lounge in Catskill NY on Sunday, March 16th. https…

1
#127 - Daddy's Busy: We love Andy Shauf, with Charlie Uffelman 42:17

4M ago42:17

42:17

Burlington VT singer-songwriter Charlie Uffelman joins the show! Thomas is the sole segment provider today, but it's a goodie - the three celebrate the sublime genius of Andy Shauf! On tour this month! LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG TiktokBy Niagara Moon and Thin Lear

1
#126 - A Very Psychedelic Episode, with Reliable Child 1:10:45

4M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Pittsburgh indie-folker Michael Berginc joins the show today! Thomas gets the ball rolling with the hard-hitting question - what makes for truly "psychedelic" music? Mike follows up with an ode to the rockumentary Dig! and the infamous Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. MARCH TOUR DATES https://reliablechild.com/ LMO Survey https://www…

1
#125 - The best British "freak" folk-rock, with John Faraone 1:06:08

4M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Rhode Island songwriter John Faraone joins the show! Matt opens with a segment dedication to one of his top Nixon-rock subgenres - "Wicker Man" style UK folk. Thomas does a deep-dive into the insane rock stylings of John Cale. TOUR DATES https://www.johnfaraone.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ Bluesky IG T…

1
#124 - Forced to binge Kid Rock's discography. 1:06:23

5M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

It's time for Thomas's punishment... Up top, Matt shares some classic songs from the effervescently beautiful songwriter Jim Croce. Things go downhill quickly however, as Thomas is made to share his "favorite" tracks from the infamous Kid Rock. Also the boys are ON TOUR this March - details here! LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.nia…

1
#123 - A naive look at Eurovision, with Marker Starling 1:05:12

5M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Sublime Canadian songwriter Marker Starling is back! Thomas gets the ball rolling with some first-time listens/impressions of various Eurovision Song Contest winners. Mr. Starling then takes charge and shares some of his favorite male group-vocal soul hits from the early 70s. The boys are ON TOUR this March - details here! https://www.instagram.com…

1
#122 - "If you hate this, I win." Round 2!!! 1:21:25

6M ago1:21:25

1:21:25

It's another special IRL episode - and contest! Thomas schleps down to Hoboken to meet with Matt and his wife Emely. Matt shares songs he thinks are good from artists that are not good. Thomas shares songs he thinks are not good from artists that are otherwise good. There are points, losers, winners, and many chuckles to be had. Happy New Year! The…

1
#121 - The only way to hear the White Album, with Jeremy Shatan 1:01:02

6M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Music critic/podcaster Jeremy Shatan @anearful joins the show! Thomas opens with a glowing endorsement of the 2018 remaster of The Beatles' White Album. Jeremy then takes the reigns to shed light on some lost - but not forgotten - underrated indie bands of the 2010's. https://anearful.substack.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https…

1
#120 - Music made by children, with Adam Kastin 1:16:46

7M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

NYC rocknrolla Adam Kastin is back again! Thomas kicks things off with a unusual selection of songs from some familiar artists, prompting the question - should they feel embarrassed? Adam throws the gang off-guard with an even more curious look into the world of music created by kids. Check out Weegee's latest radio spot: https://www.wfmu.org/playl…

1
#119 - Wallace Field's Scorpio sisters... 57:09

7M ago57:09

57:09

The phenomenal MA folk-rocker Wallace Field is back! Thomas starts the show with another round of everyone's favorite game Guilty or Not Guilty? Wallace brings the pod into the world of horoscopes, exploring the variety and intensity of Scorpio-born musical artists. https://www.wallacefieldmusic.com/ LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ htt…

1
#118 - Talking "IDM", aka bleep bloop music 1:00:33

8M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Matt reveals a strange collection he's been sitting on - songs that are just shoutouts to other musicians. Thomas shares his curious fascination with 90's and 00's experimental electronica... LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losing…

