Episodes

The Past Tens Riff-Off
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. Mi...
The Simply Red-Hot Hits of 1986
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 p...
The Best Fake Bands of All Time
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 , an...
1975: Captain Davetastic and the Brown Dirt Milt-Boy
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)...
Your Song
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...
For Brian: Top 10 Beach Boys Songs
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.
Motorin': The Hits of 1984
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 personal...
Top 10 Episodes of The Brady Bunch
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 16:29 Episo...
Worst of the Best: The Dark Side of Iconic Artists
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 M...
Back to School: The Hits of 1990
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...
10 Amazing Music Facts You Didn’t Know (But Milt Might)
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...
The Hits of 1969. Right On.
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...
The 1994 Albums Draft
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 hip-hop, an...
PETER WOLF!
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, ...
1975: Rock Meets Roll & German Techno. Achtung & Gesundheit!
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 Zeppel...
1985: Rock, Funk and Techno. Oh My!
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 ...
1989 Hits: A Medina Pour & a Pet Dinosaur
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...
The 1980 Albums Draft
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...
The Rock of 1988
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 01...
Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time
247
March 6, 2025

Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time

A special countdown of the greatest movie soundtracks ever. From 'The Blues Brothers' to 'Saturday Night Fever,' they discuss iconic songs and how they seamlessly blend with their respective films. Milt and Dave also share personal anecdotes, debate the importance of original music versus curated tracks, and reminisce about how these soundtracks have influenced their love for music and movies. Along the way, they touch on notable soundtracks that didn't make their top ten and explore changes the...
Back in the Love Machine: Hits of 1976
246
Feb. 28, 2025

Back in the Love Machine: Hits of 1976

Dave and Milt jump back to February 21, 1976, to explore the Billboard Top 10 hits. The duo analyzes songs ranging from ELO's 'Evil Woman' and the Eagles' 'Take It to the Limit' to disco classics like Donna Summer's 'Love to Love You Baby' and Hot Chocolate's 'You Sexy Thing.' They introduce a playful segment featuring AI-generated Milt as a quizmaster. Songs are substituted, moments from TV and film are highlighted, and nostalgic stories are shared, all culminating in Paul Simon's classic '50 W...
The 1984 Albums Draft
245
Feb. 21, 2025

The 1984 Albums Draft

Dave and Milt, alongside special guests Anton and Joy, dive into the 1984 music scene by conducting a fantasy draft of the best albums from that year. The lively discussion highlights major albums like Prince's 'Purple Rain', Van Halen's '1984', Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA', and Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. The guests add their unique picks including Bryan Adams' 'Reckless', Talking Heads' 'Stop Making Sense', and Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Couldn't Stand the Weather'. This engaging episode r...
1980: Yeah, I Actually Do Like Pina Coladas
244
Feb. 14, 2025

1980: Yeah, I Actually Do Like Pina Coladas

Dave and Milt take a trip back to February 2nd, 1980, to review and critique the Billboard Top 10 hits of that week. They find Tom Petty's 'Don't Do Me Like That,' Rupert Holmes' 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)', Kenny Rogers' 'Coward of the County,' and Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You,' among others. They also engage in playful banter and trivia about musical notes and historical facts, recap the top songs of the week, and make their substitutions for songs they feel deserve a spot in the top 1...
SNL Music: 10 Hot Takes
243
Feb. 7, 2025

SNL Music: 10 Hot Takes

Dave and Milt break down the most memorable musical moments and controversies from the iconic Saturday Night Live. They discuss specific incidents including Sinead O'Connor's Pope photo-tear, Ashlee Simpson’s lip-sync debacle, and Rage Against the Machine’s protest, as well as touching on SNL's influence on modern comedy and music trends. The hosts also offer hot takes and personal insights, such as suggesting Justin Timberlake should join the SNL cast and arguing Andy Samberg’s superior comedic...