“Who am I to blow against the wind?” In Episode 48, Kiara is joined by her newest drinking buddy, Sarabeth from Red Tape Brewery, to discuss Paul Simon’s seventh studio album, Graceland (1986). In this episode, we dive deep into the controversial past of this iconic record, and emphasize the importance of discussion, research, and education on the eve of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Kiara and Sarabeth toast the master storyteller that is Paul Simon with a few That Was Easy Pale Ales provided by Red Tape, sharing our own tales of kitchen dance parties, the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, emotional live music performances, and why it’s so important to have good people in your corner. We will all be received in Graceland! Get out there and support local businesses! Red Tape Brewery is located at 159 Main Street, Toronto, Canada. @redtapebrewery www.redtapebrewery.com

Kiara Gets Drunk and Talks About Music

Ep. 48 Graceland

“Grease is the word.” In Episode 47, Kiara flies solo once again while sharing her thoughts on the classic soundtrack for the movie-musical, Grease (1978). In this episode, Kiara recounts her early experiences watching the film with her neighbours and quickly moves into how her view on the plot and most of the iconic songs has changed, highlighting the double standards that exist between the male and female characters. And while she mourns the end of summer over a few Tequila Sunrises, Kiara still manages to find moments of joy in the flawlessly choreographed dance numbers, the 50’s-inspired earworms, and the subtle victory of Rizzo. Oh, those summer nights!

Ep. 47 Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture

“Baby, you’re the end of June.” In Episode 46, Kiara is joined once again by the amazing host of the Gin and Beer It Podcast, Meg, to talk about the sophomore album from Harry Styles, Fine Line (2019). In this episode, we separate the psychedelic bops from the heart wrenching ballads, revisiting Harry’s flawless evolution from boy band baby to bona fide babe (while of course disclosing our favourite 1D members along the way). From the radio hits to the deep cuts to the cinematic music videos, this episode’s got it all, and over the course of a few watermelon margaritas we make time to address the potential of a Jen Aniston/David Schwimmer romance, Meg’s roller-rink-filled past, the sexual awakening that was Harry’s GRAMMY performance, and how being yourself will always be in Style(s). Shine – step into the light! Make sure to check out Meg on her podcast and follow Gin and Beer It on social media! @ginandbeeritshow www.ginandbeeritshow.com

Ep. 46 Fine Line

“Well, well – look who’s inside again.” In Episode 45, Kiara returns to the podcast after a brief hiatus with the help of our resident “zoomer” Ethan, to discuss the album accompanying Bo Burnham’s lockdown special, Inside (The Songs) released in 2021. In this episode Kiara and Ethan nurse a couple aptly-named Quarantinis while trading their takes on the music from this massively successful performance piece, revisiting how they first discovered Bo on Vine and applauding his growth from a 16-year old YouTuber to one of the most thought-provoking and endearing comedians of his time, while staying true to his signature satirical jokes and musical acumen. And while most of the episode is spent fawning over Bo’s brilliance as a performer and how the album’s songs continue to hit home, we also make time to try our hand at Boston accents, cuss out Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, and rhapsodize about the one and only Jeffrey Bezos.

Ep. 45 Inside (The Songs)

“You’ll be my bloody valentine tonight.” In Ep. 44 Kiara invites Bonnie back to the podcast to discuss the latest release from Machine Gun Kelly, Tickets To My Downfall (2020). In this episode we rejoice at the return of an early 2000s pop punk sound that got a modern day makeover from a rap star who took a risk that seriously paid off; churning out not just hit singles that combine honest lyrics with punchy power chords like “my ex’s best friend”, but also surprisingly gentle melodies such as “play this when i’m gone” and “lonely”. And with a couple Bloody Valentine cocktails in hand, Kiara and Bonnie share their own personal stories about how this album fed their soul amidst a global quarantine, why it’s one of their favourites to dance to, and the power of being town down to nothing to build yourself back up. But we also make time to share our thoughts on Disney’s greatest villain, why Christina Aguilera makes Bonnie tear up, Kiara’s new obsession with Lil Huddy, and confirm that Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox are truly the hottest couple in the world. There’s a lot that I want to say – but that’s for another day.

Ep. 44 Tickets To My Downfall

“He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?” In Episode 43 Kiara is joined by Natalie to discuss Canadian music sensation (and the subject of Nat’s first diary entry) Avril Lavigne, and her debut studio album, Let Go (2002). With their black eyeliner perfectly smudged, these newly vaccinated pals pay tribute to the pop punk queen who preached the power of being anything but ordinary with a batch of Jungle Juice, as they recall their early experiences listening to Avril’s music, its influence on young girls and the early 2000s pop music scene, and how the tracks hold up 19 years later. In this episode we explore the album’s many hit singles such as “Complicated” and “I’m With You”, but also make the case for the iconic deep cuts that illustrate Avril’s Napanee roots and tongue-in-cheek teenage musings like “My World” and “Things I’ll Never Say”. And of course, we end up losing grip on the conversation as we spiral into our 9 year old angst and questionable pre-teen fashion choices, Natalie’s solo school bus karaoke performances, and the great Chad vs. Derek debate. Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?

