Heat Rocks

440

Scorching guests and sizzling records: join music writer Oliver Wang and music supervisor Morgan Rhodes each week as they invite their favorite artists, critics and scholars for in-depth conversations about the albums that shape our lives. Each week our special guests will take you deep into their heat rocks from the world of hip-hop, soul, dance, jazz, funk and more. Get with us!

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Charlie62599
    A gift
    I have never written a podcast review before but I wanted to express how grateful I am for all the amazing music I have discovered through Heat Rocks. I have especially fallen in love with Chet Baker’s “Embraceable You” and with Joao Gilberto’s self-titled album, both of which now mean so much to me. Thank you for sharing your deep love for music with us, please return soon!
  • Eg$mama
    Musiq Soulchild
    I’m a huge fan of ur podcast, especially the Soulquarians episodes. How have y’all not had an episode on my guy Musiq he is so deserving. Would love to hear it 💜
  • Valencia_H.
    🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
    I just love this podcast….it’s a cool feeling knowing I’m not alone in my weird over dramatic passion for music and albums. I wish I had known about this sooner, but I have enjoyed binging on it during my long commutes.
  • Sno & Lo
    Culture gabfest
    Heard one of these hosts onMy favorite podcast, now I like this one just as much. Paul’s boutique by the beastie boys deserves some love. And bizarre ride to thepharcyde.
  • jemsfirst
    Podcast that hits my soul!
    I love these deep dives so much! So many of my favorites showcased. Please have me on to breakdown Terrance Trent D’Arby’s Introducing the Hardline According to… 😁
  • Dj Shanxx
    Love The Show
    The show is dope!!! I love the interaction and conversation being shared amongst the host about music and all the amazing, groundbreaking works of art that has been produced over the years for our enjoyment. I appreciate my family The DailyDigger for putting me up on game and sharing this platform with me. Much Love❤️❤️ 👍🏿👍🏿
  • msgreview
    Love this
    Discovered this podcast a few months ago. I have started listening from the first episodes. Getting in touch with music and artists that I didn't know about. Learning the history of some of the music I enjoy now. Thanks so much!
  • shouldve77
    Can’t wait to dig in
    Listening to Kraftwerk episode with nite jewel and loving it. Can’t wait to dig in to other great albums - saved a bunch already. Only thing f I’d say is especially when talking about something with roots and history, maybe some more context or biography before or after perspectives. Like synthBrittania level perspective on their discovery/sounds etc. Or maybe links. That may all Show up because I’m only halfway through - was just determined to leave a good review. Thanks for this y’all.
  • LS2
    No matter the genre, a heat rock is a heat rock
    Love the show. Morgan and Oliver are great as hosts and I love the passion of the guests describing their Heat Rocks. Started with the Phonte episode and have been listening ever since! I’ve found new music and rediscovered old faves. Just waiting for that episode on Commissioned...
  • Robyn from KC
    I have found my people!
    Let me tell you! I stumbled upon this podcast after listening to Flower Bomb for Anita Baker on Clubhouse on February 26, 2021. I have found my people!!!! I am a music lover who loves to know the behind the scenes of how composers write music. I am literally a person who reads the liner notes and this podcast is an extension of this. I love the introspection of the album and the musical contributors to make the project. If you like this, this is where you want to be.
  • coolness1920
    My greatest discovery of 2021.
    So I was bored one day and was searching for stuff to listen to online. I like music podcasts and randomly came across The Heat Rocks episode on Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi album. It is one of my favorite albums of all time and I talk about it all day! I then decided to browse through their previous episodes and became instantly HOOKED on the show. I love the format of this podcast and the camaraderie between the two hosts, Oliver and Moran. Their insight on music and pop culture makes this podcast a must-listen. My first instincts were to listen to the episodes on albums I was familiar with but the podcast has also done a great job at introducing me to a number of classics that may have gone under the radar. Thank you Oliver, Morgan, Christian and everyone who makes this podcast the absolute gem that it is. Keep up the good work and looking forward to more amazing episodes from you all.
  • Merle Hagrid
    Impressive music pod! My favorite!
    In depth, thoughtful, the best music.