1
#117 - Ruination Records have all my faves, with Chris Ingalls 1:01:49

8M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (Popmatters) is back! And just in time for the Halloween season... Thomas initiates the discussion by showcasing the best horror video game soundtrack ever - Akira Yamaoka's Silent Hill 2 score. Chris talks about most of his favorite records this year have been released by the Ruination Record Co. https://ruinationrec…

1
#116 - Collabs done right (and wrong...), with Emma Rosa Katharina & Abby Devoe 1:11:10

9M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Abby returns for a third round, joined this time by her new podcast cohost Katharina! Thomas gets the conversation going with songs that make you ask "what if?" Abby and Katharina team up to talk about notable collabs in rock, with some increasingly bizarre examples... Check out their show Unveiling the Legends: Dolls of the 60s & 70s on Spotify an…

1
#115 - The Legend of Jandek, with Matt Farley of Motern Media 1:11:33

9M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

The world's most prolific creator Matt Farley is back again! Thomas opens with a selection of songs from 70s rock guys where they sound even more exhausted and worn out than normal - was this a trend? Matt F. then utterly baffles the group with an introduction to the most mysterious outsider musician ever... The one and only Jandek. https://moternm…

1
#114 - The Stones, Zeppelin... Bob Seger? 1:05:25

10M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Matt divulges a secret fondness for some choice Bob Seger tunes - a diamond-selling rocknroller Thomas had never even heard of... Thomas switches up the vibe with a presentation on one of his top favorite current songwriters, John Grant. LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losing…

1
#113 - Good artists borrow. Great artists steal... 53:51

10M ago53:51

53:51

Matt shares his exposé on plagiarism in songwriting - citing some particularly infamous examples. Thomas presents more Japanese bands, mostly from the 70s. The spin this time however is guessing which Western band they're most inspired by... What makes for a true homage vs. simple soundalike? LMO Survey Songs Thomas shared: Sora to kumo - Yonin Bay…

1
#112 - Dom Martin's "Ones To Watch" in hip-hop 1:07:29

11M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

New guest! Producer, engineer, and owner of Mansion Recording Studios Dom Martin joins the pod today. Thomas sets the mood with a loving ode to 90's anime film music. Dom showcases some standout tracks from his producer catalog, workin' with some NYC's most talented hip-hop artists. https://www.mansionstudiosnyc.com/ LMO Survey https://www.thinlear…

1
#111 - Why shouldn't I be a Dead fan? 1:06:45

11M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Matt shares some tasteful lesser-known Grateful Dead tracks he digs, begging the question... why can't he be a Deadhead after all? Thomas goes for the polar opposite vibe musically, with a critical yet curious look at Lou Reed's solo career. LMO Survey https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losi…

1
#110 - The softer side of Tom Waits... 1:10:50

11M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Matt pays homage to tender balladeer Tom Waits, and some underrated gems from various eras. Thomas celebrates the Donovan album Open Road, yet gets increasingly discouraged with the rest of his 70s catalog... LMO Survey https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.ins…

1
#109 - Celebrating the discography of Warren Zevon, with Chris Ingalls 1:03:17

12M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Music journalist Chris Ingalls (Popmatters) is back again! Thomas initiates with a scenario involving secret agents, interrogation rooms, and songs you reaaally wouldn't want to hear over and over again. Chris dedicates his segment to exploring the rich, underrated tapestry that is Warren Zevon's catalogue of song. Chris's Zevon Spotify playlist LM…

1
#108 - Miles Hewitt's "Dark Night of the Soul" Records. 1:09:24

12M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

The exquisite Brooklyn songwriter Miles Hewitt joins the pod today! Thomas breaks the ice with a selection of tunes so enduring that they're "impervious to overplay". Miles then presents a subgenre he's gone ahead and invented - that "dark night of the soul" sound, featuring beloved artists that exorcise their demons through song. https://www.miles…

1
#107 - In Defense of Noah Kahan, with Sailor Down (Chloe Deely) 1:09:41

1y ago1:09:41

1:09:41

Massachusetts indie rocker Sailor Down is back on the pod! Thomas kicks things off with an ode to shoegaze. Chloe delivers a convincing argument as to why modern pop-star Noah Kahan is actually worth a closer look. https://sailordown.bandcamp.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyo…

