Episodes

272
Aug. 21, 2025

Top 10 Simpsons Episodes with Author Alan Siegel

Dave and Milt welcome Alan Siegel — yes, that Alan Siegel, the guy who literally wrote the book Stupid TV: Be More Funny – How The Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television and America Forever. If you thought you loved The Simpsons, wait until you hear Alan dissect his top 10 episodes with a surgeon’s precision and a fanboy’s heart. We’re talking Radio Bart, Bart Sells His Soul, Marge vs. The Monorail, and the rest of the Mount Rushmore of Springfield. These aren’t just funny episodes — the...
271
Aug. 15, 2025

1982 Hits: American Fools

It’s August 21, 1982, and Dave and Milt are back in the Time Machine, swimming in the Billboard Top 10 like it’s the world’s most awkward pool party. Chicago is apologizing all over the place with “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” Fleetwood Mac is politely asking you to “Hold Me,” and Survivor is still living off that “Eye of the Tiger” Rocky money. Along the way, we detour into soda-related TikTok challenges (yes, apparently Sprite is dangerous now), celebrity death news (spoiler: not good news), and l...
270
Aug. 8, 2025

A Vacation to the Hits of 1982

Break out the confetti and questionable fashion choices—we’re turning six! To mark the occasion, Dave and Milt jump into their chart-shaped time machine and land smack in the neon glow of 1982, where Paul McCartney was still cranking out hits, Air Supply hadn’t yet exhausted their supply of feelings, and the Go-Go’s were busy corrupting the youth on VHS tape. You’ll get chart commentary, deep cuts of trivia, unsolicited opinions, and a listener email so good it made us want to binge a Billy Joe...
269
Aug. 1, 2025

Scenes From A Billy Joel Documentary

Dave and Milt welcome two top-shelf Billy Joelologists: Scott Eckstein and Russ Flicker. We crack open the emotional songbook that is the HBO Max doc And So It Goes—a title that screams “quiet devastation,” like only Billy can. We’re not just talking about Uptown Girl and Glass Houses. We go deep: the musical shapeshifting, the very Jewish energy, the marriages that aged like milk, the loyal bandmates that got canned, and the critics who never really got him (but oh, how we do). You'll hear me...
268
July 25, 2025

The 1972 Albums Draft

Hop in the Top Ten Time Machine as Dave and Milt, joined by certified grooveologists Al and Ira, crank the dials back to 1972 — a year when rock was raw, soul was deep, and at least one guy was wearing glitter and singing about space. It's time for the ABCs of Rock Draft, where our fab four draft their dream teams of albums released in this musically stacked year. Expect legends like Bowie, Wonder, and the Eagles to fly off the board early — but don't be surprised when someone grabs the Sanford...
267
July 17, 2025

The Past Tens Riff-Off

In this highly scientific and not at all petty episode of Past Tens, Dave and Milt throw down in the only arena that really matters anymore: pop culture debates. It’s the Past Tens Riff-Off, where no sacred cow is safe, every cow is delicious, and every opinion is shouted like it’s 1986 and you just lost your cassingles collection. The format? Timed debates. The stakes? Imaginary. The judgment? Left up to you, our dear listeners with way too much time on your hands. From Freddie Mercury vs. Mic...
266
July 10, 2025

The Simply Red-Hot Hits of 1986

Strap into the time machine and set the dial for July 1986, a time when Top Gun ruled the box office, synthesizers ruled the airwaves, and Kenny Loggins ruled… something. In this episode, Milt and Dave wade knee-deep through the Billboard Top 10 from a summer that gave us everything from Loggins' “Danger Zone” (still trying to make aviator sunglasses cool) to Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years” (still holding back… the energy). Expect the usual: unsolicited nostalgia, suspiciously convenient ...
265
July 3, 2025

The Best Fake Bands of All Time

Dave and Milt crank the amp to 11 and count down the greatest fake bands of all time. That’s right—no chart-toppers, no world tours, no actual existence. Just the fictional bands that somehow managed to rock harder than most real ones. We open with a little School of Rock, because if Jack Black doesn’t make your fake band list, you’re doing life wrong. From there, it’s a nostalgic jam session through cinematic and small-screen legends like The Commitments, The Blues Brothers, The Wonders, and—o...
264
June 27, 2025

