Lava Lamp Lounge

Our Ivory Idols series continues with an in-depth look at the ultimate showman: Barry Manilow. He just wanted to write and produce hits for others, but his talent was too great to remain in the shadows. Despite his struggles with executives, and a harsh music press, he dominated the charts with thirteen #1 singles, fourteen multi-platinum albums, and even invented the power ballad.

When it comes to rock and roll piano legends, few loom larger than Billy Joel. The first installment of our Ivory Idols series is dedicated to the “piano man” himself, whose long hard climb to the top included battling depression, secret contracts, and even his own record label. Through it all, his gifts as an incredible singer/songwriter earned him #1 singles, Grammys, and worldwide recognition.

There are a surprisingly large amount of songs about Captains, of the nautical variety and otherwise. Find out what inspired Blues Image to write their only Top 40 hit, and discover what sixties American TV show inspired punk legends Spizenergi to write a trilogy of captain related singles. We discuss Neil Diamond and Elton John’s captain connection, and end with an often-misinterpreted epic by Grand Funk. All aboard!

Glam rock was all the rage at the dawn of the 70s, shunning the psychedelic era in favor of good-time fun. Melding 50’s riffs with bubblegum appeal (and a dash of glitter), glam’s gender-bending androgynous performers made image as powerful as the music. The predominantly British movement was pioneered by Marc Bolan’s T.Rex, and made chart-topping heroes of Slade, Sweet, Mud, and more.

Few artists have had the talent and vision equal to David Bowie. In a career that spanned five decades, he effortlessly phased through musical genre and various persona, garnering international acclaim. At his peak in the 70s, Bowie’s 13 albums explored dancehall, glam, soul, and avant-garde electronica. His body of work, multi-generational influence, and legacy of fearless innovation and endless reinvention, will live on forever.

A soul sub-genre known as “city soul” was widespread in the seventies, popularized by harmony groups with predominantly dreamy ballads. Discussions include the barrier-breaking Dynamic Superiors, the Floaters astrology inspired #1 hit, and the tale of The Montclairs one and only album. Freaky Fact: how did the Chi-lites win a 2004 Grammy for a song released in 1970? Hint: Lemonade!

Artists who would become titans of the genre, created some of the greatest soul music of the seventies. Learn about the game-changing advice that lead to Al Green’s string of #1 hits, and the unusual day job Bill Withers held while simultaneously topping the charts. What sixties legend was once a member of the Isley Brothers, and what was Barry White afraid of? Divas Diana Ross and Gladys Knight prove why they are soul royalty.

One of the greatest labels of the seventies is Philadelphia International. Founding legends Gamble and Huff wrote and produced some of the most enduring Philly Soul classics ever. Learn which O'Jays #1 is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and which T.S.O.P hit was the theme to "Soul Train"? Dig groovy hits by McFadden and Whitehead, Lou Rawls, and the Three Degrees too.

Aretha Franklin may be gone, but with a career spanning seven decades and 21 #1 hits, her reign as "Queen of Soul" will forever endure. Our tribute features cuts from her early years at Columbia, as well as the game changing classics from the Atlantic years. Learn how Aretha earned her royal moniker, along with an array of her stunning accomplishments. Long live the Queen!

No other band is more synonymous with Prog Rock than Brittan's own Yes, who celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. Blending expert musicianship with orchestration, booming choruses, and lyrical tales, they created wondrous soundscapes that brought Prog to the mainstream. Their seventies output yielded timeless radio staples, then boundary-pushing experimentation. Ups and downs followed, leading to a rebirth in the early eighties.

Love it or loathe it, there is no denying the lasting impact of Prog Rock! We examine it's rise, and sample various sub-genres. Discoveries include the "Rosetta Stone" of prog, and the dirty secret of the "Canterbury Scene". Dig the hypnotic grooves of Can, the ironic satire of Jethro Tull, and life on planet Kobaïa. All hail the amazing Greg Lake.

Genesis were one of the earliest prog acts in rock and roll. Their inventive songwriting and expert musicianship propelled the band to stardom, and Peter Gabriel's ever increasing stage personas transcended their live shows from mere concerts into rock theater. Before Phil Collins transformed the band into 80s mega pop stars, Peter Gabriel led the way through their 70s prog era.

The final entry for Jurassic June's "World's Greatest Rock Band" is none other than the mighty Led Zeppelin. Born from the ashes of The Yardbirds, Zep combined folk and blues to create some of the heaviest music ever (but are they heavy metal?). They ushered in the era of album rock, selling over 300 million records. Hammer of the gods indeed!

