History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

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History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is the show that aims to make grand and often oddball hard rock and heavy metal points through a narrative built upon the tiny idea of a quintet of songs. Buttressed with illustrative clips, Martin argues quickly and succinctly why these songs - and the speci…

Pantheon Media


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 461 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff podcast is a gem for music enthusiasts, particularly those interested in rock, hard rock, and heavy metal genres. Martin Popoff's expertise and passion for music are evident in every episode, making it an educational and entertaining listen. Through his well-researched and thought-out episodes, Popoff introduces listeners to influential bands they may not have been aware of previously. This podcast has expanded my musical horizons and helped me appreciate the depth and impact of certain artists I was too young to fully understand growing up.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Popoff's extensive knowledge and research. He clearly puts a lot of effort into each episode, ensuring that the information he presents is accurate and detailed. The topics he chooses are intriguing, allowing listeners to dive deep into various aspects of music history. Furthermore, his explanations are clear and accessible, even for those who may be unfamiliar with the subject matter. With concise episodes that never overstay their welcome, Popoff manages to keep the listener engaged throughout.

    The only downside to The History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is its brevity. While the short format allows for focused discussions on specific topics within each episode, it can sometimes leave listeners wanting more. Given Popoff's extensive knowledge base and ability to provide insightful commentary, longer episodes would provide an opportunity for him to delve even further into the subjects at hand.

    In conclusion, The History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff is an exceptional podcast that offers a wealth of musical knowledge and insight. Popoff's dedication to his craft shines through in every episode as he educates and entertains listeners with his vast understanding of rock history. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about music's influence over time, this podcast is highly recommended for all music lovers.



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    Latest episodes from History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff

    History in Five Songs Episode 310: Struggling with the Greatest New Wave Bands

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 39:01


    In Episode 310 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin wrestles with defining the genre and counts down his five favorite—yet genre-challengingly eclectic—new wave bands, kicking off with the Boomtown Rats and Devo in a tightly-defined 1979-focused episode. The Boomtown Rats – “Keep it Up” Devo – “Blockhead” The Police – “No Time This Time” The Jam – “Girl on the Phone” XTC – “Scissor Man” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 309: New Wave's Pub Rock Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 39:09


    In Episode 309 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin delves into the theory that traditional, conservative pub rock diluted the innovation of New Wave, highlighting how artists like Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, and Rockpile carried this "pub rock problem" into a genre otherwise defined by its creative and edgy origins. Elvis Costello – “The Beat” Joe Jackson – “Kinda Kute” Rockpile – “A Knife and a Fork” Talking Heads – “New Feeling” Patti Smith – “Space Monkey” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 308: Who invented new wave?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 32:38


    In Episode 308 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into the murky origins of new wave music, exploring whether bands like Velvet Underground and Roxy Music truly helped invent the genre—or if new wave simply evolved without a clear starting point. Velvet Underground – “Some Kinda Love” Roxy Music – “All I Want Is You” Iggy Pop – “Sister Midnight” David Bowie – “Word on a Wing” The Sex Pistols – “No Feelings” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 307: Knighted Rock Stars

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 35:12


    In Episode 307 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of UK rock stars who've been knighted, exploring the honors system, the cultural implications of Britishness, and spotlighting five legendary artists—like Mick Jagger, Ray Davies, and Bob Geldof—whose contributions to music (and beyond) earned them royal recognition. Mick Jagger – “Shoot Off Your Mouth” Ray Davies – “After the Fall” Bob Geldof – “Love or Something” Brian May – “Back to the Light" Paul McCartney – “Vintage Clothes” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 306: Offshoot Band, Shadow Band

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 36:51


    In Episode 306 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin toys with the concept of "shadow bands"—offshoot groups formed by former members that mimic, diverge from, or rival the original band—ranging from dim echoes like David Lee Roth's solo work to near-equal counterparts like Slash's Snakepit to Ozzy's post-Sabbath solo reign. David Lee Roth – “40 Below” Slash's Snakepit – “Soma City Ward” Roger Waters – “Bird in a Gale” Mike + the Mechanics – “Blame” Streets – “If Love Should Go” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 305: Bands That Became American