1
#106 - Daddy's Busy: Steely Dan again?! 38:45

1y ago38:45

38:45

Coming off of a wild Father's Day, Matt wasn't able to deliver a segment this week. But no matter! Thomas is ready for yet anoooother discussion on Steely Dan - this time starting out with the early stuff, and seeing how close they can get to Aja before Matt throws down his headphones in disgust... https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonm…

1
#105 - The art of the song outro, with Cole Fortier 1:10:58

1y ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Phenomenal singer-songwriter / classical composer Cole Fortier joins the show today! Thomas opens up the discussion with a look at the "Simlish Radio" phenomenon, wherein popular artists rerecord their hit songs in a made-up language for the computer game The Sims. Cole then shows several beautiful examples of outstanding outro sections in pop song…

1
#104 - The truly insane "song poem industry", with Adam Kastin of Weegee 1:14:42

1y ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Queens rocknroller Adam Kastin is back on the pod! Thomas starts the discussion with a question - what prog rock albums should you show to someone who "hates" prog? Adam then sends the boys reeling with his deepdive into the absurd, yet beautiful subject of song poems and the "industry" behind them... Losing My Opinion Survey: https://forms.gle/4Eq…

1
#103 - Trying to make a new Tool fan. 57:59

1y ago57:59

57:59

Matt tries his darndest to get Thomas more interested in the ultimate prog-metal band. Thomas shares songs he thinks are ideal for "clearing a room" - tunes you'd put on at a bar to get straggling customers to pack up and go home... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: http…

1
#102 - The Best Bowie B-Sides. 59:15

1y ago59:15

59:15

Matt puts forth his favorite hidden gem David Bowie rarities - met with fluctuating levels of enthusiasm from Thomas. Doubling down on the "rarity" angle, Thomas shares some choice tracks from local musicians he met in the Seattle songwriter scene, circa 2017. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitte…

1
#101 - The greatest Bob Dylan covers that never were. 1:03:18

1y ago1:03:18

1:03:18

The boys are back in podcast-town! Thomas and Matt join forces on this special themed episode to imagine their favorite hypothetical Dylan covers. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/losingmyopinion…

1
The 100th Episode Spectacular! 1:06:31

1y ago1:06:31

1:06:31

100 episodes of Losing My Opinion! Recurring guest Tom Rainey joins to provide an audience for Thomas and Matt's musical show and tell. As a special "assignment", Matt agreed to make a song in the style of Roger Waters, and Thomas in the style of Gaucho-era Steely Dan. Both share specific sources of inspiration that guided their creative journey. h…

1
#99 - Carly Rae Jepsen is secretly a genius, with Basic Printer 1:04:49

1y ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Gloitchpop master Basic Printer (aka Jesse Gillenwalters) joins the pod again! Thomas shares songs with lyrics in languages that he can't understand, but that sound "important". Jesse shares some massively underrated bops from a massively underestimated musician - Carly Rae Jepsen, of all people... https://www.basicprinter.com/ https://www.niagaram…

1
#98 - The best PBS Kids theme songs, with Wallace Field 59:31

1y ago59:31

59:31

The superb MA-based indie folk rock artist Wallace Field joins the show today! Thomas initiates the discussion with a shortlist of his favorite theme songs from PBS kids shows he watched growing up (after all, he didn't have cable TV...). Wallace then showcases some of her favorite contemporary artists that hail from Australia/New Zealand. https://…

1
#97 - The 2006 indie songs we left behind... 1:05:38

1y ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Matt doubles down on the Ry Cooder appreciation with a loving retrospective on Buena Vista Social Club. Thomas looks back on some indie bands from 2006 that were hot in the moment, but that he hasn't thought about since... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.in…

1
#96 - The amazing legacy of Ry Cooder. 1:07:00

1y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Matt steers things back to the positive side, delving into all the exquisite musical facets of legendary guitarist & songwriter Ry Cooder. Thomas then piles on the drek with some notoriously tacky and dated rap from movie scenes. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https…

