Buzzcocks – “What Do I Get?”

 Click here to play the episode
Buzzcocks - "What Do I Get?" (Pete Shelley) Copyright 1978 Complete Music Limited

Back in ’77, one thing UK punk bands didn’t have much use for was love songs. But Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks wrote what could be called “modern love songs”; honest songs about longing, romance, loneliness, and yes, love — all laced with self-deprecating humor. But their music was aggressive, all raging guitars, pounding drums & pummeling bass. With those thoughtful (dare I say, sensitive) lyrics on top, it was the best of both worlds. On this episode, we take a deep dive into the Buzzcocks classic “What Do I Get?”.

If you’re a Buzzcocks fan, check out The Hustle Podcast’s interview with Steve Diggle.

Buzzcocks – “What Do I Get?” (Pete Shelley) Copyright 1978 Complete Music Limited

— This show is one of many great music-related podcasts on the Pantheon network. You should check them out!

Edwin Starr – “War”

 Click here to play the episode
"War" (Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong) Copyright 1970 Jobette Music Co, Inc.

“War” was originally written for The Temptations, but when Motown was too squeamish to have one of their top acts release an overtly anti-Vietnam song, Edwin Starr stepped up and secured his place in history. His no-holds-barred delivery of “War” resulted in one of the most commercially successful protest songs ever recorded. Though Edwin Starr never reached these heights again, he left his mark with a song that transcended its Vietnam-era roots: It was one of the songs on Clear Channel’s no-play list after September 11, 2001.

“War” (Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong) Copyright 1970 Jobette Music Co, Inc.