  • mellowkev
    🔥 Podcast
    enjoy the two host very much ! they know their stuff and always have great conversations with their guest. I also enjoy the production of the show. Always worth listening too, I come out each show learning of a new banger that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. must listen pod for music lovers ! p.s. thanks for putting the songs in the description.
  • joijoi
    So glad that I found this!
    I found your podcast by searching Chris Molanphy, the podcaster behind The Hit Parade. He and his podcast feed my quirky interest in the science and culture behind the music charts and how it related to me as a music fan. His episode on George Michael, with the commentary from hosts Morgan and Oliver filled in the emotional, personal, nostalgic and cultural feelings behind my love of music. While I’m upset that I was late to the game with this podcast, I am so glad to know that there are so many episodes that include your commentary and feedback that speaks to me- I don’t always agree, but I truly hear, understand and consider the discussion. Great artist selection and discussion!
  • Vetwriter
    Long time listener
    I don’t have much to add to a conversation about what many consider to be the best deep dive into an album podcast out today. I will say that if you’re a fan if music and like to escape in to a discussion about specific albums then you’ll love the podcast. The host always make the listener feel like their welcome in on a discussion about the intricacies in every album they talk about. As I tweeted today, the only thing I wish they would do is talk about the band Bad Religion next. Thank you for all that you do. -Ryan from Westlake Los Angeles
  • Fewer Bayonets
    What Happens When A Homegirl Meets A Professor...
    You get to eavesdrop on some of best conversations about music! One of my sister friends sent me the link to the Meshell Ndegeocello episode - Prince and Purple Rain back in May. And as I am a Gemini and an educator, that link was like a gift; the conversations and the music! I have been working my way through the catalog of episodes since...I have even incorporated some of Morgan and Oliver’s phrases into my own discourse. Let me give a “shout out” to the phrases...” to ...’s point”; “confession is good for the soul”; and “let’s dig into that a bit!” Selfishly, I’m glad I find out about the podcast late because there are quite a few episodes for me to still listen to and enjoy. But please do not sleep on this podcast. From Morgan’s poetic expression and love of music to Oliver’s knowledge of all things hip-hop with the critical lens, this podcast is on time, ahead of its time, and timeless! See what I did there;)
  • AntonioArgenis
    New love
    I recently found this podcast after binging all of “Dear White People” and absolutely needing to know who did the music. Growing up first gen in a Mexican household, I did not get most of the music on here. I’ve long since started my own musical journey, but with no guidance, I have missed a lot, including the likes of the Purple one (of which I am now a believer!). As a completionist, I started on Ep 1, listening to the albums you are covering as I go along. So much music, so much to learn, and so much to love. I appreciate the both of you and your knowledge on all of this. I’ll post back when I catch up, ha!
  • K. Sloan
    I Did Not Know
    I just found this show last night...and CAN’T STOP...WON’T STOP listening. If you are a music lover, this is a must for the Podcast library. I need to get out of binge-mode...just excellent!
  • notwoosley
    insightful, delightful
    one of my favorite podcasts ever. morgan and oliver are charismatic, incredibly well-versed in music, and ask thoughtful questions that prompt passionate discussions with charming guests. i have found so many beautiful albums because of them and i’m eternally grateful!! my only suggestion would be to pleaseeee feature more alternative/punk artists and albums! 🤍
  • Antonioem
    The Coolness
    A brilliant and funny show with the coolest hosts. I love the depth and breath in which they talk about music and culture. I’ve discovered this show through researching the music for the Madam C.J. Walker tv series and was rewarded with learning about Morgan and this podcast. I’ve seen Oliver on shows before like Tales from the Tour Bus. This show is such a gem.
  • imawilks
    Love this podcast ☆
    🤘🏾 !
  • CarlyHoff
    Comfort Listen
    Morgan and Oliver are brilliant minds and true music lovers. I learn something new from every episode. So grateful that they linked up and that we get to benefit from it.
  • michealstripe
    Janet take two: reminded of f how much I love I get lonely.
    I love this album Velvet Rope, this has been my favorite drop from you all. It really took me back as an old head and made me rediscover the essence that is: Velvet Rope. Thanks for all that you do and keep the flame ables coming. One love and prosper!-smokestack.