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 38:13


    In Episode 305 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into how bands like Whitesnake, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath, though originally British (or from elsewhere), became increasingly "Americanized" through their members, locations, recordings, and career. Whitesnake – “Slip of the Tongue” Geezer – “Box of Six” Accept – “Overnight Sensation” Pat Travers – “Then I Fall” King Crimson – “Neal and Jack and Me” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 304: The Best Real Estate on a Vinyl Album

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 40:48


    In Episode 304 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin ponders the underrated power and artistry behind the opening track of side two on vinyl albums—“the best real estate” on a record—highlighting how bands like AC/DC, Golden Earring, and Rush use that spot to make bold, surprising, or rewarding musical statements for dedicated listeners. AC/DC – “Guns for Hire” Golden Earring – “D Light” Derringer – “Let's Make It” Iron Maiden – “Killers” XTC – “Towers of London” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 303: The Stealth Platinums

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 33:47


    In Episode 303 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores the phenomenon of "stealth platinums" — albums from hard rock and metal bands that unexpectedly went platinum in the U.S. despite being critically dismissed, commercially forgotten, or largely unloved by fans. AC/DC – “Two's Up” Blue Oyster Cult – “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” Kiss – “Let's Put the X in Sex” Scorpions – “Hold Me Tight” Nazareth – “Miss Misery” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 302: Prog Bands' Top Ten Seconds

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 34:50


    In Episode 302 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin relives his favorite top 10-second moments from progressive rock bands, highlighting magical and iconic passages that encapsulate the peak musical achievements of bands like Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. Porcupine Tree – “Fear of a Blank Planet” King Crimson – “Three of a Perfect Pair Genesis – “Abacab” Rush – “Tom Sawyer” Yes – “Close to the Edge” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 301: There's no such thing as proto-punk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 36:28


    In Episode 301 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin argues that there's no such thing as proto-punk, exploring how bands like The Saints, MC5, and The Stooges challenged the conventional labels by suggesting that many so-called proto-punk acts are better understood as neo-garage or heavy rock bands, rather than direct precursors to punk. The Saints – “No Time” MC5 – “Call Me Animal” The Stooges – “Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell” New York Dolls – “Jet Boy” The Dictators – “Weekend” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 300: The Guitar Weave

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 35:25


    In Episode 300 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin conceptualizes the "guitar weave," a musical interplay between two guitarists, focusing on examples from bands like The Rolling Stones and AC/DC to highlight how intricate and layered guitar parts create a dynamic, conversational sound. The Rolling Stones – “Rocks Off" AC/DC – “Touch Too Much” The Grateful Dead – “Terrapin Station” Aerosmith – “Adam's Apple” The New York Dolls – “Human Being” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 299: Punk Albums Late by a Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 36:52


    In Episode 299 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin pontificates on punk albums from 1978 that were released a year later than expected, discussing how these albums reflect a more refined and thoughtful side of punk while still capturing its raw energy. Buzzcocks – “Autonomy” The Adverts – “No Time to Be 21” Johnny Moped – “No One” Generation X – “Ready Steady Go” The Lurkers – “Shadow” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 298: The Yes Solo Album Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 36:17


    In Episode 298 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin delves into the solo projects of Yes members between their albums Relayer and Going for the One, discussing the emotional and musical motivations behind each member's work. Steve Howe – “Australia" Chris Squire – “Lucky Seven” Alan White – “Spring – Song of Innocence” Patrick Moraz – “Indoors” Jon Anderson – “Flight of the Moorglade” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 297: Lighter but Better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 37:22


    In Episode 297 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores how certain bands like Rush, Cheap Trick, and The Damned, surprised him by becoming more melodic and lighter over time, finding these changes to be more appealing than their earlier, heavier work. Rush – “The Analog Kid” The Damned – “Grimly Fiendish” Tygers of Pan Tang – “You Always See What You Want” Vandenberg – “Friday Night” Sepultura – “Cut-Throat” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 296: The Last Great Pre-Metallica Albums

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 37:19


    In Episode 296 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin explores the "last great pre-Metallica albums" from 1983, analyzing how bands like Raven and Anvil were on the cusp of pioneering heavy metal innovations just as Metallica's debut Kill 'Em All redefined the genre. Raven – “Take It Away” Anvil – “Motormount” Dio – “Caught in the Middle” Mercyful Fate – “Black Funeral” Savatage – “On the Run” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 295: The Rock Hall's Individual Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 38:52


