Atheneum of Rock

This is it guys!! The concluding episode in our Un-Covering the Beatles experiment.  We're recapping songs 30-5, going over honorable mentions and while I don't do it often, I'm getting a little personal today. So hit that play button and see if your favorite song made the list and why you wont believe who I chose as my cover artist for song number 1!

Welcome back to Un-Covering the Beatles, where we count my personal top 30 Beatles tunes and elect a cover version to stand in place of the original (in the event the original no longer existed) We've crossed the top 10 Threshold and are rolling into songs 9-5!We're covering the history/meanings and interesting facts about the songs before we jump into the cover that best represents it and why I chose it!Here are the songs from today's episodes... Now come on in and learn about them!!9. In My Life - Johnny Cash 8. With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker 7. Something - Jim Sturgess 6. Across the Universe - Jim Sturgess 5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Jeff HealeyJake Shimabukaro Ukulele Version No Hints for next week! Songs 4-1 are coming at you in full force next Monday!!

Only 2 weeks left! All the links are included below from this episode!!And next week in songs 9-5, you'll learn about the warm side of John Lennon and the song he wrote that would eventually be played at Kurt Cobain's funeral along with the iconic artists who absolutely did justice in their cover version.We'll also tag in probably the Beatles greatest cover version ever written in the song that featured cheering from a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in the original version. In the same token of the above cover artists, you'll also learn about the song that was given to him but he didn't release in time, making way for the Beatles to get it out on schedule which would prove to be the best move for them!All that and more next week. So enjoy this week's episodes and their covers!!!14. Helter Skelter - Motley Crue13. All You Need is Love - Jim Sturgess, TV Carpio & Dana Fuchs12. Blackbird - Cameron MitchellChris Picco's Version (the heartbreaking version spoke about in the episode)11. Here Come the Sun - The Glee Cast10. Hey Jude - Tyler Ward

Happy Veteran's Day to all those on American shores! Today we're taking a look at the history of Veterans Day and those from the music industry who offered up their service. In this episode, you'll learn:- Why Elvis refused a cake walk term of service and what major life events would transpire for the King because of this!- Which Country Outlaw was the first person to hear about news that effectively changed the status quo of WWII- The Crooner who had a front row ticket to battle, the hell of concentration camps as well how a demotion after getting caught having dinner with his African American friend that would change the course of his life forever. We're also going over some not-so great soldiers of music and so much more. So strap on your boots soldier, and let's learn, listen and appreciate the work of musicians who put it on the line for America!

Welcome back to Un-Covering the Beatles, where we count top the top 30 Beatles compositions and elect a cover version to be the best one on the market! While we certainly won't always agree I've included the updated list from today's episode below.We're covering the history/meanings and interesting facts about the songs before we jump into the cover that best represents it and why I chose it!19. I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Glee Cast18. Because - Elliot Smith17. Eleanor Rigby - David Cook16. Come Together - Gary Clark Jr.15. Revolution - Jim SturgessMake sure to visit us next Monday as we continue to Un-Cover the Beatles in songs 14-10 and learn about songs like:The song that Paul McCartney took on as a personal challenge from the Who's Pete Townshend after he declared one of their tunes the "most raucous 'rock and roll" song and essentially created Heavy Metal. We'll also touch on a song that was personal to Paul during the civil rights movement and would be re-appropriated for so many things afterwards including one of the most heartbreaking covers you'll hear me talk about. We also have some great cover versions including a song that was covered in a Minor Key that COMPLETELY changes the dynamic and tone of the song!So block out your Monday Mornings for the next month because we have a lot to "Cover!"

It's Election Day here in America and believe it or not, we're not talking about it!This is NOT a political podcast so while I hope you are getting out there and voting for who you want to be the leader of this country, this episode is paying homage to the sounds of political campaigns past and present! Music has ALWAYS been a big part of campaigns so after you're done voting, come in and dial in as you'll learn about: - What early president was the first to ever feature a song in his campaign and how it would eventually become an anthem of sorts. - What president would wind up using a song that was written specifically for him and crushing his opponents in 2 straight elections with it!- What political juggernaughts decided to use tunes like "Tippiecanoe and Tyler Too" as well as "Rock-a-bye Baby"... and actually win!- Then we're diving into musical artists who were not down with candidates using their music and what they did to stop it (Poor John McCain) That and so much more on this not-so-political, political short story today! 