  • PlayWorkSync
    Mighty fine
    Classy, relaxed, informed discussion of the great albums of recorded music. I learn tons, and get introduced to tons of new jams.
  • slayer_87
    It’s ok
    While listening to Portishead “Dummy” episode I realized that hosts didn’t have much history on the band and the process of Portishead creating an album, although there’s ton of info available on the subject. Either they didn’t want to share it or didn’t do their research. It felt very surface level.
  • mtharris78
    The best music podcast
    The dynamic between Morgan and Oliver, the depth of information provided on the subject plus recommendations based on said subject are so helpful and enjoyable to listen to. And the guest selection is usually amazing. If you are a music nerd or casual observer who wants to learn more, this is the place!
  • Svensurge
    One of the best music shows about music.
    Such a wonderful show. I love the format of inviting another well-versed person to talk about a favorite album. Discussions are made with respect, grace, humility, passion, and reverence. A great mix of things familiar and unknown. The podcast catalogue has been a great way to discover by starting with albums that I agree with (validation) so that I can happily trust them to try something I know very little about (exploration). A variety of genres and eras. There is some historical and biographical perspective. Personal opinions and fangirling/fanboying abound. Flaws are not ignored, yet it does not turn sour nor snarky. Geeking out on details and moments is encouraged. It’s about the music then & now. Well done indeed.
  • Lindywasp
    The Bodyguard
    I love the show. It is one of the few podcasts I never miss. The two of you are as much fire together as the jams you explore. You asked on The Bodyguard episode with April Wolfe who should play Kevin Costner to Rihanna’s Whitney Houston in a remake. Easy. Chris Pine. He’s got that Everyman ease, would be totally believable as ex-Secret Service, he’s fine and he can sing. As a twist he could sing the country rendition of I Will Always Love You. Think about it.
  • Billchill22
    Love y’all
    It’s lit! Sit back, and get lost in the fire tracks. Then try adding heat rocks lyrics to the molten hot intro music. “Heating tha rocks / rocks of tha heat / heat / heat / heat of tha rocks / rocks of tha heat / heat / heat “
  • Calgal_27
    100% Fire
    As a Maximum Fun subscriber, I am a cornerstone fan of this podcast. Even though I am a liner notes nerd from way back, I learn something new every episode. The variety of guests and their selections keep the show fresh and hearing Morgan's occasional, "OooooWEEEE!" always makes my day. Thanks to Heat Rocks for the continued expansion of my musical understanding.
  • J1180
    Must listen
    If you are a record lover, this is for you.
  • Geng Grizzly
    Lineage of Combustibles
    ‪The essential "my favorite album" conversation series. Always insightful and brimming with fervor. A celebration of the profound spice behind this universal language called music. Morgan Rhodes & Oliver Wang, 5-star rated, 5-star generals‬. 10 degrees of styles beyond measure. Thank you both so much. Peace, Geng PTP aka that weaponized ASMR guy
  • Steve B EC
    Rocks
    I swoon at Morgan’s intros. I love her and Oliver’s erudite, heartfelt, and insightful reflections. Their absolute love and devotion for the music seeps through the interwebs and in turn my headphones. This show is super smart but also all heart. Heat Rocks warm up my life. Seriously! Thanks Oliver and Morgan.
  • Your Friend Jami
    Favorite music podcast, easily
    This 'cast never fails to school me - whether it's regarding an album I've known and loved for years or one I've never heard before. It's just so great to listen to people who know and love music talking about the music they know and love.
  • ebdavdav
    Perfect
    I’m so late to this podcast, but I’m glad the most recent episode was my introduction to the show. You two have a great tempo; you respect each other’s opinions and don’t talk over the other person. You have excellent taste in music. I can’t wait to do a deep dive through the catalogue.
  • Justin Soleta
    Best music podcast out there.
    A well-balanced, informative podcast hosted by people who know what they’re talking about and have the best taste in music.
  • Porky Party
    Love it!
    Great, very informative and fun podcast about music that has helped introduce me to some new tunes and gain an appreciation for music I already love. I would love to hear an episode about a Morris Day and the Time album!