    In Episode 295 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff,, Martin toys with the complexities of individual artists' chances of entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, discussing how membership with one band, like David Coverdale's induction with Deep Purple or Phil Collins' with Genesis, may affect their solo careers or prospects with other groups. Whitesnake – “Wings of the Storm” Phil Collins – “I Missed Again” The Runaways – “American Nights” Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Babies” Dio – “Evil Eyes” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 294: Early Kiss Songs Not by Kiss

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 37:54


    In Episode 294 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin plays with early KISS-like sounds from bands such as Slade, Sweet, and April Wine, tracing the influence of UK glam rock and its connection to KISS's pre-Alive era. Slade – “How D'You Ride” Sweet – “Little Willy” April Wine – “The Band Has Just Begin” Bachman-Turner Overdrive – “Give It Time” Alice Cooper – “Devil's Food” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 293: Am I too much of a punk snob for hardcore?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 38:37


    In Episode 293, Martin pontificates on his punk snobbery and its impact on his journey into hardcore, reflecting on the punkiest songs, his evolving music tastes, and the roadblocks he faces as a self-identified '77 punk enthusiast. Sham 69 – “Borstal Breakout” The Damned – “Burglar” The Saints – “Erotic Neurotic” Brian James – “Becoming a Nuisance” U.K. Subs – “Brand New Age” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 292: The Mack Attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 33:10


    In Episode 292 of History in Five Songs, Martin delves into the unique production style of Reinhold "Mac" Mack, tracing his early career and distinctive sound, particularly through his work with bands like Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, and Rainbow, while highlighting the influence of his engineering techniques on iconic rock records. Electric Light Orchestra – “Confusion” Queen – “Dragon Attack” Sparks – “Tips for Teens” Billy Squier – “Lonely Is the Night” Black Sabbath – “Computer God” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 291: The Five Greatest Songs Ever Written

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 47:25


     In Episode 291 of History in Five Songs, Martin considers why Aerosmith's "Draw the Line" and other killer songs deserve their places as one of the five greatest rock songs of all time, analyzing their powerful riffs, unique production, and energetic vocal performances. Aerosmith – “Draw the Line” Status Quo – “Too Far Gone” The Grateful Dead – “France” Adrian Belew – “1967” Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 290: Two Songs in One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 33:47


    In Episode 290 of History in Five Songs, Martin has a look at the concept of "two songs in one," highlighting tracks from artists like The Beatles, Yes, and Judas Priest that seamlessly shift between distinct musical sections, often blending different genres or themes within a single song. The Beatles – “Cry Baby Cry" Yes – “I've Seen All Good People” Judas Priest – “Dying to Meet You” Van Halen – “Drop Dead Legs” Black Sabbath – “Symptom of the Universe” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 289: False Endings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 36:28


    In Episode 289 of History in Five Songs, Martin Popoff plays with the concept of "false endings" in music, examining iconic songs that deceive listeners into thinking the track is over, only to resume with additional riffs, reprises, or unexpected shifts. Wings – “Let ‘Em In” Rush – “Big Money” Pantera – “Hollow” Manowar – “Blood of the Kings” The Tubes – “White Punks on Dope” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 288: Gillan, Rainbow, Whitesnake and the NWOBHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 42:05


    In Episode 288, Martin delves into the influence of bands like Gillan, Rainbow, and Whitesnake on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), examining their evolution from cult favorites to guilty pleasures, with a focus on how these acts navigated mainstream success while maintaining their heavy metal integrity. Rainbow – “Eyes of the World” Whitesnake – “Ready an' Willing” Gillan – “Future Shock" Rainbow – “Death Alley Driver” Whitesnake – “Standing in the Shadow” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 287: Where do I start?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 43:37


    In Episode 287, Martin wrestles with the challenging question of "where to start" when diving into a band's extensive catalog, discussing strategies like starting with the latest or best album, while also reflecting on how listener preferences, social media, and music algorithms shape the listening experience. Judas Priest – “Giants in the Sky” The Clash – “Clampdown” Queen – “Don't Stop Me Now” The Cure – “Accuracy” Killing Joke – “The Gathering” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 286: A New Theory on What Caused Punk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 34:11


