Kirk Hamilton wraps up another terrific season of one of my favorite podcasts with an in-depth musical analysis of the Bill Withers classic, “Lean on Me” (Overcast, Apple Podcasts). Hamilton also uses it as an opportunity to deconstruct several more Withers classics, reminding me just how much of his music is a part of my musical firmament (“Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Lovely Day”, “Just the Two of Us”, and “Use Me”, for starters).

Two thoughts while listening:

• “Use Me” has one of the filthiest funk clavinets ever laid down. I mean, it’s just nasty!
• I can’t help but think of Jonathan Bynoe’s “Bill Withers recording ‘Lovely Day’” skit whenever this song comes on. (Withers set a record by holding that “Daaaaay” note for 18 seconds.)