My Personal Top 30 Beatles songs and the Cover Version that best suits it if in fact you were only allowed one!While I'm listing the cover versions below, in songs 30-20 you'll learn about:- What famous artists' song Paul McCartney completely stole a bass line from and utilized it in one of their debut hits!- The song that John Lennon was sure Paul McCartney wrote about Yoko Ono because every time he sang a particular part of the song he looked directly in her direction!- The track that took 65 takes to finish through 3 disjointed parts but essentially doesn't really mean anything in particular- And about the longest Beatles song -- which ironically only contains 15 words total! Cover Versions:30. I Saw Her Standing There - Casey Abrams29. She Loves You - Breaking Up a Monologue28. Get Back - Lenny Kravitz27. Happiness is a Warm Gun - Joe Anderson & Salma Hayek26. All My Loving - The Well Pennies25. Don't Let Me Down - Dana Fuchs & Martin Luther McCoy24. I Want You (She's So Heavy) - Umphrey's McGee23. I've Just Seen a Face - Jim Sturgess 22. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - Prisicilla Ahn21. Help! - Extreme20. Oh! Darling - Dana Fuchs & Martin Luther McCoy 

For Beatles Fans and Non-Beatles Fans alike!Imagine this: While the music of the Beatles still exists, the original versions are no longer available. Instead, if you want to listen to the music of the Fab Four, you have to listen to a cover version. But only ONE cover version.We're going over my personal 30 Best Beatles tunes where you'll learn:- The History & Meanings behind the songs- The Cover Version I chose and why I chose it (links will be included)Maybe you're not a fan of the Beatles, but appreciate the songwriting. Well, come on in and find out an alternate take to some amazing music! 

He was a pioneer for his era and inspired so many great artists that exist today but there was truly only 1 Edward Lodewijk Van Halen. While many well-known facts exist like his beginnings on the drums and eventual switch to guitar or the fact that his middle name paid homage to Beethoven and he would repay that favor by naming his son Wolfgang in tribute to Mozart, there are several facts that exist that you may not know.Today we celebrate the life of Eddie with 5 amazing facts and the stories behind them.We'll also go over the conclusion of our Best Guitarists tournament and more. So light a candle and crank it to 11 as we pay tribute in today's episode!

Here we go!!.We're going over what happened in the finals on both sides of the brackets as well making sure to include honorable mentions that didn't quite make the cut. .We're also recapping what everything we learned about our finals competitors that way you are fully equipped to make the most informed decision. .If you're late to the party, I hope you have some fun listening in and learning something new!!.As always, you have 24 hours to vote via the Stories features on both Instagram and Facebook. Make sure to find me at "Athenum of Rock Podcast". 

What a road we've traveled and only 4 people are still between the lines. Obviously we have covered a lot about our competitors but in the finals we're going over our winners from the Semi's and diving into the quintessential album that you MUST own. Come in and see who made our finals and get your votes in via Instagram and Facebook Stories!!

We're down to 8! This is where we begin separating the boys from the men! We'll go over what happened in the Quarterfinals before we get down to business.In the previous rounds we learned about their:- Brief Biography- Interesting, Song, and Guitar Facts- The Solo that really shows their chopsAnd in the Semi-Finals we're going to learn what kind of achievements you can accomplish when you dedicate yourself to your passion. You'll learn which artist(s) have had statues made in his honor, who has keys to 2 Italian cities, who has been honored by the Queen, who had a day named after them and one artist has a list of awards SO long that we had to actually fast forward through them!! If you're here live, make sure you are following me on Facebook and Instagram @atheneumofrockpodcast to get your votes via both Stories features. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtheneumOfRock

We're covering both groups in the quarterfinals episode!Here's what we've learned by rounds:Round 1 - Brief Bios for each CompetitorRound 2 - Interesting Facts, Guitar Facts and Song FactsQuarterfinals - We're going to focus on some of the guitar work that got them to this point!Stop on in and get some background on some great songs like, Queen's "I Want It All", Jimi Hendrix's cover of "All Along the Watchtower", and Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" and SO much more. If you're looking at this in time to vote, make sure that you are following me on Instagram and Facebook that way you can vote using the Stories features on both platforms!

