A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

Explore the rise and fall of Pentangle, highlighting their diverse sound and personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. Discover Bert Jansch's profound impact on the folk genre and the tension with Led Zeppelin's appropriation of his style. Dive into the formation of the band and the dedication of its members, reflecting on how their journeys shaped a unique blend of folk, blues, and jazz. Experience the evolution of their music amidst personal and artistic transformations, showcasing their lasting influence on rock.

Dive into the poignant life of Nick Drake, a unique figure in the British folk scene, whose struggles with mental illness and isolation shaped his artistry. Explore his formative years, influenced by family and friendships, and the journey to his debut album. Discover the making of 'Fruit Tree' and its initial reception, alongside the collaboration-filled evolution of 'Brighter Later.' Finally, reflect on the challenges of creating 'Pink Moon' and how Drake's troubled legacy found posthumous recognition, turning him into a revered artist.

Discover the rich history of Jethro Tull, from Ian Anderson's early musical experiences to the band's evolution over the decades. Unpack their struggles with identity and lineup changes that shaped their sound. Learn how the iconic flute became a defining element despite various challenges. Explore pivotal moments that led to their breakout hit 'Living in the Past' and the diverse musical experimentation that followed. Delve into their acclaimed works and the ongoing influence of its members in shaping rock music.

Dive into the vibrant history of Status Quo, a band that defined British boogie rock in the 70s but remained largely unnoticed in the U.S. Discover personal stories of aspiring musicians overcoming adversity, with heartfelt tributes to childhood inspirations. Explore the evolution of a band transitioning from Italian pop to rock, navigating lineup changes and controversies. Finally, reflect on the enduring legacy of a band that faced numerous challenges while delivering memorable performances and adapting to a rapidly changing music landscape.

Explore the fascinating journey of Los Shakers, a groundbreaking Uruguayan band of the 1960s. Discover how they transitioned from traditional sounds to a Beatles-inspired vibe and navigated the challenges of breaking into the U.S. market. Uncover their fascinating evolution into a unique blend of jazz, samba, and bossa nova while facing commercial pressures. The significance of their album 'La Conferencia Secreta del Toto's Bar' is also unveiled, reflecting on its cultural impact and the band’s quest for a distinct Latin rock identity.

It's that time of year! Pledge Week is here, bringing excitement and nostalgia as past bonus episodes make a return to entice new Patreon supporters. The host highlights how listener contributions are vital for keeping the show alive. Expect longer bonuses than ever, with some stretching to an hour and a half! Plus, he reminds everyone that support is appreciated but not obligatory, encouraging a thoughtful approach to signing up. Spread the word and enjoy the rich archive of content available!

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…)