Edwin Starr – “War”

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"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.

Billy Squier – “Lonely Is The Night”

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"Lonely Is The Night" (Billy Squier) Copyright 1981 Songs Of The Knight

It Came From Boston (Vol. 2): Local boy from Wellesley, MA pays his dues in & around Boston and New York; eventually becomes a solo artist and strikes gold on his 2nd solo album, Don’t Say No. “Lonely Is The Night” was the 2nd single and my favorite track from the album, so let’s have a listen to this classic track from the early ’80’s.

“Lonely Is The Night” (Billy Squier) Copyright 1981 Songs Of The Knight

— This show is part of the Pantheon network of music-related podcasts. Check out their other shows!

Was 1965 the Most Revolutionary Year in Music?

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Inspired by Andrew Grant Jackson's book, "1965: The Most Revolutionary Year In Music"

For the 50th episode of the podcast, we’re mixing it up a bit. I just finished reading a fascinating book by Andrew Grant Jackson where he lays out his opinion that 1965 was “The Most Revolutionary Year In Music”. Let’s have a listen to some of the sounds from ’65 and see if we agree. The Beatles, the Stones, the Byrds, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Motown… it’s all here in 1965.

— This show is just one of many great music-related podcasts on the Pantheon network. Check them all out!

Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians – “Airscape”

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"Airscape" (Robyn Hitchcock) Copyright 1986 August 23rd/Bug Music

A Robyn Hitchcock song is so unique, it could only come from the mind of Robyn Hitchcock. From his first recordings with The Soft Boys in the ’70’s through to his solo work today, Robyn is a singular artist with a vision all his own. This is a track from my favorite Hitchcock album, Element Of Light.  

“Airscape” (Robyn Hitchcock) Copyright 1986 August 23rd/Bug Music

As mentioned during the podcast – the Glass Harmonica:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_harmonica

— My podcast is just one of many great music-related shows on the Pantheon network. Check ’em out!

Roxy Music – “In Every Dream Home A Heartache”

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"In Every Dream Home A Heartache" (Bryan Ferry) Copyright 1973 Careers-BMG Music Publishing (BMI)

Wealth and excess go together; emptiness and detachment are right around the corner. This song delves into all of that, along with a particular obsession. What do you do when money no longer buys you a thrill? Bryan Ferry has some thoughts…

NOTE: Though there’s no profanity used in this episode, the discussion does involve sexual activities so be warned… you might wanna listen to this one on headphones.

“In Every Dream Home A Heartache” (Bryan Ferry) Copyright 1973 Careers-BMG Music Publishing (BMI)

This podcast makes multiple references to Marie-Hélène de Rothschild’s “Surrealist Ball”. More details on the infamous event here, if you’re interested:

https://dangerousminds.net/comments/glimpses_of_the_extravagant_surrealist_ball_of_1972

https://therake.com/stories/icons/party-animals-the-rothschild-surrealist-ball/

Guy de Rothschild and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild at the Surrealist Ball, Dec. 12, 1972 (Image courtesy of Legendary Parties by Prince Jean-Louis De Faucigny-Lucinge)

The song as used in the opening scene of “Mindhunter” Season 2, Episode 1 on Netflix:

The “I’m In Love With That Song” Podcast just one of many great music-related shows on the Pantheon network. Check them all out!

Rush – “Subdivisions”

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"Subdivisions" (Music by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson, Words by Neil Peart) Copyright 1982 Core Music Publishing

To say Rush has a devoted fan base would be an understatement. I know, because I was a card-carrying member of the “Rush Backstage Fan Club” back in the ’80’s. Perhaps no Rush song connected so directly with their fans as “Subdivisions”. On this episode, we celebrate Neil Peart with a deeper look at this fan favorite.

“Subdivisions” (Music by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson, Words by Neil Peart) Copyright 1982 Core Music Publishing

Starz – “X-Ray Spex”

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"X-Ray Spex" (Peter Sweval, Joe X. Dube, Michael Lee Smith, Brendan Harkin & Richie Ranno) Copyright 1978 Starzongo Music, Inc/Rock Steady Music, Inc/ASCAP

On this episode, we revisit the great ’70’s hard rock/power pop album Attention Shoppers! by Starz. “X-Ray Spex” is a blast of punky pop with some interesting use of studio effects. Turn it up!

“X-Ray Spex” (Peter Sweval, Joe X. Dube, Michael Lee Smith, Brendan Harkin & Richie Ranno) Copyright 1978 Starzongo Music, Inc/Rock Steady Music, Inc/ASCAP

Michael Carpenter – “Kailee Anne”

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"Kailee Anne" (Michael Carpenter) Copyright 2000 Michael Carpenter; Copyright 2000 Not Lame Recording Company

Michael Carpenter is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer & engineer from Australia who, in a better world, would be a lot more famous. A master of hooks & harmony, he’s one of the best modern power pop artists out there. Here’s a track that’s a personal favorite of mine. Check it out & then go buy some of his music. 

“Kailee Anne” (Michael Carpenter) Copyright 2000 Michael Carpenter; Copyright 2000 Not Lame Recording Company

The Cars – “Just What I Needed”

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"Just What I Needed" (Ric Ocasek) Copyright 1978 Lido Music, Inc.

It Came From Boston: 5 experienced musicians come together to make something new: keyboard whiz Greg Hawkes; the bassist with the killer voice, Benjamin Orr; drummer David Robinson from the legendary Modern Lovers; one of the tastiest guitarists in the business, Elliot Easton; and singer/songwiriter/guitarist & mastermind Ric Ocasek. Merging classic guitar rock with the burgeoning synth-pop sounds to bring New Wave to the masses, The Cars defined that sound for the late-70’s/Early ’80’s. It all started on local Boston radio with this song. 

“Just What I Needed” (Ric Ocasek) Copyright 1978 Lido Music, Inc.