Ep. 43 Let Go

“This whiskey got me feeling pretty, so pardon if I’m impolite.” In Episode 42, we got to do things our own way, darling! Kiara welcomes back Endrita to the podcast for a review of Rihanna’s empowering album, ANTI (2016). In this episode we worship at the church of RiRi, toasting her with our Whiskey Sours while gushing over the record’s raw, drunken ballads combined with sickening samples and powerful collaborations, in addition to applauding her many successful business ventures and overall confidence, courage, and grace. We make sure to revisit the early years of her career; from “Pon De Replay” to her Live @ MUCH appearance, and laying down track after track that always made us (and Tom Holland!) want to dance, leading us to marvel at the evolution of a young girl from Barbados who turned herself into a multi-million-dollar mogul. And over the course of our discussion, Kiara and Endrita acknowledge and praise the long-overdue liberation of outspoken female entertainers and the shift of the pop culture landscape, in addition to reminiscing about their SNL obsession, Endrita’s late-night rendition of “Work”, and how they’re still holding out hope for Rihanna and Drake. Must be love on the brain!

Ep. 42 ANTI

“And then suddenly it hit me it’s a year ago, since I drank miniature whiskey and we shared your coke.” In Episode 41, all we wanna hear you say is R U mine? Kiara is joined by Meg – host of the Gin and Beer It Podcast – to discuss Arctic Monkeys game-changing album, AM (2013), over a few classic Jack & Coke’s! Before getting into the specifics of this record, Kiara and Meg confirm they are indeed the same person as they recount their similar experiences listening to the band during their university years and their shared love for charismatic front man, Alex Turner. Pour us one for the road because we have a lot to discuss; from the British club classic that put these Sheffield boys on the map, to their massive radio hits and killer B-sides that solidified their spot as indie rock n’ roll icons, all the while reveling in the self-indulgent yet relatable energy of this moody album that drunkenly walks the line between cerebral and direct lyricism and balances pleading ballads with confident jams. And among the many mad sounds we also learn of Meg’s alleged hiatus curse, reminisce on Turner’s infamous BRIT Awards acceptance speech, touch on the dangers of a good ol’ drunk text, and admit we are definitely still NOT over Harry Styles’ GRAMMY performance. Make sure to check out Meg on her podcast and follow Gin and Beer It on social media! @ginandbeeritshow www.ginandbeeritshow.com

Ep. 41 AM

“Come hold my hand, hold it tight. We’re in a weird time of life.” Episode 40 begs the question – is there any life on mars? Kiara is reunited with her brother (and self-proclaimed “Steve Martin of the podcast”) Ethan to review YUNGBLUD’s sophomore effort, weird! (2020) - with beer sponsored by Midtown Brewing Co.! In this episode we celebrate the creativity, confidence, and tenacity of Dom Harrison and his efforts to build a highly inclusive and diverse collective through music, drawing influence from the likes of My Chemical Romance, The Beastie Boys, Oasis and David Bowie. As always, these siblings take a few detours in the conversation, trying their hand at different British accents and hearing their true feelings on Glee and Pentatonix, but not even a bad Michael Caine impression can disrupt the impact of this Gen-Z trailblazer. Over the course of a few Strawberry Sours, we dissect YUNGBLUD’s music with a message; from the experimental alternative jams to the sickeningly sweet pop bops and the smorgasbord of genres in between, commenting on his ability to captivate an audience with performance and encourage others to always celebrate their differences.

Ep. 40 weird!

“But square cut or pear shape, these rocks don’t lose their shape.” In Episode 39 Kiara is joined by her former roommate and first time pod guest Bonnie to dive into the always-spectacular Moulin Rouge! Music from Baz Luhrmann’s Film (2001). Before getting into the details of this star-studded soundtrack, Kiara and Bonnie reminisce on how their love for the film first brought them together at university and how its diverse collection of songs resulted in a lot of late night drunken sing-a-longs, particularly to the tune of “Elephant Love Medley”. We make the case for how Luhrmann was able to flawlessly incorporate diverse work from the likes of The Police, David Bowie, and Elton John to create a compendium of “banging songs”, and praise his whole-assed approach to making the film an iconic spectacle of colour and sound. And with a couple Pink Diamond Fizz cocktails in hand, we also discuss the illustrious career of John Leguizamo, learn of Bonnie’s true feelings on the Spider-Man franchise and the Mario Brothers motion picture, and yearn for a spot in the “Lady Marmalade” music video. Seasons may change, winter to spring – but I love you until the end of time.