1975: Captain Davetastic and the Brown Dirt Milt-Boy

Are you still reading these silly show notes? Honestly, bless your heart. You're a true Time Machiner. Or you’re just really bored at work. Anyway, on this week's episode, Dave and Milt climb into the Time Machine and rocket back to June 21, 1975 — the land of lava lamps, fringe vests, and an absolutely bonkers Billboard Top 10 Albums chart. We’re talkin’ Elton, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys, and even Alice Cooper giving us all the Welcome-to-My-Nightmare vibes (spoiler: it’s not a lullaby...
263
June 20, 2025

Your Song

Dave, recording from a writer's retreat in Papoose Pond, Maine, taps into the power of music to evoke memories and tell stories. Dave engages with fellow retreat participants and listeners from the ‘Machine Nation’ community to share meaningful songs and the personal stories behind them. The episode features a variety of musical tastes—from The Cars' 'Just What I Needed' and Jay-Z’s 'Song Cry,' to Jefferson Starship’s 'Jane' and Otis Redding’s 'Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.' Each guest narrate...
262
June 13, 2025

For Brian: Top 10 Beach Boys Songs

Milt is in Africa. Dave is at the beach, but just metaphorically as he counts down YOUR choices for the top 10 Beach Boys songs. RIP Brian Wilson.
261
June 6, 2025

Motorin': The Hits of 1984

In this radical episode of Past Tens: A Top 10 Time Machine , Dave and Milt hop in their DeLorean — flux capacitor fully operational — and set the date for June 16, 1984. They're not just cruising through the Billboard Top 10; they're living it like extras in Footloose . The episode kicks off with a heartfelt and totally tubular tribute to Dave’s late father — think The Karate Kid 's Mr. Miyagi, but with better dad jokes. From there, it's a parade of parachute pants, popped collars, and p...
260
May 30, 2025

Top 10 Episodes of The Brady Bunch

Dave and his family count down the undisputed top 10 episodes of The Brady Bunch. Joined by his brother Adam, uncle John, and cousin Mikey, they discuss memorable appearances by guest stars like Vincent Price and Davy Jones, iconic moments such as Marcia's broken nose, and the cultural impact of the show. Topics 00:38 Special Episode Announcement 00:58 Family Introductions 02:58 Tribute to Sol 04:50 Top 10 Brady Bunch Episodes Countdown Begins 10:50 Episode 10: A Fist Full of Reasons 16:2...
259
May 23, 2025

Worst of the Best: The Dark Side of Iconic Artists

Dave and Milt explore the forgettable songs of their favorite artists, sometimes referred to as the 'worst of the best.' Joined by special guests, including Dave's brother Adam and intern Jack, the group dives into infamous tracks from icons like Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and more. Throughout the spirited discussion, they reveal personal anecdotes, defend their controversial choices, and cleanse the palate with some of each artist's more celebrated works. Topics 00:49 The Concert ...
258
May 16, 2025

Back to School: The Hits of 1990

Milt and Dave revisit the billboard top 10 hits from May 19, 1990, a significant date marking their college graduation. The duo analyzes, critiques, and discusses the lasting impact of songs like 'Vogue' by Madonna, 'Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinéad O'Connor, and 'Poison' by Bell Biv Devoe. They also humorously reminisce about their younger days and milestone moments while navigating the chart. Additionally, the episode includes special segments such as the 'Substitution' where each host replaces...
257
May 9, 2025

10 Amazing Music Facts You Didn’t Know (But Milt Might)

In this lively episode of 'Past Tens, a Top 10 Time Machine,' Dave and Milt return from their musical escapades with stories, trivia, and laughs. Milt reflects on his experience at a New Orleans jazz festival while Dave quizzes him on intriguing music trivia. The hosts discuss concert anecdotes, festival food, and historical music facts. Tune in for their lighthearted banter, deep dives into rock history, their favorite fondue recipes, a deep dive into the history of lima beans and the poetry of...
256
May 1, 2025

The Hits of 1969. Right On.