This one (like the last) is filled with so much more information!With only 16 competitors remaining, it's time we got to know them!- Inside, we'll finally get to the bottom of Peter Green's infamous 1959 Gibson Les Paul. What made it so unique? How did it end up in the hands of other great guitarists and who owns it now?- You'll learn about what guitar greats like David Gilmour and Adrian Smith like to do when they aren't melting faces.- We'll also go over a super group that unfortunately wasn't meant be. Hint: it would have included members from The Who, Zeppelin and the Yardbirds. And Seriously SO MUCH MORE! I had so much fun doing this episode and I encourage you to check this one out before you jump into the voting!Again, you can vote via Instagram and Facebook Stories. Both handles are Atheneum of Rock Podcast. So cast your vote and I'll see you all on Thursday for Round 2 Results and a look at the Quarterfinals on the American side of the bracket!

This one is SO MUCH MORE than just a review. With only 16 competitors remaining, it's time we got to know them!Inside you'll learn how Jimi Hendrix and John Mayer are connected from a rare neurological condition...The awesome story of how Prince obtained his signature "Purple Special" guitar...The divine (and some might say spiritual) story about how Billy Gibbon's obtained his signature guitar "Pearly Gates"...How Chuck Berry became an Interstellar Icon...And How Les Paul Revolutionized the world of Rock and Roll and continues to do so from beyond the grave...And Seriously SO MUCH MORE! I had so much fun doing this episode and I encourage you to check this one out before you jump into the voting!Again, you can vote via Instagram and Facebook Stories. Both handles are Atheneum of Rock Podcast. So cast your vote and I'll see you all on Monday for results and Round 2 of the Best (mostly ) European side of the bracket!

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Volume 1 is officially in the books (get it)? Let's recap what we learned and gear you up for some really cool things coming up here in the not to distant future!!

"The Day the Music Died" commemorates the lives of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper as death came to visit in a plane crash during their tour through the Mid-West.  We're going to detail the what happened on that day but SO much more. In this episode you'll learn why they were doomed from the start and why the sweet, polite and dorky rocker would haunt the lives of many great people that followed including (but definitely not limited to): Eddie Cochran, The Beatles, Del Shannon, Ricky Nelson, Gary Busey, Members of Weezer and even Kurt Cobain.

This episode is the ENTIRE reason I started a Podcast. John Lennon's song, "Imagine" has been heralded as one of the most influential songs in all of history. It's also been ostracized for it's message of melodic anarchy.  But what would a literal world in this song ACTUALLY look like? Today, we're diving into this song hard. It's going to be well-researched, thorough and brutally honest. So buckle in... 

"The only true currency in this bankcrupt world is what you share with someone when you're uncool" - Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman)**WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!**Many of you by now have probably seen the 1999 hit movie, "Almost Famous" but I can GUARANTEE you that you've NEVER heard about it like this!From watching this movie 100's of times, numerous interview sources and incredibly in depth research, you will not leave this episode without learning MULTIPLE new things about this iconic movie!

The story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash has been so highly disputed, refuted and convoluted that trying to understand the facts takes away from the music and importance Skynyrd was to Rock and Roll as a whole.Well now you can have it both ways!Listen in as we uncover why a band of Skynyrd's magnitude had to relegate themselves to an airplane that Aerosmith refused to fly on. Find out who set them on the crash course and why they did it...You'll get to learn about all 26 members on board, what happened in those final minutes and the true story of survival and redemption.We've researched every account available and believe we have compiled the most comprehensive portrayal of those last fateful days of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Keith Richards snorting his dad's ashes has been one the most compelling topics in rock lore. People have questioned the validity for years, but there is no reason to question it anymore. Come on in to get to the real answer and see what other insane things that Richards survived during his career!