    In Episode 286, Martin posits a new theory about the origins of punk, arguing that it was less a reaction to progressive rock or metal and more a result of a growing disillusionment with established UK rock institutions from the 1960s. Ringo Starr – “Snookeroo” The Kinks – “Have Another Drink” Led Zeppelin – “The Crunge” The Who – “However Much I Booze” The Rolling Stones – “Dancing with Mr. D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 285: Vocal Intros

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 37:47


    In Episode 285, Martin delves into the world of vocal intros, exploring how different artists use unique vocal openings to set the tone for their songs, from crowd participation and bluesy phrases to iconic calls and dramatic showcases of vocal prowess. Max Webster – “The Party” Led Zeppelin – “I Can't Quit You Baby” Last Crack – “Love or Surrender” Status Quo – “Most of the Time” Queen – “You Take My Breath Away” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 284: Bands Ruined by Hair Metal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 38:26


    In Episode 284, Martin laments bands that were negatively impacted by the rise of hair metal, examining how their attempts to adapt to the trend led to commercial failure and a shift in their musical identity. Krokus – “Out to Lunch” Uriah Heep – “Party Time” April Wine – “Hard Rock Kid” Cheap Trick – “I Can't Understand It” Blue Öyster Cult – “Make Rock Not War” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 283: Totally Invested in Title Tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 39:40


    In Episode 283, Martin recognizes bands that take their title tracks seriously, showcasing how these songs often define albums by being the standout tracks, iconic hits, or even the only memorable song from the album. Alice Cooper – “School's Out” Accept – “Breaker” Dio – “Dream Evil” Judas Priest – “Killing Machine” AC/DC – “Stiff Upper Lip” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 283: Totally Invested in Title Tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 39:40


    In Episode 283, Martin discusses bands that treat their title tracks as the centerpiece of their albums, exploring how these songs often dominate, set the tone, or even become the most memorable tracks on the album. Alice Cooper – “School's Out" Accept – “Breaker” Dio – “Dream Evil” Judas Priest – “Killing Machine” AC/DC – “Stiff Upper Lip” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 282: Not Big on Title Tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 38:28


    In Episode 282, Martin explores bands that show little interest in title tracks, who often bypass or subvert traditional title track conventions in favor of other creative approaches. Van Halen – “Could This Be Magic?” Blue Oyster Cult – “Mirrors” April Wine – “Future Tense” UFO – “No Place to Run” Led Zeppelin – “Houses of the Holy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 281: Early Rush Songs About Mortality

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 35:09


    In Episode 281, Martin explores early Rush songs through the lens of mortality, focusing on lyrics from the band's first five albums that reflect themes of aging, existential reflection, and the inevitability of time passing. Rush – “Finding My Way” Rush – “Rivendell” Rush – “I Think I'm Going Bald” Rush – “2112” Rush – “A Farewell to Kings” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs Episode 280: Heaviest Canadian Albums of the ‘70s

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 33:53


    In Episode 280, Martin probes the heaviest Canadian albums of the 1970s, presenting a ranking based on five impactful songs from ten notable bands, highlighting the unique sound and musical evolution of Canadian rock during that era. Rush – “Working Man” Trooper – “All of the Time” Teaze – “Rockin' with the Music” Goddo – “Let That Lizard Loose” Moxy – “Rock Baby” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Song 279: Which bands do comedy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 39:31


    In Episode 279, Martin explores the comedic side of classic rock, categorizing bands by their approach to humor and showcasing how elements of comedy—or the lack thereof—are woven into their music and lyrics. Slayer – “Cast Down" Morrissey – “I Have Forgiven Jesus” Gillan – “Sacre Bleu” Iggy Pop – “Eggs on Plate” The Tubes – “Wild Women of Wongo” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Song 278: Sacred Songs I've Always Rejected

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 37:35


    In Episode 278, Martin rants about why certain tracks, despite their popularity, just don't resonate with him. Throughout, he delves into the difference between fan-revered “sacred songs” and mainstream hits, questioning whether the songs deemed sacred truly deserve their status. Deep Purple – “Child in Time” Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills” Ted Nugent – “Stranglehold” Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 277: Missed the Boat on an '80s Live Album