Another candidate for "World's Greatest Rock Band" is the simultaneously massive and mythic Pink Floyd. The spirit of Syd Barret permeated both the sound and subject matter of much of the band's seventies output. This period saw them transition from space-rock pioneers to achieve worldwide status as rock royalty. We play 8 beautifully mind-bending gems from Roger, David, Richard and Nick.

Jurassic June continues as we sift through the dirt to discover the "World's Greatest Rock Band". This episode unearths eleven gems from the innovative and influential The Who. The band created power pop, pioneered the rock opera, entered the record books as the "loudest band" were forefathers of Mod, Punk, and legendary hotel trashers. They had a few good tunes too.

Its Jurassic June in the Lava Lamp Lounge, and all month we feature one of four bands that, like the dinosaurs of old, loomed large and loud - prime contenders for the title of “World’s Greatest Rock Band”. First up: The Rolling Stones. Hear hits and choice deep cuts from their second decade. Bonus 60 minute podcast because Ronnie Wood said so.. Shedoobie!

Tonight's forecast: 100% chance of rain! Discover the very first #1 single of the 70s, courtesy of B.J. Thomas, and the last #1 single by Brooke Benton (both in 1970). Do you know the rain song that sparked a major comeback for Neil Sedaka, or the autobiographical tune that kick started James Taylor's career? Albert Hammond and The Fortunes think you might need an umbrella.

The 70s was the golden age for comedy records, and this show explores some of the genre's finest (and funniest). Variety show regulars like like George Carlin and Lily Tomlin expanded audiences expectations, wile counter-culture heroes Cheech & Chong expanded their minds. We also hear from the surreal Monty Python, the legendary Rodney Dangerfield, and Steve Martin proves why he's a wild and crazy guy!

What does a fool believe anyway? Discover the true story behind Foghat's name, and learn which foolish tune launched the amazingly prolific career of Chris Rea. You're fooling yourself if you don't think we cover the remarkable tale of The Main Ingredient's Grammy winning single. What song was Keith Moon's last live performance? Miss this show and you're the fool!

You don't need a four leaf clover to enjoy these songs of luck! The amazing Rascals lay down some blue-eyed soul, and Wings board a yacht (its true!) How old was Greg Lake when he wrote ELP's debut single? Hear a gem from soul legends The Persuaders, and learn about the power ballad Kiss almost gave away to Rod Stewart!

The Emerald Isle boasts a musical pot-o-gold! Find out the elusive treasure yet to bestow Belfast cowboy Van Morrison's awards shelf, and learn how Gilbert O'Sullivan wrote a #1song about babysitting. Hear the only #1 hit from Dublin natives Thin Lizzy, and a raucous anthem from celtic rock legends Horselips. Oh yeah, Rory Gallagher and The Boomtown Rats drop by too!

We all go a little crazy sometimes, just like these songs! Discussions include the influential songwriter J.J. Cale, the surprising Paul Davis hit factory, and the tale of why France banned The Osmonds (yes, those Osmonds). Can you name the only #1 single by Cali country rockers, Poco, or the debut single by Seattle's Heart? After all these years, we're still crazy for Paul Simon.

Throughout the 70s, the ladies could lay down the funk equal to any man! Discover who Santana calls the "first Madonna", and which diva's single became one of hip-hops most sampled tunes. Find out about the funky backup singer who inspired the Rolling Stone's "Brown Sugar", and the "Queen of Funk" who won a Grammy for her very first single. All this and Tina and Patti too!

Born in the late 60s, Funk music gained peak mainstream appeal in the 70s, launching the careers of many, as well as solidifying established superstars. Examples include The Brothers Johnson and The Meters. #1 success came to Earth Wind & Fire, and the innovative Sly and the Family Stone. How did James Brown score a staggering amount of Funk #1 hits... um, because James Brown!

There are many influential artists, but a rare few as innovative as Parliament-Funkadelic, both led by George Clinton, the mad hatter of funk! Funkadelic's psychedelic soul ruled the early 70s, thanks to Eddie Hazel's face melting guitar virtuosity. Soon, Parliament's funk free-for-all took flight through recurring sci-fi mythology, and by decades end, they had conquered the charts, and created the bedrock for all funkdom.