Ooohhh Yeeheaahh! Imagine losing both arms, both legs, the ability to speak and the ability to see all while holding on to every conscious thought. This scenario was a chilling cocktail of fictional reading and a dream of lead singer, James Hetfield and of course the only natural thing to do? Make a bad ass song about it."One" would not only be a monster for Metallica but also a catalyst for the Metal Genre as a whole. Today, we're diving into the tragic events leading up to the song's creation and the even more tragic tale of how it all came to be. Stop in and see just what makes this song so memorable, so dark, so... metal!   

Need a music story pick me up? Stop by for a few minutes and see how Bob Dylan altered the musical course for the Beatles by introducing them to a little green plant.

Band Names!! So many legendary bands and artists have become the moniker they carry on their album covers and despite how incredibly awesome they are, have you ever really questioned them? Did you ever wonder why Led Zeppelin decided spell the beginning of their name wrong? Have you ever wondered why Derek and the Dominos chose their name despite being front by Eric Clapton? NOBODY hates a great origin story. So many names were created in different ways. From real name combinations, inspirations from poetry, movies, historical figures to simply a misunderstanding or accidentally stumbling upon a name, there is NO shortage of amazing stories. What about the names that didn't make the cut? Come find out which hard-rocking 80's group almost named themselves "Aids". Not kidding. This and so much more in this week's Chapter!!

The Last Chapter (and probably the most important one). Did you know it was Kurt Cobain's mother that ACTUALLY brought light to the notion of just how many famous artists passed at the age of 27? Did you know that she was actually mis-understood by the media? That gaff would turn into one of the most famous stories in Rock and Roll History!We have 4 remaining members including the aforementioned Kurt Cobain and a woman who would inspire so many of today's leading women including Lady Gaga, Adele and Ellie Goulding; Amy Winehouse. Find out who are 2 often lost members in addition and see how ALL of our fallen representatives are connected!!

Today's episode takes a deeper dive into the lives of Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. We'll learn about who they are to help us better understand who they became and the legacies they left behind. We'll enter Room 105 at the Landmark Motor Hotel where Joplin would succumb to her need for adoration through drugs & alcohol and even question the very nature of her death. Then we'll jump the pond to Paris, France where Jim Morrison would disappear. Was he murdered? Was it an overdose? Did he fake his own death to get away from it all? Then we'll do something that SO many people fail to do: Tell the whole story. The "GAP" years between 1973 and 1994 would contain additional artists and entertainers that wouldn't make it to their 28th birthday. Come see who we're talking about on today's chapter!

The 27 Club: A notorious group of young men and women in the entertainment industry whose fast track lifestyle would ultimately lead to an unfortunate end. Statistically, do we have the numbers to constitute an actual club? Was Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones murdered or did the drugs finally catch up? How did Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson revitalize the career of a blues legend before he passed? Was there foul play in the death of Jimi Hendrix? On part 1, we find out!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:INTROCHAPTER 1: THE BEGINNINGCHAPTER 2: THE DEVIL’S MUSICCHAPTER 3: INSPIRATIONCHAPTER 4: GUITARY THEORY 1: IKE ZIMMERMANCHAPTER 5: GUITAR THEORY 2: THE DEVIL AT THE CROSSROADSCHAPTER 6: FAUSTOCHAPTER 7: HOODOOCHAPTER 8: RECORDING AND TOURING CAREERCHAPTER 9: DEATHCHAPTER 10: CROSSROADS LOCATIONLIVE TOP FIVECURTAIN CALLSNEAK PEAK

Today we take an informal approach to Mothers Day and discuss new trending topics. We talk about the passing of Little Richard, older members of music who are still around, tragic losses throughout the entertainment industry and of course Mother's Day! We talk about the Godmother of Rock and roll, the kids and mom's of music and so much more. If you're looking to kill some time by the cooler, come listen!

The gates are open! Welcome to the Atheneum of Rock, where we tell music's most infamous stories with as much factual information as possible while still being honest, fun and most importantly; real. We're going over SO much to do with music on this podcast and I hope you're ready. I know I am.