A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

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.

Explore the tumultuous mid-60s backdrop of the Rolling Stones, where personal struggles intertwine with cultural impact. Discover the tragic story of Oscar Wilde and the societal pressures that led to his downfall. Delve into the band's dynamics during a pivotal year, highlighting rivalries with other rock legends. Uncover the chaos in the musicians' personal lives, where love affairs and media sensationalism add layers to their artistry. Witness how these tumultuous experiences shaped their music and legacy.

This episode dives into the intriguing world of the Rolling Stones and their evolution during the 1960s. It explores Alan Klein's game-changing influence on artist management and the band’s strategic shift in American markets. The tensions within the group are laid bare, highlighting Brian Jones' struggles with his place in the band amidst creative collaboration by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Listeners also gain insight into the cultural context of their songs, showcasing the balance between artistic expression and commercial pressures.

Explore the legacy of soul singer James Carr and the beginnings of Goldwax Records. Learn about Carr's evolution from a soul artist to a country soul hitmaker. Dive into his troubled career, struggles with mental health, and lasting impact on the music industry.