In honor of his new Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate the legendary Neil Diamond! Since his first single in 1966, Diamond has released some of the most memorable and timeless songs of all time. Few can match his skill as a songwriter, or rival his live performances. Join us as we delve into his 70s catalog and unearth a treasure trove of gems.. (all diamonds of course!)

Feelin' down.. the rock and roll doctor's got the cure! Find out why Jackson Browne's debut single needed a little pick me up, and where Kiss drummer Peter Chris was when tape was rolling. Who is the mysterious Dr. Wu that Steely Dan sang about? Discover the doctor that got Iron Maiden motivated, and the great disco debate over the Carol Douglas smash. Listen up.. doctor's orders!

There are a million songs that celebrate the Christmas holiday, but we play the only six you'll ever need to hear! Which #1 single by MUD is still mistakenly attributed to Elvis, and who are the furry and lovable Wombles? Did you know that The Carpenters ruled not only the Pop charts, but the Christmas charts as well? All this and T.Rex and The Eagles too!

In honor of Jeff Lynn's 70th birthday, we take a look at the peak years of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA. Learn the the band's origin, and the move Jeff had to make to get it started, as well as the shocking identity of his greatest critic! Through concept albums, galactic tours, #1 guilty pleasures, and (shudder) disco, ELO remained worldwide superstars... all without a #1 single! Don't turn to stone.. tune in!

We celebrate the holiday of giving thanks, by featuring six tunes that perfectly reflect the sentiments. William DeVaughn is thankful for his still influential 1974 R&B classic, and ZZ Top are thankful for old soul tunes. Learn about the immensely talented Andrew Gold's connection to 80s TV, and Bonnie Raitt's long hard climb to the top. Who is the "J.D. Salinger of Funk".. you'll find out!

November 15 2017 marks the 40th Anniversary of the "Saturday Night Fever" Soundtrack, so naturally we celebrate the Brothers Gibb! The decade saw their transition from soft pop hit-makers to the kings of disco, thanks to their record-setting string of #1 singles. Learn the story of how the group got their name, and unique distinction held by the SNF album. All this and baby brother Andy too!

There is no filling the void left by the loss of the amazing Tom Petty. After meeting a king, the Gainsville Florida boy followed his dream and became one of the most legendary rockers ever. We take you through his entire four decade Hall of Fame career, highlighting stats, classic hits and deep cuts too. Spoiler alert: they're all great! We miss you Tom.

Shocktober is back, and we get down with some groovy ghosts! Just who is the mysterious Leon Redbone? Discover the frightful tale of Fleetwood Mac's Bob Welch snub, and which songwriter Manfred Mann was keen to cover. Hear a hidden gem from Jethro Tull about a shape-shifting spirit, and a funk classic from Kool and the Gang. All this and the man in black too! BOO!

In the seventies, southern bands began to combine jazz, blues, folk, and country, into a new type of rock. Long jams, boogie speed, lightning guitar licks, and rebel lyrics were added to create the genre of SOUTHERN ROCK … and Florida was ground zero! Learn which band Warner execs signed instead of Molly Hatchet, and which band was sentenced to 26 years in a prison farm!

Yee haw, country boys like to have their fun! Learn about Buck Owens’ prolific career, and why Tom T. Hall won a Grammy for his Greatest Hits collection. Find out the name of Willie Nelson’s famed acoustic guitar, and why Waylon Jennings is the greatest outlaw of them all. Discover the secret identity of “El Bebop Kid” and Jerry Reed’s incredibly unique award.

Country music exploded in popularity in the 70s, thanks in large part to the emergence of these eight extremely talented female artists, most of whom are now considered legends. Learn about two gals who started their professional careers before they entered high school. Discover which vocalist was a school teacher turned songwriter, and who was an award winning jingle writer. Country gals rule!

In a career spanning six decades, Kenny Rogers has worked in the rock, folk, pop and country genres, notching three Grammy's and twenty-one #1 hits. His crossover appeal lead to sales of over 100 million records, making him one of the best selling artist of all time! Along with stints in movies and television, it's no wonder why this Country Music Hall of Famer is a true legend.

1977 was a monumental year for music! Some young upstart named Elvis bragged about his red shoes, while 10cc bragged about walking in the rain and snow. We learn of the friendly wager that inspired Graham Nash to write a top-10 hit, and hear from bay area stalwarts Pablo Cruise too. Do you like dreaming, or dweemin', because we cant tell exactly what Kenny Nolan is saying. Whatcha gonna do?

