A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

Dive into the revolutionary spirit of the MC5 and their iconic track "Kick Out the Jams." Discover the personal struggles of a pivotal band member and how they shaped the group's music. Explore the chaotic intersection of 1960s activism and the band’s role in the counterculture, along with their connection to figures like John Sinclair. The podcast also tackles the controversial crediting of their music and the impact of censorship, highlighting the MC5’s lasting legacy in rock and social movements.

For those who haven’t heard the announcement I posted, songs from this point on will sometimes be split among multiple episodes, so this is the second part of a two-episode look at the song “Who Knows Where The Time Goes?” by Fairport Convention, and the intertwining careers of Joe Boyd, Sandy Denny, and Richard Thompson. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode. Patreon backers also have a forty-one-minute bonus episode available, on Judy Collins’ version of this song. Tilt Araiza has assisted invaluably by editing, and will hopefully be doing so from now on. Check out Tilt’s irregular podcasts at http://www.podnose.com/jaffa-cakes-for-proust and http://sitcomclub.com/ (more…)

Discover the journey of Joe Boyd, a pivotal figure in transforming folk music into electric sounds. Explore the early evolution of Fairport Convention, from country jug band origins to a diverse musical entity. Delve into the impactful introduction of Sandy Denny and the group’s struggles in production. Unpack the intersection of comedy and music and its influence on British Trad Jazz. The tragic incident involving the band adds a poignant layer, showcasing the resilience and transformation within the group.

For those who haven’t heard the announcement I posted, songs from this point on will sometimes be split among multiple episodes, so this is the third and final (and very, very long) part of a multi-episode look at the song “Never Learn Not to Love” by the Beach Boys, and the links between Charles Manson and the LA music scene, as well as the life of Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode. Patreon backers also have a ninety-minute bonus episode available, on “The Letter” by the Box Tops and the career of Alex Chilton. I’ve also started up an email newsletter at https://it-was-ninety-years-ago-today.ghost.io/. I took a temporary break from that while finishing this episode, as it became much, much longer than I expected, but I will be resuming it shortly. Tilt Araiza has assisted invaluably by doing a first-pass edit, and will hopefully be doing so from now on. Check out Tilt’s irregular podcasts at http://www.podnose.com/jaffa-cakes-for-proust and http://sitcomclub.com/ (more…)

Dive into the tangled history of the Beach Boys and Charles Manson, exploring their bizarre connections and the allure of Manson's philosophy. Discover the exploitation and complex dynamics of folk music through the lives of figures like Lead Belly and John Lomax. Hear about the evolution of the Beach Boys' sound amid personal struggles and shifting band dynamics. Engage with the darker turns in Dennis Wilson's life and the chaotic yet influential 1960s music scene, revealing the interplay of ambition and disillusionment in an era of free love.

Dive into the Beach Boys' turbulent ties to Charles Manson and the darker side of the LA music scene. Discover the profound influence of Leadbelly, his battle against racism, and the injustices he faced. Follow the evolution of surf music and the Beach Boys’ creative resurgence. Explore Manson’s troubled youth and how it shaped his songwriting and interactions with iconic musicians. Unravel the surreal meeting between Dennis Wilson and Manson, revealing the complexities of fame and ambition in the volatile world of rock.

A surprising delay in releasing new content brings excitement! The host dives into the importance of accuracy in research, revealing how a recent publication unearthed critical errors in the existing literature about Huddie Ledbetter. It's a thrilling reminder of how even completed work can be upended by new information. Listeners can look forward to a fresh and well-researched deep dive that promises to be enlightening and well worth the wait.

For those who haven’t heard the announcement I posted , songs from this point on will sometimes be split among multiple episodes, so this is the first part of a multi-episode look at the song “Never Learn Not to Love” by the Beach Boys, and the links between Charles Manson and the LA music scene. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode. Patreon backers also have a fifty-five-minute bonus episode available, on “Light Flight” by Pentangle Tilt Araiza has assisted invaluably by doing a first-pass edit, and will hopefully be doing so from now on. Check out Tilt’s irregular podcasts at http://www.podnose.com/jaffa-cakes-for-proust and http://sitcomclub.com/ (more…)

Dive into the chaos of the Rolling Stones' 1969 as the podcast charts their creative struggles, including Brian Jones' decline and the personal turmoil behind 'Honky Tonk Women.' Explore the dark moments of their history, from a concert marred by violence to the tragic aftermath of Altamont. Delve into the band's preparation for a tumultuous tour, the conflicts with fans, and the poignant legacy of their music amid tragedy. It’s a gripping look at artistry, fame, and the heavy price they paid in the rock spotlight.

Dive into the socio-political themes behind the Rolling Stones' 'Sympathy for the Devil,' exploring connections with Oscar Wilde and John Milton. Discover the impact of the obscenity trial surrounding 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' and the band's tumultuous experiences amid legal struggles. Examine the shifting public sentiment on drug penalties and the chaotic creative process behind their iconic sound. Uncover the evolution of the band amidst societal change, personal turmoil, and the formation of innovative artistic partnerships.