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 37:51


    In Episode 277, “Missed the Boat on an Eighties Live Album,” the host discusses iconic bands from the 80s, such as Van Halen, Def Leppard, and The Police, who may have missed significant opportunities by not releasing live albums during their prime, potentially leaving money and legacy on the table. Van Halen – “Drop Dead Legs” Def Leppard – “Stagefright” Aerosmith – “Permanent Vacation” Alice Cooper – “Lock Me Up” Dio – “Just Another Day” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 276: Live Albums: The Decade-by-Decade Fade

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 39:34


    In Episode 276 of History in Five Songs, Martin explores the rise and fall of live albums across five decades, from their golden age in the 1970s to their fading significance in the 2000s. He dives into the cultural and commercial shifts that led to the decline, sharing stories of iconic albums from Kiss, Thin Lizzy, and more, while unpacking how live recordings once captured the essence of rock but lost their impact over time. Kiss – “Black Diamond” Thin Lizzy – “Got to Give It Up” AC/DC – “Who Made Who” Rush – “Armor and Sword” Judas Priest – “Dragonaut” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 275: Which Deep Purple era has the best intros?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 42:30


    In Episode 275 of History in Five Songs with Martin Popoff, Martin dives into the different eras of Deep Purple, analyzing which period boasts the best song intros and how these intros reflect the band's internal dynamics and evolving leadership. Through an exploration of Deep Purple's iconic tracks, from Chasing Shadows to Highway Star, Martin uncovers the stories behind the music, highlighting the band's creative interplay and the way intros capture the essence of their musical journey. Deep Purple – “Chasing Shadows” Deep Purple – “Highway Star” Deep Purple – “Comin' Home” Deep Purple – “King of Dreams” Deep Purple – “Sun Goes Down” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 274: Exiled Rockers on Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 37:07


    In Episode 274, Martin explores the creative and commercial journeys of rockers who left or were exiled from their iconic bands, including Hugh Cornwell, Roger Waters, and Ozzy Osbourne. The episode delves into their “second catalogs” and how these artists forged successful solo careers, often fueled by bad blood and a desire to prove themselves. Hugh Cornwell – “Red Rose” Roger Waters – “Picture That” Ozzy Osbourne – “Flying High Again” Rainbow – “Self Portrait” Operation: Mindcrime – “Taking on the World” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 273: 1979 was the worst year for rock.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 37:24


    In Episode 273, Martin dives into why 1979 was the worst year for rock music, exploring the disappointments from major bands like Blue Öyster Cult, Aerosmith, and Kiss, and discussing how shifts in the industry and musical trends shaped this rocky year. Blue Öyster Cult – “Lonely Teardrops” Rick Derringer – “Need a Little Girl (Just Like You)” 3. Led Zeppelin – “In the Evening” U.K. – “Danger Money” The Boomtown Rats – “Diamond Smiles” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 272: Late-to-Arrive Hair Metal Bands

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 38:21


    In Episode 272, Martin dives into the world of hair metal bands that emerged on the scene just as the grunge era began, exploring how these groups struggled to gain traction and achieve success. The episode highlights artists like Lillian Axe and Ugly Kid Joe, who found themselves at the tail end of the hair metal trend, navigating a music industry shifting towards new sounds and styles. Lillian Axe – “Innocence” Ugly Kid Joe – “Everything About You” War Babies – “Satellite” Salty Dog – “Cat's Got Nine” Extreme – “When I'm President” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 271: More Famous Last Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 35:20


    In Episode 271, Martin dives into a collection of poignant final tracks and lyrics by various artists, exploring their prophetic or emotional significance, whether they were truly the last songs on an album or just the last words left to us. Riot – “Run for Your Life” Warren Zevon – “Keep Me in Your Heart” The Buzzcocks – “It's Not You” Alice in Chains – “Head Creeps” George Harrison – “Brainwashed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    History in Five Songs 270: LP Band to CD Band Starkly

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 37:58


    In Episode 270, Martin explores the transition of bands from the LP to CD era, focusing on how the shift in format around 1990 affected album production, with insights into the contrasting approaches in different countries and the resulting changes in music dynamics and album length. Genesis – “Fading Lights” Guns N' Roses – “Don't Damn Me” Van Halen – “The Dream Is Over” Aerosmith – “Shut Up and Dance” Metallica – “The God That Failed” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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