Podcast Summary: Jokermen - "In Conversation: Molly Lambert"

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host: Ian from Jokermen Podcast

Introduction

In the December 26th episode of the Jokermen Podcast titled "In Conversation: Molly Lambert," host Ian welcomes Molly Lambert back for her fourth appearance. This episode delves into Molly’s latest work, "Double Acts in Pop", an intriguing book that explores the dynamics of musical duos while also serving as a typography showcase for Commercial Type. The conversation seamlessly blends discussions about iconic music partnerships with personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, making it a must-listen for fans of pop music history and design enthusiasts alike.

Overview of "Double Acts in Pop"

Molly Lambert introduces her book as "an incomplete survey, available now from Commercial Type" (00:10), highlighting its unique fusion of musical exploration and typographic artistry. Ian elaborates on this by explaining, "It's a book about music that is also a typography catalog showing off typefaces" (03:56). The collaboration with Commercial Type allowed Molly to design the book in a visually appealing manner, making it both a resource for music enthusiasts and a collectible item for design aficionados.

Key Points:

• Incomplete Survey: The book covers a wide range of musical duos, offering both well-known and obscure examples.
• Typographic Design: Each section not only discusses the musical duo but also showcases related typefaces, blending music history with design principles.
• Availability: Offered through Commercial Type, with options to purchase online and potentially in select LA stores.

Jan and Dean: The Beach Boys' Counterparts

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Jan and Dean, a dynamic duo often compared to the Beach Boys. Molly and Ian explore how Jan and Dean served as both collaborators and foils to the Beach Boys, particularly highlighting their relationship within the California music scene.

"Jan and Dean represent what the Beach Boys would be like without Brian Wilson." — Ian (07:02)

Key Topics:

• "Surf City" and Beyond: The duo's iconic hit "Surf City," penned by Brian Wilson, set the stage for their exploration of themed albums like "Folk City" and "Soul City."
• City-Themed Albums: Ian and Molly discuss the creativity and sometimes the absurdity of Jan and Dean's city-themed projects, such as "Folk City" being a minor key twist on "Surf City" (11:53).
• Impact and Legacy: Despite their successes, Jan and Dean never quite reached the Beach Boys' artistic heights, instead carving out their niche as beloved yet somewhat kitschy figures in pop music history.

The Dynamics of Musical Duos

The podcast delves deep into the complexities of working as a duo, drawing parallels between musical partnerships and personal relationships. Ian compares being in a duo to being in a romantic relationship, emphasizing the intricate balance of collaboration and individuality.

"In a duo it's like a relationship. It's literally like a romantic relationship... a lot of the same dynamics exist." — Ian (40:34)

Key Insights:

• Collaboration vs. Individuality: The necessity for both members to contribute creatively while maintaining their unique identities.
• Longevity and Stability: How some duos, like Hall and Oates, manage to sustain their partnership over decades, while others face challenges that lead to eventual separation.
• Emotional and Creative Tensions: The pressures that come with shared success and the strain it can place on personal dynamics within the duo.

Case Studies of Other Duos

Beyond Jan and Dean, Molly Lambert’s book covers a variety of musical duos, each with their unique stories and challenges. The podcast explores partnerships like Hall and Oates, Steely Dan, and Loggins and Messina, providing listeners with a broad perspective on what makes or breaks a musical partnership.

Highlighted Duos:

• Hall and Oates: Their seamless songwriting partnership and how they navigated maintaining their creative synergy over the years.
• Steely Dan: The tumultuous relationship between Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, particularly during the "Gaucho" era, and their eventual reconciliation.
• Loggins and Messina: Their collaborative process and how they balanced personal ambitions with their musical partnership.

Insights from "Double Acts in Pop"

Molly Lambert shares compelling insights from her research, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of these duos' careers. The book not only celebrates their successes but also delves into their struggles, providing a balanced view of their contributions to pop music.

"You can read this in, like, a day, basically, like I did." — Ian (61:09)

Key Takeaways:

• Struggles and Triumphs: Detailed accounts of the challenges faced by duos in sustaining their partnerships amidst changing musical landscapes.
• Cultural Impact: How these duos influenced and were influenced by the cultural contexts of their times, from the surf craze to the rise of soul and R&B.
• Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics: Personal anecdotes that reveal the human side of these musical partnerships, including conflicts and reconciliations.

Notable Moments and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Ian and Molly share engaging stories and humorous exchanges, particularly revolving around Jan and Dean’s eccentric projects and the broader music scene.

Memorable Exchanges:

• City-Themed Albums: The duo's attempt to cover various cities through their music, leading to quirky titles like "Folk City" and "Soul City."
• Dead Man's Curve: Discussions about the song's background, its real-life inspirations, and the enduring danger of the actual Dead Man's Curve on Sunset Boulevard.
• Personal Reflections: Anecdotes about listening to Jan and Dean's discography and the emotional resonance of their music.

Quotes Highlight

• Molly on the Project:
  "It's a very, very cool project." (00:48)

• Evan on Jan and Dean's Obsession:
  "I got really obsessed with every single thing I wrote about for this book." (06:23)

• Ian on Reading the Book:
  "You can read this in, like, a day, basically, like I did." (61:09)

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Molly promotes the availability of her book, "Double Acts in Pop," encouraging listeners to explore the fascinating world of musical duos. Ian reflects on the enduring legacy of these partnerships and their place within the broader narrative of pop music history.

"God bless them for making the most out of the straight flush hand of aces that they were dealt by life. We all should be so lucky." — Ian (30:31)

With a blend of insightful analysis, personal stories, and engaging dialogue, this episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers a rich exploration of musical duos, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners who are passionate about pop music and its intricate histories.

Listen to "Double Acts in Pop"
Available now through Commercial Type and select bookstores. For a visual treat, the book features stunning typographic designs crafted by designer Chris Wu.

Connect with Jokermen Podcast
Subscribe on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive content: patreon.com/jokermen
Follow @jokermenpodcast on Instagram and Twitter.

Note: Sections like advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded to maintain focus on the substantive discussions.