Ep. 39 Moulin Rouge! Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film

“And I turn the six upside down, it’s a nine now.” In Episode 38, there is truly no place like home as Kiara welcomes back resident R&B expert Farrah via Zoom to discuss Drake’s fourth full-length studio album Views (2016). In this episode we devote ourselves to the teachings of the 6ix God himself, from his humble beginnings on Degrassi to his sizable impact on Toronto tourism. And over the course of a few Back Nine Cocktails, we make the case for Drake’s sensitive yet incredibly relatable rap style, his eventual evolution to Jamaican dancehall music, the absolute earworm that is “Hotline Bling”, and his stellar collabs with the likes of Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. But we also make time to discuss Farrah’s current TikTok algorithm, Kiara’s idea for a Baby Shark remix, the contemporary R&B classic that is “Bedrock” by Young Money featuring Lloyd, and Toronto’s greatest landmark. Why you gotta fight with me at Cheesecake? You know I love to go there…

Ep. 38 Views

“Gonna rise up, find my direction magnetically.” In Episode 37, we will leave it all far behind! Kiara welcomes back our most recent guest Kerri for a discussion on Into the Wild: Music for the Motion Picture (2007) from the legendary Eddie Vedder, sponsored by Lake of Bays Brewing Co.! In this episode we take a cue from our Off The Grid Hazy Pale Ales and dive into the true story of Harvard-bound-student-turned-vagabond Christopher McCandless, his journey to Alaska, and the mix tape-worthy tracks from Pearl Jam’s front man that compliment this memorable film so perfectly. We go deep exploring the themes of both the movie and the soundtrack, touching on the importance of reflection and self-discovery, Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes, and society’s materialistic obsessions; but we also keep the conversation light and learn of Kerri’s Quebecois wilderness adventure and how she’d react in a hypothetical Hunger Games situation, and we also get a sneak peek at Kiara’s Sean Penn impression. Vedder? I hardly even know her!

Ep. 37 Into the Wild: Music for the Motion Picture

“I feel it in my bones, I feel it in my bones.” In Episode 36, baby we are right on time! Kiara is reunited with her favourite English major and cardigan enthusiast, Kerri, to review Vampire Weekend’s critically acclaimed record, Modern Vampires of the City (2013) – with beer sponsored by Amsterdam Brewing Co.! In this episode we get a little more preppy discussing the evolution of these NYC boys and their stunning narrative regarding a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it foray into adulthood while feeling the impact of the always delicious, Boneshaker Unfiltered IPA. We praise front man Ezra Koenig’s purposeful and insightful lyricism disguised in catchy indie-pop bops, and Kerri brilliantly ties his references to the likes of Arthur Miller while questioning his views on the Oxford Comma. And while this is an album caked in religious skepticism, cautionary tales to reckless youth, and the preciousness of time, we counteract every existential crisis with comparisons to Britney Spears, our thoughts on Greased Lightning, and why we’re attracted to Timothée Chalamet’s anarchist/baller lifestyle.

Ep. 36 Modern Vampires of the City

“Look for the girl with the broken smile, ask her if she wants to stay a while.” In Episode 35, come and rest your bones with us as Kiara welcomes back Tiff via Zoom to trade takes on the 2002 debut from Maroon 5, Songs About Jane, with beer sponsored by the good folks at Town Brewery. Before getting into the details of this record, Kiara and Tiff reminisce about what was – in their opinion – the golden age of pop-rock music and their personal relationships with the band, as well as pay tribute to underground rap legend MF DOOM and Hollywood darling Kelly Preston. We make the case for the massive hits off this album that accompany some steamy, pool-make-out-session-filled music videos, and that also combine Levine’s catchy hooks with surprisingly deep yet vengeful lyricism; leading to speculation on his Zodiac sign. And with a few Laugh Basket Lagers in hand, we review Levine’s tattoo chronology, our thoughts on Tarantino’s latest film, Kiara’s lack of Star Wars knowledge, and what exactly constitutes a Swedish goodbye. Will this album get the Seth Cohen seal of approval? Listen to find out!

Ep. 35 Songs About Jane

“City of stars, are you shining just for me?” In Episode 34, Kiara is joined once again by movie buff Ethan to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to another day of sun, as they share their takes on Damien Chazelle’s 2016 movie musical, La La Land. In this episode these siblings express their love not only for the film itself thanks to its stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, but also for its expertly curated score and memorable original songs. And with their Jazz Cocktails in hand, Kiara and Ethan discuss their discontent for Los Angeles traffic jams and what REALLY happens when they attend parties, but more importantly, the struggle of maintaining the delicate balance of your passion and your relationships, and never stopping in the pursuit of your dreams. Hey, ya like jazz?

Ep. 34 La La Land: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Hi! I'm Kiara, and I started this podcast for two reasons: to get drunk and talk about music. Join me and my guests as we discuss some of our favourite albums over some of our favourite drinks. Follow the pod on social media! Instagram: kiaragetsdrunk Twitter: kiaragetsdrunk

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Kiara Gets Drunk and Talks About Music

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