Six-Pack of Survivor, Volume One

·1 hr 35 min·5 clips

Jason Pawlak hunts for Clay Aiken CDs in thrift shops, aiming to collect 100 and get the last one from Aiken himself.

The episode begins with introductions, where Jason Pawlak is highlighted for his humorous project of collecting used Clay Aiken CDs for under $2 each, aiming to reach 100. Eric Miller explains the format: each participant picks two Survivor songs to discuss. Jason shares that he discovered Survivor through his father buying him the 'Too Hot to Sleep' cassette from a Walgreens bargain bin. His first pick is 'Didn't Know It Was Love,' which he praises as a perfect radio pop song with Jimmy Jamison's vocals. John Lamoureux questions whether 80s AOR bands like Survivor have a distinct sound or if they are interchangeable, referencing a conversation with Brad Page. John's first pick is 'High On You,' and he analyzes its confusing lyrics about pronouns. Eric picks 'In Good Faith' from 'When Seconds Count,' defending it as an emotional favorite. Jason selects 'Santa Ana Winds' as a moody ballad closer, and Eric closes with 'Burning Bridges' from 'Too Hot to Sleep,' noting its driving rock energy. The conversation includes tangents on album closers, Jimmy Jamison's vocal prowess, and personal concert experiences. Plugs are given for John's interview with Ron Nevison and Jason's music at jacemusic.com. The episode ends with plans for future Survivor volumes and a Diane Warren episode.

As heard by us

Survivor deep cuts, vocal appreciation, and mixtape memories circle a yellow piece of vinyl.

Six-Pack of Survivor looks at the band's catalog the way devoted fans tend to hold it: through a vocal lift, a b-side story, or a memory passed around like a note in class.

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Why you'd press play

You get a Survivor conversation that follows Jimmy Jameson's voice from tender piano entrance to full-throated lift, with a detour into a German single and yellow vinyl.

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