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Anything But Toto

Anything But Toto

By: Anything But Toto
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Anything But Toto is a pop culture and current events podcast. Join Bianca and Julian as they dig into music, movies, TV, news, and celebrity gossip. You never know who or what will be discussed next, but rest assured, this is a Toto-free space.Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Art Music Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Ep. 29: "Here's the Thing" - 10 Recent Rock Songs on Rotation
    Feb 27 2026

    Rock music may be absent from the Grammys stage, but is it actually making a comeback?

    In this episode, Bianca and Julian ask a simple question: is 2026 the year rock re-enters the mainstream? After noticing the genre’s total disappearance from Grammy broadcasts, they put Bianca’s bold prediction to the test with a curated list of ten recent rock songs they can’t stop playing. The only rules: no artists previously covered on the show, all somewhat new artists, and all recent releases.

    From the midwest slacker energy of MJ Lenderman, to the emotional gut punch of Hayley Williams, and the hardcore-by-way-of-Gwen Stefani sound of Turnstile, they make the case that guitars are far from dead.

    Before diving in, they catch up on a few current events: head scratching moments from the 2026 Grammys (including the eligibility debate around Billie Eilish's Wildflowers and the lack of a proper tribute to Brian Wilson) and highlights from Bad Bunny’s stellar Super Bowl performance.

    It’s part culture check-in, part rock manifesto - and a reminder that just because something isn’t televised doesn’t mean it isn’t thriving.

    Email us: anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    Theme music by: Daniel Konikoff

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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Ep. 28: “Ruminating Ruminating” - A Review of Lily Allen’s West End Girl
    Jan 26 2026

    Bianca and Julian are back with their first episode of 2026....which ironically is a deep dive into one of the most talked-about pop releases of 2025: Lily Allen’s West End Girl.

    The episode opens with some scene-setting - pop music predictions for 2026 (is 2010s nostalgia closer than we think?), plus an explanation of the Khia Asylum and who currently resides there. From there, the focus turns to West End Girl, Lily Allen’s viral fifth studio album, which has already been compared to such classics as “Jolene,” “You Oughta Know,” and “You’re So Vain.”

    Bianca and Julian revisit Lily’s career and public image, from her early hits and tabloid notoriety to her lasting influence on the pop girls of the 2020s. They also discuss her marriage to David Harbour - including that unsettling AD house tour - before moving into a track-by-track breakdown of the album. Along the way, they propose a central idea: that West End Girl is built around a tension between the classical and the contemporary, reflected in its themes, sound, and packaging. The conversation broadens to include the history of concept albums and what it means for a pop record to be this cohesive.

    Why don't more celebrities talk about mortgages? What the hell is a "medicator"? Did Lily rip of this show's theme song?! Listen to find out!

    Email us: anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    Theme music by: Daniel Konikoff

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    2 hrs and 5 mins
  • Ep. 27: "Wrapped it Up and Sent It" - Why "Last Christmas" is a Timeless Pop Song
    Dec 20 2025

    Join Bianca and Julian for their final episode of 2026, as they unwrap a Christmas classic: “Last Christmas" by Wham!

    In this holiday send-off, they tackle a few burning questions: Why is this song so infectious? Why does it feel timeless decades later? And why has it been copied so endlessly?

    They dig into the influences and science behind George Michael’s hit, breaking down its composition, arrangement, and production choices that give the song its staying power. From there, they branch out into four (…maybe five) tracks clearly inspired by “Last Christmas,” exploring how the song's DNA and tricks pop up in several hits from artists of different genres.

    As part of the conversation, Bianca and Julian wrestle with the cringe factor of Christmas music, the enduring power of Eurovision-style pop, and the influence of opera in pop music. They also discuss holiday movies, upcoming film releases they’re excited about, and the shocking, deeply sad news of Rob and Michele Reiner’s tragic deaths.

    So pour some mulled wine, embrace the minor-key melancholy, and get ready for one last festive deep dive before the year wraps.

    Happy Holidays and New Year from Bianca and Julian! Thanks for a great year!

    Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

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    1 hr and 1 min
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