Right on, brothers and sisters! In this righteous trip of Past 10s: A Top 10 Time Machine, cosmic cats Dave and Milt take a far-out journey back to the Billboard Top 10 hits of May 3, 1969. From Glen Campbell’s heartfelt “Galveston” to the celestial vibes of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The Fifth Dimension, our mellow duo raps about the stories behind the tunes, their cultural mojo, and whether they still groove today, man. ✨ They dig deep into the righteous jam “Time is Tight” by Booker T...
255
April 25, 2025

The 1994 Albums Draft

Come gather ‘round, music lovers and friends, For a tale of the '90s where the nostalgia never ends. Dave and Milt took a trip, and Beth tagged along, To the year 1994, where the tunes were strong. With six picks apiece, including one score, They drafted the albums they truly adore. Green Day was Dookie, REM brought the feels, TLC had the water, and Nirvana brought the chills. Weezer got blue, and the stories got loud, As each of them battled to make their picks proud. From grunge to h...
254
April 18, 2025

PETER WOLF!

DREAMS COME TRUE. Milt (and especially) Dave experience a rock n roll fantasy come true as they (alongside special guest Cha-Chi LoPrete) talk with legendary J. Geils Band front man and best-selling author Peter Wolf. He’s the author of 'Waiting on the Moon.' Mysteries are unraveled including the legend of Raputa the Beauta and Peter’s favorite J Geils album. They also discuss memorable moments from Peter's career, including his stories about Muddy Waters, Alfred Hitchcock, and Aretha Franklin, ...
253
April 11, 2025

1975: Rock Meets Roll & German Techno. Achtung & Gesundheit!

In dieser epische Musikzeitreise episode of Past Tens: The Top 10 Zeitmaschine, your trusty hosts — Herr Doktor Dave and Der Wilden Miltmeister — strap on their sonic lederhosen and dive kopfüber into the Billboard Top 10 Albums for the Woche ending April 12, 1975 — ja wohl! With all the precision of a Bavarian clockmaker and the subtlety of a bratwurst cannon, they analyze und rocken diskutieren legendary platten from musikalische titans like Led Zeppelin (or as they say in Munich, Blei Zeppeli...
252
March 31, 2025

1985: Rock, Funk and Techno. Oh My!

Dave & Milt take listeners on a hilarious and nostalgic journey back to April 1st, 1985. They explore the Billboard Top 10 hits of that week, analyzing and critiquing songs that have either stood the test of time or faded into obscurity. Songs covered include lost classics like 'Magical' by John Parr and novelty hits such as 'The Mustard Dance' by DJ Crouton. The episode is filled with fun segments, listener emails, and even playful banter about music, pets, and pop culture from the 80s. Topics...
251
March 28, 2025

1989 Hits: A Medina Pour & a Pet Dinosaur

Dave and Milt take listeners back to the week ending April 8, 1989, dissecting the Billboard Top 10 hits from that time. They provide insights, critiques, and contextual tidbits about each song, including highlights like 'Funky Cold Medina' by Tone Loc, 'Stand' by R.E.M., 'Like a Prayer' by Madonna, and 'The Look' by Roxette. Throughout the episode, they reminisce about personal and pop culture moments, celebrate special episodes, and interact with listener mail. The episode wraps up with the in...
249
March 20, 2025

The 1980 Albums Draft

Dave and Milt are joined by special guests Jamie Joffe and Laura De Veau for the 1980 Albums Fantasy Draft. The panelists draft six selections each, including one movie soundtrack, focusing on the top albums released in 1980. Notable picks include Billy Joel’s 'Glass Houses', U2's 'Boy', Steely Dan's 'Gaucho', AC/DC’s 'Back in Black', and the soundtrack from 'The Blues Brothers'. The discussion features stories, trivia, and the guests’ personal connections to the music, making it an engaging tri...
248
March 13, 2025

The Rock of 1988

Dave and Milt delve into the week of March 12, 1988, examining the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. They analyze songs from artists like Mike Oldfield, George Thorogood, and INXS, and critique what has aged well and what hasn't. Highlights include discussions on Aerosmith's 'Angel,' John Cougar Mellencamp's 'Check It Out,' and David Lee Roth's 'Damn Good.' They also explore notable tracks that didn't make the top 10, with a focus on the three-name artists in their 'Playdate' segment. Topics ...