1
#95 - The Definitive Guide to Citypop, with Greg DePaul 59:51

1+ y ago59:51

59:51

Playwright, novelist & screenwriter (Bride Wars, Saving Silverman) Greg DePaul joins the show today! Thomas follows up on Matt's request to explain what the "citypop" genre is exactly. Greg guides the boys through a invigorating selection of fresh revivalist Americana tunes from would-be punks. "Punk-icana"? Songs Thomas played: Plastic Love - Mari…

1
#94 - A solo Roger Waters hatefest, apparently... 1:11:02

1+ y ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Resident badboy Nate Safren is back on the pod! And what timing - Matt finally conducts his "punishment" segment, going over his least favorite songs from Roger Waters' solo discography. Nate then drastically changes the vibe with a deep-dive into the work of pianist/composer Leo Ornstein. https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/…

1
#93 - A celebration of Paul Weller, with Chris Ingalls of PopMatters 1:07:56

1+ y ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Music supporter/champion Chris Ingalls is back! Thomas revs things up with a selection of his favorite tracks by The Who - an appeal to the Who skeptic, if you will. Chris then shares his love for Paul Weller, and the wonderful diverse iterations of his sound that spans decades... https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twit…

1
#92 - Nicholas Krgovich's hidden gems. 1:09:02

1+ y ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Vancouver songwriter Nicholas Krgovich is back on the show! Thomas starts the episode by finally issuing Matt his "punishment" - part of which consists of subjecting him to a ENTIRE segment dedicated to Paolo Conte and his 1987 album Aguaplano. Nicholas then takes the boys through a wonderful winding journey through the music of several highly obsc…

1
#91 - When the singer starts SCREAMING!!! 56:02

1+ y ago56:02

56:02

Matt presents a dreaded second installment of The Toddler Playlist. Thomas showcases notable examples of artists screaming their lungs out on otherwise "normal" songs. https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://www.thinlear.com/ X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok…

1
#90 - Can you open your mind to Dream Theater? with Mike Moran 1:04:29

1+ y ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Guitarist and podcaster Mike Moran joins the show today! Matt hijacks Thomas's opening segment to talk about the soundtrack from the 1999 Schwarzenegger flick End Of Days, of all things... Mike then shares his lifelong passion for the band Dream Theater, seeing how far he can get the guys over to his side. https://coolkidslunchtable.podbean.com htt…

1
#89 - That was NOT on the lyric sheet, with Abigail Devoe 1:04:58

1+ y ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Album reviewer sensation Abigail Devoe is back on the pod! Thomas enlists her and Thin Lear to play another round of Guilty or Not Guilty - helping decide if his appreciation of certain "questionable" songs warrants a punishment. Abby shares some of her favorite bizarre yet wonderful vocal ad-lib moments from classic rock stars. https://www.youtube…

1
#88 - Spoken word in pop music... can it work? 58:25

1+ y ago58:25

58:25

Matt shows off several songs from artists who briefly dabbled in the "spoken word world". Thomas asks a deceptively simple question - what's the best song for a serial killer movie? https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/losingmyopinion IG: https://www.instagram.com/losingmyopinion/ Tiktok: ht…

1
#87 - What if Phil Spector hadn't been insane? with Matt Farley 1:08:26

1+ y ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Motern Media mastermind (and writer of over 25,000 songs) Matt Farley is BACK! Thomas starts the discussion with a look at Phil Spector's bizarre yet captivating output post-solo Beatles albums. Matt then shares some of his favorite tunes from a beloved unsung artist Bill Mallonee. https://moternmedia.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ https://…

1
#86 - Which Sophisti-pop band is the MOST sophisticated? 59:40

1+ y ago59:40

59:40

Matt shares his favorite standout performances from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. Thomas showcases several so-called sophisti-pop artists from the 1980s in an effort to determine the true sound of sophistication. Click here for the LMO survey! https://www.thinlear.com/ https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com/ Twitter ("X"): https://twitter.com/…

Niagara Moon And Thin Lear Podcasts