  • Blessaid
    Maximize Musical Mind Expansion
    Oliver, Mogan, and guests take your minds on a musical journey beyond boundaries and hopscotch through genres and cover the topics you need to bless your ears with! Subscribe. Soak up. And Sharpen yourselves.
  • MuryChris
    Always on point.
    Thoroughly enjoy Oliver, Morgan, and various guests’ rapport and intellectual banter on bangers. Take a listen! You’ll always learn something new.
  • jpodblue
    Best music podcast and hosts!
    I enjoy the deeeep dives - learning all the background stories and technical details behind albums. Great for long commutes, too.
  • notadad
    Simply the best
    Simply the best music podcast out there. It’s that simple, y’all.
  • d_stapes
    Do you like music?
    If so, there is no reason you shouldn’t be listening to this podcast.
  • CitizenHoffman
    My Current Favorite Podcast
    I have loved music passionately and studied it intently my entire life, and it’s such a pleasure to spend this time with people who love it as much as I do. So deep, so thoughtful, so fun, and ALWAYS pointing me towards amazing records and artists that I hadn’t know before.
  • Black Bird Run
    Great Podcast
    One of my favorites. Enlightening, informative and sassy! Always interesting to here Oliver and Morgan’s opinion and observations. I have a couple of heat rocks to recommend; check out Living Colour - 1990 Times Up (best black rock band ever) Jamie Lidell - 2016 Building a Beginning (British Soul is alive and well) Adding 2 giant thumbs up for the Steely Dan and EWF episodes. Sooo Excellent. What about a guilty pleasure show. An album or artist none of your friends or family would think you would love, or you surprised yourself that you would like so much
  • boutté
    One of the best knows to know.
    Morgan and Oliver bring it every episode. Also good tracks. Always good talks about good tracks. And some of the dopest insight out there.
  • Aaron_Neville_Fan
    Listen and TAKE NOTES
    Been a fan of Oliver’s work for a long time and learning more about Morgan because of this show - both are extremely knowledgeable but approachable in their scholarship and fandom of music as a whole. I recommend this podcast to all of my fellow record store nerds, and anyone else who shows even the slightest interest in any artist that I know has been featured on Heat Rocks, as a subject or a guest. I wish everyone listened to this podcast because I would have a lot more to talk about with the rest of the world. The best advice I can give is anyone is listen to Heat Rocks and take notes!
  • saw them...
    music and love
    morgan and oliver - dang! YOU TWO are fire. every one of your episodes is a master class in musicology, where i learn not just about the music, but its socio-cultural relevance as well. i could even say it’s a cultural-historical-anthropo-musicological deep dive into hot lava. on another note, as an 80’s bay area modern-rock girl (shout out to tower & amoeba) married to an east coast rap fan, you’ve given me a vocabulary for discussing rap & funk that has brought big love to my marriage! thanks for the music AND the love.
  • loveStax
    Keep up the great work
    Hi Morgan and Oliver. I’m a 62 year old New York Italian who loves your show. Growing up in NY in the 70’s I was privileged to have my choice of great DJ’s and radio stations. I love R&B and soul music the most. Listening to your podcast has opened my ears to music and artists that I was not familiar with and I thank you for that. Your tribute to Aretha was fantastic. Keep up the great work. I’m going to Italy for a two week vacation and I downloaded some of your shows. I’m taking you with me. Take care and ciao. Mike.
  • Natto Matt
    Smooth. Eloquent. Uplifting.
    Morgan and Oliver have two of the smoothest voices in podcasting. Together with their guests (usualy musicians, scholars or other music industry professionals), they eloquently praise and examine classic albums. I particularly enjoyed their celebrations of Steevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan. The production quality is fantastic. Song clips are nicely edited into the show, so that listeners can hear a bit of each track being discussed. There is something uplifting about hearing smart and sensitive people talking about the art they love.
  • intheburg
    Good stuff
    I listen to a several album review podcasts. This is definitely the most diverse and the best edited (no two hour discussions full of filler to be found here). The hosts are great. Oliver is like the super-smart older brother who mom always liked best, and Morgan is a master of poetic monologues. She is the one you want to write your obituary. Never miss it!
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.