Early in part 2, we focus on the "Vegas Era", and learn about his insanely grueling schedule, as well as the Madison Square Garden shows and the legendary Hawaii broadcast. After a rant on The Colonel, we move to the amazing Stax sessions, then end with E's final sessions in the Jungle Room. Learn why Elvis is the most successful posthumous recording artist in history. TCB man!! Wheres muh peanut butter-n-bananna smmmich?

The King has been gone for forty years this August! (we can't believe it either) We devote two shows to Elvis, focusing on his incredibly prolific 70s catalog, and learn about his uniquely uncharacteristic approach to recording. Find out about his Grammy collection, and just what happened that day at the White House. This show packs a wallop, and that's only up through 1973!

Come with us to the island of Jamaica, and discover a paradise of musical riches! Meet Rude Boy Desmond Dekker, and the cool ruler of Lover's Rock, Gregory Isaacs. Find out just why Toots & the Maytals are so important to reggae, and which Jimmy Cliff song became a worldwide standard. We have the legendary Peter Tosh, and his fellow Wailer, the iconic Bob Marley, naturally. I and I will see you there.

Crikey mate! We travel down under for a musical walkabout in the land of oz. Discussions include the storied career of Helen Reddy, and the animated antics of a young Rick Springfield. Learn the tale of how Little River Band got their name. We gush over the HOF career of AC/DC, and end with a hidden gem from Aussie legends, Sherbet. Now that's what i call a G'day.

Olivia Newton John was one of the biggest stars of the seventies. Starting in 197, she raised eyebrows of the Nashville elite, who took issue with a "foreigner" in the country scene. A quick succession of #1 hits and multiple Grammy wins showed everyone that ONJ was the real deal! She soon conquered the AC and Pop charts, while establishing a movie career too. This show has it all!

Things get heavy as we look at the hard rockin' Chrysalis Records. Discussions include the brilliance of "Parallel Lines" and the cool of Pat Benatar's husband. Learn about Jethro Tull's prolific career, and their strange connection to the label's birth! We go crazy for UFO, and ponder what might have been for The Babys. FInally, learn about the amazing Nick Gilder and his triple threat to Canada's charts! Don't miss this show!

The King may have lived in Memphis, but STAX wore the crown, producing some of the greatest soul tunes of the seventies! Learn about Jean Knight's fateful bus trip, and the doo-wop king who signed Mel & Tim. Discussions include The Dramatics, the amazing Staple Singers, and Shirley Brown's famous phone call. Do you know who "The World's Oldest Teenager" is... you will, and you won't be dissapointed!

Our month long series of legendary labels starts with Bell Records, one of the greatest labels of the seventies! Discover the amazing journey of a Belgian bitch-slap that sold 10 million copies, why Barry Manilow feared Brandy, and why Tony Orlando feared for his day job. Learn why Tony Burrows had a better 1970 than anyone else ever. All this and a French lesson too!

Sure, New Wave was huge in the eighties, but it was born in the seventies! We explore the pioneers who used world beats, techno, art house, and even rockabilly, to craft their unique sound, and forge the bedrock for the New Wave movement. The first in a recurring theme celebrating the genres that are uniquely seventies! Don't Fear The Music.. jump in!

Tighten those laces, this show is sure to get you on your feet! Learn the story of how Bruce Springsteen worked to create his breakout masterpiece. Find out how Jackson Browne took his life on the road, and used it to record a classic. Grand Funk Railroad explain why granny is always running (it aint for exercise!) Did you hear the big news about The Eagles? Run away with Billy G and Mikey T!

Teen idols ran amok in the pages of TigerBeat Magazine, and none more rampant than these seventies pretty boys! Discover which TV show gave Bobby Sherman his big break, and which was the youngest to ever host their own variety show. Discussions include "Cassidy Mania", and some teen who became the most successful entertainer of all time. All this and the Keane Brothers too. Free poster inside!

The Spinners were one of the greatest R&B vocal groups ever, who's hits defined the distinctive sound of Philly soul. They ruled the airwaves in the seventies, with seven #1 singles in both R&B and Hot 100 charts. Thanks to incredible production by Thom Bell, and solid session players at Sigma Sound, The Spinners hits are still vibrant as ever, and their legacy remains unparalleled.

Silly songs were no laughing matter, especially in the seventies, and these platters that don't matter actually became huge hits! Saturday morning cartoons and stand-up comics spawned massive hits, while a tune about a movie monster went straight to #1! Which Grammy winner became an international star by hollerin' at Ethyl? All this, and Weird Al recording a #1 hit in the bathroom too!